Honda Transalp 750 | Maintenance, Practicality & Ownership Experience (EP.4)

[@BigRockMoto]

IMPORTANT: PULLING THE ABS FUSE AS SHOWN MAKES THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER INOPERABLE - NOT ADVISED. I CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T NOTICE THAT WHEN I FILMED THAT SEGMENT - MY BAD. ➕SUPPORT➕ [I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel] ⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia ⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz ⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto ⚡ Pacific Powersports (Motoz Tires, Barkbusters): pacificpowersports.com/ USE CODE BRM2024 ⚡ 3D Cycle Parts: www.3dcycleparts.com/?aff=3 ⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640 ⚡ Cyclops Adventure Sports: tinyurl.com/2kaknpfn ⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A ⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/ TRANSALP: ⚡Veridian Cruise Control: veridiancruise.com/product/honda-xl750-23-transalp/ (USE CODE BIGROCKMOTO FOR A 12% DISCOUNT!) ⚡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 ⚡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 ⚡Dunlop Trailmax Raid: imp.i104546.net/eKbgoX ⚡Rabaconda Tire Changer: tinyurl.com/2j22c76t ⚡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 VIDEO SERIES OUTLINE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE!): EP 1 : Test Introduction / Why Purchased: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ66hHuEl5Kem5o EP 2: First Ride Vlog : kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioXFYqOJnJZ0pbM EP 3: Off Road Modifications : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWi5l4N9mdqmfc0 EP 4: Living with the Transalp (You're Here) EP 5: Highway Long Distance Test EP 6: Off Road Torture Test! EP 7: Pros/Cons @ 1000 Miles EP 8: Comparisons EP 9: Modifications

[@leonlevstik]

how about following the wires to the ABS sensor cutting those wires and making a switch from there? But try to disconnect the ABS sensor first and see the results if the odometer and speedometer work

[@BishBosh2010]

​@@leonlevstikthat will just send an error message for abs fault and knock out the speedo posssibly. How about disconnecting the electrical abs connection at the abs pump?

[@antonwearsakilt5209]

That's not a big issue if you are on dirt, one doesn't necessarily need to know how fast or slow one is going. As for tubes I've used Stan's latex tube sealant in many bike's inner tubes that stuff is amazing, before using it I'd have about 2 flats a month where I ride, lots of thorns from cacti etc, after I added this to the tubes not one flat in almost 2 year's. It does add a little weight however it stops 99.9% of flats so far.

[@leeinwis]

Everyone woulda noticed and put it back in, no big deal.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

There are usually 2 ABS fuses, like in my T7. Just gotta make sure you pull right one.

[@DorkintheRoad]

What a cool chart! Thanks for the shout out, buddy!

[@HardPackedADV]

I've got a T7 and a TA XL750 (plus a Vstrom 250) in my garage, and let me tell you, your videos are top-notch. They cut through the fluff and get straight to the point, unlike some other reviewers who barely spend 20 minutes on a bike before sharing their thoughts. Your real-world approach to reviews is spot-on. Keep up the great work! Greetings from Australia. P.S. I love the TA

[@Joel-vb5cr]

If you had to pick one, which would be your choice?

[@JimGoryeb]

You make a great point about why Honda doesn’t put cruise control and other features on the Transalp; not wanting to cannibalize sales from the AT. This is exactly why no other manufacturer can make a middle weight adventure bike like Aprilia can with the Tuareg 660. That bike is not competing with other models in Aprilia’s lineup so they can throw the kitchen sink at it…cruise control, quick shifter, advanced electronics, tubeless rims, etc… and not worry about losing sales elsewhere.

[@rcvg69420]

@bobsacamano5639 Of course they did.... the only piece of hardware the Pstrom and TA need to have cruise control is a button to operate it. They both have electronic throttle bodies so cruise control is just a matter of software and buttons to operate it.

[@JimGoryeb]

@bobsacamano5639 My point was that Aprilia is able to offer those features, usually only found on 15k+ bikes like the 890 and DesertX and 850GS and do it for under 12k because they don’t have other bikes in their lineup to worry about. The cost/feature equation is simply different for them than it is for other manufacturers.

[@JimGoryeb]

@bobsacamano5639 by the way, I would argue “yes” having cruise and other electronics on the 890 definitely draws some buyer from the 1290. But KTM doesn’t mind because the profit differential between the two bikes is not as great as between a Transalp and an Africa Twin. Honda absolutely could offer cruise control and probably DCT as extra cost options on the Transalp. So why don’t they? They’d make extra money on each Transalp. Or could it be that they want to differentiate it from the AT?? Hmmmm?

[@903lew]

Guzzi does the same with the V85 TT. No internal competition = Better bike.

