Honda Transalp 750 First Ride: Carving Twisties on the Way to Mountaintop Observatory

[@DorkintheRoad]

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[@Tyche-Love]

Reccomend me a shorter kickstand for my Himalayan and I will buy it, thing is so tippy with luggage.

[@DorkintheRoad]

@@Tyche-Love no idea, man. Never owned one. Maybe try a Himalayan forum or just dial down the preload in the rear (if you can)?

[@KS-hw9zr]

As another fat dude that rides motorcycles in Oregon, I just want to say I appreciate your content. Getting a bigger guys perspective on these bikes is really helpful. Plus love seeing you show parts of Oregon I’ve never been to,

[@Crittermoto]

I may have to stop watching your Transalp content…..it’s making me miss my demo bike more and more. Myself, I found the longer I rode it the more I liked it. It has that “Honda-love” factor. Once you have it you don’t want to part with it. At least for me it did. And I too was wrong about it back when it was announced, it’s a freakin AWESOME bike! Cheers!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yeah why didn't you buy it? Seems pretty perfect for you.

[@Crittermoto]

@@DorkintheRoad likely is the perfect bike for and the type of adventures I do but…..no cash. I don’t do credit, if I ain’t got the cash then I can’t have it. Time to start saving.

[@Scott-Ferguson]

As a guitar player, "Acoustic motorcycle" had me chuckling pretty hard.

[@patkennedy1]

Glad you are starting to 'get' the Transalp. 'It is what it is', as they like to say over there, but it surprises you the longer you ride it. It is more capable on rougher tracks than you might expect also, although the low-rent suspension will need some attention for those wanting more serious off-road chops. But the thing is growing on me, now 2,500 kms in, here in South Australia, where we were the second last continent to receive them, before N. America. A mysterious 'roll-out', but at least I got a white one (first one sold here) and after some apprehensions after the test ride (during a long wait for the bike...) a few mods, and personal adaptation, it is becoming a better thing than it first seemed. I hope you keep yours long enough for it to provide some joy. As another reviewer described it - this bike just makes you feel better. As intangible as that description is, that is what it does, and I have been riding for 61 years. And I can report that the vibrations and engine noises improve over the initial thousand miles, such that mine now feels 'sweeter'. It is surprisingly good on the bitumen, as you are finding (I am coming from 50 years of sports Ducatis, and many miles on an old Cagiva Elefant 750) yet still good enough for doing dirt miles, which I do a lot out here. Coarser tyres and some suspension work quite justifiable, given the cheap purchase price, as are a bash-plate and 'bear-grip' footrests, which are longer, and make standing up easier (still to come in). Looking forward to lightening and improving this rather clever bike, which will do a lot of people's job, and is cheap enough to be seen as a starting point for those prepared for a bit of a project. You can count on the Aussies and South Africans to get stuck into this! Obviously the low-hanging sump and catalysts are drawbacks for this model, and solutions to their height may emerge over time, with a different exhaust system, and a shorter sump (it is a separate part of course) but in the meantime its ground clearance is only about 20 mms less than the Tenere. But it was never meant to be a 'rock jumper', and is perfectly capable of doing long miles on unmade roads (even with the delivered tyres) which I have covered many hundreds of miles on. I removed the rear rack, as it is just ridiculously heavy (7 kgs - 15 lbs...) and am about to make a lighter alternative. I also reversed the handlebar risers, which moves the 'bars slightly forward (about 20 mms) and improves the feel of the steering remarkably. This 10 minute mod removed the slightly odd sense the steering gave me when I first rode the bike, and (to me) the bikes should be delivered this way around. Much better, sitting or standing, unless perhaps you have very short arms...

[@patkennedy1]

I have to correct the weight I reported of the standard rear rack. I blame my digital bathroom scales, which had changed to pounds from kgs without my realising (and also changed back similarly). So it weighs 7 POUNDS, which is still too heavy, but not as much as I misreported. I have made a replacement which is quite a bit lighter, and is easier to swing my leg over than the stock one, which caught my foot getting off once!

