Unveiling the Surprising Truth: Tenere 700 vs. Honda Transalp XL750 - Is the Top-Heavy Myth Busted?

[@tnoisette1419]

The best and most scientific 'top heavy' test I have ever seen. Well done.

[@PatchedBandit]

I think the test reflects nicely the nature of the T7 and how hard it is to lift the initial bit of the travel. Great video Thanks!

[@gbner9991]

Exactly, the initial lift is brutal on the T7. Recently had to pick mine up on a slope and while it's doable, you can't do it many times in a row, at least for me. Also I think depending on if the tank is full or not there will be quite a big difference.

[@ADVRiderAustralia]

Top stuff! Would be great to see both fully on the scales to show total weight 👍

[@Rallistatos]

Thank you for your effort to make this happen, it is relatively easy to just talk about how a motorcycle feels but how many took a deeper dive to actually check? Imagine a world without thermometers where we would only say "Feels like 50 degrees today"! . I have my tenere for selling right now and i also thinking of trying the TA. We'll see. Keep up providing us great videos!

[@HardPackedADV]

Thank you for the kind words, very much appreciated.

[@kloppskalli]

wow, 42 kg vs 67 kg pull on the handlebar at 20cm lift is a HUUUGE difference 😮 The second measurement should show much less if you pull more sideways than up. I have suggested this method a few times already. Should be standard in every Adventure bike review.

[@NoTengoIlusiones]

Wonderful video. It helped me decide what to buy. Transalp 80/20 road/off-road. Exactly what I need. I'm a tarmac guy mostly.

[@HardPackedADV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kloppskalli]

@@NoTengoIlusiones fun fact: in real life there is no 80/20 its always 100 percent either road or off-road 😜

[@NoTengoIlusiones]

@@kloppskalli i understand your point. " buy a motocross bike". But this ADV bikes you can take them to mild off road . That's the point

[@kloppskalli]

@@NoTengoIlusiones pardon, I was just knit picking 😀 Besides that I believe that the average rider feels slightly more comfortable on the Honda in tricky off-road conditions since it has a lower center of gravity and lower seat height. I own a Tenere with stiffer suspension. Its a hoot to ride fast over bumpy dirt roads but not if you need to get your feet down

[@davidkumeroa2997]

Great work Professor Martin. 25Kg difference on the initial lift from the ground is going to make a huge difference to any bike taking a Dirt Nap.

[@HardPackedADV]

Absolutely

[@mwl5]

Anyone aware of someone doing a similar test for the KLR650 or 800DE? Having some actual data points on these is valuable.

[@mikerichardson415]

Not sure of the science, but the literal seat of the pants feel is much better on the Transalp. It is easy to balance at standstill and to push around when parking. Don't know why people rave over the T7. I didn't like it at all so bought a Transalp.

[@HardPackedADV]

Totally agree, thanks

[@mikelobdell2666]

T7 is geared to harder core offroad riding. If that's not you then the a transalp or vstrom would be a better fit. I think the new vstrom 800 road explorer (RE) is even better suited to gravel road only riders. It has a lower seat height and tubeless tires for easier roadside repairs. Transalp and vstrom pretend to be offroad bikes but they aren't really designed for that. Great bikes for what they do though.

[@big566bunny]

It is what it is. I decided for the Transalp as well.

[@TheRiderGuider]

How it feels is important mate. Congrats on the new bike. GREAT job on this 🙂

[@HardPackedADV]

Cheers.

[@PovilasPanavas]

I keep looking this video and it never mentions the crash bars of Tenere. Those easily are 5kg. Also, I think the final weight of Tenere was higher position than Trasnalp thus making it lower than it should. Great video, thanks for making one!

[@HardPackedADV]

Yes some good pick ups. The T7 has had the tail removed, a lighter bash plate and a few minor parts which will bring it closer in weight. Cheers.

[@silverdale3207]

5' 6" is way to short for the T7, I'm 6ft and it is a perfect fit for me ergonomically but still a tall bike. I also have a GS 650 BMW which is great for shorter riders and easier to manage when parking etc but it's to cramped for me and I get a very sore back after only 20 minutes riding even though the seat is very comfortable to sit on in the shed. Even a KTM 890 feels cramped to me after a while. I tell people a T7 is for people 5' 10" and above and coming from a dirtbike background. We should buy what fits us best and suits our experience, I love my T7 and won't ever sell it, hope you love your Transalp as well. Happy riding.

[@HardPackedADV]

Thanks mate. I would really love to keep the T7 as it is a great bike. Have you tried bar risers on the GS to raise your arms, and possibly bars that have a different sweep? That may give you some comfort.

