Honda XL750 TRANSALP 2023 AUSTRALIA

[@lachlancannard]

My favourite thing about this bike is the price. Other manufacturers are gonna have to work hard to justify their $20k+ machines when this exists.

[@Outdoor_Wanderer]

When you start adding all the skid plate, hand guards, the mounting kit for skid plate, the extra 12V outlet it comes up to the same price(almost).

[@tracklifex5259]

Didn’t take long for you to want to ride it in sports mode everywhere 👍

[@patkennedy1]

Thanks for a frank and candid review of this model Mark. Very refreshing, and innately Australian. "F*ckin 'ell" indeed! I was the first to test ride it in South Australia recently, and in spite of a few reservations, put down my deposit. Mine will be a replacement for my ageing Cagiva Elefant 750, although I will keep the Elefant. It too is a great machine. I am hoping the Honda's easier performance than the Elefant may help me not to do silly speeds on my Ducati road bike... A typo on your opening page - "capabale" rather than capable - but an enjoyable video nonetheless. As to the concern mentioned below regarding the Honda 'forgetting' its mode after being switched off? As the video stated, the modes are 'remembered'. All that reverts is the ABS (and TC?) if you had switched them off, which requires some toggling of the RH function of the 4-way switch. I understand ABS is a legal Euro5 requirement now, so not the manufacturer's decision to make it turn back on after stopping the engine. As the electronics are intended to assist the newer rider, they have made them a bit too intrusive, particularly the TC in Gravel mode, which is just silly! I suspect most experienced riders will set it up in User mode, and leave it there, and just readjust the ABS and TC when they hit the dirt. But a strange roll-out of a new and much-anticipated model, with Honda telling us it would be here "in about two weeks" in April, and I finally rode it 10 x days ago! And now I've paid my deposit, I have to wait until OCTOBER to get the thing, as I asked for a white one... A rather strange way to sell a motorcycle.

[@IdealBike]

Thanks for this review and for the off-road section, greetings from a Transalp owner :)

[@markvaughn8096]

Mark Ya Sold me.... I'm 5' 8" coming off a Gen 2 KLR and this Bike looks to be the up grade I thought the GEN 3 KLR was going to be and wasnt....Will need to find a good set of crash bars and bash plate for some Oooops Proteciton and of course the Barkbusters .. Stick a set of true 50 50 tires on her and Bobs your uncle hahaha......And like YOU im getting BLACK but ONLY because thats the ONLY color we here in the states are getting........ GRRRRRRR I sort of like your Silver...... Thanks again....

[@markferguson4255]

Great video. That's an awesome bike for the price

[@TRAVERSE_ADV]

I think its going to be a very popular bike. The money you save over a T7, throw at suspension and a proper skid plate and the XL750 will leave it for dead. Nice video, with a no bullshit review.

[@ADVScott342]

Did a lot better off road than I thought Im glad you put them threw the pace's on your reviews. Seems like a well rounded bike .

[@shaned187]

Great review Mark. I've been eying this off as my KLR is on its last legs and after something a bit different and more road biased. Giving the 800DE a test next week to see how it goes as well.

[@tassiemotoadv]

21 inch and 18 inch wheels same and interchangeable with the africa twin ad some armour and it would be a fairly capable dirt roader

[@psmitchell]

I just picked mine up this afternoon from Murray Bridge. Got the white and very happy with it. Got a great deal $14,995 rideaway with three months rego.

[@TheFastphill]

i was told the white was in October

[@slakk5093]

thats a great deal, they are going for 15,800 ride away now!

[@davidrivera1727]

Transalp vs tenere 700 that is the question????

[@ArizonaAdv]

To me still looks like a big bulky street bike with low hanging exhaust. I think Honda crashed on this .

[@theeschatechannel2854]

Agreed. Honda basically slapped long travel suspension on a hornet and called it a day. Didn’t even bother to retune the engine for off road use.

