The adventure bikes you NEED not want | V-Strom 800 DE vs Transalp XL750 Review

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[@BigRockMoto]

As always, beautiful production quality, and insightful commentary. Love what you do. I also love both of these bikes. I could not pick a favorite either!

[@marceliszp4803]

@BigRockMoto I saw on your channel how you drove a Transalp in offroad, but I would see destiny like this: -If you drive more on roads, choose a Honda (weaker suspension for offroad and access to the filter is difficult in dust, but it is light and the engine likes high revs). -If you like to push strong off-road, choose Tenere 700, preferably in the Extream version, but you have to be tall and strong (top heavy) and it is not comfortable for long road trips. Suzuki... combines both features, it is very comfortable on the road, but thanks to its good suspension it handles well off-road and is easier to drive offroad than the T7 (better balanced)... I chose suzuki 800de also thanks to your reviews

[@k_plax]

Spoiler alert!

[@wrknclass1]

Ian, I'm patiently awaiting a more thorough review of the Zook! Are you planning one?

[@cranedaddy678]

More 800de please! Maybe spice it up with the 800RE model vs the transalp or something :)

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks Ian. Appreciate that. The feeling is mutual! I’ve watched a ton of your stuff now and I feel like we have the same feeling about bikes 😂

[@trashpandatrailadv]

I love that we are having mid weight arguments around ADV again, used to be only two manufacturers really filled that role, but now we got a whole hot market to argue over. T7 vs Transalp, 890 against the Pstrom 800 (jokes), and all the other lively conversation on the trail, an exciting time for our market and our sport.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I totally agree. The thing is, they’re are all genuinely good bikes. Don’t forget about the Tiger and potentially fixed F 900 GS.

[@francescoporcari8597]

​@@BrakeMagazinehe forgot possibly the best one: the Tuareg.

[@iangriffiths9930]

I’ve been looking at the Aprilia but there seems to be a lot of issues with it when you look at the forums. Nothing major but still.

[@francescoporcari8597]

@@iangriffiths9930 you know, people tend to highlight the issues, and if you google for issues you only find news about them. As far as I got the 2024 model year has solved the issues. The dealer network could be a point of concern, though.

[@BrakeMagazine]

He doesn’t know yet. He will 😂😂

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

The T in ADV is silent. It stands for touring. These are supposed to be touring bikes.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It’s almost like you’re trolling for the fun of it 😂

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

@@BrakeMagazine Why else would I do it?

[@BrakeMagazine]

😂😂

[@SteveSeadog]

Great review Llel. When I'm ready to trade-in my F750GS, I'm fairly sure it will be for the Transalp. The only thing that puts me off is the tubed tyres. Not easy to repair when you're a long way from home.

[@BrakeMagazine]

You can convert them to tubeless if you want. There is a company called BART Tubeless that do it or you can DIY convert pretty easily too. That'll be an awesome upgrade of your bike.

[@SteveSeadog]

@@BrakeMagazine Useful info. Thanks.

[@chriskneifl3290]

Test rode the V-Strom and loved it. What an engine! But, it feels way too heavy for a technical BDR like the one in Oregon. With luggage, it'll be tipping the scales at over 550 lbs.

[@habibi750]

I’m looking at buying a bike for BDR riding. What bikes are on your shortlist?

[@miro_s]

Hey Llel! I had the opportunity to test the 800de at the ABR. (this partially copied from a comment I made on your f900gs video, repeating here as it is relevant.) It was a real revelation. Small, so docile and easy offroad and so fast and revvy in midrange on the road. I’m well impressed and will consider it further. Only concern is the front suspension: the fork felt too soft and I managed to bottom them out already on the manufacturer trail of the abr, which certainly is not a challenging one. Of course I don’t know how the suspension was set up, probably default factory, and didn’t have time to play with it. Something for future investigation. What’s your view? Did you do suspension work on yours? Cheers and thanks for your time!

[@thodoris3790]

i am afraid the engine heat of the vstrom,so i look more to the transalp

[@davidh1314]

The Suzuki is very UNDERRATED specs are interesting but don't translate to handling/performance

[@BrakeMagazine]

Agreed

[@Jonathan-ez8tq]

Yes 30 years ago bikes were heavy, 30 years later suzuki and honda are still building heavy bikes when competitors are 20kg lighter.. 😂 The better electronic thing doesn’t make sense since you turn it all off in offroad… In the off road/gravel you can’t beat the T700 in price or capabilities, especially the extreme edition.

[@ultimatist]

Congrats to the Suzuki team for coming out of nowhere with such a great bike/platform!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Couldn't agree more!

[@dashuntas.m4045]

Think you’re underselling them a bit; they always seem to be outgunned on paper but they consistently deliver platforms that are competitive and are fan favourites.

[@bradfuller1667]

I've done sections of the CABDR , miles of technical single track in the sand and rock , I've treated it like a Superbike In The canyons . The 800DE is the most underrated ADV bike on the market , I went from a 1290 to a 690 and then a Tiger , I now have the 800DE and I am truly impressed.

