NEW Honda Transalp | First Ride Review

[@johntapley2549]

I've had my Transalp for two weeks and I'm very pleased with it. I think that was a very fair review. The front forks are adjustable but only for preload. I tried the taller screen but reverted back to standard as there was too much buffeting (I'm 5'11"). Your test bike also had the optional deflectors which I've since added, they do make difference. I've also got a centre stand. Like you I prefer to get off the main roads and explore the back lanes, you often come across some hidden gems. The Transalp seems to like them too and rides really well over partially tarmacked roads.

[@thodoris3790]

the traction control can be turned off?

[@johntapley2549]

@@thodoris3790 yes in the user mode

[@johntapley2549]

Sorry I never saw your question. Yes in the user mode but it comes back on after the ignition has been turned off which is annoying.

[@borilapostolov7474]

Great machine indeed. Somehow I am a little on the Vstrom side?😮 Can't wait for the comparison review... thank you mate!

[@colindeans5972]

I waited for ages for the demo to arrive at my local dealer. I booked a test ride, arrived at the dealer and found it too tall, I didn't even start the engine and left in the huff. The 800 DE is the same. To all manufacturers, we're not all 6 foot tall!

[@simonchilli2088]

you can pay extra for a lowered seat and they can keep the seat you paid for in the first place🤔. So basically you pay for two seats.

[@LTLT900]

5ft 7 is probably okay

[@colindeans5972]

@@LTLT900 I beg to differ.

[@motosnape]

All of the ADV bikes are off-road pretenders just like SUVs. Height comes with the territory. Probably not the response you're looking for, but look at a Sports Tourer or a naked with a decent added screen.

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

@@simonchilli2088 only saves 20mm which isn't enough for short arses like me

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Except for the cruise control, center stand and the adjustable suspension... it is a well designed and made bike. Particularly in the white color in my opinion. Great video bro. Enjoyed it. Hopefully I will ride it in August. :)

[@frankmorris2603]

You're a hell of a good salesman John. You're right, the future of motorcycling is definitely off road or back lanes. We're targets atm. 👍

[@chrishart8548]

We need a lot more places to go off road.

[@daddystu7046]

They'll have us doing 20 mph all over within a decade.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

He is a good salesman Frank. I have been on sports bikes for years but now want a Goldwing, all Chops' fault

[@flexywing]

@@ninja12lawbreaker I suggest you do NOT test the new Goldwing, if you do, be aware, you will start looking down the back of the sofa, Kids trust funds, spare gold teeth for the cash to buy one....

[@richardbell6105]

Half the time though the bash plate, hand guards etc that come as standard people replace anyway so it is nice they don't come with them and have a lower price point.

[@chrishart8548]

Tin can bashplate and completely plastic handgaurds 5hat shatter in a car park drop are such a waste of time. A good bashplate is best part of £400 and good handgaurds are £100 plus. And not everyone wants £500 added on the list price.

[@talkingrock7011]

Honda is following other manufacturers trends the bike is a blank canvas for adding accessories if you can afford them , thanks for the review Chops

[@adam346]

I like the darker colors.. in the lighter colors it looks a bit.. fat. The fact it weighs the same as the CB500x is quite impressive while having about double the power is slightly mind-blowing.

[@ryan8779]

Looking forward to the V-Strom 800 comparison!

[@timothydubber549]

Good review as ever. Like almost every modern Honda, it’s about as interesting as a slice of plain white toast, but credit to them, this actually looks like a decent bike and one I’d try and test ride out of curiosity. Main problem for Honda is that it makes the Africa Twin look bloated, expensive and underpowered (which it is) and will take sales from their ‘flagship’ adventure bike.

[@GCTO239]

Sorry, but this is rubbish

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

I can vouch for that engine Tim, my neighbor just bought the Hornet version and when he is solo he nails it, I have a KTM SDR in permanent track mode and can catch him but not safely pass him sometimes, they are quick for a twin 750

[@alanshearing7515]

Not my cup tea , but I can see why this type of bike could be attractive to a lot of people. Great video Chops .

