I bought a Honda Transalp XL750! Here's why...

It was time for a change to suit my lifestyle, which saw the Ninja 400 and Svartpilen 401 sacrificed at the ADV altar, to get a new Honda Transalp XL750, as the bike massively impressed me when I tested one out. Is it a midlife crisis, am I getting old, or is this one seriously good motorcycle? Long term ownership will soon answer all these questions. I suspect all three.
Big thanks go to MotoHUB Motorcycles in Castle Hill for getting me the colour I wanted and a great deal!
Check them out:
MotoHUB Motorcycles & Accessories
Unit 7/4 Victoria Ave, Castle Hill NSW 2154
www.motohub.co...
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motojournokris...

[@AndyBondo]

Hi mate iam an Aussie in France and have this bike and it is everything ! Bloody rock solid awesome.great power for 2 people. Heaps of power, great for shitty roads, and reliable. Once you learn how to pull it apart it's easy as pie Air filter is easy mate , sump is rock solid. I use sw motech for a bash plate, but have you ever seen anyone break the sump?. No. And you probably won't. I've seen a dude use it as a bike stand with a rock here, no probs. Lol keep the bike its a real all round winner hands down. I had a mate sell a t7 for this... Oh yeah I got heaps of cool mods. I use the Dakar pipe, it's cool in the flesh, and an arcerbis tank with a givi screen.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nice stuff! How do you find the larger tank for range?

[@mrEz87]

This comment almost as good as the review haha

[@AndyBondo]

@@mrEz87 cheers bro. My last bike was an R 18 BMW. And I actually like this bike way better. Roads are real shit here in France , we get animals , floods wild storms mud and big bugs that bite. This transalp handles all that shit , and the very windy bizzare road that go left and right and up and down all day long. Shes the queen swiss army knife , to do all it all .... After Australia, been ass over head a couple of times here lol. I had to learn to ride again, and get a bike the wasn't to big , but big enough to do it all. I flog The fuck out of it, and she doesn't miss a beat. 500 Kms on the arcerbis plastic tank. Cheers. Aussie in France. Fucken good place ✌️🍻

[@mrEz87]

@AndyBondo good on you! I'm in EU at the moment, and the adv/tourer scene is pretty cool here! I've had a lot of bikes, but when you swallow the ego, nothing beets the upright tourers or adv bikes IMHO. They don't look the best, but when you get over that, they just are the best! My favourite bike was a versys 650! Regret selling, wanted another but now looking the transalp. All the best!

[@AndyBondo]

​@@mrEz87 Good comment! To be honest. I have owned just about everything, and now I just want something to do the job daily. Going to work . Handling the elements , and being cheap enough to fix , and comfortable to go do a big ride on. . Motor Is gusty enough to take two and sit on. 130 all day long. Which is way quick enough. I really can't say anything bad after 6 months , expect the dealer was a real mofo here in France and cancelled my warranty because I did my first service myself. Bit annoyed about that , but luckily everything is sweet..

[@mikerichardson415]

Good choice Kris! I have had the exact same bike for almost a year now here in NZ. The bike is perfect for our poorly maintained gravel and sealed roads. Fast, economical, comfortable and fun. I have ridden over 100,000 km on 650 Transalps. Tubed tyres and under-tank air filter were never an issue, but I don't group ride in dusty conditions and have only ever had one puncture. The 750 Transalp feels lighter than it actually is, and is super easy to push around the garage. Don't know that I could pick it up though, so I am staying off muddy farm and bush tracks in winter!

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's such a fun bike right! That's very cool you've got so much experience with the previous Transalps too! How do you find the evolution? I'm not too fussed about either of those factors either, but I guess I'll see how I feel after I do the first filter service myself lol!

[@mikerichardson415]

@@MotoJournoKris In my opinion, the 750 demonstrates sensible evolution. I still own and ride a 650 so have lots of back to back experience. The 2008 700 Transalp isn't part of the evolutionary chain, it was more a side branch. The 650 was and still is a very capable and versatile bike. I have upgraded the suspension with gold valves in the forks and an Ohlins rear shock, but it handled well in stock trim. Lots of feedback provided from the tyres and chassis make twisty back roads super fun. I also removed the catalyser from the exhaust and put in an H&N air filter to ease the breathing. The 650 and 750 both make nice easy power down low for good traction on slippery surfaces. Similar up to about 6000rpm and then the 750 just goes ballistic! It is also more economical, returning about 21 km/l compared to 17 on the 650 when pushing on a bit. I am of two minds about the electronics. Probably helps on the tar, but definitely need to turn the traction control off in the gravel. Both bikes smooth and comfortable, but the 750 is much easier to speed on, which could be expensive if caught ...... Don't panic about the air filter access, it really isn't that hard if you have a few mechanical skills. The 650 filter stays clean for ever if you aren't following other vehicles on dusty roads. Cheers, Mike.