[@ultimatist]

@@bradfuller1667 nice! I'm pondering one... what's your single biggest gripe with the bike?

[@bradfuller1667]

@@ultimatist not really a gripe but the same soft suspension as most offroad bikes . I ordered a 18" rear wheel conversion, fork springs/ shock spring for my weight through Hessler Ralley Team and I have the cruise control on order through Veridian . The bike feels like quality and you have suzuki reliability

[@RandomGRK]

Well said. We’ve all become so stuck in the spec sheet that we’ve forgotten that we don’t actually need the spec sheet.

[@BrakeMagazine]

🙌🙌 I’m as guilty as anyone of this.

[@goodncold]

I have a 2009 VStrom 650. It runs well. It does highway all day at 130kph. It does forestry roads. I can two up. I can haul camping gear. It’s good on gas. It’s easy to work on. With a bit of body protection I started taking it down rockier trails too. 15 years in it’s a good bike. If you are looking for a long term bike you can’t go wrong with the Suzuki.

[@rockenjoshy]

Best review of these two bikes. Great job! I went with the Suzuki :)

[@winter-survivor]

Same here. Got mine two months ago and no regrets, just fun. 👍

[@Blinducho]

Do you have any problem with heat when ridding in heavy traffic?

[@rockenjoshy]

Yes unfortunately it does get warm at stops or slow movement.

[@Blinducho]

@rockenjoshy Thank you. I love everything about the new vstrom, but I ride 120km per day, and I need to wait in traffic sometimes.

[@rockenjoshy]

Yeah it’s a bummer all these new bikes run hot.

[@Michael_Shay]

Next level cinematography as always. Beautiful stuff man. I think either of these two bikes are the ideal machine for most adventure riders if we're being honest about our riding abilities.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think if you’re honest about the type of riding you wanna do too. If you wanna mash some gravel roads and get your feet down they’re great.

[@maxflight777]

Michael .. you are correct ! a 701 would be a far better choice.

[@njiska]

"and with suspension that actually works" Fantastic.

[@scubarubanzaii]

The Transalp handles just like a CB500X, but slightly slower to tip. It’s just a lot faster and slightly heavier with a wider stature. The Transalp is closer to a CB500X than people might expect, in a great way.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Totally agree. Massive surprise tbh.

[@martythompson6509]

I walked into a showroom to buy a CB 500X. Threw a leg over the TA and couldn't believe how light it felt. Bought a TA. Figured I may as well have the extra power, engine note, ground clearance, 21" front, TFT and modes if it felt as light to handle. But the biggest thing to me is it's balance. It's one of those bikes that will make a rider way more confident. From moving it around the shed to tight single track, it flatters the rider. I also believe a lot of the testers criticisms of the TA are unfounded. I took it into enduro bike territory last weekend and only bottomed the forks twice... when I messed up two erosion mound take offs and didn't get the front up, hitting the upslope on the landing. A combination of poor timing with the throttle on my part and a slight lack of grip from the stock Dunflop mixtours..... Yeah yeah...I know... what was I doing on an enduro ride with mixtours...... I was told it was easy dirt by the KTM 500 riding leader....😁

[@chrishart8548]

I actually thought the transalp was a lot closer to the Africa twin in width and weight vs the 500x. The 500x seems more like a 125cc bike to me it's very narrow indeed. And it just doesn't seem to have any weight to it. My girlfriend really wants a 500x the TA scared the he'll out of her the weight and the size.

[@anxiousappliance]

@@chrishart8548 It weighs about 20 - 25 lbs more than the cb - maybe the size was intimidating.

[@IdealBike]

Great review comparison and very enjoyable to watch. I own a Transalp 750 and I've test ride a V-Strom 800 DE and although I truly respect the solidity of the VStrom and the engine's precision, the Transalp 750 it's the best compromise money can buy for 95% of the casual "adventure" segment customers, myself included. With proper experience and skills, Transalp can take you whatever place you dream.

[@ionescugeorge2003]

And with a touring screen and spring upgrade for ~300€ you can get Hyperpro front and back springs for the Transalp to make it the best and most reliable allrounder bike in the price range. It's also the most economical from my research.

[@QuinnBoone]

After 6 months of research and being as i value dependability over all else i picked the best Japanese mid bike i felt would suit my 80/20 riding, the 800de. Love it and will always be as open minded as possible but i dont want to constantly be working on any bike i have other than mods and accessories...accessories...

[@matmoore5700]

Really enjoyed this. It's so good to get such an honest and unbiased real world opinion of two bikes that many will discount just because they're not a T7 or 890 Adventure and it's just what the average adventure rider needs to hear. Cinematography was spectacular too. Without doubt my favourite Motorcycling channel!

[@bitterlifes]

Overall Suzuki it's better allrounder!

