Not The Hero We Deserve… - Honda Transalp 650

[@KRANKiT]

So ... what does adventure mean ... to you? Leave a reply to this comment :) Cheers!

[@ctheo13]

“Adventure is discomfort recounted at leisure”. Perfectly sums it up for me 👌

[@rustymustard7798]

To me adventure is going to Walmart to buy rice and beans. I live on the top of an 8000' mountain up miles of dirt, and more miles of tight twisty canyon roads. I do that 'fancy trialsy stuff', sometimes in mud, frozen mud, wind, rain or snow just to get down my 'driveway' to commute. But i hardly ever go to the big city, so after a dozen miles of half dirt, half twisty paved canyon carving runs it's a straight shot across about 25 more miles of desert, across the river, and i get to a place with people, cars, traffic lights, and a bunch of corporate chain businesses in strip malls. I go buy a month's worth of rice and beans for $10, maybe stop at Harbor Freight and replace that 10mm socket i lost or restock on zipties, i might even stop at the car wash and pressure wash my bike. To me it's like going to a theme park lol, i live in the wilderness near a small mining town with none of that modern day big city stuff. Then i get to go back to my off grid cabin in the beautiful wilderness until my rice and bean containers get low.

[@joaquincarrasco2627]

I have a XL600V Transalp... The 1989 one... Yes, the first gen. Ever Made. I travel all patagonia with it, and a big part of Argentina also. Running in mountains, getting into the beach when the road was closed by a dune, on the snow, close to Neuquén, Ushuaia one Time. Got So Many road friends, adventures, and histories with this machine. And all of this without a single big issue... ITS just put gas, get my stuff on her and go, for new adventures.

[@cuTRANSALPU]

Everyone who had a transalp told me that they regretted selling it and I didn't understand why. I bought my first and only motorcycle in 2014, a Transalp 650 from 2000, I didn't had money for something better or with more horsepower, but on the recommendation of many people I opted for this model. At first I didn't like how it looked (even now I don't like how it looks from the front), especially the "green" color but over time I started to like its shape, how the color looks at sunset and how the lines flow when you look from the side. After a few years I began to understand why people regretted giving up the Transalp. It starts every time and takes you where you want. It’s the perfect bike for daily driving and for exploring off road. Everyone tells me to sell it and buy a new one, my answer is that I will not sell this motorcycle. I love my cow.

[@pedro_claro]

Kinda heavy for a daily, no?

[@cuTRANSALPU]

@@pedro_claro that's why i don't get a full tank of gas that often, it's more nimble when there's less than 10L of gas in the tank.

[@Motoeuro]

Great video; yes you’re asking the wrong question. My biggest regrets were A) selling my VFR750FV and B) selling my 600 Transalp. Yes, the brakes didn’t work, ok no fuel gauge, it drank fuel like Oliver Reed and went as fast as treacle. But she took me all over the place; forests, dirt, gravel, woods, road, never complained. I miss her :( And yes, I miss my VFR too…..

[@mohba01]

Still have my xl600v

[@NITINSHARMA-tc1yj]

its not ok to sell old iconic motorcycle, should be maintained but ..🙏🏼

[@spanky8164]

I brought my 650 Transalp in Australia four years ago for $3500 with 12 months road registration. It had 48,000 K’s on the clock and had some minor scratches on the fairing sides but the engine runs beautifully. I spent time cleaning, polishing and detailing the bike. I covered the fairing scratches neatly with carbon fibre look contact. I’m amazed how many riders and non-riders talk to me and comment on my Transalp. I love it for what it is, a great all rounder bike.