[@boostaholic7116]

It's lively and I like that! Chopsy ❤️s the wheelies, we like that! 👍

[@ragerider6283]

Great review. Seems like a decent machine & looks really nice too, better looking than the Suzuki imo. However as you say, it's very road focused with some light off road ability. It's essentially seems to be a bit of a show pony with the lower spec & is the equivalent of the average family SUV which looks the part but never goes off road. Although that's perfectly fine as the reality is most adventure bikes don't really go off road anyway. They're mostly used as road based tourers & on that basis I imagine Honda will sell truck loads of these. Ironically I think they may lose some sales of the Africa twin to this for those that just want an adventure styled road bike.

[@anxiousappliance]

Put on a skid plate and ride where you want.

[@deanroberts187]

I have the previous XL700. Can’t decide between the new TA or an Africa Twin. Thanks for the review.

[@slakk5093]

I was going to get one of these, but the zooki 800de caught me by surprise and probably will go for that

[@Panza1965]

Would be great to have Suzuki and Transalp beside the new CFmoto 800MT with the 790 KTM engine

[@infinitydreamzz]

Why not the KTM 790 adventure itself?

[@flexywing]

@@infinitydreamzz I so agree with you, why is no one talking about the 790, I know its not "new" but it comes with so many standard bits. I wounder how many transalp owners with take out that low sump.

[@infinitydreamzz]

@@flexywing that and the Tuareg 660 are the only ones

[@IAmYourReflection]

@@infinitydreamzz2023 isn’t available in the us

[@Ni3K]

I talked to a guy, who works at a dealership, they sell Honda and Suzuki. He said Suzuki nailed the engine and everybody who comes back from a testride wants the Suzuki and not the Honda, no matter if it is the adventure or the naked bike. The guy himself owns a T7 and will not switch ;)

[@humandroid53]

I'd take the Suzuki as an adventure bike but the Hornet for a road bike.

[@GCTO239]

Funny, Honda sells a lot more Transalps than Suzuki V-Strom 800s...

[@Ni3K]

@@GCTO239 And the Hornet is pretty much sold out. Honda brought the bikes earlier to the market than Suzuki and people bought them even without a testride. Also Honda had a promotion for new riders, making the bike even cheaper here in Germany.(At least thats what the guy told me). But also I think, that Honda can build much more bikes than Suzuki.

[@johntapley2549]

I did consider the Suzuki but I wanted a bike that was lighter than my VFR800. The other problem is the looks of the Suzuki, the ugly beak and that monster exhaust for instance. I'd like the Suzuki engine in the honda chassis.

[@steveparish9210]

Watched the Suzuki de test after this, the de definitely seems better off road

[@alphajed7700]

That's what I'm talking about, about the difference of Gravel mode in that bike and the V-Strom

[@cliftonsr]

It's overall gearing is pretty tall looking at the tach rpm in the higher gears so it could use a smaller front sprocket or a bigger rear sprocket and it would be an off-road weapon!

[@raybell7696]

I own a Tracer 900,but this bike looks right up my street. I much prefer this colour than the white, to me the white looks un finished. Excellent video

[@brucekendall52]

Such a pity not having cruise control,suspension travel a bit on the short side.Thanks.

[@bakedbeanzontoast9078]

Just had two new tyres and chain and sprocket fitted to my Super Duke R, plus new front discs and sintered pads plus a brake fluid flush

[@Englishbikerdan]

Great video mate, looked like a lot of fun!

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Dan 👍

[@pyrodoll2422]

Greavid Chops! Can't wait for the head to head. ('21 Africa twin owner btw)

[@lr_spb]

The front forks have preload adjustment, the adjuster has 15 turns using 19 mm Box end wrench

[@LambChopRides]

Ah OK 👍

[@martinhughes9769]

Not so cheap when you had the extra bits 😢, seems like a nice bike , not fussed on all these 2 cylinder engines, If I was interested, Suzuki all day long , Looking forward to your comparison of the two bikes, Nice review,

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Bang on about country lanes Chopsie, I hardly ever use a motorway these days, my daughter rides a 125 and prefers dual carriageways. Been driving my van all over the South East for 30 years and like to think I know lots of alternative roads, much more fun, and if you go through the posh villages they always have lovely smooth roads, strange that, people with money and sharp elbows get the cream

[@d17a2dude]

Woah that next video looks fun. Cant wait

[@humandroid53]

I reckon this in Hornet form is best and the Suzuki in adventure bike form.