[@trailrider1980]

I have been questioning you about the vstrom 800 de video for a while. Oh well, i got a transalp review and comparo as well as a bonus. I love how you keep your content fresh and different in style than other youtubers. For exensive reviews, i have big rock moto, for short quick videos that are just informative MotoBob, for the best balance videos we got your channel. You dont beat the deadhorse like the other channels talking about the same bike over over and over. Love the video. You deserve way more susbcribers.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks man! Nice to be talked about in those circles. I’m getting there 🙌🙌

[@trailrider1980]

​​@@BrakeMagazine which one do you thinkt suits you better?

[@jonwoodworker]

Watch OnTheBackWheel ride the 800DE, then tell me again what the bike can't do. For me it was an easy choice, I prefer off road and the 800DE is the clear winner.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think you misunderstand. It can do a lot, it’s just not as easy as some other bikes, like the Transalp. Andy is less experienced than me and when it got tricky he struggled more on the DE than the Transalp. Not saying the Suzuki is bad and I get why you love it. Great bike.

[@dwb468]

@BrakeMagazine your videography, storytelling, and evaluations/observations are stellar. Thank you from middle America.

[@IRLtrolls]

Fantastic video. I love the topic of “need not want” I have a WR450F that’s street legal and I’ve owned many single cylinder dualsports but I finally decided to sell my Goldwing and concours 14 and get a REAL multi cylinder adv bike. My type of riding was going to be lots and lots of highways. I live in Texas and it’s 1,000 miles just to get to Colorado. Sure I WANTED a T7 or Africa twin. I want that 21in front wheel but the more I was honest with myself the more I started to favor a shaft drive (coming from shaft drive street bikes) and a 19/17 wheel. So I looked at the GS1200 and read the horror stories of electrical gremlins and shaft drive failures and ended up with the humble Super Tenere 1200. The super tenere is a land barge. Massively heavy but it still gets the job done off-road at a slower pace and it’s great on the highway. The S Ten is arguably the most reliable motorcycle ever made. So many forum posters with 200,000 miles on their bikes. It feels more like farm equipment than a motorcycle. Tractor like. To me it’s the Toyota Land Cruiser of motorcycles

[@IanSmart-g6y]

An excellent balanced review. Personally I decided on the suzuki, it's base inclusions, better and simpler electronics, and more sophisticated and capable suspension made it a better value proposition for me. The flexibility of the engine is icing on the cake. However I couldn't adjust the shock to my preferred rider sag, even with the preload wound all the way up, I guess slightly heavier spring for the shock at least is in my near future.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think you’ll likely wanna do both front and rear to keep them balanced 😌

[@brantfurr986]

Great review as always, but I'm most impressed with your little icons indicating how the products used in the video were acquired. Hopefully that level of transparency spreads throughout the online motorcycle journalist/youtuber world.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks Brant. It’s something I hope spreads too. I don’t think anyone minds ads or that stuff but a little honesty goes a long way 😊

[@lukas-K1]

Was waiting for your test between these two. I drove both of them and still cant decide which would be more suitable. Even Though im used to suzuki models. For Offroad the Suki seems better. Saw a video from a Austrian magazine during the bosnien Rally 2023. I know german but the on track videos are great. Throwing down a ditch and breaking the front tire and stuff. Seems to be a very solid, well made Bike. For those who wanna see the test last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inOWp4J-ZZmsbdU "Sie wurde (fast) ZERSTÖRT! Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Offroad-Test - Bosnia Rally 2023"

[@mediocreman2]

Good review. The best advice I ever received was to make a choice and enjoy the bike. You can customize it as needed, and you can always change your mind later. Or you can sit behind a computer screen or phone and compare and complain about specs until your head explodes. The people that want something to meet every little, tiny requirement before they go and do so something or delay living life until everything is perfect are never happy anyway.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Amen

[@kiplambel4052]

Too funny!!! I did a search for comparison reviews on these two bikes just a couple hours before this video was launched. I intend to buy one of these, probably the Suzi

[@BrakeMagazine]

You won't be disappointed.

[@cowmath77]

Glad to see someone treating the transalp like a transalp, and not going on and on about how if you just put $6,000 of parts on it you can turn it into the ADV bike "it was meant to be." 🤮 Transalp is a transalp, not a GS, for the better.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I'm glad you think it was the right approach!

[@Outbackmotortek]

Amazing video, which explains these two bikes so well. Thanks for the shoutout too!

[@BrakeMagazine]

🙌🙌 thanks for supporting making these video man! 🙌🙌

[@TylerMcCool]

Great work & a fair assessment - Dropping the front that smidge on the 800 exactly the same idea as myself after a couple thousand miles.. And as for the great engine, think what a tune / ECU will do ... (a couple others out there already have it tuned up in GSX-8s and I look forward to doing this sometime later this year, the gains throughout powerband are huge). Cheers and keep it up.

[@BrakeMagazine]

That has been living in my head for an age. A little re-fuel, a little Yoshi exhaust. Holy crap would that be fun.