[@rwdrallying]

Im thinking of getting one here in NZ too, our roads are shite! Loved it when i test rode one... i do however struggle with the price tag here in NZ... way more expensive compared to the competition vs the rest of the world 😢

[@mikerichardson415]

@@rwdrallying Just buy it! Everything is expensive in NZ but we have great roads and weather for motorcycling.

[@Sventy11]

I bought one in the US last year in November, but recently ditched it for an Africa Twin base. The TA is kind of a baby twin in my opinion. Both the TA and the AT are very approchable and easy to ride. They carry their weight nice and low. I seem to fit tbe AT better being around 240lbs and about 6' tall.

[@megamember6195]

The Transalp is (nearly) perfect. Also bought one a month ago and i just done my 1000km service. Power, handling, seating postition, wind protection, shifting, sound, all is sooo nice. And that roaring Mercedes AMG sound when giving full throttle, hell yeah. I love this bike. Only negative thing i have is the throttle response at low speed, at town when get off the throttle and on again its a bit rough and hard.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, the bike sounds absolutely amazing. Hard to believe with so many bikes being very strangled standard! I haven't done a heap of stop/start traffic yet, mainly open roads, but did flick it into sport two up last ride to see if it was a bit smoother. It's a little more aggressive opening the throttle but did seem to help.

[@orionswitness]

On the TA I find placing the bike into Rain mode , makes this bike smoother in relation to the snatch of the throttle in traffic , stop start commuting and general cruisy ride situations . Once you experience it , it’s the go to mode .

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@orionswitness Yep I feel like I either choose Rain or Sport these days! But I've got less start/stop commuting, where Rain is good.

[@jfro5867]

Well Kris. Pretty much for all the same reasons as you I’ve just bought one, in white. I like the slightly understated nature of it aswell and thinks it’s a very handsome bike. I’m in England btw. I’ve been riding nearly 35 years now and had all sorts of bikes, I think engines around the 750 size give or take make excellent road bikes, because you can enjoy all they have without getting into stupid situations. More engaging a ride I suppose.

[@jfro5867]

slightly further…..forgot to say. There can’t be any higher endorsement than a KZbinr buying a bike with their own money. 👍

[@MotoJournoKris]

100%, it's a great engine size and the performance and even character are both spot on! I really like the styling/looks to, although that seems to divide people a bit more, although that's nothing new.

[@paolozafra5499]

Subbed, Great choice my man. I own one for about 8 months now and I already did a tour of my country (Philippines) with it, I rode with 2 Tenere 1200s and a v-strom 1000, boy not only can it easily keep up on highways, it was better (quicker) on tight corners in 2 lane mountain roads, u turns (The turning radius is just awesome) and I did not needed to be push/pulled on tight parking situations. The seat is also super plush and I never experienced any bum pains even with 12 hour saddle days. Get the quick-shifter if you can, It is AMAZING!

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm kicking myself for not planning ahead and ordering one straight away. Sounds like you've been having a great time on yours too, can't wait to get some more mileage on mine!

[@cloud9847]

the electronics bothers me and the off road capabilities concern me.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I don't think it's the most serious off-roader out of the box to be honest, but some of the ADV channels have decked them out with good results from what I've seen.

[@Wheelo40]

Picking mine up today! Also traded two bikes. They are scarce in the US with waiting lists at many dealers, so I feel fortunate to have grabbed one.

[@anthonya7066]

Nice bike, can't go wrong with it Kris. Look forward to your journey with it, and seeing mods. Nothing wrong with a gentlemen's ride for pie/pastry/coffee!

[@jfro5867]

Gentleman’s ride, like that 👌

[@moreorlesdone1497]

Great choice! I'm have a bias as I also have the same model and colour scheme. Surely the best value all rounder for the money on the market. Hope you got the QS as that adds to the road riding fun and is very uselful in the dirt when standing.

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's first on the list, I really should have ordered it with the bike!