[@ArizonaAdv]

@@theeschatechannel2854 absolutely. I have a hard time believing that real ( ADVENTURE) riders think its a good adventure bike I think they get views and incentives from companies to ( review ) them . Then they ride it for a few miles and say how perfect they are. 99 percent pavement and a little flat gravel road to a campground is all that thing should be doing .

[@papachis9535]

Don’t be so sure until you’ve slung you leg across one…..

[@theeschatechannel2854]

@@ArizonaAdv I’m still holding out a little hope that Honda will do the right thing and fix its two major issues, the oil sump which hangs down like a nutsack in the wind and retuning the engine for low and mid range torque. Honda completely changed the Africa twin in just four years after its 2016 release so they are more than capable of revising the transalp in a quick manner.

[@anxiousappliance]

@@theeschatechannel2854 Skidplate, and no-one has complained about the engine - no-one.

[@patkennedy1]

Just a follow up on my comments below - I finally picked up my white Transalp a week ago (11th Sept) so that was better than forecast. Enjoying the bike - very smooth, and very relaxing at open road speed. The minor tingles through 'bars and footrests seem to be smoothing out with mileage, as do some of the whirring sounds from the engine. I notice there is some rubber involved at the base of the bar risers, which undoubtedly helps. I haven't received my (ordered) bear-grip footrests yet, which may tingle a little more, but after 600 kms I am no longer concerned about the vibration issue. It is really quite smooth overall. Mirrors remain as clear as any bike's ever did. Better than the Elefant. The height and weight are more cumbersome when manhandling the bike around, off it, compared to my 'old girl', which is lower, and over 20 kgs lighter (modified) but I am enjoying the ease of the bike when in the saddle. Low speed handling, nice gentle power delivery, again at low speed, great clutch take-up, and the open road speed revs very relaxing. The Elefant is doing 5,000 RPM at 110 kmh, after raising the gearing (4 teeeth less on the rear wheel sprocket) wheres the Honda is only doing 4,000 at that speed. 5,000 on the Honda is 140 kmh - similar revs to my Ducati road bike! I may even fit a rear sprocket (alloy, when available) with one more tooth. But 600 kms in, I am really appreciating the Honda. It isn't perfect, as discussed, but it is very enjoyable. A 250 km round trip last Saturday, and the bike started to 'win me over'. A perfect Spring day for a ride. I suspect I will do big mileages on this bike, but I will have to modify the seat foam, which is a bit firm for my 70-year-old posterior, after 100+ kms in the saddle! Not a 'biggie', and unlikely to be expensive. I intend removing the top 15mm or so of foam and replacing it with a softer layer. Thanks again for your informative, so-Australian test. I have been trying to get my Bendigo Elefant mate to take one for a test ride...

[@Chris_Z.]

Looks like B and B have a solid bash plate coming for it.

[@davidjudd4005]

I took one for a test ride today, what a nice all round bike, the engine is a gem & I love the induction roar. My current bike is a CRF1000.

[@alsacs3635]

Greate review mate! I especially like how you demonstrated 2 up riding. No one else on KZbin is showing how 2 people fit on this bike so it's much appreciated.

[@DualSportDuffer]

Best review of the Transalp on KZbin! On the other hand, I’ll hold you responsible if I end up getting one 😂

[@1962clarky]

I like the look, performance and cost of the transalp, but what is with that sump? Waiting for a rock to rip the bottom of your sump off!!

[@BikerBits]

Just put a bash plate on and you're all good! 👍

[@rodhunt5199]

Best review of this bike(I’ve bought one) on KZbin. Bloody brilliant 😎

[@anthonyfortunato7695]

Mark, I truly appreciate your perspective on a bike like this. Most of the other KZbin reviews I watch are from guys who ride 1200CC+ bikes on the regular. I own a JDM Suzuki Djebel 250XC (picked up while stationed in Japan and brought to the U.S.) I enjoy watching your reviews as I feel we have similar perspective with your love for your DR. I just went to the local Honda dealer today and put a my name down on a Transalp. Thanks for the great content. P.S. You were the first KZbin channel I ever subscribed to, and you still are knocking it out of the park. Cheers!

