Honda Transalp 750 vs Suzuki Vstrom 800 DE - Part 2 | KNOX

Honda Transalp 750 vs Suzuki Vstrom 800 DE - Part 2 | KNOX
This is the second part of the Knox Middle weight adventure bike test, Transalp Vs Vstrom, where we continue our adventure in the English Lake District.
With miserable weather and wet tents, we started day 2 slightly less enthusiastically. But once we swung our legs back over the bikes and got on the move again, all was forgotten and we continued our quest to figure out which bike comes out on top.
With more mountain passes and trails, we put the bikes through their paces. In a closely fought comparison, we come to our conclusion that the Suzuki V-strom 800DE just pips the Transalp for the win, although there wasn't much in it.
Hope you enjoyed this series, please let us know in the comments section whether you agree!
While doing so, please make sure you drop us a like and subscribe to the Knox channel.
See you on the next one!
KNOX
www.planet-knox.com
In this video, Aaron was wearing:
Knox Urbane Pro MK3 - www.planet-kno....
Knox Rydal Jeans - www.planet-kno....
Knox Covert MK3 gloves - www.planet-kno....
Knox Studio Rucksack - www.planet-kno....
Knox Wellbeck MK2 Waterproof - www.planet-kno....
Knox Walker MK2 Trousers - www.planet-kno....
Mossy was wearing:
Knox Urbane Pro Utility Mk3 - www.planet-kno....
Knox Urbane Pro Trousers - www.planet-kno....
Knox Orsa OR3 gloves - www.planet-kno....
Knox Dual Active Base Layers - www.planet-kno....
Knox Wellbeck MK2 Waterproof - www.planet-kno....
Knox Walker MK2 Trousers - www.planet-kno....
In this video, we quoted a Devitt Insurance price. These were based on the below. *Devitt Insurance Quote is based on Mr Average. Mr Average is: Based on a 40 year old married Bank Clerk, living in LA13. Kept in a Garage, held full bike license since 2000. Bike has Biketrac and a Datatool S4 C1 Red security. No accidents or claims. Comp cover, 3000 miles, 5 years protected NCD and just SDP use Please see www.devittinsu.... In this video, we quoted a Devitt Insurance price. These were based on the below. *Devitt Insurance Quote is based on Mr Average.
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[@jimpartin1144]

Just a small point, you listed the Vstrom as having a “preload adjustable rear shock.” The Vstrom has fully adjustable suspension front and rear.

[@bigbadal1234]

Quick shifter on the vstrom as standard too

[@nativeoutdoors1780]

​@@bigbadal1234bi directional too

[@JustAnumbr]

Great tent and review

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks! 👍

[@bnolsen]

In my experience honda tends to cheap out compared to is competition. Although in this case it is cheaper. The Suzuki is just flat out better built.

[@fixento]

Why are bikers who are on gravel or dirt roads concerned about ground clearance? None of the adventure bikes are enduro or dirt bikes jumping logs, traversting boulders, doing trails, etc. An example is African Twin leaping up on cars, steep vertical embankments showing it's capability by a professional off road and enduro riders in his twenties, who is not who is buying and riding adventure bikes.

[@KnoxArmour]

We were a bit worried because the trail we were on had some rock steps at the bottom of it and did not want to hit the sump, especially on the Honda. Think the sort of ideal gravel trails these bikes are at home on don't often exist, at least where I live. They might be perfect for some of the trail, but then there will inevitably be a rougher section that is part of the trail. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@cheetor18]

There is the weight of the bike. Most adventure bikes weigh over 220 kg with luggage and stuff, the suspension just bottoms out most of the time from a simple jump at moderate speed. Suspension just does not work the same as it does with an enduro bike, when you go enduro with your mates you pack light, for a day or so. Also having a bash plate is a must, you never know when you make a mistake that might leave you stranded.

[@simonthomas5367]

I recently took my 2018 ATAS down to Barcelonnette Alpes Moto Festival. Loads of tracks and trails around, some more gnarly than others. Most challenging day was the ride up to the Tunnel du Parpaillon. Very rocky trails, huge ruts, water crossings and chunky loose gravel. We were not hanging around and I was very grateful for the huge ground clearance of my AT. But she’s heavy. I’d be interested in the Trans Alp but it’s pitiful ground clearance means it’s a no for me. I’d need a Tenere or 890 Adventure S.

[@africaadventureteam706]

​@@simonthomas5367make yourself a favor, test drive the 800 DE. Just saying, after 79300 km on my 2016 AT

[@carlosandleon]

Last time I bought an AdV I dinged the underside and exhaust. So yeah I do appreciate some ride height.

