TRANSALP 750 vs CB500X swap ??

[@deanwelsh5702]

I passed my bike test 5 years ago I started on a 2018 cb500x being tall 6.1” like you I found it cramped and with being a new rider and wanting to experience more power I sold it and bought a second hand Africa twin. I had that for 2 years. In the 6 months I had the cb I did 5000 miles in the 2 years I only did 2500 miles on the Africa. I really missed the cb as it’s the type of bike that you just get out and ride . The Africa twin was to big and heavy to just get out to pop to the shop on or ride to work . So I sold it and bought a 2020 cb500x I was considering a 22 at the time but there was a 6 month waiting time for a new one so I found a 2020 with 150 miles on the clock with all the accessories a man could ever want or need for £1000 Less than a bare 2022 . I love this bike I don’t think I would ever get rid of it it’s that good . As for the transalp it does nothing for me personally . The only downside to my used 2020 is that I had to have the Matt black which would not have been my preferred colour but even that has grown on me.

[@Crohniebiker]

Yes the cb500x is a brilliant bike, I too find im riding mine more than my previous ktm for the same reason, thanks for your comments 👍

[@903lew]

You try to lower the pegs or put on risers to help out with the cramped feeling?

[@Crohniebiker]

@903lew no I haven't to be honest I don't suffer with my legs at all but after a 6 hour day my bum goes numb 👍

[@Stno3582]

exactly that, that's why cb500x is the greatest do-it-all motorbike on the planet. Great looks, perfect size balance, amazing fuel. It is a a lot of fun and very practical too. I take mine to the shops, weekend rides and touring alps

[@usmanbradley]

Can 5x do green laning/off-road though?

[@Ichibuns]

I've heard the Transalps power is all up top. Which explains how the CB500X kept up. That's probably a good thing if riders want to hit any dirt for the first time or just commuting. I personally prefer it

[@pete8222]

Great video and thanks for doing it! Personally I prefer the looks of the CB over the transalp, the extra hp and gadgets just aren't quite enough to tempt me away I don't think And of course I would need to take account of depreciation if I traded mine in. So for me the CB wins and it's such an easy bike to ride as well!

[@martinrea8548]

I have the CB500F. It does everything well and I'm very happy with it. I do get itchy looking at bike reviews though-there is so many nice machines out there- but I don't know will I change. Not for a while yet anyways. The CB500F is just so good on B Roads in fourth gear, winding in and out of corners like some sort or a super fast snake. And she goes well at 70mph plus on the motorway too.

[@MrUled]

I love the 500x and owned it for 3 years ; I think it is much more attractive, not sure why for the extra price they didn't sharpen up the looks on the Transalp. The transalp does address 2 points on the 500x shortcomings ; a bit more power (predominantly I was always reaching for a non-existing 6th gear on the 500x, and the slightly more offroad bias whilst maintaining good touring capability (eg. spoked wheels, suspension, rider modes). My guess is the 2nd or 3rd iteration of the transalp will be the true killer, just as the 500x has changed massively in the last few revisions.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

yes; agree next years ; needs tubless tires , tpms, engine temps, more road modes, cruse control. and an optioin for smaller tires for shorter drivers.

[@gabriellasernasabuquillo4458]

Esa transakp con los neumáticos y suspensiones de la cb500x para mí sería una moto perfecta ya que la tierra la puso poco y en carretera ganaría esponencial mente es dinamismo​@@ed.t.hansen6499

[@alfredocesarano757]

I passed my bike exam (full A) and got a CB500X because I liked the design absolutely stunning especially in comparison with NX500 (an ugly one). Should I upgrade in the near future I will go for this Transalp. At the moment, I am so happy with my CB500X.

[@Crohniebiker]

I miss my CB500X sometimes, they are brilliant bikes. Myself and my Mrs both went down to Italy on ours both fully loaded up and they both hoped easy. 👌

[@Stno3582]

Great vid, was looking for that comparison. The transalp is definitely a "bigger cb500x" than "smaller africa twin" which is good. But tbh cb500x still remains the best all-round do-it-all motorcycle on the market and If I wanted to have something else I would definitely go for a full sized adv bike with cruise control etc which transalp doesn't have even wit ha kinda high price

[@Crohniebiker]

I'm currently on tour on my 500X been down to Italy now in Switzerland on way back up to UK

[@Stno3582]

I did UK to Alps too on it, perfect for harpins. Obviously it is a little pain for the motorways, even though 130/140 kmph is still okay for it, but up to 100kmph is perfect smooth which you never really exceed outside of motorways. I love it to bits. I was really looking forward for the transalp but now it doesn’t make me wanna swap my 500x for it

[@genxlibertarian9656]

I'm torn between the cb500x and the transalp. I think my biggest hang up from commiting to the transalp is whether the gas mileage/range is noticably less than the 500, and whether all that tech will be problematic in the future. Biggest hesitation from commiting to the cb500x is whether I'll miss the extra power of the 750 and whether my 6 foot 240lb self will need the extra leg room. for reference, im coming from a Kawi z650rs. only complaint is low fuel range and lack of luggage options.