[@cliftonsr]

Ben you again keep giving us awesome reviews and great content.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thanks for watching!

[@Flyin_high_pnw]

Hwy 242 is my favorite drive in Central Oregon! I'm sad that it will be closed soon, great video as always Ben, cheers!

[@kawabungah20]

This is a fun vicarious ride for me, both on a new Transalp and on an amazing scenic Oregon road. Thank you for being excellent to us!

[@rudyv1972]

I just moved to Central Oregon and had no idea this gorgeous road was here! And we just had our first snow last night 😭😭

[@DorkintheRoad]

that's what I mean by hidden gem. Even locals don't know it exists.

[@rudyv1972]

@@DorkintheRoad This'll be one of the first rides I'll do next season. Thank you so much for the video and info!

[@LongHairMoto]

I'll be in the market for a new bike next year, and this one is towards the top of the list. I appreciate videos like this. They really help us get to know the pros/cons of bikes before we drop cash

[@Bill3558]

I love mine. I’m 73. In Western NC.

[@johnatkinson8078]

Great report brother. Can't wait for more.

[@ken503]

That road is one of the most fun rides! (As long as you don't get stuck behind someone.)

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yeah I got stuck behind a couple but edited out when I passed them for reasons...

[@ken503]

We won't tell... 🤫

[@gripsanity]

A quick shifter is for upshifting. An auto-blipper is for downshifting and yes you are supposed to let of the gas. You're just shifting down like any other bike would if you have the throttle open.

[@Adventure_blac]

You don’t have to with either. Both momentarily cut throttle

[@Demon_Lord3868]

Such a fun ride! I definitely recommend it to those who haven't ridden it.

[@randomkadrmas2630]

That old Hwy is about 50 miles from where I live and I have only taken it twice. I have always wanted to go up there for stargazing as well. Another great video.

[@Sventy11]

Mine came with the Metzler tires too. I got mine saturday and got about 130 miles so far. My boot caught the ground on a sharp bend in the road. Its very smooth. Coming from a 450RL, this thing is amazing.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I dragged my foot as well. Crazy how easy it is to carve up corners on this thing.

[@MotoCampAdv]

Awesome review Dork . Look forward to seeing more videos of the Transalp

[@DorkintheRoad]

I look forward to making them!

[@bybikenw7928]

I love that pass. Weekend traffic kinda pulls some of the fun out of it though.

[@scudrunneradv3269]

Looking forward to seeing some off road reports on it. When we did the TAT we took a side trip and road that road from top down. Is an awesome road for sure. Those lava fields on top are incredible.

[@adventuristnw2321]

Nice job, Dork! Great video...thank you!!

[@advredbikes]

Thanks Ben for the fabulous review, love the trail you were on. Thank you.

[@darrellhay]

242! Video did not do justice to how incredibly fun that road is. Turned around and did it round trip three times one day.

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Honda certainly make great machines. My CRF 300 Rally has taken me to amazing places. Cheers for the up-load 😎👍

[@PovilasPanavas]

It does have that feeling that it resists the flicking. So, when you go straight and want to lean, it's super eager, it's effortless, but if you try to now flick to other side, there's some resistance which is caused by that original eagerness to lean. That's why I think sometimes it feels flickable (because it wants to lean), but sometimes feels resisting the lean.

[@dstubby82]

Was so busy enjoying the landscape when I rode through I didn't even notice the castle. 😆

[@markchoitz443]

beautiful views up there, havent been for several years - good news from I-5, ship date on my TA moved up to first week of Nov. Thanks for the trip up.

[@JCrozier1]

The uphill part looks very similar to the dragon. Like, close enough that I would say its a solid substitute. Glad to see the street portion, can't wait to see how you feel about it offroad.

[@Kephartable]

It's much tighter of a climb built on top of an old wagon trail than the dragon which is a full sized road.

[@russellborn515]

Yeah, I rode it two years ago, and it's a bit too tight for my taste. Hwy 20 from Sweet Home to Santiam Pass is a hoot.@@Kephartable

[@sladerider69]

I just bought the transalp today in Florida. Thank you for this enjoyable video!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Enjoy your new ride!