[@BikerBits]

Thanks mate! 👍

[@briano5907]

Best honest offroad review of it yet. I test rode one and thought i would run it in user mode all the time, though some have stated the user settings reset every time you restart.

[@jdillon8360]

Thanks for showing each one of you on the bike. Knowing the seat height numbers is one thing, seeing 2 people of quite different heights actually sit on the bike is another.

[@rickratcliff6231]

I took one for a ride last week at our local Honda dealership in Mosgiel, Dunedin. I absolutely loved it! In 176 tall and it was a great height for me. The engine is a ripper.

[@rickratcliff6231]

I didn’t like the traction control at all, I would just use the user setting.

[@andie-76]

Good review Mark. Looks like a good value all rounder. Honda reliability always a winner on the big trips too.

[@dennisgearside9887]

Most Adv bikes with 21” front have a 17” rear. That bike has an 18” rear so the cornering/balance is closer, maybe that’s why it corners well.🤔🤔 I definitely won’t be buy that type of Bike from where you borrowed it!😳😳 Not for a while unless it’s a different colour.😂😂😂😂😂

[@toejamtimmy4402]

Good vid. Glad you enjoyed it. My wife collected her one 5 days ago & she loves it. The optional quickshifter is so smooth on upshifts & good fun on downshifts. The tech is perfect on the Transalp, my Africa Twin has far too much & it’s pointless. It’s Good bike, my only gripe is I wish Honda had charged a little extra & put fully adjustable suspension on it.

[@tarquinhor2137]

Great review. The pillion experience is super important to me. I’m really warming to it as I get real with my actual slightly road based bias. But is a $15k used GS a better bike?

[@BlakesPipes]

Looks like a sweet bike. Kinda wish you had knobies, on it!

[@pigmeal2224]

I'm wondering if there's the clearance under that mudguard for em ... 🤔🤔

[@gregweeks4980]

It's a pretty bike. You and Nay all the way. That would be a fun one with a passenger. "Texas on the prairie" hot hot hot

[@moulin680]

Remember, your high is not as important as your leg inseam! Not sure why most reviewers don’t mention that!!??

[@alwo3678]

Have you noticed any issues when shifting from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th? I’ve had an occasional issue where I’m shifting up and I’ll have to double tap the shift level to get it to go into 3rd and 4th

[@alsacs3635]

Does this bike come with the Flash-to-pass light switch?

[@ibrahimdemirdag3764]

Yes, it's located at the top of the switchgear, not front.

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Excellent review. Straight up honest and to the point. Man o man I can see this bike permanently in your garage. 3 step process 1) get Nays approval, 2) buy the bloody bike, 3) come up with a cool bike name. See, easy peasy. 👍🏼

[@nicwicks456]

Nic from UK here, Just watched transalp vid, great looking bike, even tempted to trade my tenere rally for it. Just don't get why they are AUS$18400 over here 🙁 really pi**es me x! Keep up the good work 🙂

[@ThrottleAddiction]

Probably an import tariff on foreign vehicles to 'protect' your domestic manufacturers. We don't manufacture motorcycles in Australia.

[@nicwicks456]

@@ThrottleAddiction wow, that's quite a tariff.🍻

[@ThrottleAddiction]

@@nicwicks456 I'm only guessing, but it's probably a factor. Maybe it's a Brexit penalty 😜

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

So a tire change.. An attachment windscreen deflector if you're taller.. Good to go.

[@keithandrews1069]

What would you say about a 6.6 , 110kg bloke to ride.?

[@BikerBits]

Bigger Springs and you'll be right! 👍

[@noninag2296]

I have a 500x and rode the Transalp yesterday only 24km on the clock - loved it! Light nimble and lots of power and very comfortable - will be getting one

[@843292]

I've been away from the channel for a couple years... don't know why, but it was great to see Mark and Nay again! I've missed seeing you guys! So glad you're still at it! A couple of Marks were ultimately my inspiration for getting my DR (one was my Dad!) I've been loving that bike ever since! I've officially put more into the bike in upgrades than what I paid for it, but it's a trail machine! So putting things in perspective then, I've been watching Mark and Max since 2017, which is the year I bought my DR. Anyway, take care you two!