[@Meqanicull]

@@JimGoryeb Yeah the Transalp primarily serves as a gateway to the other more expensive adv bikes in the lineup, the whole point is to funnel sales to the more expensive bike by getting either former transalp owners looking to upgrade or new prospected owners turned away by the lack of “features”. BMW does the same thing with their F750gs, there is an example of this tactic with almost every manufacturer. They all could offer these features as an option, but why would they do that when they can easily get a buyer to buy the more expensive fully loaded next step up bike which would make them more money than 1 feature as an option.

[@cliftonsr]

You knocked this one out of the park Ian, a real homerun for maintenance, practicality and ownership experience. The Transalp 750 will probably be one of those bikes where there will be a lot of aftermarket potential to come because of it being such an awesome machine to practically go anywhere more enjoyably easier than most other adventure bikes.

[@leonlevstik]

Exactly. Maybe even smaller oil sump and reroute the exhaust. But the oil intervals would be shorter. Less oil more particles per cubic inch, more damage to the engine. I think that weird shaped oil sump serves as metal particles dump site. Less circulation, and oil flow is reduced locally so partials can settle there. Therefore are not circulating through the engine. A good design having long engine life in mind

[@stellarwandertale2128]

Great video. I own a 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE Adventure and I just rolled over 3000 miles on the bike with about 1800 of those miles off road. I think it is the best all around adventure bike for all things ADV. It is a true SUV of motos. If the Transalp had a different situation with the air filter and less annoying technology, it would be a close draw between the two. I debated between the two but I'm happy with 800 DE Adventure. I think the air filter issue alone on the Transalp would drive me bananas. Thanks for another great video.

[@arnaudvasquez7637]

It’s called an oil sump. This design looks good for collecting and keeping heavy dirt particles close to the oil drain bolt. Also, this design is perfect to eliminate the risk of the oil pump un-priming. With the oil quantity, it looks like Honda went for high engine durability. Shame about the air filter though. Great video Ian

[@PisgahGravelProject]

Absolutely nailed the comparison segment. Spot on. Well done. Watching the rest of the video currently, but I am sure it's spot on too. Ian's ability to objectively ride and report is unmatched. Period.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

Great job with the rest of the video. There is no way anyone doesn't learn something from this type of content. Just the different viewpoints and myths being addressed is nice to see. Seeing things through a different lense is something we can all benefit from.

[@TommyNitro]

Ian's content is top notch.

[@trapskilla]

@@TommyNitro one might say top of its class

[@EthanFrank-nl7jc]

Awesome video, you are leaps ahead of your competition when it comes to real world experience. I really enjoy how you are not biased at all and really want your viewers to learn all in and outs.

[@BuffaloweRider]

Advantage of a tubed tire. Any normal puncture can be repaired without removing the wheel off the bike while your out on an adventure. Yes you have to carry a couple extra things such as 2 small tire spoons, a small can of wd 40, a tube patch kit, a pair of side cutters or nips to remove the culprit, and a small pump to get enough pressure so that you can limp out of the woods. What you do is find the leak, then get the tire a little bit in the air via a rock or log. Mark the hole, break the bead with the spoons and wd, pull out the section of tub that needs to be patched, patch it, put it all back on and inflate as much as possible with the pump that you bring. Hell you can get 10 to 15lbs air pressure with one of those little bicycle pumps that attaches to the fram it's just going take time, but much less time then waiting for help or pushing it out on a flat which isn't easy. If you can get enough pressure back into your tire after repair then you can ride on. But how often do we get flats? On the trail with a proper tool kit I'll take tubed tires over non tubed every day. And that's my 2 cents on the matter but don't sit around waiting on your grain of salt because I had eggs for breakfast some I'm plum out. Cheers

[@The_RC_Guru]

28:00 there is a product called a switched fuse bypass that uses your fuse but in line to a switch and plugs into the fusebox. That’s what I use in a few applications, like this.

[@neilmarshall629]

Great channel! I appreciate your honesty and lack of political correctness towards manufacturs and engineers. It's their problem if feelings get ruffled. One of the best reviewers on you tube.

[@mtollmaster3747]

I can see some company making a killing offering a low profile oil pan and different exhaust. You know someone must be working on this already. Great job Ian. You are incredibly detail oriented and I share your frustration with poor engineering. I’m not in the market for this bike at all but your videos are great to watch anyway.

[@903lew]

I’m not so sure. It seems lika one of those things people always ask for but then they still go out and buy the regular bikes. ADVs are selling better than ever but people are using them for commuting and weekends on tarmac, very few are actually out there bashing them about. I fully respect the people that do but they are not a huge customer base, not big enough to design a new engine or even oil pan. I figure most of those that want to enduro buy an enduro/dual sport.