[@Crohniebiker]

If money is no object then I'd go for the Transalp, I don't think there will be any issues with the electronics, They are already proven on the AT. However the CB500X is an incredible machine, we went down to Italy from UK on 2 of them fully loaded no problem and they both sipped fuel 85mpg UK I'm 6'1" and found it reasonably comfortable, Although the Transalp is a bit taller and spacious. It's a tough decision, just don't underestimate the mighty 500X. Thanks for watching 👍

[@urbanambrozic949]

CB750X, that will be the bike to have.

[@daddystu7046]

Hornet with a touring pack? :)

[@urbanambrozic949]

Yes! But! :D 97% of riding is 2up. I am 185cm, a bit over 100kg. Better half over 170cm. Hornet would be cramped. Nc750x is roomey enough, but a bit soft and low on power.

[@daddystu7046]

@@urbanambrozic949 Yes, tis never quite so simple. I'm looking at maybe an 890 Duke Adv. Dont like paying the adv 'tax' though.

[@alozborne]

A CB650X with a bit more ground clearance, a bit more suspension travel, a bit more power and torque vs a CB500X (stated another way, a lower cost Transalp but with 19" front, 17" rear tubeless wheels and no traction control), would be my perfect bike. I really doubt Honda will bring anything else into the lineup though, to slot in between the CB500X and the Transalp XL750. So, the question is whether I'm willing to pay a significant premium for a Transalp, or stick with my CB500X. I will likely stick with my CB500X for a few more years, hoping the Transalp evolves a bit...

[@PeterVred]

Thank you for the perfect objective review! It's going to help me make a big decision tomorrow. I am now 70 and can no longer pick up my 2019 Africa Twin by myself except with a MotoWinch. It's just SO heavy, though I gym/swim 3 days a week. I went to a dealer and rode a new Transalp, and laid it down and picked it up 4 times in a row, different sides and methods. Made me breath heavy and took about 80%+ of my total strength to do it. That's kinda border line, how will that go in 2-3 years? So I've been agonizing over what to do and thought of the 500X. I have 3 dealer options close to me to ride one, and I DO love the look of then new ones. Saving 3K is nice too. I rode a CB500x in 2019, and thought it felt like "home", but rode the Twin the same day, and sure liked the power better. But those days are gone. Anyway, I was going to put a deposit on the Transalp tomorrow, but I think I will go to the other dealer and try the 500X first, then decide. I'm a big off-roader too, that's kind of important, but I had resigned myself from going sketchy off road on the AT in the future and will do the same with the Transalp (or CB500X). Thank again!!

[@Crohniebiker]

Thanks for the great comments. Don't forget the new honda NX500 is coming out soon, which is just an updated CB500X with the tft dash and phone connection. It sounds like you're a very active motorcycle rider . I wish you good luck, whichever bike chooses, and many happy years of riding .

[@PeterVred]

I went with the Transalp, not seeing the NX in the US.

[@Crohniebiker]

@PeterVred good choice I think they're all great bikes and the Transalp will be better off road. Well done, enjoy and stay safe👍

[@jnano2071]

@@PeterVredwhats your 2 week review? I’m also looking to offroad

[@PeterVred]

@@jnano2071 I love the Transalp, passed on the 500x. The TA is not the comfortable beast that the AT was, but it’s growing on me. Plenty of power, smooth, if a bit grainy at higher speeds, and allows me to do a much tighter corner, at the risk of seeming “loose” in the steering. I did a few hundred miles the other day with a friend who might buy my Twin, and we traded back and forth all day. Yes, the AT is the more quality feeling, but they both make me smile. I believe it will do if I sell the AT.

[@icedidi]

I bought the Hornet in March and have traded it for a Transalp, which arrives end of August

[@Crohniebiker]

What's made you change to the transalp?

[@icedidi]

@@Crohniebiker The Hornet is a fantastic bike, especially for the price. However, I ended up needing something that would be more suited to some 2-up riding and the Transalp has the same, peachy motor. It was also reallt nice sitting behind a screen!

