Honda XL750 Transalp Review | Its OK

I finally ride an Honda Transalp 750 , watch to see how it went.
Buy this bike: www.cjball.co.uk/
This is better in my opinion: • 2024 Benelli 702 X Rev...
Buy me a coffee, I like coffee : www.buymeacoff...
Follow me on socials:
/ nicksepisode
/ nicks_episode
My Recording Equipment:
DJI OSMO action 4
USB C mic
Chin Mount
Samsung s20
CapCut Editing Software
PC Rig:
Intel i9
64mb ram 4000mhz
3060i RTX
My Current Bike:
Honda Monkey 125
Since riding in 2005 these are my previously owned bikes:
Aprilia Pegaso 650
Aprilia Dorsoduro 750
BMW R 1200 GS
Derbi GPR 50
Derbi Senda 50
Harley Sportster Custom 1200
Honda CB1000R
Honda CBR600
Honda CB600F
Hornet 900
Honda NC750X
Kawasaki ZX6R
KTM 390
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Royal Enfield Scram 411
Sinnis 125
Suzuki Bandit 600
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki GSXR1000 K1
Suzuki GSX650F
Suzuki SV1000
Triumph Tiger 800
Triumph Street Triple 765 & 675
Yamaha XT125
Yamaha DT50
#Motovlog #transalp #xl750

[@patkennedy1]

Thanks for your candid report. I agree this bike feels a little 'underwhelming' on first try, but longer term ownership reveals a bike that is more 'quietly competent' than is obvious at first. Now over 15,000 kms on my white one here in Australia (and with thousands of kms on dirt roads) I can report that it gets better with time/miles. The engine becomes smoother, noticeable around the 4 - 5,000 km mark, the engine sound also smooths, and the ideal clutch action, remarkable fuel economy and easy balance at low speeds mean this bike grows on you. I say that after 61 years riding (and working on) motorcycles, and 50 years as a 'Ducati person'. I also have the bear-grip Honda footrests, and yes, they tingle a little more than the rubber ones, but are also slightly lower, more comfortable ergonomically, and way better for standing up. The vibes are negligible once you have done those initial miles. I also recommend reversing the handlebar risers for those over about 5' 9", for a much better steering 'feel'. I also got the wind deflectors 'thrown in' (along with the footrests) on purchase, as one of the first buyers in my state, and they DO help with the wind. But as has often been said, this bike is 'more than the sum of its parts', and is a great all-round 'daily'. I don't need cruise control or a quickshifter, and the fact that so many 'extras' are available at extra cost at least keeps the initial purchase price down, and gives the buyer the choice. Of course aftermarket offerings (like the bash-plate) are generally more keenly priced than Honda's accessories... A few downsides, like the lack of ambient temperature reading, or engine oil window, the funny-looking headlight (which isn't great as a light either, encouraging the purchase of the accessory lighting I guess) but for the price, it is a lot of bike. The heavier 800 Suzuki $3,000 dearer in this country, and the charming Aprilia almost half as much again as the Honda. But I am seriously enjoying the Honda, now nine months in, and would encourage those unsure to give it a try. Only the air filter access to criticise really, and I've only done that once so far, when I fitted a cleanable K & N. At least the original filter wasn't that dirty (at 13,000 kms) for how many dirt miles I have done. But this thing grows on you, and I ride mine most days, in spite of having several bikes. I like it much more now than I did on the initial test ride, and I am glad I got it in spite of some initial misgivings. It seems to take a while for it to reveal its smoothness and usefulness!

[@nicksepisode]

Thanks for sharing your real world experiences, that’s much more informative than someone riding it for a couple of hours and waffling. This comment has earned a well deserved pin.

[@ZoahPorre]

13:31 EVERY SINGLE BIKE should have cruise control... zero exceptions.

[@geddstock]

Really why?

[@ZoahPorre]

Why would you NOT want a feature that makes your bike easier to use?

[@geddstock]

@@ZoahPorre it adds nothing to the experience and it’s pretty dangerous I’m 60 and have never used it even in a car. But each to there own

[@ZoahPorre]

@geddstock haha I'm not a philistine, so you do you lolol

[@nicksepisode]

@geddstock ah gotta disagree with you there it saves fatigue making your trip safer. Using it in a car also great it enabled you to stick to speed limits too. Maybe have a little play with it on your car, once you make the most of it you’ll love it. But I guess like you say. Each to their own

[@mariokuppers5686]

Centerstand Option 216€ Nick. Kove 450 Rally or CFMoto 450MT as far you can lay Hands on it as an alternative to the KTM 390 Adventure. And because we all know you love Blue. CB125F in Matte Marvel Blue. Don´t ask why and thank me later for the Colour choice

[@nicksepisode]

Cfmoto 450mt is coming soon!

[@barrydaly7174]

Very nice review. I tested one of these yesterday Nick, and my thoughts were very similar to your own. Looks much better in the "flesh too." I really liked it until the motorway.... Why is it that the stock screens on most motorcycles are rubbish? They can usually be remedied either by those cheap deflector things or an after market Givi or Puig, so you'd think Honda would provide some sort of adjuster device or offer screen options, (Honda stock screens are usually the worse) . I am a short house too so it's not that. Just a call to a Puig director, could be a useful collaboration. The other thing is tubed tyres having had to repair many punctures with plugs I wouldn't go near a tubed tyred bike for a "daily."

[@nicksepisode]

Yes, Barry, i agree. This does always baffle me! Having said that, i recently tried a Honda Versesy 650, and it's MILES better, and the screen is adjustable! (Review video coming soon)

[@JohnRichardson-v2l]

As he passed you the solid white line was about to end.......couldn't be bothered to wait then....there's always one.....bad rider. 'Ull' east yorkshire.

