Extensive (Abusive?) Off-Road Test of the Honda Transalp 750 (EP.5)

[@BigRockMoto]

NOTE: Completely factory suspension was used during this test. Well, do you still think the Transalp 750 is mostly a road bike? Why or why not? 🏍TODAY’S GEAR: ⚡ Klim Krios Pro: imp.i104546.net/WD9gOM ⚡ Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro DryStar Boot: imp.i104546.net/EKqeQ9 ⚡ MSR ADV Air Glove: bit.ly/3maEdtF ⚡Mosko Moto Woodsman Pant: bit.ly/46igTMb ⚡Mosko Moto Mesh Jersey: tinyurl.com/yv8rywyv ⚡Mosko Moto Surveyor Jacket: tinyurl.com/k2t8uhhm ⚡REV'IT! Proteus Armored Shirt: imp.i104546.net/jrmgxM ⚡REV'IT! Scram Knee Guards: imp.i104546.net/xkZPAy ⚡ MSR Base Layers: bit.ly/3K3bQ8s ⚡ MSR Hydro Pak: tinyurl.com/ebw7wf35 ⚡ Foamerz Glasses: imp.i104546.net/DKQa9b TRANSALP BUILD: ⚡Veridian Cruise Control: veridiancruise.com/product/honda-xl750-23-transalp/ (USE CODE BIGROCKMOTO FOR A 12% DISCOUNT!) ⚡Yoshimura Exhaust (RevZilla): imp.i104546.net/jr6NgM ⚡Yoshimura Exhaust (3D Cycle Parts):tinyurl.com/43atb72d ⚡3D Cycle Parts Light Kit: tinyurl.com/3rnvzmfv ⚡DMD Navigation: www.drivemodedashboard.com/ ⚡Tractive Suspension (Ted Porter's Beemershop): www.beemershop.com/category/xl750-transalp-4992.html ⚡Barkbuster Handguards: tinyurl.com/yc5mv3hn ⚡Motoz Adventure Rallz Tires: pacificpowersports.com/ USE CODE BRM2024 ⚡Outback Motortek Crash Bars and Skid Plate: tinyurl.com/5fjmb7h2 ⚡Altrider Footpegs (coming soon for the Transalp): altrider.com ⚡Antigravity Battery (ATZ-10): tinyurl.com/yk2vh95k ⚡Tusk Olympus Tank Bag (sm): bit.ly/3yfaQbi ⚡Sedici Dry Bags: imp.i104546.net/JzW41r ⚡Puig Wind Visor: imp.i104546.net/ORazYN ⚡Tusk Tubes: tinyurl.com/ms5ezbap

[@RobertKalisch-xk7rp]

I am sure the T.A. will perform good in Namibia.

[@kloppskalli]

lovely :) I am riding a Tenere 700 ... I gues we all know how some people rave about the Tenere as the unbeatible champ of the offroad worthy adventure bikes - nice to see whats possible with the Transalp if one dares to try :-)

[@seaninness334]

There is a lot to consider. I don't know if you've done a final tally on the equipment you've added but it's a big consideration to upscale the Transalp. I think it's clear, the totally stock bike is more of a 90/10 on road bike. But with a few tweaks it gets close to challenging the T7. I half wonder about you discussing that spectrum with either a better rider than yourself or a more novice rider than your self to figure out where those lines are crossed. What is an essential mod and what is a nice to have? Where do you give up and just buy a different bike altogether?

[@PovilasPanavas]

@@seaninness334 could you elaborate? The stock Tenere would also need all the same stuff: tires, skid plate, handguards, etc.

[@shaneolivier1650]

I know Namibia it surely will, staying on the revs​@@RobertKalisch-xk7rp

[@paul.vanhout57]

Narrating while riding in a sand wash and climbing a rocky, rutted single track - impressed👍

[@chrisbrownbikes2856]

He's a great rider not pro but great 👌pro video maker best review Chanel around 👌

[@InTheYear]

Very impressive narration and riding. Great content

[@AdamHeartlandADV]

Legit hard trail on that bike lol

[@pyrodoll2422]

I was thinking exactly that too.