[@TylerMcCool]

TST Industries is one of the shops working on this.. FYI @@BrakeMagazine

[@disekjoumoer]

Man, I love your videos. You get it down to the point so well.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I appreciate that!

[@moorepower13]

Honda is the bike i would recommend. Suzuki is the one i would ride.

[@BrakeMagazine]

🙌🙌

[@kenbrooks7794]

Great review Llel, Id love to try one of these modern adventure bikes. I was in at the beginning, I bought an R80g/s in '83 and ive had it ever since. Ive done a bit of trail riding with lads on T7s so i see the difference that the years have made to suspension etc.. Nice to see that manufacturers are still supporting this class of bike.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Get a test ride going! I recommend the Aprillia if you really want a night and day experience

[@xcaceuk]

Yet another great review from you guys, epic scenery, quality birds eye photography and as always commentary that understands the audience and provides food for thought. Thank you 🙏

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chukku2175]

If you haven't already, you seriously need to thoroughly test the Tuareg660. Slightly less comfortable on the road because of the narrower seat, but makes up for it with the stock cruise control. And off the road significantly better suspension than even the Vstrom. The T7 isn't even in the competition anymore.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Don’t you worry 🙌🙌

[@chukku2175]

@@BrakeMagazine awesome

[@Jonathan-ez8tq]

T7 extreme edition is 11 800 euros Tuareg 660 is 12 800 euros The T7 extreme is definitely better then the tuareg 😅 maybe not on the road but everything else it is.

[@miro_s]

I think the Tuareg looks very good, for me definitely better than the T7 but altogether not such an impressive bike. Mainly, I found it’s lacking a few cc. Found the induction noise too loud, the catalytic converter bizarrely located, and unconvincing (cheap?) in some components. All in all I’d prefer the vstrom.

[@RedRupert64]

Another excellent vid. Those 15 minutes just flew by. Thanks.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad to hear it!

[@mathieusoudier4424]

Great review! As usual great quality video, I watch your stuff even when I have no interest in the bikes reviewed, they are that entertaining and interesting. I'm in the market for one of these, I will have to go test ride them, I like the looks of the Honda better but that Zuzuki seems to impress everyone who rides it.

[@GregLanz]

I personally feel like I'd be perfectly happy on the T7, Vstrom, or Transalp. Each having their own strengths and weaknesses and needing upgrades or parts swaps but all 3 appear to be great bikes. I went with the Transalp as I'm more on-road than off and prefer the better wind protection and more comfortable seat than the T7 and I like the extra power and lower weight than the Vstrom, and I also personally think it's the best looking although I do wish we got the gold wheel option in North America I need to find some old Africa Twin wheels to try out :)

[@chrishart8548]

Doubt they would fit. Maybe get the wheels rebuilt and at the same time make them tubeless.

[@cranedaddy678]

Very impressive video quality guys. I subscribed! btw... SUZUKI FTW!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks for the sub!

[@rroberts60]

Excellent review video! Well shot, funny, and with unique insights into the bikes that so many others don't cover. This channel is definitely top tier and I'm excited to see what you come up with next. Keep up the great work!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Kind words. Thanks!

[@justmyself1000]

I had zero interest in the transalp but after watching various review videos I'm actually starting to become interested. Everybody loves the V-Strom and I've never met an unhappy V-Strom owner. And I've ridden with some guys who are on V-Strom who can ride the heck out of those things and they seem to take all of it and continue to run smoothly

[@eusergiu9975]

good job . a very good review. I will buy a suzuki 😃

[@sheafrank4816]

Love my 800 de

[@BrakeMagazine]

I bet!

[@TRAVERSE_ADV]

And we were bought up with Paris Dakar haha.

[@mullins6429]

Thanks for a great video review of these two machines. Probably one of the more sensible tests I have seen of these two bikes. That is: ridden how most people would probably ride them. 👍🇦🇺

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mullins6429]

@@BrakeMagazine I really enjoy your videos. I just prefer to hear what a bike can do rather than what it can’t do. I can figure out what a bike can’t do on my own.

[@BrakeMagazine]

😂 Thanks. I enjoy making them too, and it's rad to hear that people get something from them.

[@DuffersMcDuff]

Excellent video, great production and I like your delivery style. Its great to have a UK based channel that is up their with BRM, Dork in the Road and dare I say it... Fortnine??!!! Great work guys.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Much appreciated! Really kind words!

[@boreragnarok]

This is the first video I've seen from you guys. Really impressed with the production quality. Subscribed.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Awesome, thank you!

[@denniekorpi5264]

I watch everything on these bikes and I think this is the best video on them - to the point!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks!

[@flippy66]

Most forum/reddit whiners are never going to take their bikes offroad anyway. Designers know that most people ride almost exclusively dirt, and when most people go offroad it's a gravel road at worst.

[@iz723]

British fortnine. Very nicely made.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Well shit, that’s high praise!

[@dimitrisntouzos8615]

Good bikes,but if you dont ride with passenger ,you buy the Tuareg and have a better bike on and off road,and definitely more fun!