[@nicksepisode]

Yeah, made me jump, lol

[@OperationFoxley19441]

Honda went backwards with the transalp, tubed tyres, no dct, headlight from the cb 500.😔

[@nicksepisode]

Agreed

[@michal.laskowski.]

nc750x dct every day)

[@nicksepisode]

I just wish it had a better dash display.

[@ZoahPorre]

Gold Wing!

[@nicksepisode]

oh dear, I may not be able to do that one, unless a nice person wants to loan me one for a couple of hours lol

[@ZoahPorre]

@@nicksepisode it may ruin you if you get the opportunity...Ive never ridden a nicer bike in my life, even ancient ones are great.

[@sandwaves5642]

Yes, it's possible, as Ian from "Hard Rock Moto" has demonstrated, install 3rd party stuff - the CC the tubeless wheels.... but then this bike is almost at the Africa price !! - exactly where the stingy Honda wants you to be ! Well : 1 - Many have no power to lift that heavy bike, if it's dropped. 2 - Many don't need the extra power, which drags along higher insurance costs and more fuel cons. And 3 - why to pay so much more for something you DON'T need ??!!?? PS - you DON'T need to hide the speedo !!! - NO ONE can charge you for speeding from a You-Tube video, unless you've shown a statement, that describes everything in the video as EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENTAERY ! Even then - it is under a biiiiiig Q mark ☝☝🧐 You-tube videos are of ENTERTAINING character, and can be manipulated in ANY way one wishes. I can show a speedo of 5000km/h - RIDING a bike, a car...on the road + in heavy traffic ..... , while in reality, I never moved the ass from my PC/Mac !!!

[@nicksepisode]

I love hard rock moto, best channel ever!

[@dickoos]

Your wrong on that mate, a guy got jailed recently for doing silly speeds on a bike and recording in the UK

[@dmertl75]

Hi Nick, great review as always. Nearly everything on that is shared with the Hornet, which is better imo and cheaper. I tried bikes with screens and I can’t get on with them. I’m tallish 6’2 and the turbulence above 50mph shakes my lid. Would love to see a review of the CFMoto 800 MT this brand is going to take some stopping with the bikes they have. Part of KTM.

[@nicksepisode]

Review of the cfmoto 800 mt coming soon!

[@robertwheaton5264]

Interesting Video Nick thanks, good to hear a honest no BS opinion 👍. What are your thoughts on this vs the NC750X as a third bike used for commuting and occasional run around on road bike? Thanks Rob I will now watch your NC750X review

[@nicksepisode]

The NC750X does it all and much better than this transalp. However the nc750x can lack the WOW factor

[@ptilrem]

I ended up not trying the TransAlp after trying the Africa Twin and the Hornet 750. Loved the AT, but not the Hornet. Like you said, the front felt loose. I noticed that on the Hornet, and the vibrations from the engine turned me away from trying the Trans. Coming from my smooth triple engine to a viby twin, I felt would be a disappointment.

[@nicksepisode]

Yeah, your predictions were correct!

[@kevinpendley3850]

Beautiful bike Nick! Thanks for sharing.

[@karlhoward2737]

It’s interesting comparing various bikes, for me who started out in 1978…indeed…I am that old….but it feels to me that most if not all makers of bikes have raised their bars, they all seem to be of much higher quality and great to ride…..almost too many great bikes to chose from…..if I could I’d have a few bikes to ride out on, funny enough wife not keen on that idea…great video again…..gives us all food for thought….cheers

[@nicksepisode]

Thanks Karl. I agree none of them really stand out from the rest. I think the overall bar has been raised and now plateaued. This is why I take a keen interested in the brand that haven’t peaked yet, such as benelli, CFMOTO etc.

[@karlhoward2737]

@@nicksepisode absolutely agree….this is the time for the so called lesser makes to get some airtime, you never know a few outstanding machines might get discovered….think it’s very healthy to not be blinkered and to spread your knowledge of other bike manufacturers…..interesting times ahead.

[@sao_rav]

It has a lot of design cues taken from Royal Enfield "Himalayan".. also Honda recently filed a lot of design patents that are similar to "Royal enfields"..this is very saddening !!

[@nicksepisode]

yes sorry i now know what you mean!

[@dharvesh7779]

Can you elaborate?

[@robertwheaton5264]

Thanks

[@thodoris3790]

How was the brakes and suspention?how much do you weight?

[@nicksepisode]

I weigh a staggering 16st. If the suspension wasn't adequate, i would mentiom it, but it was spot on, same for the brakes. Thanks for your feedback.

[@ZoahPorre]

00:15 posting the juicy parts? theres other websites for that :P

[@nicksepisode]

that's at an extra cost :P

[@ZoahPorre]

@@nicksepisode 😆

[@ZoahPorre]

4:15 Bah, no cruise control is pretty lame.

[@nicksepisode]

yeah, pretty much expected it on a nearly 10k bike ngl

[@BerDekMoncton]

Just add a Veridian Cruise Control

[@ZoahPorre]

@@BerDekMoncton oem plz

[@morenonico]

Nice review, but Benelli?...

[@nicksepisode]

Have you tried one ? We can't keep spreading the "old saying" that chinese bikes are less superior than Japanese bikes. The quailty is up there.

[@jfro5867]

@@nicksepisode funny when pretty much everything we get out of China is crap. It’s cheap with no quality. Your Benelli or CFMoto may be ok for a few months, let’s compare it in say 5 years, or 10 years? That Honda will go forever if looked after.