2023 Honda Transalp XL750 - Test Ride / First Impressions

Finally Codger Biker gets to ride a Transalp! No point in berating me about inner-tubes, I just won't ride on UK 'Smart' motorways with Victorian technology. I am choosing only for myself, not the universe, despite what John-Paul Sartre would claim. Your choice may vary 👍👍
T-Shirt: teespring.com/...

[@MartyrDK]

I also went with the 500 x over the transalp. In Denmark the transalp cost 5500£ more than the 500 x. I spend about 1500£ on a lot of extra stuff for my 500x. So still have 4000£ to spend on travel or other fun stuff :).

[@CodgerBiker]

And proper tyres too 👍

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

@@CodgerBiker Proper "tires"...hehehe ;)

[@marcochavane3124]

I'm more disappointed about the lack of cruise control than I am about what kind of wheels it has.

[@CodgerBiker]

I've had cruise control, I can take it or leave it on UK roads, but understood 👍

[@anxiousappliance]

Don't need cruise control waiting for the tow truck.

[@dondle2]

Totally agree with you about the tubed tyres, Honda screwed up big time as far as I am concerned. I have the 500X which I love, but would have upgraded to the Transalp for a wee bit more poke. Ain't happening captain.

[@CodgerBiker]

Pretend 'dirt bike' attitude is stupid on an Adv tourer. Chinese bikes can manage tubeless, it should be a no brainer option for Honda 🤷‍♂️👍

[@rodhunt5199]

@@CodgerBikerwhat’s your view on slime/puncture prevention gels in tubes? Thanks for the review

[@CodgerBiker]

Better than they used to be, but if a tube disintegrates at speed they won't do anything. Mousses better, but not road legal here as far as I am aware and designed for lighter dual-sports. Tubeless is used on mostly road going vehicles for a reason. Tyre fitters hate slime too, very messy. 👍

[@CampbellZeroOne]

A thorough first impressions review mate. Nicely done 👍🏻

[@CodgerBiker]

Thank you! 👍If only it'd had proper wheels 😭

[@Ridesfar]

Yes, I had a couple of flat tires with tubes. Even the new Suzuki Vstrom 800 DE is equipped with tube type tires. I am a long distance tourer in the USA and I'm over the dirt oriented heavy bikes. If I want to ride off road, I have better options. I guess that's why I am riding a Triumph Tiger 850 Sport right now.

[@CodgerBiker]

Yes I have a CB500x (tubeless) for road and a KTM 690 Enduro R for gnarly stuff (I bought tubeless wheels even for it). So to replace both of those is a tall order. 👍

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

Like you I'll be sticking with my 500x because i love tubeless wheels😊i think Honda have slipped up with not putting them on this bike. As you get older the last thing you want to do by the roadside is be taking wheels & tyres off😉

[@CodgerBiker]

Not to mention explosive decompression on the M6 ‘smart’ motorway. Plug n go for me please. Maybe gen 2 will have tubeless - it is a great bike otherwise 👍👍

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

@Codger Biker 🤞gen2 will have,I'd be interested maybe then. But I do love my 2020 500x now that I've given it the Rallyraid treatment🙂

[@CodgerBiker]

No reason to change if you are happy. We can’t have everything, where would we put it? I did feel very at home on the Transalp, very relaxing, like the CB500x, but with a bit more ooph if required. A flawed genius of an Adv/tourer imho. 👍

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

@Codger Biker True, I find more than enough power with the 500, I'm not a speed demon either but if they bring out a tubeless version I'll test ride one😋I enjoyed your review bud👌

[@CodgerBiker]

Cheers, appreciate it 👍

[@joaolopovalente]

Great video! I own a 2020 CB500X and thinking to upgrade to the transalp. Test drove it and it felt fantastic! Só the question is, why are you so much against tubes? Any bad experience in the past? After seeing you video I'm rethinking the decision of upgrading. Thanks!

