Modifying the Honda Transalp 750 for Proper Adventure Riding! (EP 3)

[@BigRockMoto]

Stay tuned for more Transalp episodes coming soon! ⚡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/45s3kj8u ⚡Barkbuster Handguards: imp.i104546.net/5gxYe3 ⚡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 Tire Gauge: tinyurl.com/3jtah74d ⚡Tusk Tire Balancer: tinyurl.com/yyzpej72 ⚡Tusk Tubes: tinyurl.com/ms5ezbap ⚡Wheel Weights: bit.ly/3F7t96z ➕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/

[@mavoriginals]

Try the Africa Twin Spoked Tubeless Rims. I was going through the specs for both the bikes’ tyre sizes and both sport the same size rims and probably the same hub and discs too. Try that one. Cheers

[@antonwearsakilt5209]

Personally I'd love to see some aluminum Tusk panniers mounted on this bike, with some off road led spot light's up front. And see how a real kit looks and behaves both on dirt, and the tarmac.

[@Outbackmotortek]

Great and informative video. We’re fortunate to finally have Transalps in North America. Thanks for rocking our armour!

[@BigRockMoto]

It's great stuff!

[@DmitriyAdv]

Thanks for the detailed video Ian. After watching your first video of the TA my main question was - how are they going to mount a skidplate to that thing?! The system Outback came out with seems pretty stout, and I like that it doesn't mount to the engine. Replying to the @Outbackmotortek comment here so maybe they can chime in too... How hard is that skid plate to remove for oil changes and such? Does it seem beefy enough to support the 600ish lbs slamming down onto a rock or a log without bending attachment points? Any thoughts on extending it a bit to cover the peg mounts? Those look like they'd get beat to hell in rocky terrain.

[@BigRockMoto]

@@DmitriyAdv 6 bolts to remove, pretty fast. seems super strong to me, I've been out testing it.

[@thodoris3790]

make the bash plate competible with a center stand

[@DmitriyAdv]

@@BigRockMoto that's not bad, though could be a finicky once those bolts are all smashed up... and the skid plate is "adjusted" by the terrain... and you're trying to reinstall it after doing an oil change in a hotel parking lot in the dark haha. I know it's an edge case, but it's my edge case :D Serviceability is important on these bikes, which is why I'm also looking forward to your air filter video. I love Honda, but they keep missing the mark in this department. Working on my old Africa Twin was a bit of a nightmare.

[@KHender]

Your channel is amazing! No other channel covers the variety and depth of motorcycles across a wide spectrum of brands and motorcycle types. Excellent work, please keep doing what you’re doing. Your in depth content and variety is truly on a different pinnacle level of motorcycle content! Well done sir!

[@danielbesco1722]

Looking forward to a comparison between this and the 800 DE. Like the looks of the Honda a bit more (reminds me of the cb 500 x). Both seem to have their advantages and disadvantages

[@mikemerrill175]

Great piece. I’ve always been of the mind that 40% of motorcycling fun is garage time.

[@elgringoec]

For me to get 40% of the fun, it has to consume less than 1% of my bike time.

[@cirkulace]

The black looks just awesome! Not only this is my favourite colour of Transalp 750 from Honda but also the Outback Motortek skid plate and crash bars gave the motorcycle better adventure-style look. Looking forward another video already! Greetings from Czech Republic!

[@cliftonsr]

This is probably my favorite type of content for upgrades and modifications on adventure bikes or any type of motorcycles, I absolutely love, love, love what you do for your audiences and appreciate your hard work you put in on this amazing video Ian. You need another thumbs up to click on because I give it a two thumbs way way up!

[@JohnDoe-1000xt]

BRM.you did not have to revel you put the rear tire on backwards, but you did..this proves a point of why your channel is so respected.. honesty. Integrity.with no BS..thanks.. the bike looks good :0)

[@FrancoisTX1974]

You just made the basic perfect mods on the bike. Too funny with the rear tire, I feel your pain 😂. Can’t wait to know your opinion on the Dunlop tires.

[@Scott-Ferguson]

I'm at the point where I just like your videos as I start them. It's a foregone conclusion. Great content!

[@_el_guapo]

Hands down best motorcycle content on youtube!

[@Washoejim]

I really appreciate these videos, the first ride through modifications and beyond, truly helpful for deciding everything down to selection of motorcycles. Thanks Ian, great video and content.

[@AndyPat239]

what i like about this sort of bike is it absolutely in the realms of affordability for most of us. the bigger bikes are way too expensive and too kuch bike. for me at least.