[@boblynch7535]

I totally get it. But then again, I’m an old fart. 70 in the spring and my life’s philosophy of “Work hard, Play hard” has caught up with me. Have a few joint replacements in mind I went for the Tiger 900 GT. Put Dunlop Trailmax Missions on (soon to be Raids) I stick to maintained forest roads which open up a lot of riding here in Ketchum ID. All fun, road and dirt.

[@user-gp4fm8im1j]

What a great ride that was! Love the content. I’m in northern Michigan, lower peninsula. Have a 2016 AT manual that I really enjoy. Considering going to this next versus bigger to a GS. Or not doing anything and continuing to enjoy the AT😂

[@jimh2061]

I appreciate uour reviews. Im in the market for a new bike after the new year. Looking at vstrom800, Tenere 700, and Honda transalp. The Tenere 700 i rode and love the leg room on the bike. But like you mentioned Im gonna do more road and just some gravel roads and im looking for a plush ride without being 500lbs like the Suzuki. Im age 60 and want comfort with leg room and manageable weight when I have to pick it up. I rode the Versys 650 and that was slightly top heavy like the Tenere and wasn't as nice a ride. Less leg room.

[@mixflip]

You make me want to buy a transalp!

[@nicflatterie7772]

I will have to look into that bike. I had an Africa Twin which I found too heavy, but super powerful. This Transalp might be the sweet spot for me…

[@AKAOmnivore]

Wow nice road! I'm not sure how I missed this road before. What a great daytrip road looping through this and Quartzville rd. Day trip for me next year on the Superduke GT. Thanks!!

[@travisfranklin107]

What a beautiful road to ride! Love Oregon :)

[@PisgahGravelProject]

If we were to look at specs and design philosophy this bikes direct competitor is the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800RE, not the DE. Both have the same hp, no frame cradles, similar tech, basic suspension etc etc. Their main differences are one is 18/21TT, the other 17/19TL. I think its silly to compare this to a T7, as they share 2 similarities wheel size and they're both 270° P-Twins. Other than that, the gear box is totally different, one bike is loaded with tech-one isn't, air filter is accessible easily on the offroad biased bike and somewhat hidden on the XL, one has frame cradles-one doesn't. Those 2 motorcycles are built for entirely different consumers. Honda delivered a great commuter bike, with the ability to do light gravel roads ar a tame place. The Transalp pedigree has always been a commuter moto capable of doing light off-roading. Its a fantastic bike that will appeal to many consumers.

[@anxiousappliance]

or the DE is a 500+ ;b pig that will get you in trouble. Pretty sure this can do everything the suzuki can, and do it with about 60 less poundage.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

@anxiousappliance and a tw200 can do everything an xl750 can do, while being two hundred pound lighter. My point was, the RE is the main competition when looking at build philosophies, suspension, power, and features. Never said it wasn't lighter. We all know it's heavier, that's not up for debate. When you look at the Honda it's a great bike, for who it's intended for. When you look at the spec sheets your weight claims are way off sir. 2024 800RE 492lbs 2024 XL750 459lbs That is 33lbs of difference. 12ish pounds of that is 1gallon more fuel, larger metal fuel tank and significantly more engine oil. So in the grand scheme of things, the xl750 is 20ish pounds lighter than the RE, not whatever baseless claim you spewed, sir.

[@kenp4464]

They feel way different. And after sitting on them, the DE is not a competitor at all.

[@lukefish7562]

😁🏍️💨 Just picked up some moto camping chairs this week with your help. Like the ol transalp! 3:23 😂 I heard you say that a while ago and as I haul ass and pass people on my Norden I always think of you. 😂

[@denniekorpi5264]

Like music you had when in the castle!

[@tugdrivinj]

Waiting to see what the off road part of the review has in store.....🤔

[@NunyaBusiness...]