[@samdog1096]

Nice bike, I couldn't afford the 750 in Nz. I think they re about 19k here, Yeah the land of the rip off. Anyway had to go one model down and I bought a brand new CB500x after having a Honda 300r. I really like my bike, has brilliant fuel consumption, fits me well and of course I like finding the ol bakery here too. We do excellent coffee just about everywhere theses days so that a bonus for us . Roads are pretty good here with loads of gravel and adventure bits to explore especially in the South island. Keep safe, the tin tops are everywhere now, and seem just abit more aggressive.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Very nice, the CB500X is a great bike too, especially for the price! I went on an ADV ride and there was someone on one, tackling all the stuff I did on a little WR250R, which I thought was pretty amazing.

[@unknownps]

Do you do your own maint? That airfilter access is a deal breaker for me, and yes i would occasionly use it off road in a group ride setting

[@MotoJournoKris]

I normally get some done at the dealer and do all the minor/easy stuff myself. Someone mentioned a mod that makes getting to the air filter much quicker so I'll look into that, as I've seen some videos of getting in there, and it's pretty convoluted.

[@panigalepilot28]

Nice one Kris. Always interesting to know what motorcycle reviewers choose for their own personal rides. I sold my Ducati V2 last month as I realized I am not 25 anymore :). Been looking at an adventure bike which doesn't cost the earth, because I know if I take it off road, I am gonna drop it. So, it's interesting to see future videos about the bike. I am leaning towards the CFMOTO 450MT or Benelli 702X, because of the sharp pricing and Chinese bikes becoming better quality than they were. As always nice to see another Sydneysider making good motorcycling content.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I had the same realisation with my Daytona a few years ago. But it was a good excuse to try something different. That 450MT looks pretty good too, for the price and what they've included it seems very impressive. The Benelli pricing is very sharp too!

[@skaragianis]

You kept the WR250R 😀 Good man! I’m also looking at the Transalp. Can’t wait to see how you enjoy it

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

I'll be waiting with baited breath to see how well this performs on the typical sealed roads that we have an abundance of, in Australia. I'm not an ADV kind of guy, by any stretch, but reality is reality and there's no getting around the fact that our roads are pretty much sealed goat tracks, and at the end of the day, you want the best tool for the job. And while I'm not an ADV guy, there's something about these things that I find perversely appealing. Maybe it's the spokes! Anyway, thank you for the content and congratulations on your purchase. It's a Honda, you'll meet some nice people on it.

[@matthewlovejoy9917]

Owned so many over the years..mainly sports/sports tourers...this bike has ticked so many boxes so far..well done Honda..I'm loving it..

[@1990-t1j]

Good choice and in the best colour. Good style. More manageable than the Africa Twin. I don't like the tubed tyres. Does the Transalp have more low-down punch than the Hornet? Excellent video, Kris. Nick

[@MotoJournoKris]

Honestly I think it's more the mid-to-top punch which really impressed me, although I did like the engine in the Transalp a little more than the Hornet.

[@bobridestwowheels]

I do like that colors, the gold wheels kind of set it off. Looking forward to seeing the mods.

[@bikesonabudgetjapan]

I was looking at this bike in Japan. Nice, but the optional exras are very pricey. I think the bash plate (looks like a "must have") was close to 800 bucks. Might get one in the future when after market parts are more prevalent.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, the genuine accessories are quite pricey. I want the heated grips, and probably quickshifter and it adds up. But makes sense to run the Honda versions for those. I think I'll go aftermarket for the bash plate. Maybe the Honda crash bars and then will have to figure out luggage. I've used B&B stuff before and their bashplate is about $400.

[@alsacs3635]

You mentioned that you plan on taking the Mrs. for a ride. Can you report back on how this bike performs with two-up riding? I've been searching for a video on 2-up riding and have not found any.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I've got a quick onboard video on the way when we did the first two up ride, and I'll definitely be doing a more in depth video. We just need to do some more varied rides and longer rides to get a better idea of how we both feel. First impression was very positive though!

[@addyshah9030]

Guess we both have a same concern on riding two-up, besides the first look on the bike I know this would be my dream bike and I intend to own it for years to come. Just my priority is my pillion which the things to considered. Thats the purpose of upgrading to adv touring while we both can truly enjoy traveling. I did saw Kris vid with two-up grateful that Kris did reply to my concern on pillion feedback. my conclusion is you may need to adjust the preload depending on overall weights two-up and extra boxes. Looking forward on Kris two-up further review.

[@nexoron5396]

Why not the V-strom 800RE?

[@MotoJournoKris]

The RE is a little more road orientated with the wheel setup, but probably the biggest aspect was I liked the looks of the Transalp. I think if I'd vastly preferred the Suzuki style I'd have gone the DE.