[@CodgerBiker]

Thank you! I loved that Transalp, don't get me wrong. It felt like it had been built for me. But I prefer the cast wheels of the 500x. If inner-tubes fail, they do sometimes, it can be very serious, especially on busy highway. There is a reason all cars have tubeless wheels in C21st. Tubeless wheels tend to deflate more slowly if punctured and can usually be plugged in a minute or two and be good as new. Inner-tubes usually need to be repaired/changed before you can continue. I no longer wish to go through that. People say that they never get punctures, if so they are luckier than me. Riding is, of course, risky. But why make it riskier, unnecessarily? Off-road they have a place, but in my opinion the Transalp is more road bike than dirt. Just my view based on 45 years experience 👍

[@joaolopovalente]

@@CodgerBiker thanks so much for the reply. For me it will definitely be a road bike (95% of the time) as my cb500x has been. I'm really indecisive now... It was basically ordered in my head 😂 the engine it's significantly better, so are the brakes, suspension and brakes imo. Never had a puncture thus far, that's why I asked. Keep up with the brilliant videos! Thanks

[@CodgerBiker]

Thanks for watching, and for the nice feedback. Good luck 👍👍

[@warrenr4]

Looks like another great offering from Honda as you would expect. Unfortunately not for me, I’ll be sticking with my 2020 Honda CB500x. I’m 5’9 with short 30” legs. I had in the past an Africa Twin 750 and GS1150 Adventure and I’m done with bikes I can’t get my feet flat on the ground with. The TFT, rider modes etc might excite the kiddies but just short of 60 years old I’ve got no interest and can’t be arsed with learning how to use them. The only gadget I have onboard is a Garmin zumo xt that pairs with my iPhone and allows me to access the radio and music library via the zumo screen with gloved fingers. If I get a puncture my dynaplug kit will have me on my way while Transalp man is still waiting for the AA to show up. If Honda were to put a Hornet engine in a CBx with no extra gadgets ( obviously that will never happen ) I might be interested, but for the time being the CB500x is plenty quick enough if you use the revs and gears properly. Thanks for taking the time to make this vid, really enjoyed it 😁

[@CodgerBiker]

Agreed. Without tubed tyres I do not care how good it is. CB500x does 90%, is cheaper and, arguably, safer on motorways. Ten years testing behind it also 👍 I never leave home without my Dynaplug and compressor.

[@gprider1525]

I literally could have written this word for word

[@Snoozzzzzze]

“I think that this is a bike that likes to be revved……. The throttle is a bit snatchy at 20 miles an hour in 3rd gear” 😀 A good review though from someone who wanted to hate it but grudgingly admitted positives too.

[@CodgerBiker]

I was happy to love it. And I do. When a tubeless wheel version comes out I'll be interested - Very Interested! 👍

[@ulfberner4397]

Transalp is fantastic ,way better than the 500x, I am coming from a BMW 1200 and still impressed

[@CodgerBiker]

Agreed, but not £3k better and the wheels are its Achilles' heel. Victorian technology you'd never find on a GS 👍

[@mikerichardson415]

Nice bike - I have placed my order! Don't know why you are stressing over tubed tyres. I have done over 100,000 km on my XL650 Transalps and had exactly one puncture. Putting new tubes in about every second new tyre possibly helps? The large nail that I picked up in my one puncture would have flattened any sort of tyre. Thanks for the review.

[@CodgerBiker]

It's not just nice, it's fantastic. Personal choice on wheels, I'm not stressing, just not going back to Victorian technology 👍

[@billyb6043]

I think the new Transalp is exactly what prospective buyers will be happy with. It's not going to see much more than light gravel tracks. It's not going to be a weekend track bike. It'll be used for leisurely rides, day trips, touring and commuting. Tubeless rims would have been a boon, as would cruise control, adjustable screen and fully adjustable suspension, but this would put the retail price up significantly. There's just enough tech to satisfy the output (TC and modes) and enough output to be perceived as a significant upgrade from the CB 500 X. I'm pretty sure the aftermarket will be on the case with improved rear shock and drop in cartridges for those wanting a more compliant ride. For me it's a toss up between the new CB 500 X with suspension upgrades (on their way, apparently) and this. Said it many a time but if Honda had brought out two versions of the X, a road-biased model and a more 'adventurous' one (tubless spoked rims, adjustable suspension with more travel, 60hp, proper sump guard and protection) there'd be little need for the new transalp.