[@scorchzone]

Super fun to watch you on that single track trail. We can all relate to those "well this was a dumb idea" moments. 🤣

[@CoolioDaMan]

That’s the widest single track I’ve ever seen…

[@DansADV]

RESPECT... That was a tough trail for an ADV bike. You're killing the bike review game. Great job as usual.

[@cawalkabout]

This is the best ADV bike channel. Dude gives honest real opinions, and does crazy SH** with the bikes to show you what's really up!! I have made all my adv purchases based on his reviews, and was happy all times. Also, major shout out that he does all this with crohns. I don't think y'all realize how intense that is. My mom suffers from it and it's no fkn joke. Also, he hasn't sold out yet and I hope he doesn't! I love that he doesn't do sponsored reviews or other random sponsorships! IAN is a true credit to the moto community!! Plain and simple! Thanks Ian!

[@BigRockMoto]

thank you!

[@DevilsAdvocate92]

Feels comforting not to be the only person seeing the TA for what it wants to be and what it's still capable of. Thank you for your work Ian, I think you're the best motorcycle reviewer on YT!

[@marklerfald]

Outstanding work, Ian. Impressed with your transparency, fitness, and willingness to go where most of us would not with the TA.

[@RandomGRK]

Your real world reasoning is what every other channel is missing. Thank you.

[@BigRockMoto]

My pleasure

[@deepakdongre7712]

I am not a professional rider. Goes near 100 mph on loose track and rides where I'd best think of going on foot- or maybe not even on foot 😁 Hence a big fan of the channel- no gibberish drama, just true facts and figures in a very very humble way. Love it!

[@beerinmybelly]

Those being mph is hard to believe... I think he was goofin. Those numbers were increasing a bit too fast, especially when you compare the speedo/revs when he's on pavement. Around 13:55 he accelerated from 50-70 in about half a second in the middle of a huge slide. I dunno... still an impressive ride.

[@timsalabimbombassa]

@@beerinmybelly That’s the rear spinning up, which you need to make it slide. So indeed he’s actually not going that fast, but the rear wheel is 😉

[@mountainridevideos2749]

Honda Transalp for sale, hardly used and never dropped. 😄 Great review of the bike! The best part is the struggeling of the single track, it feels just so relatable with the swearing. As you mentioned, most comes really down to confidence. Once loosing it, the focus is gone and mistakes happens. Independent from the bike.

[@gili7333]

Hats of to you Ian, you can ride better than most of us , but talking and making sense at the same time , then edit it all together for a thoroughly entertaining session…….well done👍

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks 👍

[@My8osGR]

I am an everyday rider. I own a 650 TA since 2006 with 60K+ miles on it, 100% stock. My TA takes me to work everyday, to the supermarket with my wife and 80 ponds of groceries loaded on it. It takes us to the beach every summer and up the mountains in autumn and spring. My TA is all I ever needed. I very rarely abuse it and she's really kind with me. I started watching your videos since episode 1, just out of curiocity for the new TA. Up to episode 4, I liked the new TA. But then I returned on my saddle and everytime thought "mehh, I can do the same with no electronics" or "sure, but is the new one going to be indestructable like mine?". Well, after episode 5, I am seriously considering buying myself a new bike :) A tri-colour one!

[@ChaiNinja]

Thank you for your sacrifices in making these videos. As a cb500x owner I can tell you. When I ride the Santiago peak. I was going slow and in gears 1 and 2 only. Lots of loose rocks and it’s not even single track like yours. Thank you!

[@jlg9240]

Great riding brother. Even if we don't intend to take a single track like this, it seems like there are always trails that start out easy and end up this way.

[@MrUled]

Type 2 fun.... I know exactly what you mean. Looking forward to the update post suspension upgrade. You hit stuff way harder than anyone would normally think to take this bike. Goes to show what it's capable of. Thanks for throwing the africa twin in, important comparison

[@BillMitchell-lm8dg]

I've experienced "Type 2" fun many times while skiing. And Ian's right - it should be done with others.

[@Rickmac22]

Holy cow! You did fabulous! I can’t put into words how much I appreciate the work you do on your off-road and on road test keep up the great work!