[@teleosus1]

I don't know the specifics of what's inside the oil pan but chances are there is an oil pickup tube and screen extending down into the referenced protuberance, so that part may also need to be customized along with the pan and exhaust. :-( Personally, I prefer a proportionally more street oriented design with some off road pretensions so the low ground clearance doesn't bother me.

[@leonlevstik]

Well, In the way I would ride it, an air filter change isn't a deal breaker. And thank you for this really good review and update.

[@papaduck2443]

Hey Ian, Dork in the Road points out that the Yamaha T7 has the same ridiculous exhaust and oil sump as the Trans Alp. Looks identical! So Honda isnt the only one using that goofy design and its probably a purpose built design. Also, great video and man, thanks for showing the process to clean the air filter. What a pain in the butt!!! That may be a deal breaker for many. I understand that putting the airbox under the tank gets it higher up and thats great for riding through water that is higher than the seat but having to take at least an hour to clean the air filter is totally bogus! I will admit that the Trans Alp still looks very appealing.

[@motorcyclesandguitars1892]

Would be great to see you doing a tubeless conversion, how long it takes, how much air you lose afterwards in 24h/a week etc. Thanks for all the great content!

[@mikefarnden2893]

If it helps, I converted my Africa Twin rear to tubelesss rear just using the 3M tape, been on about 4 years now, never had any problems, maybe have to top it up twice a year.

[@podunkman2709]

Unless u have really dedicated tubeless rims, "conversion" will not work. KTM is good example that rubber or any other "solution" is... not a solution.

[@MyRandomLife247]

Can't wait for the actual offroad footage. I find a lot of people complaining about air filter access etc. have never actually wrenched on a bike before. I admin the Aussie page and everyone on there seems to love the bike. I purely bought mine on price, it was about $4k AUD cheaper than the 800DE and $5k cheaper than a T7 (same price as 2nd hand ones). If you're not willing to compromise on shit air filter access for an otherwise remarkable bike, I don't think adventure riding is for you as all the other bikes have their own quirks. Yes the T7 is better in every except but have you tried taking one off the sidestand with a full tank of fuel? It's so top heavy! The TA on the other hand is so light and manageable, I feel like I could take it more places than the T7. I have some suspension (cartridge kit, rear shock) coming for mine which will improve the ride and ground clearance. Keen to see what you do with yours!

[@chrismiller4863]

Nobody doing reviews like yours that give insight into real world livability and very helpful to hear your thoughts on suspension travel. For someone like me, my skill level and confidence off road would be the real limiting factors.

[@beeweewee]

Really unfortunate about the ABS hack. Will definitely be patiently waiting for some kind of workaround. Also had not considered highway pegs for a more relaxed ride until I saw this. I'll have to look into which ones I'll want to put on the OEM crash bars. Thanks for the video!

[@chrisg6534]

Fantastic video, the honesty, realist, experience, and knowledge. Definitely set you apart from other reviewer‘s. Please keep up the great work!

[@markjones5235]

No BS. This was a hell of a video. Learning the nuts and bolts is imperative and you are saving future Transalp owners a lot of frustration. Thank you.

[@balrognemhed5222]

Ian, care to speculate on how much of a hassle valve clearance check/adjustment will be on this bike?

[@rbgalloway1]

I bought my TA about the same time as you and Dork. So I've been following along in your journeys. This video was EXCELLENT! I bought the TA for exactly the purposes it was designed. Mostly touring without fear of dirt and gravel when I want. I have a CRF300L for the opposite scenario. Fortunately, I live only 30min from my dealer. So I'm going to let them change that dang Air filter 😅

[@E_Clampus_Vitus]

On my last bike, I rode thousands of miles and cleaned the air filter once in a while, not very often. 🤷

[@jkmayhem]

I still love my transalp. Curious to see more on that fuse/switch to get of traction and ABS. A friend of mine tipped me on veridian cruise. Witch is a company that make cruisecontrols. And they are developing a cruisecontrol for the transalp based on a africa twin throttle body. They told me april/may ish. So i am excited about that if they manage to sort that out. Love your vids Ian. Fantastic work as always.

[@mda1856]

The oil pan has a deep sump for a reason. I expect the oil pick up tube goes most of the way down and the sump is deep to prevent sucking air in the pick up tube over rough terrain or when banked over in a turn. Your skid plate solves the problem. Thanks for another great review.

[@mariomotorcyclediaries]

For tubeless conversion in Italy we use Bartubeless conversion and it works great! I don’t know if they send across the pond though

[@garethgay9133]

Man, your family is amazing, you guys made me smile so much, thanks x

[@df3yt]

10:43 Ground clearance should be combined with wheelbase. It's often the breakover angle that causes issues.