[@theCein]

Got my Transalp 650 5 years ago as my first bike. I always know I wanted an adventure kind of bike and without more money to spare I got the transalp for €2500. It's from 2000. The chasis had ~ 120k km but the engine was changed with a newer one. And the rear wheel arch and number plate is a bit off center. After a while I got the carbs cleaned and synced but the only reason for doing that is that i needed to replace the membranes in carbs, they were teared up and whole thing backfired like crazy. But after that I've only put oil and normal maintenance and the bike just works. I am loving it. She got me everywhere like literally to the top of the mountain, highways, camping, two up, lots of forest fire roads, loaded up for camping and festivals, so basically everywhere I wanted. And I had fun while riding it, hairpins, gravel, grass, forests, everywhere. It is just a fun and nimble bike for its age. The geometry just works. The engine has enough torque and power to have fun reving it without being dangerous or too slow. With the aftermarket exhaust it sounds good as well. Like a proper small V2. All of the people I know that owned a transalp told me they regret selling them. I know a guy that has like 5 transalps 600 and he uses them all the time on TET like roads. It's just an amazing overall bike for the price. Bulletproof. Sure, I may have got a herniated disc when I pick her up alone from the mud, or feeling a bit "frustrated" on highway when after 120 kmh there's nothing much more or when on the hairpins you feel it scraping or wobblysh on bumps under load or how you really have to squeeze the brakes when stopping hard. It is not doing anything perfectly but is doing everything good enough for most of us. I love it and I'd be happy and confident to take it around the world. I've tested most of the new big and middleweight adventure bikes and I still feel good taking mine back home. There is room for upgrades in the future but I will never regret owning this bike! For the owners of Transalps from Europe: Romania will host in the beautiful village of Căpățâneni, Argeș county, between the 15th and 18th of June 2025, the 27th edition of the ITT (Transalp International Meeting).

[@peterullinger2814]

One word that comes to my mind when I think of the Transalp ist enabler. It was an enabler for anybody to do anything. Not everything in an extraordinary style, fashion or speed, but anything with ease and without worries..

[@dimitrhsrap65]

I got the 2004 Transalp I couldn't afford some big GS or Africa Twin so I settled for a cheap used Transalp. And you know what, this bike has grown on me with each passing day and each ride I love it more and more. It's the jack of all trades master of none. If you whant to learn and get the feel of an ADV bike this is the best starter bike for that. Now don't get me wrong it's not a starter for someone that has never rode a bike before not even a scooter I'm saying it's a good begginer bike that will introduce you to the ADV community. And belive me when I say no one will look down on you on that bike the Transalp is one of the most respected and reliable bikes in the ADV community.😎✌

[@modzso2]

It was a safe choice. It was available, affordable. There was/is a great community around this bike. I had it for 12 years, rode it for 40000+km. The battery had to be replaced every 3 years, but otherwise no problems...

[@russmc3608]

I have owned a few bikes, tourers, adventure, motocross, sports, and the Transalp is the ONLY bike where I have never thought "I wish I was on my other bike right now".

[@tomasvelezmontoya48]

My dad had this bike in two different occasions of his life in his 20s and now in his 50s. This bike is amazing, well build, strong and reliable just like a real Honda. This bike for my dad means everything, tons of stories with it and lots of kilometres travel though Colombia and hopefully next year through South America

[@DaxBrown-h7x]

After being an off road rider and racer for many years, a nearly 10 year old '89 Transalp was my first road motorcycle. Bike got few mods but an exhaust system and carb rejet that really woke it up. Add a tall windscreen and it was a more than capable sport touring bike that was more fun that it should have been on fast/smooth fire roads.

[@amirkatz6453]

I bought mine and haven't regretted it once. Amazing bike

[@novicetheaf]

There's a guy that took one of these all through west Africa, they're well capable, and they're actually lighter then most adventure motorcycles today 😂. 189kg wet weight isn't actually that heavy. I've taken mine on some trips to France some light off-roading and it handled everything no bother. Also the engine is the exact same engine that was used in the first Africa twin 650 that raced in the Dakar rally, they later changed the engine to the 750cc engine. My friend has the 750cc Africa twin and it is a better bike off road, but to be honest the Transalp is actually perfectly capable of taking you on rough roads, dirt and gravel etc. watch Ride me five if you want to see it go through Africa!

