New Honda Transalp 750 Full On and Off Road Test and Review 

For the price it's a lot of motorcycle.

A CB750 with only 2 cylinders? That would be a clear NO for me...

What they need to do is make a 410 pound (wet) Scrambler out of this 755cc with at least a 4 gallon tank, with 17/19 wheels and a quality suspension. Keep other options more budget and stop with all the stupid gizmos that drive the prices up. That would steal Ducati's thunder.

That would be awesome. The engine sounds like a v-twin superbike.

they're doing a CL750 rumors says.

Well, how's it going?

Thanks for sharing! If youre going off road the4 bash plate is a must have.

You been riding 40 years eh well being as tubeless bike tyres weren't around 40 years ago you must of spent the first 10 or so years riding round like a girl incase you got a puncture 😂 if you don't like tubed tyres and didn't but the TA because of this then who really cares, I've also been riding since 1983 (legally) and rode lots of motorcycles with tubed tyres at one time thats all you could get and people like you moaning about tubed tyres, no cruise control etc are bloody boring bores , grow a pair!

Exactly.

Yep, there are several other commenters who echo that sentiment.

Is there a way to fix a tubeless wheels on it ?

That's probably what Honda is aiming for. You'll enjoy the bike.

same here!

Nice bike!

@@DifferentSpokesTV Thanks!

Totally agree, lots of folks dropped the same comment. Yes, I walked back for it. Will need a new stick.

I feel the same way.

absolutely..................... I tell EVERYBODY.... that tubes are pre-historic........... TUBELESS............ is thee only way to go period..... and it is a deal breaker!

This is why the new Vstrom 800 is gonna slay every single one of these bikes 😂

@@gsm_liv8980 Vstrom 800 is tubes too. 😭

Yes, the 10K USD does not include the other goodies. The bags and top box cost the most out of the extras.

I found it and it wasn't damaged. The selfie stick was what fell apart.

I saw it too and it’s definitely gone he did not realise it

Thanks! Yes, the Transalp is about equal to the KLR off road but much better on pavement.

Nice! That's a classic now.

Yes, I think it's a good idea to offer something different. Most ADV riders don't care about hardcore off roading and pavement capability is more important. I think the Transalp beats the T7 on pavement.

And for 2024, Suzuki added a V-Strom 800 to the model, with 17/19 cast wheels. Probably what I'd go with, since I don't need the bulk and handling penalty of 21" wire wheels.

The Honda engine lugs alright but I did stall it a few times in the rough stuff.

I wonder if VVT is ever going to become a mainstream thing on motorcycles. I know the high RPM and free-revving nature of bikes makes implementing a VVT system difficult. Suzuki did it on the GSX-R1000 but that's strictly RPM based, not a hydraulic actuator, not lateral-shifting-cam lobes, not Vtec or anything of the sort. I think it would make small engines hugely flexible to change cam phasing based on power demands in different riding conditions. There's intake cam VVT on the Kawasaki Concours 14. There's VVT on the Ducati V-twin (formerly the Multistrada 1200+cc bike). There's VVT on Harley Davidsons newer engine. There's VVT on the GSX-R1000 superbike. There's a dual cam lobe system on BMW bikes, with lateral cam shifting (similar to Honda Vtec). I just wonder if it will ever get as simple, reliable, or cheap on sub-1L engines outside of racing environments to use a VVT system. If only valve control was infinitely adjustable based on ECU mapping, relative to engine demands (like Freevalve with Koenigsegg).

I absolutely agree. I'll add the location of the airfilter is a massive selling point for myself. Riding in dirty and dusty conditions requires servicing the air filter regularly. The Transalp airfilter us buried under the tank. No thanks. I'm not interested in tearing the tank off of my motorcycle at least once a month, if I don't have to. For me, that left 2 options for a new mid sized adv bike. The T7 and 800DE, (although I tested many more) It was down to the Yamaha and the Suzuki. No bike is perfect, we all have to objectively decide what the moto will be used for and what we are willing to compromise on, and what we will not compromise on. I ride 10or12hrs a day, 2 or 3 days in a row, so comfort is very high on my list of priorities. At the end of the day, no matter what seat I used, the T7 wasn't nearly as comfortable as the 800. It just isn't the seat though, it is the posture the cockpit puts someone of my build. I can throw some money at the 800DE and have it lose weight, and make it just as good offroad, while still retaining comfort, all the tech, a full gallon of fuel more, more torque and hp, and better handling. No matter how much money I can throw at the T7 it'll never be as comfortable. If I already lived in the mountains, or only rode half days I'd, opt for the T7 in a heartbeat. They are both fantastic motos, but are very different in ways. It all depends on the users goals when determining what bike is objectively better for them. I sat on a Transalp 750 last weekend in North Carolina and I was surprised how small it felt compared to the 800DE and the T7, I'm not saying it's a bad thing,rather an observation. For smaller riders it will be a selling point, for taller riders it's more of a hindrance is what I am thinking