[@ThomasAnderson-g9j]

You're the best in your business and I appreciate the time and energy you put in! Thank you.

[@seisamigos397]

I've made that tire direction mistake several times. You handled it much better than I do. Tools start to fly!! 😊

[@tad3549]

Yep, when tools have wings! 🤐

[@Resort_Fans]

Excellent video Ian! I must say, that TransAlp looks pretty badass! Did you happen to weigh it after the all the additions? Would be curious to see.

[@GLHS592]

I think it looks great. I was hoping for the red, white, and blue paint scheme, but this black one looks tough especially with all of the parts you added. I think this series is selling me a motorcycle. Honda needs to pay you commission.

[@militaryman69]

Every single video you give 110%! Thank you!!!

[@helenatyukodi5227]

Nice studio/garage/working area! Anyhow! Regard from Hungary! This battery seams awesome.

[@human1513]

Wow the camera you are using sure does make a very clear video. Thanx for the detailed explanations. The black skidplate and crash bars look very nice.

[@0HARE]

Ian, this is the exact episode I’ve been waiting for. The links to all the accessories will really help. I am currently saving up to by my TransAlp without financing. I will definitely be doing the same transformation to mine. Also, kudos to you for doing all this tedious work yourself, and for having such a clean, organized, and well appointed garage. Let’s Ride!

[@MeerkatADV]

Thanks for checking the ground clearance after mounting the engine protection. As a light off roader the Transalp should be a great option for most people. Oh and check out the Baja No Pinch tire changer, that thing is tits!

[@nickstroke]

Thanks for recommending that device. I've always had problems pinching tubes on my DR650 and am going to try that out. 👍

[@eshaw08able]

Baja no pinch worth its weight in gold

[@craighoffman6876]

Agree. Met a guy in a dirt bike staging area, he was at wit's end as he pinched all this tubes trying to fix a flat. I had a spare tube and whipped out my Baja No Pinch tool. For sure he bought one, I didn't have to buy beer that weekend as he emptied his cooler and gave me his 😄

[@dimitarkovacev179]

Kudos to you for doing everything on your own! Thank you for sharing your amazing adventures with us!

[@matcharavind]

God, so wanna get this motorcycle after watching your videos. Awesome content, thank you.

[@kawabungah20]

Awesome detail and content. Thanks for showing the misstep of mounting the back tire backwards (something we've all done at least once and the first thing to check if you pay someone else to change your tires). I like the ground clearance comparison measurements, too. This TransAlp is one beautiful machine!

[@screwymatt]

I bought the 890 Adventure R Saturday and have about 100 miles on it already getting the tires scrubbed. I went in looking at the 800 DE and I just couldn’t pass the KTM up.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

It’s sinful that manufacturers don’t sell their motorcycles with factory bash plates. Saying that, I’m thankful for the aftermarket options available to us.

[@dubravkojanusic6996]

But they do. You just have to pay for it.

[@gercollins3530]

They do sell them with bash plates but that honda is a budget bike and you don't get kit wit a budget bike😊

[@dubravkojanusic6996]

@@gercollins3530 You have more equipment levels. Which one you want, you pay for it. At least in Europe.

[@ducatifriedrich2910]

You could have edited out the mistake of the tire direction and no one would have noticed! But you didn't, which I think is a class act! Makes me trust you as a straight shooter.👍

[@laynetravis]

Hello, great video as always!im always honda boy but im owning an Suzuki xf 650 so im thinking the 800 devBUT love this Honda!

[@adventureundone]

Man I feel your pain on the incorrect tire install. Yes I have done it before 😂

[@Artem.GermanLux]

New look is really better. I like it a lot. Thank you for your job !!! Hello from Luxembourg!!!

[@nonsononessunooko4066]

BRO IS COMMITED HAS A SCALE WEIGTH and measure EVERYTHING that why you are a pro in reviews

[@crazycooter1510]

First time using my Rabaconda Street changer I put the tire on backwards, it was a K60 Ranger too, stiff as a concrete block. What learning experience.

[@craighoffman6876]

I try to learn from the mistakes of others as it's less painful, but abject failure is the best teacher. Been there done that also, will never make the backwards tire mistake again 😆

[@LARGO125]

I did that once on a pick up truck. I forgot that the tires I bought had a directional tread pattern, then decided to do a diagonal tire rotation... easy fix, but embarrassing when you look at your finished work and say, "well... that doesn't look right."