[@TehGamerPro]

"These bikes are great if you buy them and make $3000 of custom modifications including welding to the frame to create a completely different bike" Like what is the state of motorbike journalism?

[@BrakeMagazine]

Did I say that? I’ll check the script but I don’t think that’s what I said? 😂

[@sillytorque]

Great video quality and a refreshing honesty and look at the topic. For me despite this, find my motorbike riding and choice of the motorbike on which to do it is driven by passion and the heart.... not the brain..... These bikes are like a Skoda.. ( of which I have had several). solid, functional, good value and get the job done..... but I have that in my daily life. I want something that makes me go "phwoarr!!!" and stirs the cockles...... neither of these do that.... A Norden however......

[@BrakeMagazine]

Well said! That’s what these videos are for and I totally get that feeling!

[@Oscar240z]

Great review. But … how dare you call a V Strom boring! You must not diss the legend and great bike that is the V Strom

[@jamessmith9786]

Everyone can call it "boring", but when I'm RIDING my V-Strom, I'm having a wonderful time.

[@BiglumpADV]

I rode the Tenere 700 WR at this year's ABR with a view to swapping my old Super Tenere 1200 for it, I wasn't impressed. If you're a pro you're bound to get more from it than me, but for me it was gutless and lacking any heart. The engine was dare I say dull... Then I rode the Transalp and what a bike! Great for me off road, capable and friendly on/off the throttle, and really well balanced. Honestly I think I'm sold and will be getting one. P.S we tried a few bikes, and that Transalp was my favourite

[@BrakeMagazine]

I'm not surprised tbh. It's a superb bike and everyone who rides one likes it.

[@hondaexplorer]

Really loved these video, as always, everything is top-notch. The one thing that I just cannot love about the trans out. Is that front end, like you said if it was Dakar’d it would be a completely different story for me. Am hoping that Honda brings out a 2025 model with that new NX 500 style front end and it would be a peach.✌️

[@theeschatechannel2854]

Agreed. Although the transalp front end doesn’t bother me as much as it used to, I still think it would look better with a rectangular headlight. Check out the CRF 190L. Honda nailed the styling on that one.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I agree. It’s not my flavour of design but from some angles I like it.

[@hondaexplorer]

@@BrakeMagazine the profile of the bike with some more aggressive tires is amazing, it’s just that Honda parts been headlight that they use across so many models let it down

[@Nightdare]

12:28 You need 12v for ADV riding? Really? For what? Charge your Braun Silk-Epil? foam you Hungarian latté?

[@BrakeMagazine]

I’m gonna guess you’re having a bad day 😂😂 Do you actually want me to explain why auxiliary power is a good thing?

[@Nightdare]

@@BrakeMagazine Yes, please explain how a 12v connection makes an ADV capable of ADV riding And while you're at it, how were bikes without it still able to do so The fact that too many ADV bikes come with _way_ too soft suspension to actually reach their 'Adventure trail *purpose* ' while being advertised as such, is an issue moto-journalist should *Chastise* the manufacturers for (same as the lack of any skidplate on the Transalp, WTF?), not lamenting the absence of a £10 USB plug as if 'that' diminishes the capability of a bike

[@BrakeMagazine]

I feel like you've got a bee in ya Bonet over something here, and I'm not really sure why. Is a 12v essential to riding. No. Is it useful? I think it is for most people. GPS, phone, heated clothing, portable toasty maker. Power is useful and it costs nearly nothing to include in the cost of the bike, and Honda cut a corner. They cut a few more with the handgaurds, a big one with the protection. Sure, you can ride around the world without 12v power. You can go to the moon without 12v power if you want, but it's kinda irritating to be having to add simple things to a £10k bike, just to use modern tech. I don't think any of this is a hot take. If you're still traveling with a map and compass good for you man, but we defo don't need sassy comments. The point was to bring awareness that most people are not going to buy the base model and if they do, they're probably gonna spend a fair bit of money to make it match V-Strom or as I said in the video 'reach it's potential'. I did chastise them for no skid plate and made a point of adding my own. As for the suspension, that depends entirely on what you're doing it and what your expectations are. To quote you "how were bikes without it still able to do so'. I called the suspension what it is; fine. Have a nice day.

[@davidmatthews3093]

Two great real world bikes. The sort of bikes that do everything that 90+% of the people who buy them will want and need.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Agreed

[@richardsimpson3792]

Great video...I thought the Suzuki was a bit bland from original reports, but it seems like an attractive buy now. Have you put the Aprilia 660 to test yet?

[@BrakeMagazine]

Yes. It's coming shortly. I don't think the Suzuki is bland at all.

[@richardsimpson3792]

@@BrakeMagazine Watching he motorcycle market over the last few years, I thought either Suzuki was looking for a dignified gentle exit, or had something good up its sleeve. As a former Suzuki DR350 owner, I'm glad that it looks like the latter outcome. If my old KTM died, I'd look at that 800 Suzuki as an option to replace it. I rode the 890 Adv and didn't feel any connection with it at all, which was sad.