[@kawabungah20]

This is an incredible review: engaging, cliff-hanging (literally), honest, informative. Ian just keeps raising the bar in motorcycle journalism. Thumbs up to ask the great comments in this community.

[@scottmurray4058]

Kudos to Ian for showing us the TA capabilities on that trail...so now I don 't feel the need to go prove it myself. At 66 y.o. accepting that I'll never be able to ride like I did when I was 16 y.o. keeps me off the Type 2 trails and on the fire roads. The TA is perfect for me.

[@percebu2]

Same here brother! Age = wiser

[@mattbeatty3263]

What a thorough and comprehensive review. I for one know that when I add a Transalp to my garage, it wont see that single track terrain captured in this video, but its great to know the limitations of the bike when it comes to challenging terrain like that. Great video as always!

[@vincemarshall9520]

I know my limits and I’m by myself. Truer words have never been spoken. Nicely done!

[@kiwikidusa]

Truly excellent and comprehensive testing. When I lived in Big Bear I would take my KLR650 on even gnarlier trails than that (i.e. black trail from Onyx Summit to Onyx Mine), but it was in no way a stock bike. Thank you for taking a beating for us. Even though I have an Africa Twin 1000DCT with B&B Racing Dakar skid plate and Ohlin suspension those trails would have been challenging so to see a stock TA do it is reassuring. You're a champ!

[@robertpascall6509]

Hi Ian, as someone fairly new to riding this has been a brilliant series to follow, I had always liked the African Twin, but your experience, attitude and approach is changing my mind towards the TransAlp. Really looking forward to seeing the further upgrades you make to the TA! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to making this such a great channel.

[@IdealBike]

Really impressive how this bike handles roads considered real off-roads nor only basic gravel. Thanks a lot for your great effort, you've made your point more than clear. Greetings from Romania 👍

[@tomarcher7520]

I clicked on this video knowing Ian would give an honest and informed (and entertaining) review on the trail manners of the TA, and I wasn't disappointed! This confirms my previous inclinations about the bike - great for gravel road travel, great power, comfort and features, somewhat lacking for rougher, steeper trails such as this. It's obvious that the gearing isn't optimized for this terrain, and the slightly lower clearance is noticeable. As Ian points out, most ADV riders won't take their bikes in terrain similar to this video. I'm a T7 owner and that bike, while in a similar category, is oriented more toward rougher, steeper terrain, which is the type of terrain I encounter in my backyard in Southern Oregon. These bikes are two points in the spectrum, and videos like these are very effective at showing first-hand what that means. Thanks Ian!

[@cmkinzer]

Best off road review I've seen on the Transalp. Good video!! I love my Transalp.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks! 👍

[@bobg416tor]

Great review Ian! Thanks for taking one for the team on the single track! 🙂 I am convinced my decision to keep my Honda CRF 300 L for the REALLY KNARLY Stuff and wait patiently for my Transalp to arrive is the best move. I put a deposit on the Transalp in late September but told my local dealer I could wait till late summer before taking delivery. For the long haul it makes a ton of sense to keep both bikes as there really is no such thing as a true unicorn. Cheers!

[@foxlake6750]

I’m a past BMW GS owner and come to realize smaller is better in technical terrain. These large adventurer bikes can get you in trouble pretty quick, as is the case here and it’s dry. I’ve been impressed with Itchy boots and how a 300 can take you anywhere, with full luggage in terrible conditions. It’s also an easy bike to get fixed just about anywhere in the world.

[@ultimatist]

Thanks Ian, and love the ranking matrix. One suggestion, please split the offroad row into two: easy and hard trails. The sheer variety of stuff than can classify as "offroad" mandates it!

[@sickunit2096]

I wont make comments on the riding techniques you weren’t using in the tight stuff. We all start somewhere. If anyone seriously rides a big adv on stuff like that, they know it takes a lot of time and experience to master it. You had the balls to do it and had a great time and proved you don’t need to buy a $15-$20k plus adv bike to make any kind of significant difference out there. Ive owned the lot of enduro, dual sport, adv bikes and Im stoked on the Alp. I have an upgraded shock on the way for it as it is totally necessary for anything besides backroad meandering. It’s incredible how much bike you get for $10k with the TA. Solid winner.