[@corujariousa]

Thanks for the video! Two other aspects that are critical for me are: Reliability history and maintenance cost. I expect the Tuareg to be far below the others on these aspects.

[@pigmeal2224]

Bravo bravo BRAVO 👏👏👏👏. You gave us EXACTLY what we need and NOTHING we didn't .... and you're the first in the WORLD to do it. We've literally waited over 4 months for this - we got our bikes a smidge earlier in Aust. Great respect mate, and again I thank you for doing the work. You deserve the subs. DE800 for us now 🥂🥂👌👌.

[@PovilasPanavas]

What a great video! Thank you. I also don't think it matters that speedometer and odometer is not working when ABS fuse is out. If one rides off road they will know approximate speed anyway based on feeling or on revs/gear combination.

[@szewcu8308]

I sincerely congratulate you on such a good film. I am impressed with the professionalism and work put into it. This is the only film of this kind of detail. My TransAlp is waiting to be picked up at the Honda store, pick it up when all the accessories are installed and the weather is good, because it's wet in Poland right now (November). TA will exist next year. I bought it for cycling with my partner, I think for this purpose the motorcycle is equipped with your function. Greetings from rainy Poland and congratulations and thank you once again.🥇

[@TheFriction_Zone]

I have money down on a transalp and your review was one of the reasons I did that. Hoping to bring it home tomorrow and start customizing for my self. Thank you for the brilliant content!

[@dsge07]

I don't really want to buy a TA, but I like your videos in general and comparisations in special. Good job and I appreciate your tremendous effort.

[@christiannavarro1154]

I own the bmw 750gs and feel like is one of the best bikes out there for road riding, hard to beat, on price and equipment. Bmw spare parts are expensive though, but if you’re looking for an awesome road bike the 750 is really underrated it’s an awesome bike.

[@SomewhereInside]

Riding the transalp , with alpine tech 7 enduro boots , rear brake feel isn’t good with these boots on , gear lever operation ok , but nowhere as smooth compared with using softer boots . But trying to persist with the top protection tech 7 boots for safety reasons . The tech 7 boots were much better with the 300 rally . It’s a tippy bike , make no mistake . You have to be switched on in regards to braking whilst stopping , this is from a 28 inch inseam rider perspective . The long suspension will dive at the front if you get your braking wrong . Rear brake when coming to a complete stop , smooths out the braking , but with stiff boots , using the rear brake isn’t a precise experience every time . Rain mode , for some reason is the smoothest in most scenarios . The footpegs are too wide and force a shorter inseam rider to place foot behind peg when putting foot / feet down .

[@ttdsspain]

First of all, congratulations for your work, I think you do the best motorcycle reviews you can find on the internet. The crash and lift tests you do on the bikes are great. But I would like to recommend you one thing, would there be a way to try to measure in some way the center of gravity of the bikes? It is an information that the manufacturers do not give, but I think it is very interesting for many people. Again, thank you very much for your work. (sorry for my english, Im spanish)

[@richm4402]

Thanks for another excellent review! Definitely the go to channel for authentic reviews. Air filter maintenance might be a big deal for some people but as you mentioned it’s not that bad once you’ve done it once. Realistically the majority of Owners won’t be changing filters until 25k (km) which probably coincides with the scheduled valve inspection.

[@majash]

The most honest reviewer out there hands down.

[@user-iw8tz9zf9k]

The best review channel channel ever. I literally get every answer that I'm looking for 👌🏻👏🏻

[@BigRockMoto]

Wow, thanks!

[@semicharmedkindofguy3088]

Very comprehensive review! As a newbie motorcycle owner it's great to see experienced people get into the nitty gritty of the motorcycle experience

[@johntapley2549]

As Transalp owner I found that very interesting. I like to work on my own bikes so I was very intrigued to see what's under the tank. I plan to pull my bike apart over the winter months and discover for myself what's hiding under the plastic.

[@ciribyte]

Great series on TA ! I can now plan which upgrades may be seriously kept in mind on the short list. I agree that cost of standard setup is competitive but if you want to improve your TA the overall costs increase very quickly. Could be interesting to focus on final setup vs other brands with similar configuration. Thanks for your helpful reviews. Lamps form Italy.

[@nickosbagios]

Great job Ian! the greatest one. I own a TA750, for use little bit commuting, small trips (with wife) and round around with friends. I will mention the top cons and pros. for my point of view. Cons are, the preload adjustment (with key), and the lights (terrible). Pros are power, brakes, weight and in the top is that when I ride, I have a great balance.