[@CodgerBiker]

Easily solved with a cast wheel option. Cheaper than spoked. The buyer decides. No-brainer 👍

[@nevangelos9277]

Ι had CB500X 2022 . Now i have got a Transalp 750. Transalp is way better. CB500X is only better on fuel consumption=3.9 lt to 100km vs 4.9 lt to 100km. I had tubed tire moto for 10 years before and only once a flat tyre under control.

[@CodgerBiker]

Good luck. As I said, free to choose Victorian technology if one wishes 👍

[@laurentt1655]

I agree so much... When I had my triumph Street Scrambler ( with inner-tube) my tire blew twice, and I was just stuck waiting for the tow truck. This is the reason why I only kept this bike for 10 months. I find it incomprehensible that Honda took us out a trail with this gorgeous engine but with inner-tube... Big big big mistake.

[@CodgerBiker]

It's not fun waiting, or fixing a tube at roadside. But I reckon there will be a tubeless version down the line. I just hope they don't price it too high. I loved it apart from that 🤞👍

[@laurentt1655]

@@CodgerBiker oh i'didn't knew that there will be a tubeless version. Good news. For the price it depend if they keep spoked wheels. Maybe two versions just like the Tiger 900 GT (alloy wheels) vs 900 Rally ( spoked wheels ).

[@CodgerBiker]

I don't know that for certain. Just going off past form. My Africa Twin was tubed, but they brought out the Adventure Sports with tubeless in 2nd version, much more expensive though. Strangely Chinese manufacturers manage cheap tubeless spoked wheels - where there is a will etc. 👍

[@kalamityken3416]

Excellent real world review Codger - apart from the singing 😮. It would be interesting to know what Dr Winner John thinks of the Honda compared to his Tiger 850 Sport. I notice he doesn’t say much in your videos, is that because a) he’s too shy for a full commentary, or b) his agent is protecting his image rights? Either way it would be great to hear how he thinks they compare.

[@CodgerBiker]

It was my mate Maurice with me on this one. I wanted to know what he thinks of the Transalp too, given he rides/loves his NC750 DCT. But he forgot his license, so had to withold his opinion.. Wittgenstein: whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must remain silent. As for DrJ he doesn't like things without a union flag on them, even if produced in same country 😉

[@universalradio6944]

Had my '22 500X for about 6 months and I don't think you could lure me away with anything else. It's fast enough, I like to enjoy the scenery, and goes anywhere I ask it to. Would some extra HP be worth the money ? I'm not sure. And the riding modes, I doubt I'd use them all that much. So they seem to be the only up grades over the 500. I'll use my money for gas to travel far and wide rather than the Trans Alp. Hi from New Zealand btw.

[@CodgerBiker]

Yes, it's a better bike in some ways. And I really liked it. It could have been built around me. But it's not £3k + new wheels for £2k better. For wandering about the countryside the 500x is just fine. Great value (relatively) and cheap to run. With the backdrop you have I'd be happy on anything 👍👍🇳🇿

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Seems like just another halfhearted product from Honda was expecting more from this legendary bike brand. Rather consider Africa Twin Crf1000L 2016-2019… Much more bike less cash.

[@CodgerBiker]

I had a 2018 AT. Inner tubes, top heavy when full of fuel. But great engine 👍

[@alexanderthoj2851]

I'm looking to start riding adv bikes. Cb500x is top on my list but since you've ridden both, is it worth the extra money to start with the transalp?