[@horsesense6439]

Kudus Ian. Currently have a Tiger 800 XCx and looking at the Transalp now. This review on the standard suspension is the most realistic to date.

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Respect! TA test taken to the ultimate level. Best TA review ever. This shows how capeable this plattform is. Cheers from Norway 🇳🇴

[@americandirtrider7662]

I gotta say, you handling that uphill single track was pretty impressive. I"ve been up that trail on my Beta 500, and at no point was I thinking "this would be awesome if my bike had 230 more pounds, inferior suspension, and a third less ground clearance." Also, you mentioned a handful of times that it's more about the rider that the bike. While that's extremely true, your channel provides something else that people are looking for. You provide a constant in the equation. You are at a certain skill level that is attainable by people willing to put in the time and effort. Chris Birch is on a level that one in a million could get close to. You also have the benefit of riding many bikes in a short time to give an accurate and realistic opinion for the masses.

[@GraemeRobinson]

Very good to show mature behaviour off road riding Ian. I must say you have a very desireable job! Its always the rider that makes the difference and you have to know yourself well to ride well, and turning around sometimes is riding well too.

[@dbmiller5881]

I'm SO, SO glad you included the Africa Twin in your comparison!!

[@MattRhodes_Music]

Man when you put up the poll for which bike to purchase for a detailed review, you certainly weren't kidding! Love how thorough you've been with these videos, im living vicariously. I just bought a cb500x which is more than adequate for me as a beginner but definitely see myself wanting one of these next. Thanks for all your hard work!

[@stevelarson4487]

Ian - thanks for demonstrating what this Transalp is capable of, with a skid plate and good tires! You pushed the off-road limits more than I would ever intend to with my Transalp, but it's nice knowing what it can do if needed. Although ground clearance is limited, the TA makes up for that with the ability to keep your feet down and waddle when needed.

[@brucewygal133]

Weight is the bane of any off road bike and any adventure bike is too heavy for that kind of a trail. A good dual sport would be fun on those kind of trails, but not so good on a long cross country ride. An adventure bike is what it is. Great for long highway rides and gravel roads. You did a good job.

[@mxbadboy263]

Amen

[@Matt-vo1ge]

Best damn motorbike journalist out there. Edit: see Ian pre-emptively addressing unrealistic comments/expectations. Just a weekend with BMW Offroad (fun though it is) establishes the reality from the marketing (Torrés, Birch, etc.). As does any regular maintenance schedule.

[@stoatsngroatsuk5012]

Ian, glad you showed that - I’m looking at the TA, and the dirtbike road is never something I’d attempt, so encouraging that the TA is better than I am! 😀🙏👍

[@benpinter1988]

The single track part is awesome, I'm impressed you and that heavy bike got as far in as you did.

[@josejoaquin1826]

No words you’re really good. Believe me I was struggling to get on an Africa twin. But now I know I don’t need nothing more than Transalp that’s good enough for me. Thanks brother

[@elgringoec]

I hear you about riding ability and note that it's relative. I've been riding for pushing six decades after starting young and my opinion is that you did very well in those circumstances. Will you get better? Yes you will! But you're already on the upper side of the curve. Still nice to see a humbled attitude. And great commentary, appreciated.

[@ExhibitTruth]

Thank you for putting yourself through that for us viewers. I was very curious about this bike. I love Honda cars, ATVs’, and motorcycles. Right now I’m on a 2011 F800GS, and I absolutely love it, but it has been ridden hard and put away wet by the previous owner. I’ll be looking into a new bike soon and this video gives me hope. Thank you!

[@Adventurous_noob]

Honest and relatable review - well done man! Transalp may be a good bike but future owners just need to understand that off-road riding isn’t its major. And that’s the bad news for those who expected to get “a japanese tuareg” but there you go.