[@stephenkramme7063]

Juat a small suggestion on the oil change. Please replace the aluminum crush washer on the drain plug. It is designed to be a one time use washer that deforms to make an oil tight seal. If it is not replaced the tendency is to over tighten the drain plug which could pull out the threads in the oil pan.

[@Stubor-z6c]

Your daughter looks just like you.....happy to see you building your family, while pursuing your passion. Really enjoy your work...I am so impressed with the Honda Transalp. My last bike was a Yamaha Super Tenere 1200 and it was very very heavy.....Like 580 Pounds wet heavy. And the engine vibration crept into my knees on long rides. Can't imagine what 450 pound bike must feel like in comparison to a 580 pound bike. Another thing most riders do not consider is the cost savings of dropping below 1000 cc INSURANCE wise. I think it will be significant.

[@auroratours6716]

HA ! Congrats Ian: The Transalp in your hands turned out as the "global review masterclass" ✌️🏆Thanx man!

[@fixento]

Great review, I just did the first oil/filter change on my Transalp 750. You don't need to pull out the fuse box and access the wiring. You can purchase fuse insert that allows you to switch the circuit on or off, If I recall it also has a fuse in the circuit that will protect the electronics. You will have of cut small slot in the fuse box cover for the wires. Slime claims their emergency tire sealant will repair a 1/4 inch hole in a tube.

[@richardcasey7521]

Hello, why is there mention of wiring mods in connection with oil and filter changes?

[@SB-fe4gt]

The drop test is a little difficult to watch but it provides very useful information...Thank You.

[@Piotrekwrocpl]

Thanks for the comparison man! I was initially considering Tracer 7GT (tourist rides on roads) but Transalp is larger and more appealing to me (I'm tall, heavy guy). After watching your videos, I will go with Honda.

[@carlosandleon]

tracer 7 is definitely tiny

[@MotoCampAdv]

Super happy Honda gave USA /Canada the Transalp . Legendary Globetrotter . Thank you for the in depth review on this machine.

[@JGKohlenberg]

Stellar review Ian! I especially liked the AT TA ergonomic comments. They’re very helpful as I’m a current ATAS thinking of switching. Airbox cleaning section was especially appreciated.

[@davidscrivener3872]

Having purchased a Transalp this past week you can imagine that I have been watching all sorts of reviews. First let me state that I appreciate the reviews that you do, the critical nature of your thinking about the bikes presented, and the format. Far above most you tube reviews. I get that your application may be a bit more towards dirt orientation than Honda intended the motorcycle for. Which leads to the displeasure with the oil pan. I'd like to offer a possible logical reason for the design. I say possible because I don't believe Honda puts much thought into air filter maintenance, which leads one to wonder why they would think that much about oil pan design. Anyway, I saw the oil pan a different way. With that "cone" design dropping all the way down to the drain bolt it affords the opportunity for all the schmutz to settle in a relatively small area when it drops out of suspension. There is virtually no flow down there, so in theory it should just stay put while the engine is running. Come oil change time, the hot oil is funneled to that area when the plug is removed, picking up velocity as it is squeezed through that small place. All of this then helps to wash the debris out of the engine, which, for obvious reasons is a good thing. Again, I may have thought about this more than the engineer, but I think that is unlikely. Just another thought.

[@BlazinBlades]

Hi Ian, Not sure if the US may have gotten a different fuel tank (you say 18 liters) but everywhere else we get the 16.9 Liter tank. So basically if the fuel economy is about the same you get 20 extra kilometers of range over the T7. Thanks for this great series!🍻🍻 Stay safe blessings from 🇮🇱

[@paul.vanhout57]

USA TransAlp is also 16.9 liters/4.46 US gallons.

[@patkennedy1]

Ian doesn't say, but he may be referring to the fact that you can fit another litre above the baffle plate in the tank, which Honda don't recommend filling above. But I regularly fill mine to the top, with no issue so far. I did 390 kms without running out. The important statistic is that when the last fuel 'bar' starts flashing you still have 3.7L left. Enough for 80 kms or 50 miles.

[@BlazinBlades]

@@patkennedy1 Never heard of that. Great tip! I wonder if I can do that on my T7 as well? (Just for longer rides as I don’t want it any top heavier than it already is)

[@hagen-oo2cm]

Thanks for a really informative and helpful vid- especially the segment on the air filter. I do dusty rides on my KLR and appreciate its easily accessible air filter in its little side cubby; I'll be moving on from the KLR and I'm now more leaning towards the 800DE rather than the Transalp because off that issue.