[@olliechristopher467]

Right on Ian!!👍 You are doing a great job on growing your channel and I have come to respect your feedback and content. Hope to meet you some day while up at my wife's cabin and riding the local trails. I tend to purchase new and run my bikes into the ground. I'm currently on a 2012 Beta 498 dual sport and 2017 Yamaha Super Tenere. I'm now looking for a mid size ADV bike to better suite my "retirement riding style" LOL.

[@BigRockMoto]

Much appreciated

[@HyperSpaz]

Nice looking bike. Honda finally upping their game in the adventure segment. 👍

[@artrider66]

Thanks for another great video, very informative, I really appreciate your attention to the details. I also appreciate your choice of parts they look good and are sure to work well since I hope to be the next owner of this bike .

[@SKgeostrat]

Really nice video Ian! Why not keep a second set of rims with road tires for that bike. It can do road touring and certainly will handle better wityh really good road tired.

[@BigRockMoto]

Good idea!

[@doolittlegeorge]

​@@BigRockMotoyeah I would totally agree with this as is a Honda and a pretty big one at that so emphasis still very much an on road machine. Be curious once fully dressed out how the fuel economy changes if at all.

[@DorkintheRoad]

looking great, man!

[@Trickhorn]

Great transformation. Looking forward to performance with the new gear.

[@jonr3891]

Thanks Ian! Seems like a lot of people are moaning about only getting the black color in the US. I think it looks ok - especially after the mods. Pretty sweet, imo. I have a CB500X w Rally Raid kit, but if I had the $, it would be a Tuareg or a Transalp. Looking forward to more vids on this bike. 👍👍

[@radekdolezel7236]

May I ask you if you are also experiencing vibrations at higher revs. My son has CB500X (2019) w/Rally Raid kit. I suspect Rally Raid or Givi crashbars with Rally Raid engine guard.

[@Rickmac22]

Dude! Awesome content! I really think I need to buy this from you when you are done... Going to Alaska next summer! Keep the videos coming!

[@jameslee5428]

Ian, total makeover. As you said, the bike looks super hot, and I fully agree. I’m still laughing at the rear tire blunder, I’ve been there and done that still makes me laugh at myself. Looking forward to the next episode with the super hot bike. Anyways be safe out there, keep the rubber side up, and enjoy life to the fullest.

[@trippyrides5674]

rubber side up? 😀

[@CarlosB0578]

Great video! Bike looks a lot more stealthy and ready for action now! Tempted to get one along side my 765Rs 🤔

[@95turboteggy65]

Whoa this bike looks great now. Much more aggressive and that black color is perfect. Im curious about the abs fuse later in the next video also does this bike have a slip on exhaust or will you have to use a hacksaw to remove the factory muffler?

[@usernamedenied1881]

Proud new owner of a Transalp!

[@guillermoyelamo5816]

Thorough. New sub here. Can’t wait for episode 4 🔥

[@msims1250]

Excellent video, Ian! Thank you.

[@MrBerry67]

Your videos are excellent and so very helpful

[@alanroberts5118]

Looks awesome 👍 really like your detailed content 🥳

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

You haven’t changed enough tires if you’ve never put one on backwards. 😅 Bike looks amazing after the mods.

[@ashishhegde]

Hahha... I really cracked up when you pointed on Fire Extinguisher...

[@donblack541]

I really like the way this looks

[@markchoitz443]

Lookin Good Ian. Unfortunately all of the 3 major suppliers of accessories are Out of Stock, oh well hurry up and wait I guess. Thanks for the updates.

[@1PercentRealtyVI]

How difficult is putting in the skid plate and crash bars, for a first time? How long of a job is it?

[@inqufox1750]

Starting to look really neat!

[@petertaylor2148]

Great video. First class... bike looks great I'd change the exhaust, definitely

[@IsleofMoto]

Hello Ian, Thanks for the detailed content and review of the TA. I also have a Transalp and am loving it thus far. I’m going with the Yoshimura RS -12 slip on when it arrives next month. Sounds amazing !! Thanks again, Dan in San Diego 😊

[@GraemeRobinson]

Good video Ian. I think you got the front on the wrong way too! The Transalp is looking good.

[@Adventurous_noob]

The TC is something that would normally base it’s function on the ABS readings. I’d be surprised if TC worked with no ABS fuse in place.

[@RedRupert64]

About the Li ion battery: Is there an increased fire risk or any other danger regarding the charging system? I know of at least one company that make special regulator/rectifiers that are (more) suitable for bikes that run Li ion batteries.