[@erkutgurun]

Great comparison. Just a suggestion.. When you're making your FINAL decision about which bike, and you're talking about the negatives/positives, it would be greater help for the undecided if you didn't mention the things that actually CAN be changed for a small fee, like bigger windshield, no bashplate, no handguards, etc. Those cost next to nothing to get better versions. But things like more low end power, bigger tank, tubed tyres, definately worth talking about since they can not be changed so easily. If you know what I mean. I mean almost everyone is going to spend 5-10% of the bikes value on accessories after buying the bike, so most little things will be perfected anyway. But thanks again for a great review. Subscribed!

[@lyubengeorgiev1751]

Today, I finally had the chance to test ride the 800 DE...I just can say...OMG! No idea how the engineers in Suzuki sorted this out but the V-Strom is such a versatile bike with amazing motor, brakes and suspension. I managed to test it in a place that I use to ride dirt bikes, so there was roots, rocks, small stones, single track and few fairly steep parts of the track that I would never do with my V Strom 650. As soon as you got it going even with few mph it just keeps on rolling and eating everything on the way...the capability of this thing in much harder roads than the one that you rode was extraordinary given the fact it was with a pair with 70:30 tires like Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour. I really hated the small screen on the A roads and the highway but in the forest it was just the right size. After I managed to sweat my self pretty good in the offroad mode (the Gravel mode of the bike works very well), I did some highway, vary bad condition tarmac rode with a lot of potholes, A road twisty road and again...the screen needs to grow a little bit or to be some kind of adjustable. I truly believe that this bike just needs the tires for the terrain that you will ride, some Barkbusters (or similar), adjustable screen, the crash-bars (that the test one had) and you will be ready to hit literally anything from crawling in a rock garden with 3mph to cruising the motorways with 100 mph (I was just doing that). I was playing all the time with the throttle control and TC as well, so the bike felt just like Dr. Jeckyll & mr. Hyde depending on the settings.

[@bartoszpajak2285]

I fully agree with you gentlemen! How could I not agree, having the V Strom in my garage since September ;-)

[@trailrider1980]

Same here. I am only a bit dissapointed with aftermarket parts selection. Limited exhausts, no bark busters yet etc.

[@bartoszpajak2285]

@@trailrider1980 Well, it’s a new bike and all the third party suppliers are already working on their dedicated lineup. I got all I need: crash bars form Hepco Becker, a bash plate from SW Motech, and Barkbusters. Since the handlebar is identical to the V Strom 1050 model, the 1050-Barkbusters do fit seamlessly. I don’t understand why they don’t just add it to the list, since they have the product already on the shelf.

[@yjud8540]

I bought the Vstrom. Because it was available at that time. I am amazed with the mid-range power of the engine. Its also a tall bike and will make you feel the weight on stops and in parking areas, moreover in offroad. The weight plus accessories for touring will make it significantly heavier. However, the engine, transmission, suspension, and the overall feel of it, will compensate the weight (all ADV motorcycles are heavy anyway). Quickshifter really works great! He's also right when he mentioned that going to corners is easier albeit the 21-inch front wheel. Im happy with my purchase. Both great bikes for sure and couldn't go wrong with the honda either way.

[@ogasi1798]

230kg ia hardly middleweight though, it just isn't, Tenere and so on are in that category and you could argue the Transalp just about slips in by a gnats bollock - over 210 is fat as a fat thing and 230 really is getting absurd

[@RSVRusso]

Great video chaps. Love the middleweight adventure catagory. The bikes do so much for the money offering amazing versatility. I've got an Aprilia Tuareg which would be great to see as part of this test. I'm a regular visitor to the lakes and use the TET and TNT lanes. What a special place!

[@Deanhenry94]

I haven't subscribed to anyone on KZbin for over 6 years, but you guys really deserved a like and a sub. I watched every second of this video, and the production quality made me smile throughout.. really well done. I also loved your two personalities when presenting the video; Big kudos to the editor. I would be interested in your thoughts on the new 2024 Suzuki Vstrom 800 RE .. which is now slightly more road oriented; would love to see a video on that.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks a lot, appreciate your kind words and subscription! All the best, Aaron KNOX

[@jthelakes147]

Aaron's comment is the most important. These bikes are about going places, seeing things and sharing adventures with friends. Thank you Knox. PS Love the Pro Urbane Shirt , just keep lightening it!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks! 👍