[@richardwarsinske7064]

Is gearing a possible issue with the soft top gear roll-on performance? The new Suzuki 776 and Yamaha CP2 motors have a small dyno advantage over the Hornet/Transalp below 5000rpm but it doesn't appear to be enough to significantly affect performance. Looking forward to your DE800 vs. Transalp review (and GSX 8S vs Hornet if your still planning that). Thanks for the great review and vicarious experience since I'm stuck in the US where I can't get either of the Honda's yet.

[@williamrae9954]

Add the Taureg 660 too...£1000 cheaper (discounted).

[@morri03]

Gosh they look great in the white old style scheme less so in the burnt out wreck version tested here

[@craigcooper8810]

good stuff choppsy!!!

[@lynsmith1096]

Good review Lamb Chop.

[@inked-96]

Now i know a genuine cruise control kit can be bought from McCruise, I'll now be picking one up to use as my everyday/winter bike.

[@deanharris9331]

Lovely machine but to be honest I'm gravitating towards the Suzuki or even the smaller displacement machines like the yamaha Tenere or even the Aprilia Tuareg. Love these reviews Chops 😊👍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Dean 👍

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Rode the Tuareg recently. Feels very refined and different. Can check it. Drop by. :)

[@deanharris9331]

@@RRRRefuelRideRace will do....Thank you.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@deanharris9331 Thanks a lot Dean. Appreciate it.

[@antonoat]

Top review by someone who’s 6’2” 🤣 lol. How can the suspension not be massively compromised, I’m 19 stoneish yet someone could be just eleven stone and have to deal with the same suspension, it can’t possibly be optimum for both extremes! 👏👍😀. Let’s be honest, bikes have gotten massively expensive 😢

[@tristesskartoffel8677]

I love Honda and the New well Technical Balanced Transalp but the “look” of the headlight is a “thing only a mother could love”😂

[@roadwarrior8560]

Just change the gearing, one tooth down on the front, it's expensive enough when you add the essentials, like a sump guard, crash bars, hand guards, centre stand etc.

[@stevenkerry3101]

nice review chopsy but were do Honda get an extra 2 1/2 k for the Transalp over the Hornet it seems a lot to me ? what's your view on it .

[@LambChopRides]

It's exactly the same for the vstrom DE, its 2.5k over the GSXS. I'm sure these bikes are more expensive to produce but probably is some 'adventure bike' tax being added..

[@Garry2749]

Nine and a half, then you've got to pay for everything that should be on it from standard like the Suzuki. Think Honda has lost the plot. Good Video Chops. Another Adventure bike what can i say . 😀😀😀

[@GCTO239]

Lost the plot? They are selling more than they produce...🤣

[@joebloggs1583]

Interesting to read reviews of this from people that actually own the bike that say it certainly doesn’t justify 3 grand over a cb500x you realise that when your actually paying for it that a bigger engine and a fancy TFT doesn’t add up to a 3 grand better bike but it will always sell as bigger and faster is more important than saving money in KZbin world

[@keithsbitsandpieces]

Test rode it today and omg does it need that taller screen But its a great fun bike

[@infinitydreamzz]

Yet another middleweight touring adventure bike around the £10,000 mark that offers an optional "touring package" that doesn't include cruise control. Only exception are the Aprilia Tuareg 660 that comes with CC and KTM 790 adventure that allows you to pay to activate the (already installed) feature, a steal but still better than so many other manufacturers. About a year ago I messaged Triumph UK and got an arrogant response by someone with no grasp of the concept of customer service, I was told that "many riders can live without it".

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

I do really like this bike, and nothing against it at all. But this new range of bikes has really highlighted to me the power of a name. We had the cb500f/x/r/shadow platform, and Honda seem to be building this new 750 platform as an up specc’d platform above it. Still affordable and great bang for the buck, but with all the upgrades you wanted on the 500’s. They could be called the cb750f and cb750x. I suspect a cbr and shadow are on their way. But by using the names of old lines like the hornet and transalpine people project so much more into these bikes, it’s actually very interesting. As I say I think they’re great bikes and I don’t think this is too much for a mid size adventure, but yeah reading the comments it’s clear a lot of people just hear transalp and that’s it.