[@mt1885]

I wish they had this bike in the White/Blue/Red color scheme that color blends in with the road and makes it hard to see

[@mattw6585]

Regarding the clutch and brake levers. We would keep the mounting clamps just loose enough so the levers would slip on the handle bars if you tipped over. But still tight enough so they wouldn’t pivot during normal riding.

[@danielmccaf]

I was hoping that you would buy and long-review the Vstrom 800DE because I was considering one (not so available in Canada currently) but it is still interesting to see your long-term review of the Honda. I ended up buying a Moto Guzzi V85 TT ADV (which I consider to be the world's best touring scrambler rather than an adventure bike), so I am unaffected by all this, but I just love your videos. Keep them coming Big Rock Moto. PS - lower your T shirt prices please! With freight, currency exchange and such, your T shirts are like $50 here. I can't just keep buying more Fortnine T's forever. Lower your price and I will be your walking billboard. $50 is too much to pay for a T shirt that was made in China for $2. My wife is Chinese too, and she imports and distributes products from there. If you need help sourcing, reply to this comment.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

Great content like always. I am always thinking, always. I have an idea of a new segment for your reviews that you might like. I know I sure would. You could consider a 'real world' ground clearance segment. Meaning what the ground clearance is while being mounted on the moto, with gear on. Not necessarily with a full camping loadout, but rather just your set up youd go out with on a all day ride. Some tools, water bladder, ect ect. Just an idea that may help grow your channel even more and provide a statistic that others dont add. Good luck, well done. I know it will be hard to messure it while sittong on it. A jig will need to be made, but that would be fairly straightforward and easy.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

The reason I suggest this is because sometime spec sheet ground clearance is misleading. If the bike is undersprung from the factory, it will sag more when mounted. I know it is all subjective depending on rider weight, but it would be cool to see regardless.

[@EthanFrank-nl7jc]

Any suggestions on how to get that 90.5 hp unlocked? Also great videos, I check everyday for your new episodes 😂 just bought one this week just waiting for it to arrive this winter (Canada)

[@corujariousa]

It is a sad surprise to see Honda engineers put such sensitive parts (exhaust, etc) in such a vulnerable position.

[@erkutgurun]

Great video. Bike really looks amazing all-black. About the skid plate, you could find another skid plate with less sag, but you have the sponsor issue I suppose. Also you can take out the passenger pegs to save some more weight perhaps.

[@williamparson9915]

Do those pegs make the lean angle even worse? A lot of the tests I have read call out the stock peg placement as too low. Might try soapy water on your tubes and bead. It makes it much easier and dries with little or no residue. Talc may cause the tire or tube to slip as it will retain its properties. The reason there is no grease on the axel is because its not supposed to have any moving surfaces. You can put something on it to stop corrosion but the last you want is anything rotating around the axel. The bearing inner bushings are supposed to lock on the axel so all the movement is within the bearing.

[@alozborne]

To echo what others have said already, you keep raising the bar with your videos! That was not only thorough but entertaining too (oops, the tire goes which way? 😮)! I'm sure the editing of this video took considerable time too - I very much appreciate this content on what will likely be my future bike, assuming I prove to myself that I'm worthy of an upgrade from my 2022 CB500X :-)

[@MichaelJohnson-ct6jp]

Very informative video! Thought you painted your nails when i saw the spot on your thumb🤣 mb

[@Numbie9527]

ehhh.. this bike & 800DE was in my shopping list, doing some comparison. nice reviews

[@ChaiNinja]

Thanks for the great videos!

[@sandwaves5642]

One more disadvantage of TUBED wheels - go find a tube with an ANGLED ( 90° ) valve 🥵

[@ЕвгенийМеченый]

I'm not a motorcycle rider yet, but watching the videos with a pleasure. Good channel. Staying tuned. P.S: Got the Transalp an aluminium swingarm? I didn't get it.

[@pedrovazquez9146]

Tutorial of how you balanced the tire would be awesome…maybe a short.

[@shino8854]

Should have done the best bang for your buck mod. The suspension.

[@user-iw8tz9zf9k]

Hi Ian. Are you planning to change the exhaust maybe with a higher positioned, lighter one?

[@markjones5235]

At 30:30 “I am so stupid”. Ian, you may be many things but stupid is damn sure not one of them. Best reviewer on YT. Not to get personal but be careful of negative self talk, your subconscious hears that stuff, per my VA therapist. My 2 cents.

[@bsc1463]

Great job !