[@adamek125]

Adventure to me, means I can go anywhere i want, not worrying if the tarmac is smooth for a Goldwing, I can take a +1 and still go anywhere I want. To start every time, and keep going. To go camping next to an ocean, then go into the mountain passes. To visit places I can't go in ca car. Not to worry, if my bike will start tomorrow, because it's raining all week. That is a definition of Transalp to me, and a definition of adventure. You my friend, are INSANELY underrated, I realy enjoy your videos, they are meritorical, fun and entertaining to watch. Keep up the good work, and safe riding. ✌

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

I agree. Deserves many,many more subs.

[@nickg2431]

i really like the channel.The algorithm doesnt always push the most deserving channels.it will take time .Most YT channels dont"blow up" they grow steadily.I subscribed last week when i saw the great content.

[@lowkeyracer]

I own this bike and i never understood this narrative of it being ugly. I personally really like this bike and the design. I think that every part was made so it suits its purpose and that would be just being indestructible. This bike just never dies or has any problems whatsoever. Honestly to me one of the best bikes and one that really gets you in places without being too bitchy.

[@marktwain..1972]

My 1990 Honda Transalp is going to be my number one bike, always. Had a few bikes before, but this one is in excellent condition, mechanically and how it looks. It is a motorcycle made with the mindset of quality and reliability, I ride hard, but also take care of it with original parts, always. Also have a much newer Yamaha FJR1300, but, Transalp is Transalp, it always takes me were I want, always starts with the first push of a button in any condition, I get asked about it a lot in stop lights also other riders saying they regret selling theirs. I think that she is a keeper. GO TRANSALP, Thank you Soichiro Honda!

[@bogdandanailescu]

My 650 TA didn't need any maintenance for over 40.000 km other than oil & tyres. Two spark plugs per cylinder made it start regardless of the weather conditions. A detuned & very reliable engine, although it wasn't made for the rough stuff, mine saw all the rough stuff my XT600, 950 Adventure and now 690 Enduro see. It was heavy yes, underpowered yes, but did it all average, I'm an average rider so I was happy with it.

[@mohba01]

The best transalp is the pd06 xl600v twin disc model with the single CDI instead of the 2. It doesn't get more badass than that.

[@nikcurtis120]

I'm sure ive seen multi million pound films /programmes that are not so well made and presented has this,and all for the humble Transalp,well done KRANKIT.

[@nelueka1339]

bro you deserve way more subs idk how u arent at 1M already, keep up the great work!

[@simonbauer663]

When i was 18 my father said i can ride his 17 years old transalp 650. I never thought it would be a bike for me. But to be honest with time i more and more started loving it. It just runs and is so agile. On mine also the brakes work quite good and it is capable of going quite fast in any kind of curvy roads. Sometimes i'm even faster than some sport bikes. So probably it's not obly about the bike but about how you are riding it and what you are expecting. On every tour i made into the alps someone came and said nixe bike, i had a transalp too and really loved it. It's just a great bike

[@walles1]

"and yet you start the engine and it never skips a beat" - I've got 1993 transalp 600 and can agree with that 100%. I don't like this motorbike for being pretty or fast or comfortable. I like it for always taking me where I want and back home. Mine looks even worse fairing wise :) but mechanically its top notch. I dropped it so many times ridding it off road but you pick it up push starter and just continue.

[@victorkelley5097]

Dude I can't believe you threw in those clips of Pedro Mota. Ooooof man, what a throw back. I LOVE his old videos of when he was out there crossing Mongolia on his Transalp. Some of the most inspiring footage I've ever seen. It single handedly got me into the adventure bike scene and encouraged me to get my '18 CRF1000L. 50 thousand miles later... we're still going strong. I've been all over the USA on it and plan on taking it to Alaska in the next 2 years. Can't wait for what's to come.

[@Manta84adam]

Good job 👍older 600 is way more all rounder than 650 and significantly better off-road.