[@flexywing]

I must admit, I do hope they bring out a "baby" Fireblade mode with the this new 750 engine

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

@@flexywing tbh I was interested in an R7, but this and the gsx-8s have both got me thinking I might hold off for now and just see if Honda and Suzuki have any super twins in the world lol. Plus you know if they did Kawi would finally do some serious tweaks to the ninja 650 platform because they never like to be up specked lol. But yeah, for me, I’m definitely watching this space - a cbr750r would be very tempting for a twisty toy based on these two

[@gsm_liv8980]

@@Bobby-wn5yr imagine them keep being on this nostalgia-bait hypetrain and name the bike vtr750, vfr750 or something lol

[@flexywing]

@@Bobby-wn5yr Now that sounds like great 4 way fight, just like the 80s/90s in the 750 4s.... Bring it on 🙂

[@josephwalenta2273]

What is that under the motor.....is that the oil pan?

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review!

[@onthepegs]

How did you find the footpeg vibrations? I tested the 800DE which has plenty from 120km/h.

[@steve-wu7jp]

This engine seems fun on this thing

[@habibsevimli2424]

What is the brand of the windshield? İt seems like africa twin. Please I need this one😔

[@alphajed7700]

This would have a great advantage if they put a fully adjustable suspension.

[@ioandragulescu6063]

@1:04 disclaimer missing, not actual footage of Chopsy :))

[@LambChopRides]

Haha true!!

[@TheScortUK]

I rode these types of roads, though on an S1000R - I often feel like I should get something a bit more appropriate, did look at the 890R but KTM seems to have issues with build quality.

[@Max-dj5qj]

I saw it live last weekend at the 24H Endurance Race in Spa Belgium. I like the concept, but in live the front is ugly as hell. Looks 1:1 like the NC 750 Commuter bike... Which is completely fine with it's price. But the transalp comes without everything.. So it's not really cheap. And why come modern bikes without cruise control?? These bikes are made for doing a lot of miles and daily use. I wait for the next tenere edition I think... They will upgrade the mt-07 engine with drive by wire. Tenere is by far the best looking.. But aprilia tuareg has everything on point. Besides the weight.. But that is another theme 😂😂

[@BIGGIEsmalls13]

Thanks mate, that's just the kick up the backside I needed. Adventure bikes are way too marketing shallow for me. I'll buy a proper bike again. Love and kisses Laura XXX

[@BdubbsVt]

The low end of the de and suspension adjustability make the suzuki the better adv for sure, however, its also $1500 more, 50lbs heavier than the honda. I don't feel they are direct competition because suzukis aim was for the adv market, while honda just threw a bike together with old parts, with an aim to suit the avg rider. Both great bikes, bit the suzuki is a bit more refined.

[@ArranD1]

I wish they done like a 'Time you get home' price rather than a 'On the road' by the time you spec the stuff you want which nearly everyone does its no more a 9.5k bike 😅

[@bobblechops3563]

You lost a bit of timber chops?

[@LambChopRides]

Haha I did... then put some back on with fine living 😄😫

[@kristianwebster96]

I don't know weather to get something like this or an MT09. I want to try slow myself down a bit when riding.

[@ikutiap5923]

to9 boring

[@mikegillespie266]

Honda…….next year add cruise control, tubeless tires, and a center stand. Possibly a quick shifter like my CB 500x has.

[@anxiousappliance]

You can get a QS, and center stand.

[@Nell1052]

One of the very few ADV bikes i'd possibly consider! The other would be an M1000XR 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@flexywing]

NO, you need an R1 like Nick Sanders

[@Nell1052]

@@flexywing I used to tour Europe on a 1000 Fireblade, high mileage days not good for knees, neck & wrists and then expect to enjoy a few more laps of the ring on your way back 🤣👍

[@flexywing]

How about the "new" KTM 790, same price range, but you can get cruise control as an option

[@LambChopRides]

Yes good point, but it is made in China by CFMOTO, depends if that bothers you or not 🤷‍♂️

[@pistonburner6448]

@@LambChopRides Very good and important point!! That *_will_* bother any responsible and rational consumer from a Western nation!