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

On my Himalayan and Versys I mounted a switch that basically just breaks the circuit to the rear ABS sensor. Of course no need to do this on the GS because it’s done correctly from the factory.

[@Alfra1324]

Awesome video! 😊

[@Killabban]

nice modification! try reviewing the Qj SRT800SX

[@MarkoG70]

Great content !! Did you remeasure the height after you fitted new tyres ? They all run different sizes regardless what's stamped on them. You may have gained some more height . Just a thought

[@2wheelwells]

Ian, great series on the Trans Alp. This may sound like a stupid question. I noticed that weight, ground clearance, and suspension travel are very similar to the KLR 650. Obviously the Trans Alp is the better road bike, but how does it compare to the KLR 650 off road?

[@MikeK6046]

As always a GREAT video, thank you!!!! I really "love" many, many things about this new Transalp, however because it has no tubless tires, it greatly deters me from getting one as my one an only do-it-all motorccycle, forcing me to look at Suzuki's V-Strom 800 RE (road biased version of the DE)

[@wardroland270]

Thanks Ian. Great job. Good info. Really enjoyed the video. God bless. Happy trails.

[@michaelskinner896]

Definitely good additions to this bike. The OEM exhaust design begs the question of what were they thinking. Perhaps it is Honda assuming that most owners will not take it off-road.

[@stiingya]

They were thinking they really wanted you to buy an Africa Twin for WAY MORE money... :)

[@sganzerlag]

I reckon that exhaust location is pretty good for installing paniers and still being thin enough to lane filter.

[@CraigSmith568]

Every skid plate I've ever seen for these look big and bulky, but this one looks good. I think the black color masks some of the size. This bike looks so much better than it did stock. Putting a tire on backwards sucks. You usually only have to do it once to always remember to check and double check.

[@JSAVGA]

How did the ABS fuse removal work out? Does it disable the traction control too? Any side effects?

[@cranedaddy678]

Good video Ian. I wish you would have done something like this for the Vstrom 800de.

[@BigRockMoto]

it could happen!

[@cranedaddy678]

@@BigRockMoto Ahh! HAPPY DANCE! 🥳

[@JelloThatsMellow]

More support for the v Strom!

[@RiseRyder]

It would be cool if we could figure out how to uncork it. Maybe with an ECU flash or something like that.

[@dananderson5528]

I really like this bike looks, power and price. I can get majority of these accessories added to the Transalp for same price as the Tenere 700 stock in Australia, it just worries me with the ground clearance being a lot less than the competition as I will want to take it on more serious adventure riding. I wonder if there is a fork upgrade that would fit to increase the ground clearance. Great video looking forward to your next off road test.

[@S.Michaelis]

Interesting info. Have a T7 and thought both bikes were about the same in price.

[@Michael-qo8bs]

That thumb looks painful!?! You will lise that nail.. The tire error is easy to make.. Your videos are great! Perhaps when you have to do tires...you should sho every tool necessary for successful out come...and encourage viewers to carry what they need to save them selves in out back. They need to add these to bike carry stuff...and practice using it!👍

[@alcatrazrider]

I wouldn't say that rotation is always right, some tyres work more, more grip, when monted opposite the suggested rotation.

[@fjeewani]

how do you compare the Honda transalp 750 with the bmw GS 850 ?

[@elgringoec]

I found that entertaining! It's been a while since the last time I put on a bash plate... That is a slick combo plate-bars there by outback. I wish you'd included the timelapse for kicks. Seems easy to machine a judiciously positioned slot across the bottom of the plate, just enough to get a box-end in and the plug out. We know how those plate screws become in real use, no matter how flush and protected they appear. I would cut mine at installation if I were to get one. Prob end up larger than needed... Maybe outback will take the hint. You don't hold a monopoly on forgetting to double-check the tire arrow, Ian! 😂☮️

[@jeffkeybennett]

With the Africa Twin version of the Altrider foot pegs, how much “bending/modification was required to fit the Transalp? Mainly trying to make the decision if I should wait on a Transalp version or modify the Africa Twin version. I sent Altrider a question on availability and received overall a great response however no commitment was made on if/when a Transalp version will be available.

[@bwlyon]

If only if it came in White, red, and blue! As for the back tire mounting, don’t feel bad, been there done that! Yep, felt like an idiot too. Lol Looks rough and ready now. Can’t wait to see the test ride with all the protection installed.

[@ricardorgomez]

Pre-mods the bike looks 'okay'... But with the black additions... Wow, it looks great!