The impression I get is that it's a solid bike and fits between the CB500X and the Africa Twin for CCs, but for capability/style it is closer to the CB500X side. Street biased, mildly off road capable, with decent power and fuel economy at a lighter weight. Personal opinion: I don't like the looks. The recycled CB500X light just doesn't fit, IMO. Would have been better served with either a unique style light with less edges/more flow, or with a couple duals similar to the what the AT runs. Maybe that is part of what informs my impressions that the TransAlp is just a bigger CB500X with updated electronics, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. It still seems simple and reliable, shocker from Honda I know, but it's not packing the touring features that many would want with it's street bias. Kind of an odd middle ground that it's caught in, because if they had tacked on cruise control they would have risked cannibalizing the frugal buyers of ATs that opt for the base out of cost conservation rather than it's increased dirt chops vs the Adventure Sports. Honestly, if they had made it a shaft drive, I think it'd be my next bike. I've learned I don't like chain maintenance or the idea of sprocket replacements. Also, thanks for showing us some of the beauty of Oregon!

[@MeerkatADV]

I really hope it turns out to be a great bike. I will stand by my opinion it is a touring bike more than anything else. The design of the electronics probably supports that more than anything else.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'm starting to think it's just the perfect bike for the VAST majority of people who ride ADV. Capable enough to get through all but the toughest stuff, but far more comfortable on the pavement where most people do the most miles.

[@MeerkatADV]

@@DorkintheRoad Totally fair. I worry about the protection just given the amount of abuse my skid plate has taken. But I'm doing more/harder off road than most riders on ADV bikes anyway. I think you're right, it's probably going to be right in the middle of the goldilocks zone for most riders.

[@wonderingBadger]

If we could just have cruise control too.

[@metalpolishshop]

Kinda sounds like a Motto Guzzi V85TT as it too is very comfy on the highway and can do off road wel

[@brianfackrell4139]

I have 50 year old family pictures of this trip. Perfect for your bike.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Such a great spot.

[@kevinsterner9490]

Good review. I was surprised when you mentioned how high the power band is. I would think this might make it more difficult to ride off road. That being said it should probably be fine for fire roads.

[@MotoCampAdv]

It chugs along just fine without the throttle In first gear and the torque is right there when you blip it ,no need to ride it high in the revs off road. Smh

[@bodydoc2010]

Great work, with photography like that you may end up in an algorithm with Nat Geo. Lol

[@jonwoodworker]

I call it a sport tourer. But I like your classifying it as an ADV tourer. I just can't imagine doing anything but gravel or flat dirt with the Transalp. The bike makes absolutely no sense as a true ADV. Honda made me buy the 800DE and I love it off road, even does single track well.

[@anxiousappliance]

LOL - Impossible that this could be as good as the DE ...cmon

[@DorkintheRoad]

I just got back from taking it on some OHV trails...

[@kenp4464]

The DE is significantly taller, much more top heavy, and almost zero wind protection. Sport tourers are Bandits and Tracers. This is a way better all around version of an ADV bike and sales will show that.

[@SnickterP]

Best answer is to have this and a crf450l!

[@theninja001]

The more new ADV bikes that come out, the more I want a Tenere 700 as my next bike. For now I am still loving my 2017 Africa Twin, looking to get a smaller lighter bike though.

[@ericbryant1333]

I lava this video. The McKenzie will probably close this weekend.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I got in just in time!

[@GroovyCachinDude]

​@@DorkintheRoadAlmost 7" of snow today. Good planning.

[@Seveneleven44]

One thing every motorcycle review channel fails to demonstrate in my eyes is the “tractor test.” What i mean by that, is how slow you can go in 1st gear in difficult terrain before you have to constantly be on and off the clutch. I find the bigger bikes need to be moving anywhere from 7-10 mph. Below that, in my experience, you are constantly clutching. Whereas on a true dual sport, you can put around in 1st gear at an idle, and the bike most of the time won’t stall. Slow speed handling on these big “adventure-touring bikes” is something that should be discussed. I think a lot of new riders get into the mid sized bikes not knowing how quickly they have to move at low speeds. My friends triumph tiger doesn’t like going slower than 9mph in the rocks. Yes, you can change gearing, no kidding. Most guys aren’t doing that until they’re comfortable on their bike.

