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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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)

[@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! 🤐

[@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!

[@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 😆

[@nonsononessunooko4066]

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

[@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

[@ricardorgomez]

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

[@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!

[@MrUled]

Thanks for the transparency, this is why we watch you over anyone else. Respect

[@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.

[@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.

[@Scott-Ferguson]

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

[@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.

[@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 :-)

[@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 😄

[@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.

[@_el_guapo]

Hands down best motorcycle content on youtube!

[@adventureundone]

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

[@zrkn1]

It's looking very good and a huge thank you to all the contributing vendors. Good work guys.

[@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 😊

[@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.

[@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! 😂☮️

[@ThomasAnderson-g9j]

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

[@militaryman69]

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

[@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.

[@SoDakTwisties]

The low oil pan would be the only real issue I can find with this bike, but only for more technical off-road riding. I suspect the majority of owners will be hitting some gravel roads while touring, and not much more. For the minority doing real technical off-roading, they have that skid plate option. I get the impression that Honda banked on this being the case. Great video!

[@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.👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

black on black.....can't go wrong....when I did a skid plate on a bike, it was silver and changed it using bed liner....looks awesome

[@davidwood974]

Great looking bike and products, Ian, looking forward to seeing you push this Honda off the pavement.

[@usernamedenied1881]

46k views, there's alot of interest in the Transalp! Happy owner of one here!

[@petelafontaine4641]

Love that Skid plate and crash bars , great video , can’t wait to ear your comments on the tires !

[@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.

[@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.

[@anchinkan]

Put on Bark Busters and skid plate as well. As I’m planning to go off-road traveling with lugguage for three months, I’m gonna put in progressive springs in the front end and a „serious“ shock in the rear. Also, I’ll change the rear sprocket to 2 or 3 teeth more, so that the bike will better response in the low revs while off-roading.

[@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.

[@dimitarkovacev179]

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

[@luvndana]

TY.. .. Love the content and the explanations with all the products and the Straight up discussion of installation. have just recently purchased a transalp and this is very Helpful..

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I’m just glad it’s here. Hopefully I’m able to get used one after they settle into the market

[@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.

[@MotoNiz]

Looks sweet Ian! Really looking forward to the performance episodes. Take care and stay safe. Thanks again for your expertise!

[@markjones5235]

I love the black on black mods. Looks sick.

[@stiingya]

Just FYI, this was a GREAT vid! I really respect that you have left in mistakes in your video's. I think most of us have felt your pain about mounting a tire backwards at least once in life... :)

[@stiingya]

And I remember there was a time you were showing picking up a bike and then accidentally dropped it on the other side. BEEN THERE and DONE THAT!! :)

[@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!

[@Squatch_Rider66]

Great vid. Did the same thing with a reverse tire but didn’t figure it out till wheel was back on the bike

[@Eutski]

I just want to say that this is great, chill entertainment :)

[@kiboendo3146]

In this black color, the engine looks really serious, even though it is smaller in displacement.

[@dandersonjr]

I'm more of a European fan of this type of motorcycle but you're starting to make this Honda look pretty good. I'd be interested in the suspension change in performance and price.

[@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

[@overboost7667]

Love the Storm Barkbusters handguards. They are ultra-tough, as my wife demonstrated on both sides and give a great protection for the hands. They look old-fart, but that's me.

[@overboost7667]

They can go down on Asphalt several times and the worst that can happen is to have them bend back in a vice and use some sand paper to remove the deep gauges in the plastic. They won't break on Asphalt.

[@wayneh8767]

Hey Ian, giving up a half inch is minor for peace of mind on the skid plate. They cover the sides really good too with that. You must be enjoying the new shop! The Transalp in now armored! Look out offroad !

[@ericpillon2965]

Excellent video, nice details and thanks to show your mistakes, I don’t feel so alone… keep up the good job !

[@usernamedenied1881]

Proud new owner of a Transalp!

[@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.

[@jmsmikey]

Honda seriously needs to hire you Mr. Big Rock

[@dirkhuman760]

We viewers who wanted this are really grateful you're suffering all this for us. Thank you Ian. 😂 I gave you a Like.

[@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."

[@petemorris6191]

Great video man. That Transalp looks excellent in black/grey and those sweet mods.

[@SCOTTMEISTER007]

Wow, I can't believe the weight saving on the battery is like nearly a centre stand!

[@KelvinHappyLife]

Thanks Ian. I’m enjoying the series. The bike looks good after the upgrades. I might be interested in buying a Transalp. I’ll be watching the rest

[@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)

[@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.

[@matcharavind]

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

[@Artem.GermanLux]

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

[@Trickhorn]

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

[@k_plax]

Loved the vid. Keen to see how this bike evolves more. I think youre on a winner choosing the Transalp. Am keen to see what you do in the future with the suspension.

[@JSAVGA]

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

[@DeaconLucas1]

This is the best Mc channel on the tube

[@DigitalProphet_]

Would have liked to see Bartubes (or any other for that matter) tubeless wheel / tyre mod :) Great videos - you are usually my go to channel for reviews and thoughts on Adventure motorcycles.

[@beborodner930]

Yeah, the bike looks pretty meaty. I'm impressed. The ground clearance is my biggest beef with this bike.

[@ADVrainORshine]

This machine is looking bad ass, that ground clearance though...

[@HyperSpaz]

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

[@swampe_rat]

Looks incredible! Nice work! I love my CRF250 Rally that is all set up but I would really consider this as an upgrade for touring.

[@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.

[@richis65]

I really like your new garage. Very nicely set up. You do such a nice job on your videos. One of these days when I ride through Idyllwild I hope to meet you. Palms to Pines is one of my favorite rides.

[@Numbie9527]

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

[@davidgiorlando4086]

Bike looks awesome! I love mine so far. Very impressed by it.

[@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? 😀

[@helenatyukodi5227]

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

[@GraemeChapman-d6z]

The bike looks amazing and as usual your reviews are excellent.😊

[@guillermoyelamo5816]

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

[@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.

[@christhamerus3755]

Great choice for setting up the Bike for some Adventure Riding..greetings from British Columbia..

[@MartinHubbard1]

Great contents as always Ian, you really do deserve a lot more subscribers..ride safe.

[@1PercentRealtyVI]

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

[@NKK123]

Hello This is Korea I happened to watch your KZbin I was interested in Honda Tranzelf Your explanation of Transelph helped me a lot You have great technology I don't want to change tires I can't. Always drive safely I hope you achieve your dream in the new year. I subscribe and go.

[@radekdolezel7236]

I am always unhappy when I find a withworth screw or nut. Yes, I live in Europe and I didn't realize until today it's much worse for you in the US. Because you definitely need tools in both standards. I do all the maintenance on my CRF1000 and I was very familiar with all the steps you did. Transalp really seems to be a smaller copy of Africa Twin, especially older versions 2016-2019. I am curious for other episodes, especially for air filter check. The most interesting thing would be a valve clearance but I doubt you will own the bike for so long. Thumbs up for all your work.

[@trumpetreneau]

Awesome!! I think it’s an attractive bike already, but it looks totally badass now!

[@DorkintheRoad]

looking great, man!

[@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 .

[@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!

[@reidjordan6246]

Hecking love this bike! Enjoy all the rides cuz people out here like just drooling with jealousy!

[@TimsMotorcycleAdventures]

Great video! The TransAlp is looking really good. Hopefully in the next video you will dump it on the ground to show us how the bars protect the bike vs stock. Those are massive footpegs! I'm also curious to see your long term thoughts on the Trailmaxx Raids.