[@corinful]

For me V Strom 1050 DE

[@terrellgarren7125]

Yes. Just rode my V-STROM 1050XT from North Carolina to Alaska. 10K miles in 25 days. Not a single problem. The V-STROM is not thrilling but it will not leave you stranded in the middle of the Yukon Territory.

[@martythompson6509]

Factor in a shock. Either a full replacement or at least a re valve and rear spring. It's truly a POS. I think you are a little shorter than me, but the stock screen is a little small. AliExpress has adjustable windscreen brackets for $15. Which enables adjustment on the stock screen. I can't remember which company it was, but one of the major brands does a light skid plate, which would suit you without the weight of the heavier duty plates. Check your spoke tension. My front wheel was not true and had loose spokes from the get go. If you are doing any dirt, lay some grease in the airbox channel where the air filter slots in. I found dust on the inlet side of my OEM filter. I replaced it with a BMC and would encourage you to consider a replacement filter based on what I saw. You can modify the inner panels that run from the tank up to the dash, so you don't have to remove them to lift the tank for filter access. It takes it from an hour long job to about 15 minutes. You essentially clip off two locating tabs in the middle which allows it to flex enough to lift the tank. Hit me up if you have any questions Chris. Oh...and both ends are pre load adjustable only. No comp or rebound. But I find the forks fine with a little pre load wound in (I'm 80kgs). But the shock needs a stiffer spring and some damping.... It's basically all spring. Mine hasn't used any oil in 7000klms. Mine averages about 3.8L/100klms. So an easy 400+ klms per tank. And you can squeeze an extra litre in the 17 litre tank if you need to cover more than that. Enjoy. 👍👍

[@MotoJournoKris]

Awesome tips, I'll definitely reach out, as those sounds like great ideas and that mod for filter access is great. I've got to start figuring out what to order first, and a filter seems a smart choice. The shock seems to be the biggest gripe I've heard from riders, although that so often seems to be the case! I'll definitely be looking at the suspension at some stage.

[@martythompson6509]

@@MotoJournoKris I haven't done my shock yet. But I'll probably get Terry or someone equally as talented in the black arts to re valve and re spring it. I think the Showa shock should be perfectly acceptable once it has some damping force and the right spring in it. If I think of anything else I've discovered, I'll be sure to yell out Chris. 👍

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@martythompson6509 Thanks, it's much appreciated!

[@jacksjaunts8580]

I don’t know why they would take the piss! I enjoy the same thing on my Himalayan.

[@john0270]

I think the suzuki 800de offers more value for the $$... and the underbelly protection. That's what I purchased. Traded my vstrom 650xt on it, this bike is way better on the gravel! Likely can't go too wrong with this bike though.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep the DE does seem to get all the accolades as the go-to choice, but I'm pretty happy. Hopefully I can do a comparison between the two at some point.

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

Nice one! Tbh most of the criticism of these have been from people who were never gonna buy one. Kinda like the people who hate the R7 for existing because the R6 went away. The cb500x sold absolute ganbusters all over the world because it hit a special no BS feature set that perfectly suited a LOT of rider’s actual riding, whilst most ADV’s are sold on dreams that ususally never come true. What people wanted was a 500x with a bit more power, a bit better suspension and a bit better features for just a bit more money… and Honda nailed it. So yeah some people whinge about Y or Z based on dreams and spec sheets, but thousands just buy them and ride them. Nice choice

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, 100%. I liked the approach too. As much as I appreciate some of those more hardcore ADV machines, and a Norden 901 was super tempting, I had to admit the Transalp covered everything I needed and more at this stage. But they are different machines designed for different riders, and riding. They don't all need to be the same.

[@ferkuzuel]

I think the transalp will satisfy 80% of all riders, but the other 10 % are going to be more advanced riders, and the other 10% will be those who don't know what a heck they want Cheers on the new bike ! 🎉

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@ferkuzuel Yep, that's a great way of looking at it. I had to put my ego aside and admit I wasn't in that 10% of more advanced riders who needed more (probably not even close!), but it made the choice a lot easier being honest about it!

[@stevesanelli90]

Congratulations MJK! Honda build quality will keep you in good company. Did you happen to test ride the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE or V-Strom 800 before deciding on the Transalp for comparison? Did you get a quick shifter option added? I don’t think the transalp suspension is adjustable 🤔 Enjoy & many happy trips!

[@MotoJournoKris]

I didn't unfortunately, I'm hoping I can line one up to check out the Suzuki and do a comparison, but things have been real crazy recently.