[@314adv]

Kudos to your video editor- the little touches like the frame connecting as a timer for your commercial- really great little touches. Content is always a smash hit !!! Editing is like the icing on a cupcake

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad you liked it! It was a mix of myself and editor Joe on this one!

[@JamesJohnson-ov5ct]

This has to be the best review and explanation of what these bike are and intended to be. Far too many reviews wishing either were a t7, 790 etc we already have those, definitely needed a couple of true do it all comfortable machines at great price points. Thank you again for another phenomenal review.

[@ultimatist]

A middle-weight category comparo with a few riders of different sizes and skill would be amazing!

[@BrakeMagazine]

It would be great to do one but putting a budget together to do it is nearly impossible for us at the moment. Even these two bikes ones the cost is a lot.

[@JohannesDalenMC]

First! Now let me watch and then share my thoughts 🤩

[@BrakeMagazine]

Yooo!

[@JohannesDalenMC]

@@BrakeMagazine Excellent video as always, Llel! I haven't ridden either of these bikes yet. The Suzuki seems like your typical Suzuki - no fancy press launch, no pro rider in the dunes on it, just a bike that delivers on every aspect. Holds true to the V-Strom name, although it sounds like they should have given it a new name..

[@BrakeMagazine]

It kinda is, but it’s also kinda not. I’m used to Suzukis being good but unremarkable. I love both the 650 and the 1000, but they’re easy to forget. I don’t think the 800 is easy to forget, the engine is too good.

[@monman8183]

Transalp for me. If that was Barmouth area, you had a good day out. 👊

[@BrakeMagazine]

Full loop around that area! Hereford to Hereford loop 😀

[@dronetest7191]

only issue which I have with this motorcycle is that there is real heat coming from engine, above 25 C is very annoying, unfortunately is not only in traffic stop and go but heats up in highway as well, but beside this very good bike, maybe could be 20kg lighter ;)

[@cloud9847]

I was about to ride 136 miles today to sit on a 800DE (the same model as in this video) but received a txt this morning telling me there was a recall on the bikes and they couldn't sell it or test ride it? Anyone know anything about that?

[@adamhoneybun1166]

Great review I will definitely try the v strom before I decide what to buy. Ps great to bump into you again on the ox drove. R Adam

[@BrakeMagazine]

Please do! You too Adam!

[@imranibnismail]

As always, love your work. Great cinematography and thank you for toning down the background music. Perfect!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@tommihelminen6430]

I think that main broblem here is money... why? Becourse i woud like to hawe all 3 😂! I all ready hawe V-strom but i woud like to hawe Tenere and Transalp all so 😁! And old Africa twin as 4 dakar/adventure bike😎. It is wery good that there is meny differend style and zize bike in differend categories. Ewery one can find own style iron horse and ride to sunset whit the big smile in face 😊! Good bikes and video👍!

[@WAZZUjohn03]

A well produced and thoughtful review. This is a great market segment with strong competition from nearly every make.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks! Totally agree. A lot of good choice!

[@stiingya]

Yea BUT... these aren't the bikes we wanted. The Strom at 60 lbs lighter. YES! The TA with good suspension and not a stupid exhaust. YES! (and not such lame plastics/design) Not talking a night a day, whole different bike thing. Just that they both missed the mark of what we wanted them to be.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think my point is, that is a whole different bike and it really doesn’t matter as much as you’d think. Most of this video was made on the Trans Euro Trail in Wales and they were enjoyable to ride. I’d be quicker on an 890, but actually it was fine the way it is, yknow? Like with a decent sump gaurd I wasn’t worried about any of that stuff.

[@stiingya]

​@@BrakeMagazine It's not whether it's a good bike or not. It's that we wanted a mini africa twin and they say NO have this watered down street biased ADV bike instead because we decided the bike couldn't possibly have sold for 2-3 grand more and been the bike you actually wanted. (OR probably just because they would not sell any big AT's = that's probably the real reason there) Just like we wanted a 450Rally and they say NO you can only have it as a 300 so you can't take it on the freeway without risking your life. It's frustrating that they don't build what we want and I don't understand why you are defending it? I don't understand why so many youtubers are defending it? I'm not saying it's a bad bike, it's just not what I wanted it to be. I'm not wrong for wanting a Mini AT... Someone fixes the low sump/GC and if you put good adjustable suspension on it the only thing that would still make me angry is a throttle by wire without CC... that's just pinching pennies...

[@balko-adventures]

Great video. Amazing quality as well. I wonder, how is the seat on the Transalp compare to CB500X? I've had a CB500X '22 for a year, and could'nt stand the seat on longer rides. I now have T7 with original seat, and it is much better for my bottom. Even tough it's better, I feel in the bottom after som hours on the Highway... I also felt the CB500X was a bit to cramped for me. I feel the T7 is better for my height (190cm). Althoug it is a bit top heavy. Has anyone compared the seat on T7, CB500X, Transalp and Vstrom 800DE? I guess I have to try them all..