[@stefanniedermeier5496]

I tested both bikes extensively, also 173cm tall/short 100% agree, you know what you're talking about! In the end I bought the T7 cause I ride a lot offroad..

[@HardPackedADV]

Thank you. I now have the Transalp as my main touring bike with a bit of off road and a Suzuki DRZ400 for the harder off road riding.

[@The10thManRules]

To each his own. Your money, your preference. Live your life!

[@beeyotch4232]

Great video. I like this 'seat of your pants' physics test. All that fulcrum and scientific jargon is great for peer reviewed lab work, but out in the bush is were it really matters. I think with good lifting techniques, the bikes are about even. I also think the greatest take away in the video was something you didn't mention - dirt tires on the T7; street tires on the TA

[@HardPackedADV]

Great point!

[@adamc8302]

super epic! please make more on your xl750!

[@preston2adelaide]

Science aside, this demonstrates the challenge of lifting a bike after a lay down. Of course, a “how not to lay down your bike” video would make this a valuable series!

[@HardPackedADV]

Interesting thing was that when I laid the T7 down the gear got bent, and the Transalp's gear lever did not touch the ground.

[@MichaelKantormusic]

I have had the same problem, about to sell my T7. Trying to figure out what to get now. Looking hard at the transalp

[@HardPackedADV]

I will be releasing a video on my Transalp soon.

[@RandomParrot]

My compliments to your truss builder..LOL

[@OgreMoto]

Crazy how much bigger physically the T7. Almost like it’s made for super tall guys like Pol and myself lol.

[@HardPackedADV]

It's tall for sure, but I still love riding it.

[@adamc8302]

excellent testing, thank you!

[@UnDerDog-t7v]

I didn’t have to wait long to get your answer. 😜

[@Chris_Z.]

Hi Maybe a versus series on both bikes would be good? How easy to do some of the service items etc.

[@emfl4437]

Great comparison, especially for the everyday type of riding. There's no right bike for everyone. Enjoy the TransAlp.

[@HardPackedADV]

Yes no right bike for anyone. I like to change bikes evert few years. So far all the bikes that I have had have been great.

[@markchoitz443]

interesting presentation, thanks for the work and the info, you have a nice helper - is he a GSP?

[@HardPackedADV]

Yes a GSP, his name is Ruger. He's a big goof.

[@ym776]

Great video. I would like to have this data on all adventure motorcycles before buying!

[@HardPackedADV]

If only there was a website where you could do a comparison.

[@louispeilschmidt4094]

Nice try, but the geometry is not correct in your lifting measurements. The fulcrum is 5cm higher on the T7 when you are taking weight measurements. Also sitting on the Tenere is 5cm taller, your legs remain the same length. Therefore when sitting on each bike your trying to hold the T7 weight with you leg closer to the centre line. On the Transalp your able to have your leg further from the centre line. That's why the T7 is harder to hold up. Hopefully that made sense.

[@HardPackedADV]

Yes, this was discussed with my peers. And that's why we pretty much said that this is not a scientific analysis. It;'s more so for entertainment and to provoke thought. But your comments makes absolute sense, thanks.

[@C_R_O_M________]

I agree with you on that. It makes a huge difference to hold a weight up with your legs closer to the center line vs with a wider stance. I also believe that the 20cm lift figure difference between the two bikes is relative to the fact that the Tenere, being a slim bike with wide handlebars, has its front wheel dangling in the air for more distance in the lift vs the TA. Touching the front wheel down increases your lifting leverage. The Tenere has you lifting its tank and engine without much leverage from the front wheel.

[@HardPackedADV]

I can't disagree with that, thanks.

[@lewiss66]

The question is would you still be able to lift those bikes alone in bad position in the trail? Sometimes its even more difficult than in the garage. Though this video gives lot of information of comparaison between those two bikes. Thumbs up for the Transalp!

[@HardPackedADV]

I have lifted the T7 a number of times, not an easy job for for me especially when it is fully loaded with bags etc or in the sand. But at the end of the day it is what it is. Maybe some gum work for me.

[@podunkman2709]

This OBVIOUS from the first second what is the difference between Transalp and Tenere. I cannot even imagine what's in heads of those asking such questions.

[@Nerb1]

Im about to read through all your comments, but glad to see your results agree with mine. The T7 is NOT top heavy. I had a metric ton of commenters telling my my scales were wrong, but now you have proved it also. It is just a rumor that started and now people run with it. My results were at about 30cm off the ground and I had the T7 at 73kg and the KTM790 (with its magical low slung tanks) at 74kg. Basically no difference. The real reason people think the T7 is top heavy is the high seat height. It is harder to hold something up on your tippy toes. Cheers.