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Suzuki every day of the week for me. Really surprised to be saying that the Honda’s built down to a price and it clearly shows. Vstrom has better suspension, frame, more useable motor, better electronics and overall set up. Comes with more as standard too so isn’t really any more expensive viewed that way. It’s near to being the perfect all round bike. I’d go for the more road biased version though due to advantage of tubeless tyres and accept limitations of a 19 incher up front. Slightly shorter suspension travel will compromise serious off road use which is fine for most buyers. Add an alloy bash plate and decent screen and it’s a winner. I’d probably want some crash protection too. Great review and good to see Mossy on form! So glad to see the once forgotten middleweight class make a comeback. Bigger bikes have got far too heavy and complex. Long term ownership doesn’t seem a feature of modern bikes as people change them so regularly but a good middleweight is a bike you could buy and run into the ground for half the cost of their larger siblings with so many litre plus bikes being close to £20k or more these days😮

[@TylerMcCool]

Nailed it.. when I tell people the 800DE is the best "ADV" for the money I have gotten some funny looks, but it really is..

[@NealZ31]

I think I felt a rain drop watching this.

[@toddhynson8907]

I bought the Transalp due to availability and more dealerships to service the bike long term. I plan to upgrade the suspension. That seems to be the most important upgrade. But overall I am very pleased with the bike. On and offroad has been great! It is fun and has so many great features for the price, it is hard to complain.

[@davidmallia628]

Too close to call! The comparative should be with the KTM 790/890 adventure, Tuareg 660, Tenere 700,BMW 850, Ducati Desert X.

[@podunkman2709]

Tenere or even DesertX are absolutelly different category bikes.

[@davidmallia628]

@@podunkman2709 But why!?? Are they all not categorised as middleweight adventure bikes??

[@podunkman2709]

@@davidmallia628 Tenere is typical "off-road" motorcycle. Sure, u can use it even for city rides (as you can take volvo truck for Nurbering race) or take it for round the World trip but this bike was build to be off-road bike. "Adventure" means you ride long distance, sometimes in difficult terrain but mainly you stay on the roads. Adventure. And you have "touring" category; different ROAD fun. I do not get why people, some are even "experienced" riders, keep asking these ** questions like "Tenere or Transalp?". Or "Transalp or Tracer?"

[@bobo1793]

@@podunkman2709 the thing is most people don't ride the Tenere like they're enduro pro's anyway. Most of them like 90% on ashphalt and that's where the Transalp shines over it. The thing is the differences are not night and day, the Transalp will take you across 90% of the off roading most people would do, and only really enduro guys would ever put in the diffrence or notice it. In reality, the Transalp fairs better simply because it's more newbie friendly, the Tenere is top heavy and you will drop it more often, because physics are physics. Then going for Ducati, those are in a different price category, so even if it's a "middle weight" it's actually I think 211 dry, up to 230kg more with crashbars and such, while the Trans is just lighter all around. Only thing I'd change is maybe the suspension long term if you really like going hard on trails.

[@iangriffiths9930]

Would love to see a comparison between all the middleweight adv bikes, on and off road.. if you are not going to use an adv off road I don’t see the point in buying one, you would be better off with a touring or sport motorcycle, whatever you do most.

[@Thirsty_Fox]

I prefer lightness, ease of riding, and wind protection so it'd probably be the Honda for me (plus having tons of dealers around). A big thing for me is road presence and the tiny stacked lights of the Vstrom with no orange lights on make it really hard for other vehicles to see (especially in NA where all other vehicles have white+orange lights). Then again Honda was kind enough to only offer the Transalp in ashphalt-black here in Canada. Hoping we get it in red or at least white next year just to give it some extra road presence. Lack of cruise control on both and tubed tires is a disappointment for sure.

[@georgediakodimitris4805]

I think suspension and tubeless tires are really important so Vstrom is for me !!

[@cranedaddy678]

I'm glad you guys picked the right bike 😉

[@robchisholm72]

A sump guard and handguards are optional extra's on the Transalp as are heated grips

[@exothermal.sprocket]

That was an outright soggyfest.

[@colinbarber9324]

What make was the 4 man tent, it looked better than my Vango 3 man job

[@danielpearson4972]

Why in the heck do all reviews put a honda on a comparison with other bikes as your biased reviews will ignore it and always go for any other bike and only negative things said. Use a kids tricycle next time.

[@paolozafra5499]

Finally!

[@67daltonknox]

These "middleweights" are almost as heavy as my 1290SAS, so what's the point? Might as well enjoy the power of the bigger engine.