[@humandroid53]

​@@LambChopRidesthe CF Moto looks excellent. I'd like to see a review.

[@motosnape]

​@@humandroid53It's not excellent, it's Chinese. That statement echoes a recent test that MCN did between a CFMoto and it's Japanese competition in a group test.

[@flexywing]

@@motosnape I wonder how much of the Japanese parts are made in China. The KTM790 is still a KTM 790, that is made in China. I admit that time will tell if they make it properly. Oh and the 790 comes with Tubeless tyres, neither the Transalp or vstrom have them

[@allanbuchan6947]

When you can buy one of these for 9.5k , how do they justify 8,9 10k for an E mtb .

[@adderhoney]

I love bicycles as well as motorcycles, but the prices for high end bicycles are extraordinarily high right now. 😢

[@seanashenden]

as always chops great work 👍 completely unrelated but has made my piss boil , not just boil , but boil over !! have purchased a few bikes from P&H and always had fantastic service.. have heard that ( apparently! ) Ducati UK are removing them from selling Ducati's because they want dealers to be ducati only !! then there also pulling all there servicing support!!! after a dealership that's supported the brand for years , run a ducati race team , and even sold the winning Bike to the last Ducati tri options cup ! i find this short sighted and disgraceful behaviour by a brand i thought had better morals. i don't expect you to voice your opinion, but as a channel i respect for your honesty. here's mine, rant over keep up the cracking work 👍👍

[@boeos]

Alot of Adventure bikes aren't really Adventure bikes, they're mostly road focused with introductory off road ability. Alot of people who buyem are just long distance tourers. I think if I wanted a Touring machine from the Honda line up, I'd prefer an NT1100. Dunno why that bike always seems to get overlooked.

[@acadenacci]

Mi piacerebbe sapere se il motore scalda le gambe e se la sella è comoda e non dura, grazie.

[@ikutiap5923]

Cp2 t7 or transalp.

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

Are they going to bring the hornet and transalp to the US?

[@flexywing]

Not sure about the Hornet, but the Transalp yes I believe so

[@roadwarrior8560]

@@flexywing think the transalp is a bit underpowered for America

[@flexywing]

@@roadwarrior8560 it is 90 bhp, the yamaha tenere 700 and thats powerful enough

[@johnhart868]

It's not a bargain it's just that other Adventure bikes are a complete utter rip off makes it look cheap.

[@Kalsino]

Tjek out the benelli trk 702x, it´s awsome.

[@neilrd350]

So that's really a 11 grand bike when you spec it up to match the competition that has the exhaust where it can be ripped off when you go off road! Give me the Suzuki please lol

[@markmather9223]

Honda please ship them to the U.S.

[@godlovesatrya]

Jacket ?

[@LambChopRides]

Knox Urban Pro, link in description 👍

[@MuscleBandit]

I almost didn't watch as I'm not in the market for an adventure bike bike but seeing as it's a Chopsy vid it had to be done! Glad I did because if ever I want a mid size adv bike it would be a toss up between this and the Tiger 660 which looks great in my opinion. I still stand by the fact that the Hornet should not be called a Hornet without it's 4 pot screamer but for this application the punchy twin is perfect.

[@Dean-does-Stuff-81]

first bike i have seen that i would swap my honda forza 350 for... but i would need to have a long test ride....

[@pistonburner6448]

I guess the upcoming MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 will be much more expensive (but more bike too...), and the Lucky Explorer 5.5 which will be more equivalent to this will unfortunately apparently be made in 🇨🇳 (I'm apparently banned from writing out that country's name in my comments...KZbin hides my comments if I do!) so that's out of the question no matter how much of a bargain that might be. If those bikes ever appear in the shops at all...

[@motosnape]

Is that why Ed China never responds?🤣

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

I test rode one last month and loved it but at 5ft 7" I was tip toeing which wasn't safe, Honda do a lower seat but it saves just 20mm in height which is pathetic really so I decided not to buy it and instead I ordered a new NC750X which has a much lower seat at 800mm.