[@danboyd6180]

So the way they remap the fuel efficiency to make emission requirements by dumping high gear horsepower is BS but I come here for your take, don’t feel like you have to explain anything. Comes off thirsty

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea it really sucks we're seeing that in some places. But then a tune to match a nice exhaust normally solves those issues!

[@easyfromtnbtw3555]

I daily my Transalp and I really like it. The only complaint I have is the headlight could be better cuz the bike is so good on twisty roads that you can outrun the headlight

[@MotoJournoKris]

I haven't done much night riding yet but can see how that'd be an issue! I did think about getting some fog lights down the track.

[@florme6494]

From a Daytona and Ninja, to a Transalp and Wr. How your riding style has changed. I think you will really miss the Ninja 400. I have mine next to an array of bikes and it never gets old. I made the mistake of selling it once to only buy another one shortly after. Just the most engaging bike with the engine, gearbox, riding position and chassis. The Wr250r falls in to that same category of being a legendary bike which most regret selling, I do hope you still have it. Congrats on the Transalp, definitely the best colour option IMO. I love that engine and sound. You can really enjoy those twisty roads on it. Such a capable machine at everything. It’s not the most refine, but I truly think that adds character the right way with the Transalp and Hornet.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep the Ninja 400 will definitely be missed. I wish the budget could have stretched to keep it, as it really is an incredible machine. Still got the WR so hoping it'll get a bit more use too with a change of scenery, after I brush off the cobwebs from it being stored for quite a while!

[@davidrichardson5402]

Great bike, had mine several months, just can't get enough ride time in, enjoy the ride

[@MotoJournoKris]

Having the same issue!

[@jasoncee666]

Welcome to the fun, they're a sic machine 😎

[@m1cky6]

Good stuff, how does it go as far as wind noise/buffeting from the screen?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I found it pretty good, did about 300 km on the freeway and was quite happy, considering the size of the screen. No buffeting issues, although that's probably somewhat related to helmet and height too.

[@veljkovic92]

I am a demanding all year, solo and two up, full luggage rider and after fully researching the market Transalp is number 1 bike for my style. I just don't like that the tires are tubed (mostly because I heard some crashes happened cause of flat deflation - rare cases), and lack of cruise control which is less of an issue. Still, I think I will go for Transalp in the future.

[@MotoJournoKris]

The lack of cruise control is a bit sad, since it would have been so easily implemented. Tubed are a mixed bag, I've heard swapping tubes is preferred by some riders, or patching them, but I'll admit to liking the tubeless repair kits which are super easy.

[@kevinsears7382]

Veridian Cruise makes a CC module for the Trans Alp. I've purchased it but have yet to install. Ian @BigRockMoto did the install and featured that and other mods in his excellent TA build-up series.

[@vaughndrew852]

They are a nice bike yet to ride one I went with de800 it just tickets a fue more box's for me

[@MotoJournoKris]

Fair enough, that's what it's all about and the Suzuki definitely has some advantages.

[@vaughndrew852]

Mate did you watch MAD Transalp ride with Darel Beetie

[@Zweiradkitchen]

After 8k kilometers I can say: the Transalp is a bike for nearly every opportunity as long as you do not expect her to deliver high end results! I drove her off-road in Poland (kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWLQqmiXoLt_Z7ssi=swh3HDUhlQFkSpC4) and in Germany (kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYTLiWlrr7d4rMksi=78wXgT2eql_mRyk5) and she did her job awesome. I changed the exhaust to a high one and now I am planing a change of suspension to the touratech extreme suspension to kick the Transalp to a new level. So far: just try her, you'll find a nice smooth bike with outstanding qualities for most kind of adventures. Before I forget; I will also mount a cruise control in some weeks when it will be delivered from Canada. Cheers from Germany.

[@pauls8456]

I was in a Honda dealership in Cairns at the same time you released this video Kris and 5 were lined up for sale.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd guess the next shipment came in! Although I didn't look as far as Cairns at the beginning of the year when no one seemed to have stock.

[@pauls8456]

@@MotoJournoKris enjoy your new bike it looks great.

[@slakk5093]

Such a pity it doesn’t have tubeless rims. I would of bought one already if it did

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm kind of hoping with CFMOTO rolling them out on their little 450 it might push everyone to move to tubeless designs. It shouldn't be that hard these days.

[@slakk5093]

@@MotoJournoKris also the Enfield Himalayan has tubeless now too, if both Enfield and CFMoto can do tubeless under 10k, surely the big 4 can too

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@slakk5093 Yep 100%