[@E_Clampus_Vitus]

I can’t decide which bike to get. I gave up on the Transalp for the air box location as well. Now, I’m thinking, I don’t clean the filter very often anyway. 🤷

[@martythompson6509]

Hi Ian. I found your fuel usage info interesting. I must have got a Wednesday bike. I can't make mine use as much fuel as yours. On the highway sitting at an indicated 105-110kph, my instruments tell me I'm averaging 3.8. but when I fill it (done at home using my marked out fuel cannister) it comes out at 3L/100klm. On the weekend I did 200klms of hard off road. All 1st to third gear stuff. Lots of hillclimbs, creek crossings, bogholes and more erosion mounds than I've had shits and the computer was telling me 3.9L/100klm. But again when I refilled it at home it came out to 3.5L/100klm. The tank is 16.9 litres, so that's well over a 400klm range even in the snotty stuff and around 500klms on the highway. I'm no A grade motocrosser, but judging by your videos, we'd probably be showing each other a wheel if we went riding together. So I'm not babying it, nor wringing it's neck. Have you measured the fuel put in or are you going by the trip computer when calculating fuel consumption?

[@erkutgurun]

Thanks for the video. Just as I started watching this, within the first 2 minutes, I noticed that among your comparison bikes we cannot see the KTM790 (regular, not R version). I was wondering why since both are more road biased bikes. I'd love for you to add this in your future comparisons as it, to me, deserves it as another direct competitor. Also you mention reason why Honda didn't put a cruise control on the Transalp is not to affect the Africa Twin sales. They why does KTM put an optional cruise control on their mid spec bikes. I'm sure they also want to sell their 1290 adventure bikes. And why does the Transalp offer a quickshifter as optional. Doesn't that kill the sales of the Africa Twin? A lot of stuff why they do this and that doesn't make sense.

[@charliebaz86]

Was thinking the same thing, also CFMOTO 800MT (IBEX)..

[@slakk5093]

It’s because Japanese manufacturers are not competing with KTM a lot of the time. There are a lot of people that will buy a Japanese bike for reliability over a KTM/Aprilia for features. KTM sell about 380,000 bikes a year, Honda sells between 16-18 million bikes per year. They are different things entirely, they are playing different strategies. KTM is competing with itself (and it’s working) and the Japanese brands are competing with each other.

[@erkutgurun]

@@slakk5093 soon the Japa will realize that they should be competing with KTM

[@slakk5093]

@@erkutgurunI agree, they should be already. KTM really needs to work on quality control and reliability before the Japanese will take them seriously I think though

[@somatyk]

Still the best channel for a truly detailed review covering everything that actually matters. Shame about that oil sump and the tubed tyres.

[@houseofroos]

really glad you showed the seating position, most often overlooked by reviewers

[@doolittlegeorge]

This is a great looking machine. Love the mods. Honda continues to dominate going on basically 50 Years now. Still love my stand up battery powered looking forward to an upgrade of that maybe a folding bike. Current Honda lineup from Grom to 125 Trailsport to NC750 to this to the Goldwing....and all the others ... all supremely competent. Verdict: if only cars were made this good.

[@MotoXplor]

Excellent review that I almost bypassed because I don't really give a damn about this particular bike. I bought the Versys 1K partly based on your review. Thanks for all of the hard work that goes into your insightful videos.

[@nickabrahall1412]

+1 on awesome review. The reason I got rid of my AT was top heavy and AIR FILTER. the fairing clips were everywhere and busted with a hard look. Love your weight reduction mod 😂😂😂 Keep up the attention to detail it’s your KZbin superpower

[@jl4091]

I would love this kind of review on a Kove 450.Nice job

[@gili7333]

Good job Ian, really love you’re property, and family look sweet, keep up the good work, love you’re stuff.

[@mikelobdell2666]

I really want to like this bike but I think I would actually prefer the vstrom 800LE. As you said most people are not going to do serious off road with this kind of bike so my feelings are - Vstrom 800LE Lower seat height, tubeless tires, low rpm power, same price as transalp, and no deal breaking air filter ridiculousness. Put dirt road tires, a skid plate and hand guards on the 800LE and call it a day.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

One trick I've used while chaining oil on motorcycles, most of them having the exhaust plumbing beneath the oil filter draining spot, is to drape some aluminum foil over the pipes where the oil runs off, keeping all oil off the exhaust system or anything else that it's going to make a mess on. Cheap and effective.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

Comments on the tubeless vs tube debate. If you break the bead good luck getting it resealed with a little airmoto pump or C02 cartridges. Carry a tie down. Met a guy on the Blue Ridge Parkway who had a bad flat on an older r1200gs and i ran into town to buy a ratchet strap. Tried the racket strap trick....didnt work....had to take the wheel off any way to be able to ratchet strao it and to apply pressure with our knees in certain places to get the bead to seal. 3 hour ordeal. Made a good friend out of it though, still go on a few rides a year with him. For me, its tubes all the time. A tube is fixable on trail. A leaky spoke(s), cracked wheel or leaky valve stem isnt typically an easy fix, and you'll have to pull off the wheel, get out the irons, pull the valve stem and put in a tube anyway. One thing that helps alot is to practice changing tubes at home when youre bored. A couple times a year to practice at home will save you hours in the field. I totally understand the benefits of tubeless. Being bale to plug a tire in 5min as opposed to 30min. That chances of bottoming out my suspension in the rocks and cracking a wheel are far greater than picking up a random nail or screw on the road. Ill stay tubed.