[@MOTODANS]

Looks a nice bike. Africa twin contender for you? Would like to see how this compares to the new Suzuki 800 as it is meant to be more off road orientated?

[@Chris_Z.]

There's a recent video by MCN Motorcycle news comparing the Tenere, Suzuki and Honda

[@mjonno64]

Great review! Seems capable enough off road for most.

[@rebelarcher5450]

very much in the v'strom soft road tourer category , would have no problem gravel road touring Australia on one of them , that underslung exhaust I would be paranoid of damaging hitting any significant off road areas , usual areas of more offroad type tyres and maybe stiffen the springs up a level in it, and I wouldn't think twice about loading it up and doing a lap of OZ on one . a good light tourer .

[@wobblysauce]

And able to have fun, out and back.

[@1962clarky]

It's not the exhaust I'd be worried about, have a look at the engine sump, it has a dick like protrusion hanging out the bottom, hanging as low as the exhaust, just waiting for a rock to destroy it.

[@anxiousappliance]

@@1962clarky That's why they sell skid plates.

[@change_your_oil_regularly4287]

The T7 exhaust is in a very similar position and has been more than proven off-road

[@rebelarcher5450]

@@change_your_oil_regularly4287 the t7 exhaust is not jutting out / hanging down quite so far , and any exhaust underslung is vulnerable to rocks and things like sliding over fallen trees etc

[@krismoerth1323]

Yes I’m really liking these. Ahh on the list

[@matthew3136]

Looks good to me. Maybe just a more aggressive set of tires.

[@TracyLoop]

Have you had the chance to try the Royal Enfield 350 Classic?

[@BikerBits]

Not yet!

[@TracyLoop]

@@BikerBits Have fun when you do.

[@Doticaster]

Hey Mark mate. Any chance you could get hold of a Honda CRF 300L 🤔 Would love to know what you think about it. I’m wanting to get into green lane riding. So closest one to me is over 100 miles away 😒 My main worry is the seat height, I’m 5’9” and 10 stone (140 pounds) I’ve heard that the suspension isn’t great but I’m thinking that as I’m not that heavy I’d be ok on it. So yeh would love to see what you and Nay think. Laters dude ✊

[@MarkReedman]

I bet you buy it

[@outie555]

I'd but one!

[@tassiemotoadv]

You know you want one 😂

[@kevirle5451]

Thanks for review. Can't wait for Transalp to come to my Honda dealer in Gympie Queensland. First lot already sold so may have to wait a for a demo.

[@allenlloyd2662]

Hi from the UK ( actually in South Morocco at the moment) what would you choose between a new transalp or a second hand africa twin ? Love the channel

[@Blackhart50]

G, day what a nice bike I like it very much that's all you need the only thing I would make it louder I'm 6 .3 so I would fit the bike easy

[@scottminshall6420]

So which would you choose Mark the Transalp or the Tenre? since they are both close in engine displacement. I like what I have seen of this bike, but I have been thinking about getting a TT700, great video.

[@BikerBits]

Because I have MAX the DR650, I would choose the TRANSALP! 👍

[@jonwoodworker]

VStrom 800DE is far better on road than the T7 and far better off road than the Transalp. So I am adding a VStrom.

[@Kai-ze2rb]

what about the Tuareg - not too bad either.

[@MsStelab]

Thx ❤

[@MrGolden28473]

Thanks for the review. Can you do a video comparing it to the Africa twin?

[@bradking8338]

I have only just discovered this channel I have a lot of watching to do Great review of the Honda 👌

[@christophepoteaux3932]

Sick... Brilliant. So wish it was here already in the States. Still not available. Can't wait.

[@billcotton1551]

I don't think this bike has made it to the States yet. Great review. 👍 Looks great in that color.

[@thodoris3790]

you must test ride ride the new vstrom800....

