2024 Honda Transalp 750 Review

DBT's Jimmy Lewis tells you how Honda's latest adventure platform works in a dirt-focused review. We dig into the pros and cons for this middle-weight ADV bike to explain where it shines and where it may falter.
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[@martythompson6509]

I rode both this and the Tenere. I bought this. It's way better balanced. Not top heavy. Very easy to ride. I took it on a 200klm enduro loop last weekend. Four bikes in the group. It sat on the back wheel of the leader on a ktm500exc all day. It's way more capable than people make out. Ride one before you dismiss it. And this is coming from someone who has never really understood why people like Hondas so much.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Thanks for sharing

[@JP1970]

I test rode one on Monday and bought one two days later. I was afraid it was going to ride like the KLR, but man was I wrong. This bike is amazing! Excited to get to know this bike and put some miles on. Thanks for the video!

[@DorkintheRoad]

So many haters in the comments for this bike...but every review I see is pretty much the same. It's great if you use it for what it was designed for. Great review, Jimmy!

[@DirtBikeTest]

This is true of most bikes but the reviews have to explain that. Thanks

[@cranedaddy678]

My first thought this morning was I hope I see at least 10 more new TransAlp reviews today, and here I am.

[@DirtBikeTest]

And we will talk more about it on tonight's 216 edition of Tech Talk Taco Tuesday...Join in for more.

[@PetterIvarsson]

Always good to hear you Jimmy, your experience and honesty makes these reviews worth a lot.

[@DirtBikeTest]

@yakirberesheet might disagree?

[@patkennedy1]

Expectations can affect our first impressions of a bike, and this model came with unrealistic expectations, being a late Honda entry into this crowded category, and with the lauded history of early Transalps. And to those who offer "don't buy the first model", I can only say you are wrong. Like my 1098S Ducati, which I was an early buyer of in 2007, now with 103,000 wonderful kilometres under its belt (and on its 27th set of tyres) I expect to have a long and enjoyable use from my Transalp. After 61 years of riding (I'm now 70) I find it suits my daily use, and it is very easy to own. No need to be afraid of 'first models' - it isn't 1970. I was the first to test (and buy) the new Transalp here in South Australia, even though I wasn't all that impressed on the test ride. But four months and 7,000 kilometres in, after a few mods and some accustomisation, I am really enjoying it. It has an 'easiness' that makes it very easy to live with. Yes, it is a compromise between bitumen and dirt, like all these oversized 'adventure bikes', and strikes that compromise a little more towards road use than, say, the Tuareg (which I really enjoyed, but which has several disadvantages, including high price, narrow seat and hot legs) but the reality is we generally do more bitumen than dirt, even though I can maximise my dirt miles where I live. My Honda was $15,740 on-road, with 12 months registration 'thrown in', whereas the Aprilia is over $22k here. The Suzuki a bit heavy (and over $18k on-road here) - the Tenere a bit tall/top-heavy. The Honda is a worthy alternative in this class, and I am really enjoying it, now with Pirelli STRs, in spite of my lifetime of Ducati obsession. It beats my beloved old Cagiva Elefant on most criteria (but not the headlight, in either looks or function...) and delivers remarkable economy. It has become smoother, and the engine noise sweeter, as I have run it in, and I must say that longer-term ownership has shown it to be better than I had expected, and well worth the reasonable price. Of course we have the benefit of more colours here (I got the white, as the other two colours were a bit dull for me) and we get the 90 horsepower. But it's a lot of bike for the money, and rewards the faith I put into buying it, even though I didn't like it all that much at first. I will continue to lighten it, and will upgrade its suspension over time, as its cheaper price permits. And it gets 400 kms (about 250 miles) from a tank. And a tip - the steering feels much better if you reverse the handlebar risers, which moves them forward only slightly, but takes the 'tiller' feel out of the steering. Only takes ten minutes - try it. I can't understand why they aren't delivered like this, in markets where we have longer arms.... And the rear rack weighs 7 lbs, and has been replaced with a much lighter alternative! Thanks for your test impressions, and your positive/realistic approach. Another longer-term test possibly worth considering, as a lot of people are interested in this model.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Thanks for the info, you are very much correct, especially in your approach to tuning the bike for yourself!

[@jesusstuntdouble]

hi mate, got one too , up in qld. What rear rack did you swap to? I'll be flipping the risers as well!