[@defaultuser3410]

I have a Tiger 850, I wonder how this bike would compare?

[@metalmystic6214]

Bicycles will forever be referred to as acoustic motorcycles now lol.

[@frostbitevinnie]

Last time I was on that road I could not really ride it. There was a bike race with a billion riders. Bike cops kept us off to the side.

[@allenantonio4389]

I'm starting to get that "beaver fever"

[@d.d.7287]

7:10 This is %100 true. I'd like to get your input as a guy who has ridden both, but just based on what people are saying the Transalp strikes me as a bigger VersysX with more tech. I even think they look fairly similar. Would that be accurate or am I way off?

[@OneOldManRiding]

Your audio sounds fantastic. Which setting are you using? - Frank

[@TimSmith-ct9nu]

I know you said that it's in a different category from the cb500x however I would still be very interested on more comparisons.

[@DorkintheRoad]

it's better at everything except price, basically.

[@molzy1234]

Be good if they made an adventure sport version with bigger tank for touring like the africa twin

[@RiseRyder]

My question is would it be capable of doing a BDR.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I rode it on one later this same day.

[@Racer-M]

the sexiest bike honda has made since the africa twin.

[@Kiyoti]

...starting at about 7:10 is an extremely true couple of sentences...!!!

[@lae52]

I like the gloves. What brand and model are they? The transalp has not made it to the upper midwest yet. Supposedly, I'm #1 on their notification list. In the meantime, I'm really happy riding my "88 Honda NX 650. Picture an XR650 L that doesn't need any of "Dave's Mods" and your feet can just barely touch the ground.

[@knerdrider]

I LOVE that road!!! I was sad I didn’t get out to Sisters this year like I’d planned to because of all the smoke and wildfires. I rode it a couple of times on my KLR last year but really wanted to ride it on my V-Strom 650. That goes double now that I’ve seen you and the Transalp do it. Comparable bikes? What do you think?

[@ThreeLAdventures]

I looked at one today and it’s a nice bike but me having a 30” inseam I was barley on my top toes so it’s kind of tall but I’m sure with some adjustments it could be a hair lower.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I also have a 30 inch inseam

[@kenp4464]

I have a 30In inseam and nearly flat foot the thing. And it felt so light...

[@ThreeLAdventures]

@@kenp4464 strange. Maybe they had this one suspension all the way up or something

[@j.l.salayao8055]

I'm blessed with 28" inseam and just jump up and hop in and good to go. It takes just few practice plus I like to climb things, you know...lol.

[@fjeewani]

any comparision between the new transalp 750 vs BMW GS 850 ?

[@alainmichaud6747]

Amazing view and video , Nice bike look interesting to ride Alain

[@Mark-jt8je]

I would like to know what you think about the NC750x non DCT. I have owned one for 3 years and love it. It is very low reving, 70 mph is about 3000 rpm. Check it out

[@luketembreull8138]

Probably closes tonight.

[@jamesonpace726]

Very nice..,.

[@projectknifehand]

So torn lol. I am really wanting to change what I ride. I simply have different interests at this point in my life. I currently ride a 2014 HD CVO Ultra Limited. SO a big heavy highway cruiser. I am drawn to bikes like this is the KLR 650 because I do a lot of camping and trails presently. I would like to join my two worlds so to speak. But I am terrified I would get into a bike like this and it would be a nightmare on the highway for longer trips. Any experience there yet?

[@Scott-Ferguson]

Sorry if you mentioned it and I didn't hear...How is the wind protection?

[@thegracefulrenegade]

Way less trolls today. This is nice.

[@DorkintheRoad]

a lot of them got themselves banned lately

[@cliftonsr]

You need to remember that the T-7 is geared like a tractor real short geared in 1st and 2nd compared to the Transalp

[@DorkintheRoad]

Is that not what I said?

[@airadaimagery692]

Tough day at the office huh?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Literally the worst

[@wandersofp]

How does it feel vs the Africa Twin on road?