[@rdintennessee702]

You got half of your “Offroad Suspension” setup. I would go all in on the front forks preload. You get to use all of the bikes travel. You are 100% about relaxing the head angle. I would pull ALL preload off the rear shock, and add damping if possible. You mentioned that the Tiger 900RP felt squirrelly off road. With almost 10,000 offroad on my 900RP, I can assure you that max front preload with no comp/rebound and no rear preload and mild damping makes a WORLD of difference. Sad to say, most reviewers never bothered to make these critical adj to the RP. You were going in the right direction with the TA suspension until you pushed up the rear, negating stiffening of the front ending up with a jarring ride.

[@percebu2]

“Pavement, thank God”. What a review Ian! Thanks

[@LudovicusHeijnen-ob4pe]

Respect Ian! One can only evaluate the limit of anything once you ''cross the line'. Thanks for taking us where most will never go with their TA - very well-balanced comments plus final points. Your detailed explanation is probably even more valuable than the actual chart itself

[@BigRockMoto]

Much appreciated

[@macmorgan6685]

Coming from an east coast enduro experience, not many people rode anything over 400cc. Big adventure bikes are being purchased by too many with too little experience and end up getting themselves in trouble. Having ridden with the Rawhyde gang a few years ago, I can tell you a light weight bike is the way to go. I was waiting for the Honda Transalp a year ago but it was delayed so I now have a Tuareg and an older Triumph 800 Tiger, both great bikes but don’t get them stuck! I’m glad I didn’t wait for the Transalp… although I’d like to have one for a weekend for a ride in the Jersey Pine Barrens. Thanks Ian for another great video!

[@TimRHillard]

That Honda is saying, "just how far and crazy is this guy's Starbucks"???

[@ride4adventure]

Ian, I think you are changing a lot of perceptions about this bike for the average adv rider. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

[@mitchellbowman4393]

Awesome, I did a half froze red clay powerline with big ruts on my transalp yesterday here on the east coast. Hit the ground twice...but I had a blast and finally made it out the top. It's interesting to see the difference between west coast terrain and east coast terrain. Great content...keep up the good work.

[@reinmansmith]

Great as ever to see you giving us all the info we require ….. without us having to risk our life and limb! I agree entirely that very few Transalp owner would consider a track like that, but clearly the Transalp can be persuaded and as part of the overall package that’s impressive.

[@alank9682]

Hearing your excitement when you spin the rear on dirt roads never gets old!

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

One of your best videos. Love your humble real world presentation.

[@papachis9535]

Good work, Big Rock. Probably the the best off road analysis of the Transalp on the web.

[@Garland77]

Great job of bringing us along, Ian. My butt clinched enough to let me know I was there with you!

[@thewiltshirerider01]

Have to say I wouldn't put my pride and joy through the punishment that you are but in saying that you have given me an idea of what it would be like and your skill is far greater than mine, thank you, I'm loving these reviews as I'm looking for a mid range bike

[@oldbigmo6208]

Once again top-notch review. I really appreciate you showing us the extreme of what it can do. You made the wright decision to turn around and go back. Content like this is what we really need to make informed decisions, keep up the good work.

[@BigRockMoto]

I appreciate that!

[@gonekicking808]

Thank you for the great video. I am currently on the fence between buying a TA and a lighter CRF450rl; so seeing what the TA is actually capable of without too many mods is a very big help. I rode a TA around SE Asia years ago and loved it, and since I have minimum 1 hour riding to the nearest trails I have a feeling the more road oriented machine is best for me and especially so if it can still do the things you just put it through.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

I’ve owned the 450L and three Africa Twins. Sold them for a 701. You won’t like any of the 450 lb bikes if the going gets steep or rough. The 450 L just didn’t work at all for me. The 701, I feel, is the perfect compromise. I just wish that Honda had built it.

[@ynotjf]

Ian, the advise you provide based on your knowledge of several bikes in the same class is invaluable! Watching you rank the bikes one being better in this area but not as good as this one is priceless.. I know my variables (age, fitness, ability, riding environment, style) and with your ranking system I can choose which bikes attributes are appealing for myself. Two positive attributes of the TA come to mind, comfort and low center of gravity (I worry about lifting other bikes in the 450lb class) but also 2 negatives, low ground clearance & electronic reset with key off. Your review style is providing me with the ability to make my own decisions.. Thank You..