[@gapexx]

@patkennedy1 We meet again : ) Interesting to hear a comparison from someone who owned a Cagiva Elefant, which I have a huge soft spot for although not having actually ridden one. Still, the idea of a Lucky Explorer soldiers on my mind and this Transalp could very well be it with some modding. If there would only be an aftermarket front end kit to make it look more like the Elefant or the DesertX. I too have noticed a very clear point when the Transalp's engine became noticeably softer and for that mark was at about 4.700km, consistent with other user's experiences. The engine is just a joy when it becomes softer. If you don't mind me asking, what mods have you done to the bike so far? I'm keen to try out your reversed bar risers approach. I can can offer an interesting observation from my side, whenever I let go of the steering at a speed above 50km/h I would get a flutter in the bars and I wished the bike would came with a steering damper for on road use. Unconnected, I Installed the Barkbusters after 5.000km and noticed that due to the clamp of the Barkbusters being quite a heavy piece of kit, it weighted the steering bar to an extent that eliminated the flutter completely. I was so pleasantly surprised by the effect of installing the Barkbusters, what a freebie : )

[@richardcasey7521]

I bought one and it’s perfect for how I intend to use it.

[@bighaasfly]

Good job Jimmy! Glad you have this channel. I always appreciate your knowledgable feedback.

[@DirtBikeTest]

I appreciate that!

[@RJvidmoto]

What's great about DBT/Jimmy is the trust built over the years on the reviews. Nice to have this resource. Question...@5:52 you talk about "light handling" can you talk a little bit more about what characteristics make up a bike's, light handling and why that may or may not be a good thing from most buyers of this bike, or other middleweight adventure bikes.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Thanks, I will touch on it tonight on TTTT216 because it is more than I have time to type. But this may spawn a whole video on the subject in the near future.

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

Great review. A Jimmy Lewis review that speaks to someone who is definitely not Jimmy Lewis's riding level. I've been on an Africa Twin for the last 4 years and have known for a while it's a great bike that's just to big for me. Wanting to stay with Honda reliability, this checks most of the boxes I'm looking for it terms of capability and only gives up cruise control on the comfort side. This is my next bike and thanks!

[@craigalberts7376]

Really well done review. Now awaiting what you might do to it to make it a bit more of a bike Jimmy would choose over another in case the Husaberg wasn't available.

[@DirtBikeTest]

Have you heard anything about the new Husaberg ADV bike?!?

[@kensmith3665]

Is this bike honda's answer to the now discontinued Dl650 WeeStrom?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Likely not but, but that would be a close stepping stone, thanks for reminding me of this bike.

[@ScottChristensenabc]

How tall are you and weight? I don’t want to date you but curious about this bike. I’m 5’11” and 165 and ready to move off my 650 KLR because I can only dead lift 650 pounds six times a day and have to go home. Also, yours is the first Transalp video I’ve seen where I know you road it hard within the first 15 seconds. Thanks!

[@DirtBikeTest]

We had all sizes ride it but main reviewers were 5'10" and 200 lb +/-

[@BrazzoTX]

Do you recommend this bike for someone with the hight of 6'4" and 210lb?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Not specifically, but there are ways to adjust it to fit, like most bikes.

[@SumPixelz]

Thanks for the review! Would you recommend this bike to a (shorter) beginner adv biker? Asking for a friend…😅

[@elgringoec]

It's definitely a bonus over the T7 for shorter/smaller framed pilots. T7 has a better dirt pedigree but for the pilot who can't reach to regain balance on uneven terrain, that person will get further on the TA.

[@116tem]

Is the transalp seat going to be high enough for someone who is 187cm tall ? I am planning to do some road touring, possibly with a pillon passenger. I haven’t tried the bike and was considering both the transalp and tenere; however the seat seems more comfortable on the Transalp and I don’t plan to do much off road.

[@jankobananko]

Hi. I own one and I am 185. I think after long trips the bend in your legs might start to stiffen up, but only if you keep your race posture on ( tips of your toes on the pegs). I think there are some additional seat options to find that add a few cm. I tried Tenere as well and found Transalp to be much better for my height and riding style.

[@kensmith3665]

Is thus bike honda's answer to the Dl650 WeeStrom?

[@1971puffy]

My buddy works for Honda and he said over a year ago this wasn’t the bike to trade my T7 for..

[@DirtBikeTest]

My buddy works at Honda too, and he loaned us this bike to test knowing I' a big fan of the T7...can you feel a comparison coming?

[@iangriffiths9930]

Ok I have to ask, for all round use (dirt and tar) how do the 3 main bikes (Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda) compare?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Honda is in the middle...That is about as much as we can suggest.

[@iangriffiths9930]

Any further feedback on this question please?

[@DirtBikeTest]

Have not rode the Suzuki so we can’t discuss that yet… ask the question on out Tech Talk show and you’ll get as much as you can handle.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

​@DirtBikeTest de800 asap please!!

[@eugrules]

Glad I have the T7.

[@joaorocha144]

best bike for the price

[@RobbieKiama]

How it compares to 850gs?

[@rayurlich]

Great vid. Thank you.