[@davekane4809]

Really enjoyed that. Love watching the trip. Would you mind sharing which campsite you used? Looks nice and simple and hospitable 🙂

[@KnoxArmour]

Glad you enjoyed 😉. Campsite was Coniston campsite. Aaron Knox

[@davekane4809]

Thanks for the reply

[@nevillebroadbent1601]

Knox What happened to version 4 of the Husqvarna FE701 upgrade ?????

[@ne-adv]

The Transalp is only preload adjustable, front and rear, with less travel than the 800DE with fully adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping, with that extra travel. 3/4" more travel on the front and 1.25" more travel on the rear, in addition to being able to dial in compression and rebound, make the 800DE a bit more dirt worthy than the Transalp. But that was in mind of the Suzuki engineers when they designed it, for instance, you can change the air filter (and oiled foam prefilter) without removing the gas tank. The Transalp is tamer. For about $2000 USD, you can get the suspension up to the level of the 800DE. As is, straight from the factory, but with a good 50/50 tire (like the TrailMax Raid's), the Transalp is a good beginner bike. Too bad the Transalp TC and ABS settings are not persistent and cannot be changed on the fly. And too bad the Transalp doesn't come stock with the quickshifter like the 800DE does.

[@moorepower13]

Honda and Suzuki have swapped places in the market. Honda floppy, bouncy, cheapo frame and buzzy motor. Suzuki has a real-world motor grunt, a refined frame and motor, and fantastic electronics.

[@chrishart8548]

Always used to be a premium for honda. Not any more.

[@moorepower13]

@@chrishart8548 ya got to sympathize with the time period they where working in, when they built the transalp. Suzuki just did it better.

[@chrishart8548]

@moorepower13 I was rooting for the transalp in the beginning, lower price more hp lower weight. Then I saw them both at the showroom I was very disappointed by the honda looked lime they'd saved money at every opportunity. The suzuki looked more like a bmw with a suzuki badge. Could be though it's basically an F800GS 15 years later,

[@gronno]

I'm happy with the build quality on the honda some other reviews have scored it well on build quality as well. Rear shock preload is set very low by the factory probably to appeal to a wider range of inside leg sizes, set preload to 4 and it gets uts act together a lot better.

[@richm4402]

Wish they had styled the 800 more like their XT650. The 800 is too ugly for me to consider!

[@Scantcity]

Solid job! How do these compare to a Norden 901?

[@markbryan7625]

Are you fellas the same weight? Did you spend the 10 minutes it takes to set the suspension up or adjust? Many bikes ride like shit. Simple the suspension settings. Not the fault of the bike. Both bike look like they aren't finished but got sold anyway! Good effort guys. Miserable weather and hopefully the pub was warm!

[@chrishart8548]

The TA only has preload to adjust and lacks rebound in the rear shock. The suzuki could have probably been improved with a few tweaks .

[@kawabungah20]

This is a nice real-world comparison. This will help in a purchase decision downstream. Nicely done. Thank you!!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks!

[@rodneywright3370]

Love the VStrom, but lack of cruise control is a deal breaker for me. Should be standard at this price point.

[@chrishart8548]

These are budget bikes now !

[@chriskneifl3290]

I've got a Strom, and I try to stay as far away as possible from roads that lend themselves to cruise. It's really not a big deal unless you're grinding away on the highway, and if that's the case, the 800DE is not the best choice anyway.

[@d.d.7287]

Summer in GB be like...

[@safariterenas3176]

Mossy!!

[@clamils9138]

Suzuki v strom 800🟦🟨🟦🟨💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@jozsva8064]

V Strom good as first bike?

[@KnoxArmour]

Not a bad choice...

[@jtec99]

Suzuki or Yammie T7?

[@fixento]

Keep that thought, against the 750 the only thing the T7 offers is a better off road suspension, it is top heavy, has less power, torque and terrible road handling qualities. The V [P] Storm 800 is 505 pounds heavier, top heavy, same power, better road handling qualities but they reverted to tube spoked tire.. My son has the V Strom 650, a great bike, with the V engine vibration is nil, 35 pounds lighter than the 800, with tubeless spoked wheels. Weight is everything, you equipment them for off road riding with 40 pounds of crash/engine bars, skid plates, luggage and pannier racks and 60 to 80 pounds of luggage and camping gear, weight is everything.

[@Tom_pr]

Suzuki

[@falchiherve2024]

Nothing beats the suzuki 800..

[@moorepower13]

@@fixento Suzuki saw the reports of the t7 frames snapping and added weight for strength. A lot of riders prefer a tube tire due to trail-side repairability (slow I know but once it's done it's done).