[@CodgerBiker]

Hello. Hard for me to say without knowing so many things. Where you’ll ride, experience, onroad/offroad, your size, ability… etc. so take my opinion under advisement. I prefer the Transalp as a bike. Whether it is worth the extra money depends on how much money you have. BUT I bought the CB500x. One reason. Inner-tubes on the Transalp/Base Africa Twin/Tenere700 etc. I get stick for saying it, but as a former tyre fitter I am not riding UK roads on inner-tubes. I like the fact I can fix a puncture on my 500x easily without removing a wheel. Also that it is likely to deflate slowly and give me a chance to get to safety. If inner-tubes do not bother you then go Transalp. But, also, it has to be said the CB500X is a nice friendly place to develop Adv experience even if you go onto bigger bikes later. Perhaps a used one would be a place to start. Either way a test ride of both would be best if you can arrange it. No simple answers.

[@alexanderthoj2851]

@CodgerBiker i currently have a 675r daytona that I love and will never get rid of. I've never ridden with tubeless tires so I have no bias on them. im planning to use the adv bike to commute and some light offroad so about 90/10 riding. Mainly longer touring rides with some trails. I just dont want to buy the 2023 cb500x and then shortly want to upgrade. Is the differences between the 2 enough that I won't feel the need to upgrade right away? Plus the daytona is so simple and that's why I liked the cb500x but now with the transalp available in the US I'm starting to consider that more as well because i do like the tech. I started riding big bikes with my d675r and it always had more than enough so I ride that way, knowing I can go slow but open it up when I need. I'm afraid with the 47hp of the cb that I'll have the feeling of not having enough.

[@CodgerBiker]

If you are happy with tubes and the extra cash does not phase you, and the seat-height (850mm I think though it didn’t feel too tall) then I’d go Transalp. It has twice the power and rode very well for an Adv. I think you might find the 500X too laid back. It was only the inner tubes which prevented me from buying one. 👍

[@alexanderthoj2851]

@CodgerBiker im hearing alot of great things about the 750 motor. My triple in the daytona is amazing and so I'd want a real nice engine character. So pretty much now I'll just have to see if the 750 motor is worth it compared to the 500. Thanks alot

[@CodgerBiker]

The motor on the Transalp is superb! 👍

[@MtbPoland]

Well done, God bless.

[@CodgerBiker]

Cheers! 👍

[@tallchap30]

I have a cb500x and I'm thinking about upgrading. Do you think it's worth the extra money? Also coming for a person that doesn't know why all the dislike for the tube tyres? I only ride on roads. Any help appreciated

[@CodgerBiker]

I loved it. It would have been my bike this year. It felt made for me, perfect. But I won’t have inner-tubes again. I explain why below. I’d wait for the tubeless version that is likely in future. Your mileage may differ. If tubes don’t bother you then this bike is superb. 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jInbe6SLp6qoebM

[@tallchap30]

@@CodgerBiker thank you. Much appreciated.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

For 10500€ bike feels that it needs ton of stuff to be added to be complete. Plus tubeless rims and new spokes. And that engine and pipes are too naked for my taste. I had 3 of the old alps, fully faired and with central stands.. Feels like stuff are missing intentionally to make more money.

[@CodgerBiker]

I think you are right. There is the basics of a great bike. I guess it will be very popular with 3rd party companies in next few years 👍

[@rjeepster8640]

I am afraid I would have to pass as well. I will only run tubeless bikes. Suzuki I guess for me!

[@CodgerBiker]

New Suzuki 800V-Strom is inner tubed aa is Tenere.

[@markcomisky7106]

Sorry what your say is its a budget honda first try

[@CodgerBiker]

Maybe? 👍

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

It’s a bit too meh for me but I understand it for commuters just not what I hoped for to add to my Africa twin garage.

[@CodgerBiker]

Yes it's not so much Adv as upright tourer. 👍

[@bertbirge3617]

Don't like tubed tires or bikes with a lot of modes on it.. always having to jack with it!! Sold my Africa Twin because of that..

[@CodgerBiker]

I traded in my Africa Twin due to inner-tubes and top heavy nature when full of fuel. 👍

[@brucekendall52]

No quick shifter,no cruise control,tubed tyres,no susp travel.Waste of time.

[@CodgerBiker]

It's not that bad. As a touring Adv, if it had tubed wheels, I'd be happy.

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Seems like another half hearted product from Honda. Rather choose Africa Twin CRF1000L 2016-2019. Much more bike for less cash.