[@owlteachereducation]

Good review 👍😎

[@Gen-X.Adventures]

Another honest, no BS review. Well done! Loving my T7

[@DirtBikeTest]

Much appreciated!

[@bonedaddi4560]

I wish honda would bring the AT back too the US market, the TA might be what I get instead

[@DirtBikeTest]

AT as in Africa Twin? It is here...

[@bonedaddi4560]

@@DirtBikeTest 2022 was the last year for the US market...

[@TheFoxyt2]

Bad air filter location. Pass. Sticking with tenere 700.

[@JackieTreehoorn]

Finally, an honest rider review on the TA. Big Rock & Dork on the Road have gushed so much, I was ready to buy the 1st 1 I saw. Just test ride TA yesterday afternoon before I pulled trigger, it was just OK, not bad, certainly not great! Good value, tech, suspension, power just nowhere near my more expensive bikes. Also not as impressed w/ road riding as others, it’s neutral but generic, turn in isn’t great, brake dive in forks, if you don’t have $$$, sure, otherwise not impressed

[@TheKeyMaker]

Did Honda try to impress? Probably not, but it is still a Honda. The front end looks /headlight is the worst element, then again the Tuareg doesn’t look good either. Love Honda but detuned motor, reusing the headlight from a cheaper bike & 1 color option is almost enough to make me go get an aprilia out of spite, atleast until I realize what maintenance would be in comparison. & aftermarket could probably solve most of Hondas purposely under built features/specs like cc, tube tires, electric accessories

[@DirtBikeTest]

Interesting to hear your input about on-road. I wonder if our tires affected this or you are riding it harder in the turns and are harder on front brake in turns for this. I felt a lot of flow with less dive than a lot of other ADV bikes.--Jimmy

[@JackieTreehoorn]

@@DirtBikeTest good point, great question. I'm thinking I may have been heavily influenced by expectations & relativity. YT reviewers have gushed about on-road, including Zack from Daily Rider naming it his best of23' so expectations were high & as far as relativity, I'm hoping off of a 22 Ducati V4S w/ Brembo Stylema, electronic adaptive skyhook suspension so its a big leap & unfair to TA. I will saw still great value & if I was 20 & it was my 1st bike I would be stocked, getting spoiled w/ $$$ bikes. Just rode a Norden 901 which is more but similar class size, Norden feels way more refined

[@bohemianphotographer6843]

‘Power nowhere near my most expensive bike ‘? Wow really ? Word .. 😂 you kinda already answer your self with your own statement ! The Transalp has never been a bike about power dude .. it’s always been a generic bike that does everything and it’s very reliable! That’s all .. also it cost less than 10000 dollars what y want for that kind of money ! Incredible how people always wanna complain .. y probably need more power for going to flex with the friends at the pub ? I doubt you really need more power that that 😂

[@gronkvbs2795]

I get it, nobody races big bikes anymore but I just don't like modern ADV bike cockpits. They are just too confining and the Transhelp is one of the worst for tall riders. You sit in it and it's not always easy to get out of it. And then when you do the tank is huge and in your lap. Imagine having a tank bag on it! Now my KTM 950 Adventure isn't perfectly flat by any means but I have much more mobility on it. I can slide forward if I want and when I stand the tank is unobtrusive. Bring back the big Dakar racers!

[@jgm9927]

Reading what Handa says about this bike it's meant for the middle 60% of riders. It's a road bike with off-road characteristics. I've not been on it, but I've heard good things about it if the above is considered. I assume it would be a very good cross-country bike for those of us that trip out west & bomb around on the trails & backroads.

[@yakirberesheet]

Is this your honest opinion or are you paid to say that? Motorcycle is yours? Who fund the clip?

[@DirtBikeTest]

You could pay us, find the button for it through KZbin... Look at any other video we have done and formulate your own decision on how we explain bikes. It belongs to Honda and is on loan. Dirt Bike Test and yeas, even one of our current sponsors, Yamaha, is helping to fund this and all current content we produce. We'll discuss and feel free to chat in tonight at 7 PM on Tech Talk Taco Tuesday show.

[@TerrySylvester-ip9on]

Feels like lack of availability and price gouging over the last 3 years has people just looking for a reason to like the T7 less and really wanting the Honda to be better. Honda dropped the ball big time with the air filter and oil sump. I want cruise control and tubeless tires but doubt we’ll see them undercut sales of the bigger, more expensive Africa Twin. If Yamaha would bring the T7 World Raid here, I’d have one in a heart beat. Really like my Norden 901 but would never have it (or any other bike) INSTEAD of my T7-only In ADDITION TO my T7!

[@NorCalSaint]

I sold my Africa Twin because of the wind buffeting at higher speeds. Wonder if the Transalp is any better? (6' 3")