[@HardPackedADV]

Thanks. I too personally think that it's the seat height and the height of the bars compared to other bikes, another issue could be the position of the foot pegs and and knees which seem to be at a unique position compared a lot of other bikes. Anyway, I love the T7, I still have mine and also the Transalp. Looking forward to your next video. Cheers.

[@JohnBorgJacob]

very interesting results

[@davidcolinfisher1034]

Top heaviness is relative.....all bikes are top heavy. All horses are top heavy too. So its a matter of relativity in regards to size of rider, strength of rider, and the idea that having the weight higher in some instances creates a handling characteristic which is unique. i find that the T7 works remarkably well in corner transitions, its a mystery but I believe it may be in regards to top heaviness. Some would call my DRZ top heavy, but nothing in comparison to a T7. Hmmm. As a man with horse riding experience coupled with dirt riding I can't help but see the T7 is similar in ergonomics. High neck, long flat back behind the saddle. Tall etc. So I believe that a good strategy for T7 riders is think like a horse...In other words....horses don't go everywhere a human wants it to. It thinks for itself. So don't go places that will inevitably lead to a dropped bike. For example.....using this thinking...I have not dropped my T7 after 20 000k. I take the DRZ instead, and have some actual fun riding. As a veteran rider, racer, enduro street experience etc, lightness is still the rule for off road...so all the top heaviness aside actual dirt riding still requires light weight, proper ground clearance, narrowness, etc. Anything that deviates from that will lead to drops and crashes more so. I mean the consequences of dropping are not about lifting back up, its about what happens to your many bones that may get in the way of the ground.....You Tube is evidence of that. Its nice to see after some time the reduction of the T7 from its glory status, a bike certainly not for everybody, probably actually very few people actually "are one" with this bike. Fortunately for me, I am one of those, and it gave me something to think about when I first got two years ago, but now...I am one....this is a unique bike...unusual for sure...top heaviness is apparent. The chain side lift test is a little inaccurate as the angle of chain must match the angle of the bike...as it moves through the lift arc....and because its not those readings are easily off by a significant degree. Not an easy test as you need the chain anchor point to move down to horizontal...as you pull up. Sorry, but I am Canadian and that stood out to me as a problem with the final numbers. It would be interesting if you refined that test in that fashion somehow. The chain needs to be attached to top of the wall, then slid down as you go if you get my drift.....Cheers and good riding on your new Honda....can't go wrong with that bike either......

[@HardPackedADV]

Noted. Thanks.

[@monman8183]

👍 Could you tell me what make the sat nav mount is on the Transalp. Looking for one at the moment. I like the mid position like that one. 👍

[@HardPackedADV]

GPS mount bar - www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006065801154.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.39.11a61802E3C81Y

[@monman8183]

Thank you. 👍

[@RandomParrot]

What is the highest weight on the way up. If the scales showed max weight, that would be handy, you could pick it up and find the highest pressure needed. No hate, just saying.

[@HardPackedADV]

To be honest I don't know or can't remember.

[@thorstentrapp274]

Great job, cheers.

[@HardPackedADV]

Many thanks!

[@peterdd4994]

Is there a local weight bridge nearby for all up weight?

[@HardPackedADV]

I did think of that, but there is not one close to me.

[@Corey-pd3mi]

Something doesn’t add up, how are both these bikes around 50kg lighter than the published numbers?

[@HardPackedADV]

T7 205kg, Transalp 208kg? These are the figures from the owner's manual. Where did you get your figures from?

[@Corey-pd3mi]

@@HardPackedADV I’m referring to your measured weights, both just over 150kg

[@HardPackedADV]

Is that when I lift the front end only? T7 152.5Kg and Transalp 155.5kg

[@lewiss66]

Would be nice to test the weight ofthe ktm 790/890 to compare with those two.

[@HardPackedADV]

I would love to, if I can get hold of one that is not over modified.

[@lewiss66]

@@HardPackedADV usually not since they do not need extra fairing as they come already well protected.

[@Nerb1]

I did this test Lewis. I made a video about it a few years ago called "does bike weight matter". The handlebar weight at 30cm from the ground was 72kg on my T7 and 73kg on my 790. AT was 83kg. 1190R was 79kg. 1200GS was 74kg. WR250 was 51kg.

[@mewii_decks]

Great video, to get rid of the ambiguity of lift height and angles etc, if you stand on scales tare them and lift each bike to your measurements points and hold this will give real world values 👍👍(and destroy your back 😂)

[@HardPackedADV]

Good tip!

[@HardPackedADV]

Knowing my luck I would slip off the scales and break my back.