[@chrishart8548]

I love 600 it just got worse in the UK the 600 is £84 road tax the 650 is £117. 21" front wheel turned into 19" on the 700. It didn't need duel discs either. The mild steel exhaust always put me off because I knew at some point rust would make holes in it.

[@WrightWayAround]

reason i got my 1993 honda transalp 600. to rid it around the world owned her over a year the storys i had LOL i right a book all ready. amzing bikes so underated. be on a wall of fame one the best adventure bikes ever mead. transalp built to do everything. just not everything well.

[@Driftuner]

Had one of these. Until this day still one of the best bikes ive ever had

[@thecdean]

Top notch productions man, it's really nice to see a new face in motorcycle reporting/ storytelling. Keep up the great work!

[@ahabueaugustine3957]

I still have the first ever transalp, absolute beauty.

[@vasilispantazis5163]

VERY GOOD DESCRIPTION OF A REALLY GOOD BIKE FOR EVERYONE WHO ... UNDERSTAND HIS REAL NEEDS.

[@MultiTwenty4seven]

I'm very happy that I found that gem of a channel.

[@Lambros-A.]

Great video,approach and presentation. It makes me feel kind of a relief that there are some people at your age that can think like that and appreciate this bike. Keep up the good work!

[@tazyt3388]

I love my 08 transalp goes everywhere I point it here in Tasmania it takes the off-road abuse exceptionally well carries all my camping and gold prospecting gear and never breaks down Honda make great bikes but these are incredible great vid mate ride safe cheers

[@confuzionn4843]

Great video. Happy to find someone who views my bike the way I do.

[@DavidSkidmore-e5t]

Here in UK in 2007 after many types of bike I bought my first new bike same colour and model as this.....7000miles sometimes with 2up toured scotland ...rode around isle of man TT coarse....off roaded in Yorkshire dales.... it was sold many new bike later I by suzukis equivalent the vstrom 650 a 2011 model and its every bit simular I love no fancy electronics etc thanks for the vid I was almost 😢😢😢 seeing the black bik👏👏👌👍

[@josech]

I good friend of mine had one for over 30 years, until he was too old to keep riding it. He rode crazy fast as he was so used to it and bike was always good to him.

[@kristopherczubik9951]

Keep the content coming! this channel is epic!!

[@frglee]

My 2003 XL650V Trannie I bought s/h in 2006 was assembled in Spain, and quite well put together, too. It was commented that the build quality was as good as - or better - than, the rotax BMW F650 single offering at the same time. (That was my second choice btw, with the Aprilia Pegaso 650 third) I think I made the right choice - I still use the bike 18 years on with 35K miles on the clock.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Another great video that gets to the heart of the matter. “hand guards that resemble snow shovels” Funny! New subscriber. Excellent presenter.

[@NikolasGatsioudis]

nothing fancy, just pure japanese practicality , workhorse ,small tourer ,mild off road bike, commuter. Press a button and start the trip ,the commute, the road for a cup of coffee., no questions asked ,nothing to adjust , just ride . p.s. It's raining resert sand in italy too ,right? keep riding the damn thing!!!!!Vstroms, etc. subbed

[@soggybawsmoto]

Excellent video showcasing a real adventure motorcycle. Amazing production quality! Looking forward to having a look through your channel

[@motomeditacija]

Still riding on my 2002 Transalp, 94.000 km and it is still purrrring...

[@mohba01]

Still brand new..mine has over 185,000 purrs like a kitten

[@bikeserv]

Great simple bikes.I dont like the plastics,they break easy and get noisy,output shaft gets damaged,and i find it difficult to change gears with my big feet.worked on them for years.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

The new Transalp is built in the same vein. Comfortable, durable, reliable, and economical. The long lasting enabler that will keep you addicted to adventure.

[@chrishart8548]

The horsepower went a bit crazy on the new tranalp. And physically it seems a lot bigger than the older transalps I know it's lighter.