[@BrakeMagazine]

It's hard to say without a direct test.

[@FineLine-Media]

My guy, you've got the voice over thing DIALLED.😉 And we both know that's the hardest part. Seriously though, that is a top notch video. Oh and that '91 Africa Twin at 00:44 is a thing of beauty.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks 🙏 It was a pretty one for sure!

[@toddbenfield6546]

Looking for a twin with the suspension feel of my 2022 KLR🤔which bike is right for me??

[@martindlx9344]

What about the tube tires on the Transalp? It's a big negative point from my point of view.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I agree. They both have tubed tyres.

[@martindlx9344]

@BrakeMagazine Is a tubed tire a deal breaker ? It makes me hesitate to buy the Transalp. It does click all the other boxes, though.

[@theflyingbogie]

All of these machines will be a slight compromise as they have to fit so many riders weight, height, riding styles and abilities. Having tried both extensively i felt the 800DE has the best motor/power delivery/ suspension with more potential to tailor to suit individual preferences. As much as i love my Hondas (and i have a few) the TA motor is more akin to a revvy sports tourer lacks low down punch. If you feel the need to test the 800DE off road, i would recommend go to Suzuki Live at Cadwell Park June 22/23. The off road test couse at the circuit that Suzuki set up is excellent and a great test for the bike and rider.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Totally agree and great shout!

[@wojtass05]

Do you plan to make graphics for BMW 1250GS any time soon?

[@hoodio]

i just bought a 22 cb500x and absolutely love it, throw some knobbier tires on there and you can go around the world

[@praveenvaidya1284]

I would select Transalp if I want lightweight motorcycle . And, I would select V-Strom if I want mile cruncher as it has bigger fuel tank capacity. Rest other features and functionalities are mare decorations.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Good summary.

[@ProphetAndLoss]

Your reviews are top shelf. Practical riding and elegant prose in one! 👍

[@mididash]

I’ve now changed to a tracer 7 with some Pirelli str tyres for my green landing and off road adventures, it’s much “easier” to handle off road than the tenere and I’ve only done one lane 😂 roll on the weekend and lots of testing to be done . Keep up the great vids fella 👍🏼

[@nkwd007]

Great video, thank you! I only tested the transalp out of the two, and only on road. Significantly lighter and more nimble than my Tiger 900 Rally Pr (although I love my bike). Transalp is great for do it all bike in my opinion. It is good for London traffic, touring and some off roading. If I had to have 1 bike only, this would be the choice for sure. I am only a bit scared of tubed tires in case of trouble somewhere in Pyrenees or Alps.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I mean, tubes aren’t perfect but it’s not mad hard to learn to change them. If you prep them well then they should be pretty reliable.

[@marksimpson5218]

Tubed tires are what real adventure riders use. Itchy boots the most travelled women on the planet.😂

[@nkwd007]

I just don't understand why would you go through the effort of removing the wheel (caring more tools..) and waste time and energy, when you may just put the plug in and go? @@marksimpson5218

[@Simonpx989]

Great video, I can say that after testing BMW, KTM, Aprilia, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Husky; these two(in the vid) were the ones that actually gave me the best on/off road feeling, welcoming my inexperience. Only 1% of the users will actually bring any ADV bike to the AfricaEcoRace or similar, so no actual point on having a super specialized machine when your skills are no match fo it, ride humble!!! 🤗

[@BrakeMagazine]

I’m not surprised. I think they’re great bikes when used as intended

[@bradaaaJT]

Yo this looks more like a documentary than review. Good stuff!

[@theeb1800]

People praise Suzuki but buy Honda 😂

[@Hans_P]

I would have a TransAlp if we could get that color in Canada ( its black or nothing ) and why no cruise control? Bit of a deal breaker for me. Thinking Tiger 900 Rally Pro now but its spendy.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It’s a shame about the black thing. The white does look good. The tiger is superb all round bike. Not amazing at anything but genuinely lovely to ride.

[@ananth224]

no tubeless tyre and absence of cruise control.....deal breaker for me, as a long distance tourer

[@BrakeMagazine]

I get that, but there are better bikes as pure tourers too.

[@jayzee1968]

What ever happened to the Tuareg 660?

[@Roberta_Esposito]

King👑🇮🇹

[@BrakeMagazine]

Review coming soon on Patreon and then KZbin a few weeks after.