[@MartinHubbard1]

Finding the limit of a bike and more importantly yourself is what it's all about, kudos to you Ian for attempting such a gnarly trail on that ( what turns out to be ) a very capable Transalp. Your content is 2nd to none, thank you for your awesome narration and riveting filming...

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks 👍

[@EverettDaniel-j1r]

Six months later and I'm watching this whole series. I was dead set on getting a BMW F750GS as my do it all/ 70%-80% on road ADV touring bike. Now you really have me thinking about getting the Transalp instead and spending the extra $3-4,000 on things I'd need for either bike such as the skid plate, engine guard, luggage. I've never owned a BMW but have had several Hondas and in my experience they are pretty well trouble free.

[@PeterVred]

Thanks so much for beating yourself up for our benefit! I will never do that on my new Transalp. I’m selling my old Africas Twin, too heavy for this older fella. This is a nice size and weight coming from the Twin. Appreciate what you do!!

[@ecalzo]

you showed to us Ian what real people are about to experience when they will go on hard trails with their Transalp just because they saw people doing it on the internet or youtube .. They end up in trouble just because the bike isn't the right one for that stuff.. Kudos Ian. .. Hi from italy

[@TheMonkenstien]

Hey mate that was an awesome off-road review by a real world rider. Thanks for showing the hard stuff and leaving your ego at the door. Most riders that will purchase this bike will be at the lower end of off-road skill level on big adventure bikes. I have been caught out before by the marketing hype and super high skilled off-road rider reviews. I’ve had everything from a dr650, ktm990, Africa twin and a GS. I find the big bikes are great at what they do for mild off road but for the average rider they are just too much of a handful. My next bike will probably be a cfmoto450mt, if they end up being a reliable bike. Very honest and informative review. Thanks

[@Bill3558]

Impressed the way the bike was able to pick its way though the trail. I bought one yesterday and it’s opened up a whole new world to me. Your videos were very helpful. Thank you.

[@BigRockMoto]

Great to hear!

[@bogdandanailescu]

True it's a lot about the rider (& tyres), less about the bike, I've seen people chugging along on old TAs 600 where others struggled, me included. Good to hear that the new TA 750 is not a disaster 😊 it makes me happy as an ex-owner of a TA 650. P.S. fitness level is just as important.

[@markjackson4786]

Great video. I love your honesty and authenticity around your own riding skills. The bike takes you so far but the rider determines how far you can go. I am developing my own skills and off road riding confidence. Many thanks.

[@0HARE]

Yep, I found this episode very informative and useful. I’m about THAT close to purchasing my TransAlp. On this episode you’ve put the bike through probably much more off-road stuff than I’ll ever get up to. I’ll use my CRF300 Rally for gnarly off-road stuff, and the TransAlp for touring and dirt roads. Happy Trails!

[@toddwmac]

Big Rock...IMHO, your acknowledgement of me vs. the bike is huge and a welcome departure from most of the lame commentary out there. From someone who has bulldogged a 990 through thick and thin and taught ADV riders for the last decade or so, you've earned huge respect from me. Thanks for all your quality content and to everyone else: If you want to be a better rider, train and practice, and stop complaining about your bike and your tires.

[@NoTengoIlusiones]

I'm a tarmac guy. Bought the new TP. Enjoying every mile, confort, position. Rarely I do soft off road. Can't be more pleased. Cheers.

[@user-cv9my1jq2r]

Thanks. I have my eye on the TA. Older rider. 60. Rode all kinds of bikes my whole life. Currently I have a electro glide and a Himalayan. You are very honest about your reviews and I appreciate it.

[@andygravesstructures4565]

Great vid's. I'm in NYC Manhattan and think this is a great bike for me mostly commuting around the city and occasional ADV riding. Your vid's helped me decide, got mine on order!

[@camerakid76]

Thank you Ian for giving you and the Transalp a good beating to show us how it stacks up. Great job as always!