[@jonwoodworker]

800DE all day long for me.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

Excellent review.

[@KnoxArmour]

Many thanks! Aaron KNOX

[@clayfarnet970]

If you ask me, they are both great bikes. I say, love the one you’re with…and have a blast riding the shit out of it! 👍👍

[@bitterlifes]

Without a doubt Suzuki it is better allrounder than Honda!

[@MyRandomLife247]

I bought the Transalp just on price. It's $4k AUD cheaper here in Oz than the 800DE.

[@morri03]

It also is the only adventure bike doesn’t look absolutely appalling although not in that grey colour way

[@adamskilton6629]

About $2500 cheaper, im weighing up the 2 right now

[@razorcain74]

Vibration horrendous on the Suzuki. Enough to put me off it.

[@jonwoodworker]

It's the 800DE for me and my type of riding. The Transalp just doesn't work on anything but flat surfaces.

[@moreorlesdone1497]

Thanks for your expert comments. As a Transalp owner, and knowing how good it is, I’m assured you’ve never even ridden one.

[@jonwoodworker]

@@moreorlesdone1497 Never said I was an expert. However, I have 40 yrs of riding all types of motorcycles, raised by a motorcycle engineer, I watched all the reviews and reviewed the spec sheets for the T7, Transalp, 800DE, and 890R. The 890R is the winner but cost and lack of dealer network made it a no. I waited 2 years for Honda to release the Transalp as I am a life long fan of Honda. However, with its non-adjustable suspension, very soft stock spring rate, low sump, lower exhaust, and a high rev engine character will make the Transalp a nightmare for my style of adventure riding. And once you add the skid plate the ground clearance is even worse. I did not ride the Transalp but sat on one while pursuing my 800DE. At 220 lbs it sagged about 2" which means the final ground clearance would be way too low for off road riding. The 800DE has fully adjustable suspension, stiffer spring rate, higher ground clearance, more suspension travel, more torque, far better low end power, better fueling, and larger gas tank. I got the 800DE Adventure so I'm done, nothing else to purchase to make it ADV able. I am guessing you didn't do your research, review the spec sheets, or rode the 800DE and just went out and bought the Transalp. The Transalp is lighter and a little more flickable than the 800DE but ironically the 800DE is as easy to pick up as the Transalp, based on the online reviews. So, before you pop off at the mouth and call people out, you might want to do your research. Maybe you did and all you need is a fast touring bike on a variety of flat surfaces and you will never be slow crawling over difficult ADV terrain. If so the Transalp fits that criteria very well.

[@icedidi]

🤣🤣🤣 righto - k thnx bye

[@jonwoodworker]

@@icedidi Glad you agree with me. K thnx bye

[@williamrae9954]

Literally why I did no mileage last summer...as that UN clown was drooling on about "Global Boiling",it was wet and 9C...back to cold summers as the planet returned to normal...listening Greta, emissions, cool,no emissions, all records broken ('21 and '22)?

[@theeschatechannel2854]

I want to like the Suzuki, but a 3700 mile oil change schedule is just to frequent for a proper adventure/tourer bike is my opinion. The transalp in double that… Honda would be my pick.

[@mickleblade]

That oil change interval is rubbish!

[@trailrider1980]

Its 7,500 miles interval after the second oil change and on. First oil change at 600 miles, second at 3750 and then 7,500 or once a year. I own one that's how I know.

[@mickleblade]

@@trailrider1980 ta, that's not so bad

[@trailrider1980]

@@mickleblade in all truth they are both great bikes. I would have probably bought the transalp if it was available and was cheaper. The vstrom is more expensive in USA but i bought mine at a discount so made the difference in proce smaller. I prefer the utilitarian look of the vstrom vs. The cb500x look of.the honda but for my purpose i would be happy with either.

[@theeschatechannel2854]

@@trailrider1980 oooohh ok. Thanks for clearing that up!

[@tomekes6584]

Very enjoyable, entertaining and informative vid. Kudos for drone shoots - they made all the difference.

[@mediocreman2]

Fix the suspension on the Honda, and the price will be closer. Suzuki has caught up a lot, but the Honda will be the one that holds the value and interest in years to come.

[@VizziMoto]

The Honda is just ugly and looks cheap.

[@chadmckenzie2095]

i agree. looks like a cb500

[@dhavald4359]

can't digest front looks of transalp. worst looking adv in front

[@papachis9535]

Dunlop advert?

[@KnoxArmour]

Definitely not, just a shout out to a great tyre that made the test even. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@papachis9535]

About as useful as a spare…….at a wedding. But thanks for sharing.