[@100CupsColombia]

The humour is coming together-good stuff

[@BrakeMagazine]

Cheers man. Tryna let it leak in there slowly 😅

[@GiancarloBenzina]

They are streetbikes and too heavy, still, all of them, less in CC and HP, but maintained KG, while the bigger got even bigger and more powerful and more like a digital titanic on sneakers and running-shorts. Come back with a bike that‘s by design a throw into the dirt and don‘t damage model without adding 20Kg of luggage and protection rigs to a 230Kg bike, but a 160KG bike instead. The old bikes had the same problem, they were too big and too heavy and as a youngster dreaming of dakar, that already was my perspective, then, with my XTZ600, while the others are even bigger. The DR350 was a winner - Ask Patricia Schek and Jutta Kleinschmidt, not me. The KTM 620/660 adv was intriguing, but even higher and harder, so for specialists, only then, too.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I have the perfect video coming for you 👌

[@marceliszp4803]

yes, but motorcycles weighing 120-160 kg are not so comfortable for long distance commutes on asphalt. For example, during the holidays I want to drive 1200 km by highway to TET in the Balkans and go off-road there. My 800de is suitable for both commuting and tet and the example KTM 690 is not very suitable for highways. I also have a 450, but in the summer, when it's dry, I prefer to take a Suzuki for off-road even the short 200km trips. 450 mainly autumn/winter as there is a lot of mud.

[@Borderwheels]

Incredible drone shots

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks 🙏

[@gezginendurocu]

Which bike is make you more happy and enjoy u while riding off-road T7 ,transalp or vstrom? I wonder Can they handle better off-road than T7

[@BrakeMagazine]

No they can’t. I wouldn’t choose a T7, I’d choose the Tuareg 660 if that was my concern.

[@miro_s]

A part of me (the one that doesn’t listen to experts) wonders about the mythical status the T7 has acquired as an off-road bike. It’s a pig, enormously top heavy, sluggish engine, crap suspension, I had an 890R and found it incommensurably better (apart from reliability issues). Indeed, the mid twin that handles offroad best.

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

I don't know which of these bikes is better.... but I DO know which moto-journalist has the best hair in the industry. I love that you're responding to the comments with the right amount of Sass they deserve. Keep on trucking, mate!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Wow, thank you! 🤩 Lucy cuts my hair and was very happy about this comment too 😂😂

[@iangriffiths9930]

First off I’ve really been looking forward to this video! 👍 I looked at the transalp and immediately discounted it due to the very low sump! I live in North Wales and recognise some of the trails in the video, taking that in to account should I look to the Suzuki or take another look at the Honda? Most people I think would run the Yamaha but it’s too tall for me.

[@BrakeMagazine]

If you have a good sump guard then it’ll be absolutely fine. The times you’re gonna hit this are on trails that you’re gonna struggled to get the bike along anyway. Mmm. Kinda depends on your riding level. The Honda is a little easier to ride but both are good bikes.

[@alexstan5358]

They just launched it and it is already proven to be reliable? Lets talk that after 100.000km, i have just priced one to be equally equipped as 2024 KTM 790 and it is 19500canadian dollars!!! Affordable??? We are talking BMW (F900g=3000cad more) money here and let's be honest, BMW rules adv market . KTM 790 total price is 14700cad out of the door in Blackfoot motorsports Calgary,Alberta,Canada. Honda Transalp with same equipment( unable to even get cruise control and tubeless) is 19500cad all in priced out in Jack Carter Powersprots in Calgary,Alberta,Canada. So PLEASE clarify how is this bike affordable and great value,considering that is bare bones offering 90-s technology... Best Regards! Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is around 18500cad all in,but Suzuki offers lot more in comparison to HONDA XL750 but not even close what KTM790 offers.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I can't compare because the price is not the same in Canada to Europe. The Transalp and the Suzuki are equally priced when specced the same here. There KTM 790 ADV is slightly cheaper and a good option if you want a KTM.

[@razerfree4359]

I was on the fence on which to pick out of these two, but after my maintenance experience with another Honda bike and looking at them up close and trough reviews I've decided to go for the V-Strom. I want to be able to do as much of the basic maintenance at home with common tools and without having to dissasemble huge chunks of the bike to gain access to thinks like batteries, filters etc. To me it looks like the V-Strom was built from the ground up as an ADV bike for people who actually ride more than 10% offroad, and the Transalp feels like it's underdelivering on purpose as to not harm Africa Twin sales.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think you’re probably correct

[@pigmeal2224]

Have had the VStrom 6 weeks now ... a very fair review you've managed 👏👏. We loved the TA too, and in Australia it's 3 grand cheaper ... but the electronics and the awful airbox access were the clangers for us.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It’s about the same price cheaper here until you spec any extras to bring them to a similar . The extras on the Honda are pretty pricey and they brings them inline. I now just think of them at the about the same.

[@DJRomaM]

Here in Europe 800DE is 500euro cheaper than the base Transalp. Are you saying that in your country the Transalp is 3k cheaper than the 800DE?

[@pigmeal2224]

@@DJRomaM yes, that is correct.

[@DJRomaM]

@@pigmeal2224 that's strange

[@BrakeMagazine]

@@DJRomaM Yes.

[@Macgregor_images]

Agree with your summary bikes the Adventure Bike Market needed. Bought the V4 Motool suspension tuner based on your recommendation, great work Thankyou 😂 Ewen…

[@BrakeMagazine]

Right on! Let me know how you like it!