[@BigRockMoto]

great explanation thanks

[@ThomasAnderson-g9j]

I enjoy my new TA almost as much as your videos! Keep up the great work you're doing. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@richardmellem3583]

Howdy Ian. I'm considering the Transalp so I'm really enjoying this series. Quick tips: They make little shut off valves for oil drain plugs. Eliminates that gross last turn of the plug that gets oil all over your hands. Plus the discharge allows for a tube connection, so routing the oil away from brackets is a piece of cake. Lastly: A power wrench would speed things up. I have (and love) my AC Delco ARW 1209. Compact, good power and holds a charge for a long time. I appreciate your work. Rich.

[@XLV750RD01]

The oil filter is a standard HiFlo HF204. Cost around $8.

[@kalnwi2023]

I can't afford that !

[@kmetmosnja6341]

This is first time I've checked this channel and you deserve all the money and support for your detailed work and explanation . You really did awesome job and gave unbiased info and your view on things. Airfilter change is same as i have on my 2009 Fazer600 and would be / is brake deal for me for on adventure bike where adventure is doing gravel and small dusty roads ... This bike with proper filter placement , cruise control, and bit higher exhaust would be perfect for world travel explorer , but since one can't change the position of filter or do and easy prefilter swap mode nope. Think you have loaded bike with all the crap , and after whole day of riding you need to do this while you're hungry and wanting a shower... Even worse if in tent mode where you have 10 other things to do. Drive through nepal or sibir and need to do this on some high road where your fingers get numb after 15 minutes and you need to deal with those small plastic screws AFTER TAKING ALL THE GEAR IN FRONT , AND THEN DOING THIS!!!.FUCK THAT AND FUCK HONDA!

[@denniekorpi5264]

like your bumper music - - you could very quietly use it between some of your comments. However, many channels play busy music too loud that distracts from narration. So, your method of videos is preferable to me! Good job!

[@hunkyleepickle]

I vividly recall changing the air filter on my Ktm 1290adv, what an absolute PITA!! By contrast my GS is about 15 mins even with my fumbling hands. Thanks to Ian for breaking this stuff down. These are real costs associated with ownership, either in your time or more likely dealer labor $$$.

[@christelting1359]

I think the oil pan design is smart. And it looks like a replaceable part which is really smart!!! It lets the oil drop down low into a small part for draining. Meaning you can actually drain most of the oil and not have much still in the bike when you add the new oil.

[@BryceAWD]

Seriously, great review. You have the most in-depth channel on KZbin

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

On my Himalayan I used a simple switch to interrupt the connection from the rear ABS sensor and it works like a charm. Might work on the TA unless it uses that sensor for the speedo.

[@benb2058]

Awesome! I have been @ the edge of my seat waitin for youre next in series videos. Gotta confess, I put my deposit down last Saturday! Cant wait. Im next in the order cue! The real life life with the bike reviews are priceless! Thanks I really appreciate it!

[@GrassFramer]

Great videos and I know you cannot include every bike out there but where is the CfMoto 800Ibex t on that list?

[@jessemarshall7176]

32:26 I wanted the Africa twin but could not find a single one in my state. My local dealer had the transalp. Glad I got that transalp. I wish it had the Africa twin tank though

[@GraemeChapman-d6z]

I really like how comprehensive your reviews are Ian. You are an excellent motorcycle reviewer. Many thanks 😊

[@roberthambly9926]

Nice looking family I sure hope Honda watches your channel! It's much appreciated thank you for all you do!

[@akhilraj07]

its a huge effort to make such videos and thankyou for making the videos.

[@scheun2]

I'm a bike nerd with a capital N. Really enjoy these detailed videos. Thanks

[@chillinchevapchichi]

Ian, simply the most useful and thoughtful review on Transalp (or any other bike for that matter) I have read or seen. Great work. Many thanks!

[@BigRockMoto]

My pleasure!

[@VeridianCruise]

Auto focus just really fighting you there! FYI we are working on a cruise kit for this bike. The ABS and Traction control stuff is super annoying. Once we can poke around in the bike MAYBE we can find a way to change the behaviour.