[@MERMBRAMA]

I hoe you will have a chance to do the same comparison with transalp and Kove800x. I think you will be surprised😉

[@HardPackedADV]

I'll check it out!

[@veiledallegory]

So you’re telling me a taller bike is harder to lift if they weigh the same? NOOOO!

[@HardPackedADV]

Not necessarily, I suppose it’s all to do with the physics.

[@TheRiderGuider]

Ruger is a legend!

[@HardPackedADV]

He's both dopey and yet so smart.

[@raffs_adv]

Great effort, you would have to take the 5kg of crash bars into account, but it actually shows the T7 is less likely to fall in the first place at partial lean angles, both bikes are heavier than a person should be lifting by themselves.

[@HardPackedADV]

Yes the crash bars. I sort of figured that the Transalp is a few more kilos heavier so this would bring both bikes to a similar weight give or take a kilo or three.

[@HardPackedADV]

And I see that you have some good videos, and I am now subscribed.

[@raffs_adv]

@@HardPackedADV thanks I’ll do the same.

[@terryomara9403]

Great vid

[@HardPackedADV]

Thank you.

[@loganurquhart11]

Thanks for putting in the pounds for us Americans.

[@HardPackedADV]

Thank you, I hope that they are accurate, I know that my height was not.

[@emilenossin5098]

The height is the reason I like the T7 (World Raid) so much. With my 6'2"/1.90 m I'm average height here in the Netherlands, all other bikes (Transalp / KTM 890 / Norden 901) seem too small for me. Too bad you can't get motorcycles like you can mountainbikes, with different frame sizes.

[@HardPackedADV]

Yes I totally agree.

[@mt1885]

HONDA has the best feel and controls 2nd is Suzuki

[@HardPackedADV]

Yes, and the more I ride the Transalp, the more I love it.

[@markchoitz443]

we have a GSP - great dogs

[@krisdieber9459]

5ft 6 is 167cm not 174cm

[@HardPackedADV]

Thanks, I took a guess. I must have grown.

[@rvfrick2355]

Makes no sense to me. How does Honda weigh less at full lean and more at 45deg lean? Flawed methodology or you've invented a new diet aid. 😅

[@HardPackedADV]

Cheers. The T7 pivots more so on the peg and gear lever on the initial lift.

[@Bruno-my9uf]

I wont never own one . even the bmw gs is not that tall unrideable

[@Bruno-my9uf]

Good video thanks finally some body realize the ten is junk . !

[@Bruno-my9uf]

I have tryred hundres of bikes and the tenere bilongs to the dinasour type in my book !

[@Bruno-my9uf]

The yamaha ten. Is a rally like bike . not for real life !!!!! They can keep it and re desing it . people are starting to sell them ! And they wat too much $$$! Good luck

[@gw2shibarashi674]

Nonsense….

[@HardPackedADV]

Why?

[@Bruno-my9uf]

The tenere sucks is build for giants is very silly !!! Yamaha needs to lower that bike 6" and is undr power . honda rules .. All this tall adventure bikes don.t sell for a long time !!!!!

[@quattro2004]

Just because you’re short doesn’t mean the bike sucks. I’m 5’10 and have no problem on or off road. Everyone on here trashing the t7 probably doesn’t go off-road anyway. That Honda isn’t meant for off-road, doesn’t have near the suspension the t7 has.

[@shosholozabalafon2436]

let them find out how the TA engine is completly unsuitable for a trail 😅 @@quattro2004 The Ténéré is what the Transalp will never be : a near perfect multirole bike with soul and character ❤

[@gordboyko769]

@@quattro2004 This is a good point , and I wish guys that bash the tenere’s height would include their height. I’ve wanted a tenere for a while now . But every time I hear this it makes me reconsider. I finally sat on one in a showroom last week and did not find it all that all for me. I’m 6ft tall with longer than average legs. So I think height is a huge factor . Probably overall size of a person and strength too. I’m no muscle head. I’m in average shape and in my late 40’s. But at 6ft tall and 210 pounds. I don’t think any bike is going to feel as big and cumbersome to me as it does to a guy that 5’7 and 140 pounds. So rider size is what it comes down to

[@silverdale3207]

Sorry but if you want to take them offroad as an ADV bike should then you will end up with a tall bike , no way to get a short bike with lots of ground clearance, I think the transalp is more an adventure tourer which is fine until you really start to push it. I'm no Giant and the T7 is perfect for me, and they are a big seller which speaks volumes. Different bikes suit different people, buy what suits "you" .

[@o9dk]

If it is any help i am 5,10 with short legs and i love my T7 (21 model standard height)@@gordboyko769