[@thebrowns5337]

Honda speedos really over estimate - you were showing 32mph on the clock while the illuminated sign said 28mph. I find this on my cb125r too. Was wondering why I had cars overtake when I was (so I thought) doing 30mph.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

500x is ok for heavy city traffic; TA is not. tall; and not as maneuverable. More fun for some offroading. . Sit low in the seat to force you to view thru the windshield ?? I hear great things about traction control. the 500x should have upgraded to the 750x with color TFT.

[@ewganhoff]

The price is too high for the CBx now the Hornet is here for £7000. Put a screen and bar risers on a hornet and you've got nearly the same thing with double the power and less weight for nearly the same price. To be fair, the Hornets price is making a lot of middleweight bikes look stupid right now. The TA is a strange bike, IMO. They have gone for more road focus than a Tenere of vstrom 800 yet it has the 21 front with (bloody) tube tyres. The TA would make way more sense to the vast majority of British riders with cast wheels and 19 on the front. For the price, i would do what i said above - set up a Hornet for touring and save a couple grand.

[@Crohniebiker]

Yes thats a good point 👉 if only the hornet was a little bit bigger tho. My mate has tested one and he says it's tiny compared to the 500x. Thanks for watching 👍

[@hondaexplorer]

I went and looked at a new horn at a Honda dealership the other week and it is a tiny bike compared to the 500 X in to see you next to the transalp would be even making it look smaller

[@ewganhoff]

@@Crohniebiker Maybe the size is a perspective thing. At 5'8 I've never really found any bike cramped . Although I did enjoy the more spacious triangle offered by the Versys 650 and TA 650, regular naked bikes have always been roomy enough for my short arse on day long rides.

[@daddystu7046]

Agree but only stock. Soon as you start adding bits n bobs the price gets right up there. Just the Exhaust and quickshifter adds a grand.

[@kevinf-b5065]

I imagine the chain will suffer premature stretch using 'sport' for longer periods. The chain on my NC750x DCT only needs looking at every 3,000 miles and rarely needs adjusting if well maintained and lubed

[@Crohniebiker]

I tested the nc750x recently and have fallen in love with it, such an underrated bike. Video coming soon. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Tonyx.yt.]

also im quite sure, more on-off has a motorcycle, more the chain gets stressed and stretch

[@Watson2108]

All I want is a new Honda à la Yamaha Tracer style. A sports tourer with 17 inch rims but adventure like ergonomics. Honda really dropped the ball when designing the Transalp. The headlight looks good on the 500X but it looks too small and out of place on this bike

[@jnano2071]

Thats the nc750x, go get yourself one

[@thecaptain6994]

The foot pegs on the 500 seem really far back when I took one for a test drive. Did you notice that?

[@Crohniebiker]

It depends what you're used to, for me they felt fine 👍

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

wonder about 2 up and lighter and higher for stability with 70 kg extra on the back

[@Crohniebiker]

I believe the Transalp has around 200kg of carrying capacity, so should be fine 👍

[@mikec9162]

So did you say that the Trans Alp has tube tires? I understand the CB500x has tubeless. Is there really a discrepancy? I'm leaning toward the CB500x as it seems a more practical bike for a lot less $$ not just the tires, but less tech.

[@Crohniebiker]

Yes the transalp has inner tubes which can be very difficult to fix a puncture on the side of the road. The 500x is tuneless so can be easily plugged. Thanks for watching 👍

[@joachimfilms]

Did the same. Transalp is the 500X on steroids.

[@christianruano9963]

Great

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

nice layout; good view; put on 17/19" tubless tires on it and I'll get it ! But how much different from the nc750x, if your an onroad person only.

[@gabriellasernasabuquillo4458]

Que el motor y configuración de la nc750 les falta un poco de picante es una gran moto pero no es nada excitante

[@Koivisto147]

Im 6' 1" 250lbs (186cm, 113kg) and currently have a BMW G310 GS as my first bike. Im looking for something that has a more power and is more comfortable at higher speeds (80 kmph+) and for longer distances, but without sacrificing much of the off-road capability. My riding style is pretty casual - I usually like to lug around at low rpm, but I also occasionally like to ring the bikes neck a little. I do light to moderate off-roading (dirt/gravel roads, some very rocky and washed out) for about 10% of my time riding. My question is: do you think the cb500x or 750xl is better for me? Or rather, is the additional power and features on the 750 worth the additional $2500? I want a bike that i wont have to upgrade from for a long time but don't have riding experience on anything other than the G310 GS, which has like 30hp, 20lb-ft of torque and is 380lbs.