[@gregleingang9409]

Well, it is clear to me your next purchase needs to be a 1250GS with a sidecar so you have a spot for each family member, ha! Another excellent video here all around.

[@vspatmx7458]

19:37 Omg.. U totally go the distance. U got a huge pair buddy I Cud never / wud never do that.. Even if surrounded by bales of hay.

[@0HARE]

Thanks, Ian. This is the exact episode I’ve been waiting on. I’m about six weeks out from purchasing my new TransAlp. In addition to the mods you’ve showed us, I plan on changing out the exhaust to a higher clearance unit. I’ll be taking the bike back up to Dallas Honda for maintenance, mods, etc. They did a great job installing all the H2C Honda parts for my CRF300 Rally. I’m also talking with Dallas Honda about the Honda / H2C parts & accessories for the TransAlp. I’ll mainly be using the TransAlp for street use and touring. Thanks for the great, informative content, and Happy Trails!

[@jvf7762]

Awesome video. What I do when the oil is going to hit something is make a "deflector" out of some trash cardboard so that it will hit the cardboard and then all run down into the catch pan. I have an F-150 where the drain plug hits a cross member and this trick works like a charm and then your oil goes where you want it instead of where you don't.

[@5_C_G]

I can't wait for new custom parts/ modsfor this adv. ABS switch New oil pan housing Keep up the greate reviews

[@phatsmitty]

Ian, I hope you and Maggie and Sierra are enjoying the new place. Also, this is such an incredible era for anyone interested in Adventure Bikes or Dual Sports. So many models to chose from.

[@ricardorgomez]

I thought for sure I'd be getting the 2024 KTM 790 Adventure. Until I saw your series on the TA 750. Okay, it's a $1000 less and probably has less potential reliability issues than the KTM. Is the air filter a big deal? For my riding, not really. I don't do dirt often. So I'd be on the longer end of an air-filter replacement. I did a top-end rebuild on my Suzuki DR650 without any car/motorcycle mechanic experience by watching a KZbin video. The air filter issue looks largely time consuming. I'm okay with spending 3 - 5 hours a year on that if it saves me $1000 and other reliability issues. I've been watching your videos for a while and remember when you were at 60k followers. The quality of them has nicely improved and really like the extra segments concerning maintenance and life with the bike. How many KZbinrs do that? Thank you again and happy holidays!

[@Dim_Zaharakis]

Very good work and thank you for your effort! I bought translap 750 in july 2023 in Greece at 11.500 euros, something that is much more expensive from price in US. About air filter now, in my transalp 750 with the OEM side bars, you have to remove them also to change air filter and this is pathetic from honda designers.... I changed my oem air filter replacing it with an DNA filter (similar to KN but much better) and the proccess for that work was very disapointing to me when i realize the huge fault honda's designers did in this part... Merry Christmas to your family !

[@PaweSkalczynski]

Thank you Ian for that comparison with competitors. You are the best!

[@michaelskinner896]

Another great, in-depth episode! I really appreciate that fact that you tested headlight strength and performance, particularly comparing it to your KTM. I agree with your explanation of why Honda built the TA the way they did; not to cannibalize sales of the Africa Twin. Although as you know there is no Africa Twin for America, and there's no guarantee that we'll even get the 2024 model. I'm not holding my breath for sure haha. Yes, I do appreciate that Honda gave us the TA, but in matte black only, really? I don't even like gloss black, let alone a matte finish.

[@ant2400]

I have watched your videos for a while, having to catch up, since I was not into KZbin and just busy with MY life. You have good information and have grown really well. congratulations. FYI, NICE JEEP DUDE>

[@sebastiancortes4890]

Best review ever… looking to buy this bike and this help me a lot …Im from central América… saw múltiple videos in spanish but none of them was so good as this one!! thank you for such a great work… greetings from Costa Rica dude!!

[@humzilla707]

Caution on the tubeless kits. Most front rims don't have a safety lip for the bead, if you get a flat the tire can peel off. Best way way to convert is do it yourself 3m tape 2 layers with clear packaging tape on top. I've been riding for years with this setup on my supermoto.

[@markfenlon7049]

Massive thanks Ian for your efforts. For me (and likely many practical bikers) your channel is a big help.

[@kawabungah20]

Lots of great ideas here, even if I'm looking for a different bike. I always learn a lot from every one of your videos! The best objective moto-journalism around.

[@AdrianFalzon-ki3nf]

You helped me make my decision ian i was for Months undecided between the africa twin and transalp. i went to purchase my transalp today after watching your video. Your videos are amażing keep it up!! So well explained.