[@Richb99]

Ian, well done man - I've been in similar terrain on my own, on my hypermotard, on pirelli str's and I know how quickly the 'wtf am I doing' hits. Well done for keeping it upright and perseverance. 👍

[@jacobknudsen6400]

Really good show - and a very realistic test that shows what the TA can take if You get "caught out in the rain" on some gnarlier tracks - that You really wouldn't plan to ride on a bike like this IMO. I admire the commitment og Ian - I think he goes for it instead of just playing it safe.

[@HoratioBunce503]

A great thrash test, Ian! As usual, you’re review is comprehensive, and packed with useful insight! Thanks👍🏼

[@warrenpeers233]

I did a single motocross trail on my transalp 4 days ago. Not as hard as yours but some steep hills with some loose sand and gravel, narrow rutted tracks up hills. I think you did very well, Absolutely certain I would have had an off. My friends were both riding CRF300 Rally's so I was certainly wishing I had one of them on my ride. Have to say, I agree with your other comment it was type 2 level of fun! Love my Transalp for normal riding, but its too big for me on tracks like that.

[@josephthornton8560]

Thanks Ian. I think these big bikes are convenient for road miles and can take on most roads, but for "me", if I get myself into unexpected trouble, this is hard work to set up for successful trip completion.

[@hakunamatata324]

This is by far the best review. Everyone goes what GS and Africa Twin can do better but you are just showing the naked truth without bias. Liked and Subscribed.

[@jameslee5428]

Ian, thanks for an amazing video. You took that bike to the extremes, and really showed its capabilities. I can guarantee that 95% of people that buy this type of bike would never ride it like that. Well done As usual. Be safe out there and enjoy life to the fullest.

[@richardmellem3583]

Hey Ian, way to hang in as long as you did. It looks like you ran into a situation similar to your failed Nevada crossing. Too much storm damage. Thank you tropical storm Hillary ! I think that you've got me convinced to pick up a Transalp. Sure seems like a great all-around performer. Thanks for all your vids.

[@JackiPapers]

Ian is the best, him & Ben from Dork on the Road have tried them all & so big on TA have me considering. Just found & test rode a Transalp this afternoon after both their vid releases today. It was “fine”, “ok”, not impressive on road, center of gravity felt low, but it wasn’t that fast, not the most flick able, clutch & brake levers r cheap, IDK? Value proposition is really good. Maybe I’m spoiled having KTM 790 R in past, which I didn’t trust but no issues, current main bike is Duc. MS V4S which is a monster, wanted to be so impressed w/ Transalp that I had to have it, but front end dives, power is fine but not great, felt like a more powerful & refined KLR. Owned Hondas & sure this bike will be running yrs from now, but it’s pretty generic. Corollas r reliable but do you want to drive 1 when they still make Porsche, if you can afford? Bummed it wasn’t more exciting after riding, would saved my wallet

[@mschumaker1]

this is a great video. Kudos to you for taking this bike way out of your own comfort zone and into trails and conditions that 85% of buyers will never do. Your skills are excellent. That ravine looked nasty I was expecting you to turn around much earlier before I got that bad.... even turning it around in that setup looked brutal. Great channel, great riding, great reviews

[@endurophutwick489]

This video was a big help to me. I'm looking into a mid-size adv, an honestly, I just assumed the TransAlp was too much of a street bike. Your video proves it's quite capable off road. I'm adding it to my short list. Thanks!

[@dangerdave8080]

Ian ... unbelievable skill!!!! Great story and ride!!! Thanks for taking us on the ride!!

[@bernardgrobbelaar]

This is one of the best bike test / review videos I’ve seen in a very long time.

[@Braapncamp]

Haha, love seeing You work out on the trails Ian, keep it up! I have not tested this beast yet. Look forward to it. Happy Trails! 💪🤠🔥

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Ian great real world review. I do wish you guys would stop saying how good it is until I'm able to get one lol. I just picked up a really clean CRF 250L with a lot od good options and so now it starts the journey. I need to sell a Streetglide and hope to get one of these mid sized adventure bikes and most likely the Transalp. I have a friend that like you say would have made that trail I wouldn't have and would have been lucky to get to the point you did. I think your right this bike would be great for 99% of the people that would buy it!

[@bjstuhl]

Great video, man! Really helped me understand the performance of the bike. I’m still leaning toward the Vstrom on this list.