[@acadenacci]

Mi piacerebbe sapere se il motore scalda, grazie.

[@CodgerBiker]

It was fine on a UK ride at 16 degrees Celcius is all I can tell you 👍

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

I will buy this bike today if it can be lowered by a couple of inches, I am 5ft 7" short leg around 30" so does anyone know if it can be lowered ?

[@CodgerBiker]

I've 32" inside leg. Felt fine for me 👍

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

@@CodgerBiker good to know thanks, I'll be seeing one at my local Honda dealer on Monday so I'll know for sure then.

[@peterasztalos281]

Have you sold your 690?

[@CodgerBiker]

No. 👍🐺 kzbin.infoUH6TTAPWnsk?feature=share

[@Milan-yw6rm]

Thanks for the informative video. Transalp is a big dissapointment. For the almost same money Tuareg 660, V Strom 800 DE or even KTM Adv.790 are better choices (especially Tuareg).

[@CodgerBiker]

No problem. I actually liked it better than those, for my purposes. Just disappointed in those tubes 👍

[@MartyrDK]

Think you get more bike for the money with a Suzuki 800 DE over the transalp.

[@CodgerBiker]

Also tubed though... 👎

[@roadwarrior8560]

@@CodgerBiker tubed front only I think

[@CodgerBiker]

Pretty sure both wheels are tubed type. You can put TL tyres on any wheel, and still use a tube to seal it.

[@GCTO239]

You also get a lot more weight.

[@claretbuck1882]

Cheers bungle 🤭

[@CodgerBiker]

Ha ha! 😂🤣👍👍

[@thodoris3790]

tubeless tyres in this catecory,only the tuareg.go and buy a tuareg

[@CodgerBiker]

No dealership support near me. Also KTM 890 is tubeless 👍

[@thodoris3790]

@@CodgerBiker ktm, not reliable

[@CodgerBiker]

Mine is 👍

[@thodoris3790]

@@CodgerBiker tell this after 5 or 10 years

[@CodgerBiker]

People have always said the same about Aprilia too. I take no notice. All good if you look after them 👍

[@CampbellZeroOne]

...the video 😂

[@roadwarrior8560]

First😄

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Demo riders ... there 's always ONE that you find is just !"£$%ing irritating ... isn't there ?

[@CodgerBiker]

Usually me! 😉👍

[@papachis9535]

Hi Codger. Thank you for this. Here’s the question. I’m not going to be a 24/7 biker now, but I’ve had my share in the past. I want a mix of road and dirt trail for exploring pleasure, nothing too demanding. The CB500X 2022/3 will probably do the general job for me (I’m a heavy guy now), but I will be living in the mountains. On top of that, Mrs Chis may occasionally ride pillion. If I’m heading up the Col (very long, very steep), I’m thinking that a Transalp would be better given the extra grunt. But, do you think it is as capable off the road as the CB500X? Of course, I know that the CB500X is not a true off-roader, but it is versatile for light stuff. I’m just thinking of the relative gravel/dirt merits between the two bikes. What do you reckon? (PS, I think Honda will go tubeless on the Transalp next year if the CB500X iterations are anything to go by since 2019. Also, I had a front tube tyre blow out on a 1952 Triumph Thunderbird Pre-Unit Twin in 1987 @90mph. Wasn’t pretty but I dine out on it a lot!)

[@CodgerBiker]

Hello. For two up, Transalp. How off-road they both really are depends on ‘upgrades’ and more importantly the rider of course. I do not consider either of these to be dirt focused adv (I have a 690 Enduro I’d put in that category). But the extra grunt of the Transalp, if you’re not bothered about the wheels (my personal gripe), add to that the bigger seat etc. for two up is a no-brainer. Stock Transalp looks to be easily as capable as a stock CB500x on trails, it doesn’t weigh much more either. My opinion for what it is worth. Double horsepower too - sweet 👍

[@papachis9535]

@@CodgerBiker Thank you. Looks like I’m going to have to have a romantic evening with Mrs Chis. Stay safe.

[@CodgerBiker]

Good luck 👍