[@DorkintheRoad]

I don't really remember?

[@trailrider1980]

​@@DorkintheRoadlove your honesty

[@sergiosoares264]

I dont understand why nobody compares the sprockets when they compare this motorcycles. The Teneré pulls 15T front sprocket and 46T on the rear sprocket while the Transalp pulls 16T 45T....this is a HUGE difference. If you put 15T/46T on the Transalp it will lift the front wheel until 4th gear, it will be too much torque. If you put 16T/45T on the Transalp it wont move. That is the real difference in 20 horse power.

[@DorkintheRoad]

My job is to review the bike in stock form.

[@sergiosoares264]

@@DorkintheRoad ok. Sorry.

[@Krishna0666]

Are tubeless tires available?

[@sergiosoares264]

Want more low end torque? Change the rear sprocket for a 47 teeth.

[@ttrguy9952]

My Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is getting 44.6 mpg fully loaded. That is WAY better than that 750 Honda! Sheesh!

[@alexanderthoj2851]

Getting my first adv bike and is looking at the cb500x for a introduction to the sport. Would it make sense to skip the cb500x and go directly to the transalp?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Ride both if you can

[@drzrider3440]

Now you did say u dont want to compare it to a CBX, but have to ask, compares to cost, is it worth the extra money, over what you get for thw price of the CBX? If that makes sense. Afterall, it was your money that bought this. Do you get that much more, nearly but not quite double the price out the door compared to the CBX. Keep in mind, i get heafty discounts at all my local dealer for being one the guys that run the PNW group. Sorry if im being a pain, just in the market for a new reasonas bike. No longer a hot rodder. Just one that will happily do 70 to 75 mph all day, and the occasional forest roads. As my DRZ is for most of the dirt and BDR runs. Like for instance, riding from Everett, Wa to my property in North Idaho. Thanks in advance....could not see it, but sounded like a big smile on your face BTW.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'd say it's absolutely worth the extra money.

[@drzrider3440]

@@DorkintheRoad by the sound your smile was making, i figured that would be your answer.

[@Tyche-Love]

Can anyone recommend a good kickstand for a royal enfield himalayan? The stock one is so tall and it makes my bike super tippy with luggage on it, I literally watched it get blown over in my driveway and I dont think that should be a thing. Help me bros

[@airadaimagery692]

I would cut it, and weld it back together, but I have the tools to do that. If I didn’t, I would take it to a local fabrication shop and have them do it. My local fab shop would probably charge about $50-$60 for something like that.

[@dankxjobs1870]

Review the xr150l

[@kenbowlus2995]

You do know how big he is, right?

[@dankxjobs1870]

@@kenbowlus2995 I'm 6'8 n I fit on one

[@kenbowlus2995]

I was politely referencing size vs. max weight rating, not height, but good to know even a 150 dual sport can accommodate very tall riders. @@dankxjobs1870

[@ighost2605]

Hi ! Is it more "top heavy" than CB500X ? Thanks

[@DorkintheRoad]

I don't think so. It's actually quite well balanced.

[@ighost2605]

Thanks !

[@ParallelCamper]

So, Honda made a V-Strom.

[@thmsprbr]

The V-Strom was basically Suzukis answer to the Transalp when it first came out, so yes, kind of …

[@anxiousappliance]

no

[@DRAGONRIDER385]

☺👍

[@maxtaylor1026]

Acoustic motorcycles🤣 Dork!🤨

[@michaelblanton8319]

Acoustic motorcycle! Lmao

[@badbruise]

Your collecting Hondas now ain’t ya?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Not my fault they make the best motorcycles in the world ;)

[@badbruise]

@@DorkintheRoad I agree!

[@anxiousappliance]

laaaaaavaaaaaaa

[@alexhart3395]

Yesssss more cringe jokes at the end!

[@DorkintheRoad]

That's my specialty!

[@armadilllo]

needs cruise, don't need modes or quick shifter

[@galenamall2061]

Ya you should test ride a XL600V Before driving that new pos.

[@the_E4_Mafia]

Tube tires….no thanks