[@Crohniebiker]

From what you say, I think the CB500X would be a nice upgrade, I'm the same height as you . The CB can do a lot and it's a great value bike . If money is no option, then go for the Transalp, It's a little bigger and will be better off road . Thanks for watching, Ride safe👍

[@Koivisto147]

@@Crohniebiker thanks for the timely response, m8. So you think the cb500x's suspension and power is alright for my weight+some luggage? I've heard it's pretty soft. And how does the suspension on the transalp compare? I was thinking about getting the rally raid suspension on the 500 which closes the price gap a bit but I have a feeling that would actually make the suspension on the 500 a bit better than the 750's

[@Crohniebiker]

@Koivisto147 You would probably struggle if you had a pillion on. However, the CB is rated to carry 190kg .I never had any issues with mine fully loaded with luggage, We went down to Italy 🇮🇹 from UK on mine .

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

is there big letters; for gear; rpm, ; sunglasses block most BW displays

[@Crohniebiker]

Yes I remember that the dashboard is easy to read ,also you can configure it just how you like 👍

[@arnoutvanwijk]

Okay, so you wouldn't upgrade from the CB to the TransAlp, but if you had neither and you had to buy one of em, which one would you go for then? (not taking the price difference into account)

[@Crohniebiker]

Good question 🤔 if I didn't have a bike then I would go for the Transalp without question. It is a better bike in many ways. However I've just got back from the ABR festival where my little 500x did an excellent job around the off road circuit. Thanks for watching 👍

[@jonparr1148]

Im looking at just that situation, want to trade down in weight from my current Honda, which also means less power ! Been looking at 500X but as a 110kg ready to ride chap, plus say 20-25 Kgs of luggage etc I'm leaning toward the TransAlp for the extra BHP.

[@Crohniebiker]

@jonparr1148 well don't just dismiss the 500x take one out for a test ride, im currently on my way back from Italy on mine fully loaded and it's coped admirably. 👍

[@Tommy-Atkins]

But does it return the same amazing mpg as the 500cc range?!…not sure I’d want to swap a slight size difference and better “ off the line” acceleration for one!…great vid bud….a comparison was really useful 👍😎

[@Crohniebiker]

Thanks for watching, I did say at the end that I wouldn't see the need to swap as my 500x is an amazing bike 👍

[@Tommy-Atkins]

@@Crohniebiker yes you did…just thought I’d mention the frugality of the Honda 500cc engine as well though!…big consideration with fuel prices the way they are….especially if you are an everyday motorcyclist rather than a weekend blast toy owner! 🤣👌lol ..

[@jimmyjam8795]

Agreed, my CB500X does 100 mpg even with a bit of occasional thrashing. It's not a fun bike, but I've got my Royal Enfield Interceptor for the weekend stuff!

[@Tommy-Atkins]

@@jimmyjam8795 exactly! 👍….a great combo there mucka!…👌😎

[@bckrist]

I bought 500x. The price difference between 500x and Transalp is not justified. And the transalp power is obtained at too high revs. Which is not ok on an offroad motorcycle.

[@Crohniebiker]

Yes, I agree. I think the cb500x is still a fantastic bike and great value compared with the transalp

[@thanosa2206]

TA has more power at low revs than cb or nx For the 750cc yes it has the most power high Bu doesn't mean it lacks at low

[@fluido]

16:28 did you ride the bike the whole time in standard mode without trying out sport mode?

[@Crohniebiker]

No I had it in sport most of the time but I think it goes back to standard when you turn it off 🤔 .thanks for watching 👍

[@mojomanmurph1925]

For 2,800 more, you think they could have put cruise control on it.

[@Crohniebiker]

Like others have said, They don't want to take sales away from the Africa twin so they keep the good bits off it . Thanks for watching 👍

[@yari-youraveragerideronthe7001]

The rolling race at 16min isnt conclusive because you're on STANDARD mode. Aside from the lower power, the TC might be more intrusive too?

[@Crohniebiker]

Yes thats right unfortunately I didn't realise until it was too late ,the 750 is a little more sprightly in sport for sure . At least it was a little kinder to that new engine in standard lol. Thanks for watching 👍

[@peternedermann6751]

One more thing to consider: the CB500X has very short gearing (something I would have changed if I kept the bike for this season), while the Transalp has long gearing. That's not the whole reason, but a significant factor (i just recently swapped my 2022 CB500X for the Transalp, I have experience with both - and to be honest, it is not a hands down win for the newer bike, which is slightly disappointing for me)

[@yari-youraveragerideronthe7001]

I always try to temper big reviewers with average riders. The veeran journalist have al praises for the engine characteristics but now that it's in the hands of "regular riders," let's see if indeed expectations set by the big channels are close to reality.