@thanassisniaros6895 depends on your definition of 'Miles ahead of'..... The Aprilia airfilter service requires the tank to be completely taken off the motorcycle. To me, that's unacceptable for an adventure bike. In an adventure touring scenario,in very dusty conditions where I live, users are sise to 'knock off' or 'blow out the filter' daily. I don't want to tank the tank off daily when riding off road, whereas the T7 and 800DE are both under the seat. To me, if a motorcycle has its airfilter under the seat it a touring, commuting or sport touring motorcycle. Any company who is serious about making an offroad motorcycle will not bury the filter under the fuel tank. Period. Also their dealership network is basically 1/25th that of the Japanese brands. The 660 is known for having overheating problems too. Well documented on RU-vid. The company fights the customer on warranty work. On paper, the 660 looks much better, but real world use and issues prove otherwise. I test rode one, and thought it was 'ok', but not worth the problems that come with it. If I did most of my riding on road, I'd consider it a bit more. But since there have been many documented dealership issues, and overheating problems that can not be diagnosed, the 660 is anything but 'better'. You can't ride or own a spec sheet. We ride and own motorcycles

The 900cc class ADV bikes have the cruise so that might be a good place to look.

Yes, here in Canada we're stuck between metric and imperial.

But questionable reliability.

@@durtyred86 but a hell of a lot of fun. One hiccup taken care of by warranty but damn I love that bike!

I wanted to see Honda/Suzuki come out with something along the lines of a Tuareg 660 as it improves on the T7's weaknesses with the lower center of gravity AND cruise control, which is just a mind blowing oversight from Honda/Suzuki. I have a T7 and love it but would've gone Tuareg 660 if I could've found one locally.

@@MrBigPipesYT I couldn't find any T7s near me. Plus the compromise of tubes and no Cruise was kind of a deal breaker. I had an Aprilia dealer right down the road and I have 4000 miles on the bike now and I absolutely love it

Yep. The black one is nice. The red accents look good but the gold wheels are hard to beat.

i did know that it came with adjustable suspension???

Yes, that bike has really taken over quickly. I wonder how long before a Japanese company finally builds a bike like that.

@@DifferentSpokesTV competition is a GOOD thing! Doubt the Japanese will be able to touch that price point with those capabilities.

​@DifferentSpokesTV I prey every night before bed for such an occurrence. Oh holy bike Gods...

My current bike has cruise control and tubeless spoked wheels. I won't buy another bike without them. Cruise has made long rides so much more enjoyable.

I hear you re. cruise control! Since most new bikes, even the middleweight ones, are throttle-by-wire, cruise control is a cheap (factory) add-on that most ADV riders want. The Transalp is clearly road-biased by Honda's design; so, to not include CC seems to completely ignore the needs of intended buyers. Seems that the marketing folks at these companies don't bother reading these comments which is a shame. I don't buy any arguments about price points either, especially for bikes that are already at the $10,000 mark.

Very true on the price. Harley offers it for $250. Even if they don't put it on it should be a factory option.

Cheaper than BMW 800, Tiger 900 and KTM 890adv. More capable on road than Tenere 700, and more capable off road than Vstrom 800. I think Honda went down the middle again, thankfully the more aggressive engine should make this bike a winner.

Yes, the coverage is quite impressive.

It cost $800 USD for the plate and mounting hardware!

The AT is a great bike so no need to wait.

Same here… hopefully we will get the RWB with cruise!!! It’s ironic as I always wished my 89 TA was black like the euro models, now I want the RWB and all we get is black!!! 😂

Thanks for the comment! Yep, a beautiful fall this year.

Yes, that one was just announced.

Yep, the Strom looks more rugged. The finish of the Honda is very nice up close and I'd love to see the white colour sheme with the gold wheels in North America.

Thanks for the comment. Yes, the CB is a sweet bike.

@@DifferentSpokesTV you are welcome! You make great content and I am happy to support!

Congrats and enjoy the bike!

Not much recent data on reliability available right now but in 2015 Suzuki and Honda were tied right near the top of all bike manufacturers.

Hopefully by next year we'll get the white one.

Thanks for the info. I'm guessing there's an aftermarket fix.

Yep, and I need a new stick.

Really comfy for my wife. She said she had lots of room and the backrest was a bonus.

If it does I should be able to get on one next year.

Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to ride the V-Strom yet. It's a bit heavier but has a larger tank and better suspension.

@@DifferentSpokesTV Ah okay. I have ridden the 800DE myself earlier this year when Suzuki demo came through the area. Also rode the GSX-8S. I really like this new powertrain, fantastic for the category. Let us all know your perspective whenever you finally get a chance to demo the Suzuki.

Good choice! It's a bit of a higher level bike.

Honda sold 13 million motorcycles in 2022. RE is one of the largest but Hero And Bajaj motors in India are larger.

Then i suggest You check out the brilliant Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer DCT.

@@Alexanderpaal67 Not in Canada that I can see . I'm not a speed or power freak at 60 and this is the reason I tend to look at Moto Guzzi for their Italian design , shaft drive and tubeless tires .

Yes, lots of people agree with you. Shaft drive is hard to find at this price point. Only the Moto Guzzi V85TT has it in this class of bikes. Otherwise you have to move up to much bigger bikes.

I never dropped it but it looks like it has a lower centre of gravity.

Good eye. I had to stop and walk back for it. Fortunately it's fine but I need a new stick.

Fortunately it wasn't damaged. The stick broke.

I'm sticking with my T7 but the Transalp is a slightly better pavement bike. I'll have to do a whole video comparison soon.

Yeah, good catch. I picked it up and the camera is fine. Need a new stick though.