[@Mark-ou8nu]

With how intense that looks, even on camera, I can't imagine any gold wing making it up there. Nice workout!

[@nickharris3977]

Amazing what that bike can do! You are braver than me, and a better rider. I’d be nervous going that far into the wild without a buddy. I had those Motoz rallz on my AT they are serious rubber. I’ve got the Trailmax raids now. They are great on road but I wish the knobs were deeper, they definitely won’t last as long as the motoz. Much quieter though.

[@majorlee1]

I just want to thank you for all the work you put into this channel. Your reviews are great and your Zumo mount to bmw video helped me big time. I am on the fence of deciding between a Norden 901 or the v strom 800de I am 6ft 3 so leaning towards the nordon but suzuki reliability is comforting.

[@dwayneneufeld1696]

I doubt Ian would be grunting as often when hitting the bigger hits on the 800DE. The travel and quality of the suspension work really well! Being back into riding now I bought the 800DE. Really impressed with the DE. Does not ride as the weight numbers might suggest. Given the same circumstances, Ian probably would have made it to the top of that hill on the DE. Very stable in the dirt and soaks up the terrain without the pogo stick rear suspension that many of these reviewers "used" to talk about that mysteriously vanished. I have no problem single-tracking the DE on the rocky stuff here in North Idaho, bad stuff! The DE soaks it up really well with the preload and rebound dialed up which is only a couple seconds to do. Check out "ON The Back Wheel". He punishes the DE through the hard stuff like these guys haven't done so far. DE is excellent on the road too! I'd bet as good as the TA, or very close.

[@Rod-n8s]

I’ve had the transalp 6 months and 6000k on Western Australian sand and gravel. Loved your sensible and realistic take riding off road. I love this bike and think the low centre of gravity is super important and makes the bike shine. Best use and commentary I’ve seen. Can’t wait to see what you do with suspension. In Australia the transalp comes in 3k cheaper than the 800de and 5/6k cheaper than the T7. That’s a lot of change to spend on suspension.

[@SKgeostrat]

Ian, at least you're honest. But if you stood on the pegs, things would be so much easier. But the TA is super. I am impressed! All in all, for most people, it has to be the most rounded ADV bike out there, maybe with the 800DE. For 95% of the riding, it is more than capable and the low COG has to be an enormous advantage. You're showing it for what it is, the almost perfect ADV bike for the average rider.

[@someguy5035]

Always happy to see people riding these bikes the way they were meant to be ridden....and maybe even a little harder than that. That's what ADV bikes are for.

[@michaelskinner896]

Nice one Ian! That was impressive going up that single track! Looking forward to the next installment.

[@beborodner930]

Definately the best , and most realistic review out there for the TA. Ian, no shame with your off road skills , wrangling 500lbs.. I do this type of riding on my Tiger 800XC, and this is exactly what its like. Setup is very similar, and .. Its definately Level 2 fun!! LOL

[@MisterQ007]

I have a Honda AT, CBR600R and Yamaha WR250F. For the average rider a heavy adv bike offroad is tough because of all that weight. I usually stick to forest roads with my adv bike whereas on my dirt bike i will do single track, motocross, double track, harescramble races, etc with little issue. Thinking about adding a Honda 300 rally with upgraded suspension to my fleet for long offroad rides. I'm 73 in tall, 210#

[@mxbadboy263]

Good plan!

[@Isha048]

IMHO everything depends on the rider's skill, his fearlessness, and ability to understand his own limits rather than those of his bike, but of course, the latter are important too. In my case, I wouldn't think of doing what you tried to do. I would probably fall many times and you wouldn't, so you are much better than me. Thanks for the video Ian, a good lesson for everyone.

[@MaverickL]

V-Strom 650 rider here, the type who gets nervous even on a more coarse gravel. Holy crap man! Watching you ride on that single trail with 200kg bike gave me several anxiety attacks 😀I understand you're not a pro, bot your skills are definitely far far above average motorcyclist. And you're doing fantastic work with these tests and reviews. Keep it up! (But for gods sake please, stay safe. That was at the edge of being reasonable and I think you're aware of that 😀)