[@wasymcs]

you know who else tells extraordinary stories? you do.

[@pastorius]

despite not being terribly different, 600 made the name that 650 inherited. transalp should really mean mostly xl600v and years of 87 to 99. later ones (including 750) seem like an epilogue, especially due to the context of inflated adventure segment in general.

[@TommieTrumper-TFC1200]

Every time I swing my leg over my beautiful motorcycle I know it’s going to be an adventure…every time, thats why I keep doing it…..

[@nickg2431]

The transalp has been around so long i remember it when i was a courier when i was in my twenties!!The 600 that is.I think it would still make a great adventure bike with slightly lower gearing and perhaps forks from a ktm or something.

[@hondaryder3779]

Just put in Hyperpro progressive springs.

[@balkanacnamotoru]

Gracias por este impresionante video.

[@graemesydney38]

3:38 I wouldn't be boasting about the lack of maintenance - ever, for any reason. The issues you talk of are easily addressed with the tools provided with the bike. So why not?

[@michaelgorman164]

Your last two videos are about two bikes I own, a 950 Adventure and my (600) Transalp. If you do an XL185, I'll start worrying 😊

[@catmate8358]

Motorcycles to the people... I can subscribe to that message 😁😁

[@branio72]

Great video. Thanks.

[@piotrekw4000]

Hi, as a potential overlander motorcycle would you choose Transalp 600 or 650 or CRF 300 Rally?

[@theCein]

Rougher roads, easier to pick, solo = crf Better roads, bigger load capacity, better for highway and two up = ta 650. Different prices anyways. My next bike(s) after my transalp will be hopefully a crf300 AND a AfricaTwin.

[@devanarayanan424]

Keep up the good work bro....

[@cameronhayes113]

This is fantastic! :)

[@seeraf]

the main thing is, what other motorcycles can you say "how many times is there 50k"?

[@superslavco7332]

What? There should be dashboard lights on my Transalp? 🤔

[@arjendemeijer5235]

On the 650, yes it should!

[@jakubmuller9132]

i'm simple man, i see new KRANKiT video, i hit like

[@gregorbabic7664]

The VStrom was the evolution of the Transalp.

[@chrishart8548]

What it evolved to be incredibly heavy and have cast wheels and much less suspension travel.

[@mohba01]

Not even close

[@arjakmitra]

nicely done

[@vinayp5944]

Any Indians here?? The original Hero Honda Karizma was inspired by this design 🙂🙂

[@v.onthemove]

Yup...here ✋🏻. Thanks for the info. wasnt aware of that 👍🏻

[@hugobaert7737]

very nice well preserved low mileage trannie

[@coastrider8881]

Best undercover Adventure bike ever, with a few bucks and a few hours of your time you could have a way better bike than a stock XRV750 Africa Twin for a lot less money...

[@chrishart8548]

Still don't get the excitement about the older Africa twins. The horsepower is rather low and they were very heavy. And never handled well. Think it's just nostalgia

[@Slash7FPV]

Great bike, she´ll never let you down. Just don´t let her stand for more than 4+ weeks with E5+ gasoline without having her running a bit ;-)

[@cabrinhaGR]

The only story this bike tells is that it had an owner that never maintained and serviced it. 4:12 In my place there are many 650s on the roads. Too many. And look many times better than this. Too many.

[@pedro_claro]

Fortnine puts Hollywood movies to shame, and that is the only reason why you’re not the best motorcycle videographer I know - because you don’t have a twenty person team behind the videos.

[@KRANKiT]

Cheers man! It’s a one man band for now :)

[@Saca560]

800 euro ottimo prezzo per 5 anni fa!

[@columbo74]

Ergonmics was bad. Motor boring but it was a mule and even more reliable than the xrv

[@KingFriday274]

It's like a less thrilling version of KLR650.

[@molnarzsolt3921]

You may be decent “actor” but surely know nothing about bikes boy 😂