[@flexywing]

I still have mine, was going to trade "up" to the Transalp. but still have the NC, does everything I want, might save the money and just alter the suspension instead, check this review out kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ27lXaIp5KaptU

[@CrazyBikerGuy]

You look like you've lost loads of weight choppsy. I thought it was the other bloke in the video but then i turned it up to hear the voice and its you. Has mrs chops put you on a strict diet 😂

[@philipmillen4271]

Don't think it's a bargain, no blipper or handguards, probably no heated grips or cruise

[@flexywing]

Or centre stand on a bike with tubed tyres and no you cant get cruise control, even as an option

[@ponytrishpip]

Built to a budget

[@LesterSuggs]

We can't get this bike in the states. Bollucks.

[@_Archambaud]

👍

[@chrishart8548]

Big dollops of torque? Really it's 755cc barely over 50ftlbs

[@mraidymaddful]

It looks like a nice bike but I don't think it's worth two and a half thousand pounds more than the Hornet.......

[@hawkslayers1]

cheap and cheerful for sure but i rode one and was disappointed so much hype sadly these days thats what sell motorbikes

[@glynipig]

Don't love that fairing. It's not quite right, bit awkward. Rest of it looks tidy.

[@HalfdeadRider]

You could get in trouble if you made a spelling mistake on this one 🤣🤣

[@flexywing]

If you name you your bike, you have to name gender neutral........ lol

[@HalfdeadRider]

@@flexywing 🤣🤣

[@flexywing]

@@HalfdeadRider Somebody called it a Tran slap, I can't stop seeing it that way now

[@HalfdeadRider]

@@flexywing Exactly as I read it lol

[@churchofbrap876]

People complaining about the looks. Are ADV bikes supposed to be attractive? This isn't an Italian naked bike after all.

[@hokogan]

No, but they could have done better than a CB500X headlight.

[@flexywing]

£9500 is a bargain? The Honda Hornet is £7000. That's £2500 for a fairing and rack. I don't think it's a bargain, anyone else agree?

[@alanshearing7515]

Then the extras ! On top .

[@trevorphillips3055]

It's not just a fairing and rack, though, is it? All bodywork, suspension, wheels. The hornet is no doubt a good bike, but look at it close up and you can see it's built down to price. This doesn't look so cheap.

[@LambChopRides]

The full spec Africa Twin is 20k! Plus the Hornet was an introductory price, will go up next year. For a decent adventure bike it's great value!

[@alanshearing7515]

@@LambChopRides , agreed so grab a Hornet now ! .

[@Englishbikerdan]

No. The Transalp is a very different bike to ride.

[@Icem4n84]

Honda have pulled a KTM move.. £9000 plus and extra £1000 if you want everything.

[@Max-dj5qj]

1000? More 5000

[@flexywing]

Price £8200 ($9999) in America! So Honda Europe or Honds UK whats the deal?, now here a discussion to be had? They could have priced it cheaper tut tut Come on Choppsie, is still cheap?

[@DB71170]

Wrong footwear again John 😅

[@LambChopRides]

Yes, still no 'adventure boots' 😄

[@steve-wu7jp]

The engine seems good but the bike looks a little cheap to me.

[@nelsonsousa2760]

Tiger 850 better value

[@soaruk3697]

V Strom 800 is far more capable all rounder..........

[@CptSpears007]

Ami the only one reading this as Tran-Slap

[@flexywing]

You were, but Now I am seeing it too.

[@gordboyko769]

Just looks like another street bike, but with a cool name . It’s not an adventure bike . Honda missed its mark in my opinion

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Talk about market saturation with adv bikes! I don’t consider this a “proper” Transalp. Original was a vee twin with a character all of its own. These latest middleweights have grown to 800 or 900cc so not really true middleweights any more and cynical marketing means lazy design, which they’re all at. Churn out a parallel twin, make it 270 crank and then dress it up in different clothes and call it what you want. They’ll always be compromise bikes that all look, sound and ride pretty much the same. I’d buy a 5 yr old GS for the same money instead or a tiger 800 triple a few years old.

[@pistonburner6448]

So it used to be a trench, but now it identifies as an alp? Therefore it's a transalp. I guess conversely there are some alps that identify as trenches, so they're transtrenches?

[@Szlejer]

Too little, too late, looks like a 5 year old bike...