[@ambiojester6463]

is that out the one eye in Heathcote Mark? looks familiar ...elliot bros let me know you picked up th bike, they were swapping me posty over ...cheers

[@BikerBits]

No just around K/Flat

[@malamuteproductions]

G'day, Mark and Angus. I have been following your podcasts and listening to them at night when I work. It's fantastic for passing the time. I have a Royal enfield himalayan and I love the bike but it could use a bit more power on the open road I'm looking at upgrading to a kawasaki versys x300 but I also thought about doing a rebore kit to 462cc for the himalayanm Can I ask both of your opinions on the matter, thanks enjoy a nip on me. Adam

[@BikerBits]

Good Onya mate and thank you very much 👍 You're a bloody legend! Cheers... Mark

[@OrangeGenerator]

amazing roads. VIC has some twisties thats for sure.

[@MrStarfockerx]

Man , I really love this review 🤘 one more follower.

[@thodoris3790]

this thing with an ohlins rear shock will fly

[@eightshot8395]

Looks like a great bike but why is the tank so small

[@stevencarter7031]

Whats up with that sump...really honda, what are you thinking

[@BikerBits]

Bashplate will fix!

[@bella0167]

👍

[@ThroughtheValleyADV]

Did you do a 2 up test?

[@jorbedo]

Excellent review!

[@aussiehillbilly1933]

Top review. Love it

[@brucekendall52]

Good stuff,thks.

[@ThrottleAddiction]

Yeah, just waiting for local dealer to get one in. If I can touch the ground, I think I'll get one. A whole bunch of good reviews by the usual suspects, but nothing like your own assessment in the absence of moto-journalist, wank talk. This is where bikes are supposed to be in 2023, not a throw-back like that other lumbering thing you were messing around with.

[@jackchristodoulou197]

Nice bike but I think you would find it very boring after a while

[@Ask_Harry]

How tall are you?

[@BikerBits]

6 foot

[@Ask_Harry]

@@BikerBits I know, you said it 10 times 🤪

[@BikerBits]

@@Ask_Harry LOL 🤣

[@Bugoutnow589]

Looks like it should be called the cb750x cause the Transalp was never a off-road bike. I would take the 800DE over it, but the Doctor is still better then both.

[@petericyou856]

Country dirt roads only to cumbersome heavy

[@bernardmcnamara]

Looking good Nay. 5'6" to 5'8" the perfect hight of a woman & you have a incredible figure. 10+👍 From seeing your body language I notices you'd like to ride one solo your self. Itchy Boots / Noraly a woman from Norway has ridden solo halfway round the world on her bike's. The latest been a Honda 300 rally that has dun two major exhibitions & now located somewhere in Africa. Now Mark. For a mid size adventure bike at a good price level that equals roughly + a little🤏 extra 💰 cion of a major ground up rebuild of a old Honda XR 600r with no limits speared on all the good gear. (Go fast parts). Engine rebuild dun by Nick from Nick Tecnic that was Ballard's head XR mechanic back through the 80's & 90's. Did you try the traction control setting in rain mode on such slippery slick clay surface gets to see how good modern technology has become. To assist riders like my little brother that is only a spanner assembler of side by sides at our local Can-Am dealer. That has no rite to be riding a bike. 😡😤 What I've been told his super sized woman that would make a sumo reseller gellus spreading unproven bullshit about myself. The Transalp would need more room than rack can covers. Wait one second I'm sounding like a woman bitching on like that. Anyway back to the 750. The fuel range of the mear 16L fuel tank. Out in the centre were fuel stops are somewhat fare between 450k's. The little 16L tank won't be service. I think Honda is only catering for the scooter riders that ride around the coffee shops. How adjustable is the suspension in the compression & rebound dampening. A critical component in handling on off road surfaces.

[@davidnobular9220]

My friend, when it comes to the definition of "off road" you and me, we ain't on the same page.......

[@petericyou856]

Nice

[@fatty2x4fatty]

Mate your relationship makes me miss my wife so much great bike great wife