[@hondaslex]

@@peternedermann6751 Gearing can be changed with a sprocket ( 1 toothe less ) p.ex

[@peternedermann6751]

@@hondaslex You are absolutely right, there are videos on CB500X sprockets change, and I was planning to do that for this season for my '22, but then last autumn the Transalp came along, and I gradually revised my plans :) (and I like the Transalp's long(ish) gearing, so I don't feel the need to change that)

[@hondaexplorer]

What does the rear seat look like, is it straight from the 500 X or is it larger, I’d like to take my wife on the back on rides to and fro, and I’m concerned that they haven’t actually made the back of the bike any bigger, because I would not buy these, if the backseat was the same area size as the 500 X

[@Crohniebiker]

I seem to remember that they're very similar but the 750 is slightly longer , you would be better going down and sitting on one if you get the chance. Thanks for watching 👍

[@hondaexplorer]

Yes that will be my plan, im just about to sell my 2022 500X, and I think the TA is my next, but the rear seat is my concern.. thanks for the video!✌️

[@jutjub22]

@@hondaexplorer Transalp looks amazing, but tubed tyres, no way... too dangerous for road usage...

[@hondaexplorer]

@@jutjub22 while I don’t agree that essentially it is dangerous, it means that for a lot of people who may be able to fix a puncture in a tubeless tire they might not be able to remove the tire to fix the puncture if I get something on the road and I think it’s a bit of a dropped ball from Honda in that respect, possibly, they will change to a tubeless set up on the next version but how long will that be away?

[@jutjub22]

@@hondaexplorer what do you mean that you do not agree, it is a fact. In a case of puncture, or inner tube damage, tyre usually loses all the pressure instantly. If that happens at higher speed, corner, and especially to the front wheel, you are going down. Why risk it, tubeless is safer. On road tubed should be forbidden by law. Offroad is fine. We’ll see, maybe they even go to 19 inch front wheel? Like they did with older Transalps.. no hurry, cbx is good too.

[@neilwiddison6529]

£9,500, i could get a mint tdm 900 for £3000,

[@roeland3136]

Seconds 27 --> 32 ..... why ?

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

adv350, 750, seem to be useless bikes with no purpose and are for those shorter; unless you like your legs down in a chair position. I prefer feet forward; cruiser style. !

[@Sender76]

great crap of a bike, sold after 800 km.

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Which one?

[@thodoris3790]

are you a newbie?

[@Crohniebiker]

Why do you ask please? Thanks for watching 👍

[@papachis9535]

What a great little comparison between these two. I probably retire next year and I just wanted a bike to hit the road fairly locally every now and again, and do a few dirt tracks and fire trails. The CB500X ticked all of the boxes since the maturing updates in 2022. Problem is, I will live in the Pyrenees. One-up, the CB500X will do that job easily. But two-up is another question, and me and my Missus are not getting any lighter. The most important thing you mentioned was the carrying weight along with additional torque. So, for me, we might struggle a bit with the CB500X in the mountains and with the weight capacity. OK, I might lose some economy, but perhaps the extra 3K will ease my passage (so to speak) up the mountains and still not restrict me whilst alone on the trails. Readers note: the CB500X was introduced in 2019, but it took 2 years (2022) before the major upgrades which included upside down Shoa forks, dual front discs and a redesigned rear shock and swinging arm. I suspect that we can expect the same for the Transalp (adjustable front forks, tubeless tyre option, cruise control option, and any other gremlins that may appear in this first issue). So at this point the purchasing battle is between economic inflation vs future development options.

[@Crohniebiker]

Thanks for watching. My friend has the new 23 reg cb500x and the difference in subtle but noticeable, from my 2019 one. It's a brilliant bike and can easily carry 2 people but as you say the 750 will certainly make it easier with all that extra torque 🤔👍

[@davidmatthews3093]

I think your history lesson is more than a little bit wrong. The upside down forks and twin discs on the 2022 500X are no more than a styling exercise, the previous single front disc was always more than adequate and the previous preload adjustable forks were fine.

[@papachis9535]

@@davidmatthews3093 Then simply ask a 2019 buyer if they might prefer the 2022 version. I forgot to add the throttle mapping to that list…

[@raoulduke3770]

@@davidmatthews3093 Other reviews I've seen have noted that both the fork and brake upgrade on the 500x are fairly substantial. Big Rock Moto, English Biker Dan, MOTOBOB, Mark Pulling; theyve all said it's a noticeably better bike with the BP fork, twin discs and better mapping.