2023 Honda XL750 Transalp First Ride Review / Perfect addition to Honda's range?

Hey Everyone,
I hope you're well!
Here is the first ride review vlog as promised on the Transalp
I hope you enjoy this.
Usernamekate 🏁
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#USERNAMEKATE #HONDA #TRANSALP

[@martyn_g]

Transalp - a road bike that can do a bit of gravel. Always has been. So many people had a fantasy of what the bike was supposed to be. The clues was in the original ad when it was first released, and the ad for the new one. Honda hit their market well.

[@alozborne]

I think you need to check out Ian of Big Rock Moto and his video series on the Transalp - it's more off pavement capable than you might think. If I buy one, I will upgrade the rear shock for sure and put stiffer springs in the front shock, as Ian suggests. I will obviously also add a proper bashplate, hand guards, crash bars, and 50/50 tires. With those mods done, it will be an almost perfect all rounder - master of none but decent at everything

[@ayna957]

That always confuses me because every bike can do gravel. Surely the transalp can do more? I don't really get this mentality

[@peterturner830]

I could listen to Kate all day. FYI - 3 litres of petrol would weigh approx 2.2kg as petrol is less dense than say water, which is 3kg - dependent on temperature of course

[@chrisdowney9888]

Hi Kate great review, I have just recently purchased the Transalp only six days ago and already have almost 800 k's on it thanks to a 570k ride in one day where I got to know the bike a lot better. The bike is living up to my expectations, fuel economy is excellent on hi way riding and back country roads measuring 3.6 lt per 100 on the day trip and around 4.5 lt per 100 round town and general riding. I'm 6 ft and the screen works well with no buffeting but I would probably go with the taller screen as I hated getting a face full of bugs on a long ride. It dosn't hurt to compare to the 800 DE as they are booth great bikes and at the end of the day it comes down to person preference and this comes from a person that has owned a Vstrom for many years. Cheers Kate keep up the good work Chris

[@thodoris3790]

great review?she was bored

[@nomorebs88]

Excited about this review! I’m thinking this will be my next bike. Seems like a good upgrade to my first and current bike the G 650 GS

[@marktaylor4277]

Hi Kate, nice review as always. I test rode this bike last week and while I was riding through the city, lots of traffic around I changed gear by sound only and when I thought I needed to but obviously watching the speedometer the whole time 😇 like you do. Once in country roads I immediately realised I was changing gear too early - like several others seem to do on this bike, compared to the low down torque of the 800DE, it needs more revs to really get going. The bike I rode was wallowly in the bends but quite pleasant in the straights. The screen for me at 6' 1" was not that effective but at least buffeting wasn't a problem. The first thing I did was fill the tank up and like you found it fairly light(ish) and maneuverable. I did find the vibrations a bit of a problem but funnily enough I warmed to the bike even more after watching my ride video and commentary... going to give it a second chance when the weather improves. Of the bikes I have test ridden, 800DE, Tuareg 660, 800RE and the TransAlp.. my perfect bike would be the Aprillia if it wasn't for lack of dealers, spares prices and servicing costs. If I had to choose one right now it would be the 800DE... but I will wait for a properly integrated cruise control.

[@Fenix_Projects]

To be honest ... i was waiting on your review of the 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp ... for the last straw of doubt if this bike would be my next one ... and it will be. Thanks Kate!!

[@scramble66]

Love the Transalp ! Another great review Kate.

[@craigcooper8810]

great review kate!!

[@pigmeal2224]

Rode this bike and DE800 as well, and I mostly agree with your thoughts. TA had the most neutral riding position (very true to its XL lineage) but I felt DE was more "playful" - best word to describe it - couldn't get the grin off my face!! DE's switch gear intuitive, TA not. I wanted to ride both all day, hard to split the favourite. TA falls down with dodgy air filter access, and that weird engineering outcrop that drops below the "sump" like a behemoth - making a robust bashplate mandatory. I could even, maybe, live with the non adjustable suspension. The DE had few vices for me, with wind buffeting being the only thing of note. Despite the huge weight disadvantage, it was impossible to perceive it. Are either a big enough package to pry me away from the DR650?? 🤔🤔🤔

[@duanestiles4821]

Girl love your videos keep up the great job and your just totally awesome stay safe

[@UsernameKate]

Appreciate you thanks!

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! I can't wait to see that bike in the flesh! I'm not sure when it will be available here . Great review as well. I like the rides around Rivington. Beautiful countryside for sure! Best!

[@chrishart8548]

I saw it in the flesh I was rather disappointed. The 800de looks a lot more upmarket. And the cb500x looks much neater. The transalp makes me think just get the Africa twin as the TA looks as bulky as the AT

[@davidz8]

Very interesting review, it is a fantastic looking bike, interesting that you were comfortable with the height, as that can be a real issue for some. I like the White.😁

[@UsernameKate]

Hey David, I think I'm just used to it now 🤣

[@davidmain7794]

The last time I rode a bike was probably 17 years ago, my beloved original Z1000 But for many reasons, I sold her and yes, I regret it now. But anyway, for some reason, the transalp has caught my eye and I’d say it was the red and white with gold wheels that caught my eye as it reminded me of the old back in the day XL a bike of which I had admired when I was younger! So I am spending my time looking at reviews et cetera to get some idea of what everyone thinks about them.

[@Theorangeman.]

Kate could sell ice to eskimos. I wanna buy everything she test rides. You my lady is a bloody good sales woman 😅

[@chrishart8548]

I probably would but I don't have any money.

[@1050cc]

Three is the magic number 😉🤗 but ... would have to agree, all motorbikes is good 👌👍

[@Thruxtonrider21]

Great review! And I thought US traffic was bad 🤣🤣

[@stevieeplea5611]

Hey Kate how r you ok love watching your vlogs nothing beats seeing you on 2 wheels wearing your leathers and swanky helmet and dark visor I'm on holiday in Wales at the moment ride safe lovely only one username Kate ❤️

[@chrisbrownbill3150]

How about the Triumph Tiger 850 sport if you haven't already reviewed it. Great videos!

[@OperationFoxley19441]

If Honda did a spoke free more road-going model I'd consider it. But I love my V4 Honda 2016 crossrunner.

[@favourites96]

I had a 2017 X runner, bitterly regret selling it.

[@OperationFoxley19441]

@@favourites96 I just can't let go of it.

[@MEKIT-b4w]

how was it in the urban traffic? I mean relatively high seat and your height, tight filtering and balancing +mirrors, standing at traffic lights etc

[@moto-hornet-750]

I test road the Hornet bloody loved it and very light and flickable lol

[@MrBottomrung]

Nice review. Love to watch others riding.

[@shaunlayton9814]

Good review I fancy one 👍

[@Triumphadventures]

great up rivi and Limbrick fisheries do a good butty and brew. great review bike sounds awesome wen u give it some I need a test ride me finks

[@rickterry8148]

Great review, I was lost in it and the you say its the end..... wake up... What was the wind feeling at motorway speeds?

[@Alan_IwannaDucati]

Only because you asked, I would like to see you review a Ducati Streetfighter V4S on the road. I know you did a track day with it, but I am curious how it compares to the BMW M1000R on public streets. It is a tall bike, especially for vertically challenged riders like myself. Keep up your outstanding reviews.

[@kevincraig8257]

that engine doesn't sound the least bit boring it sounds good

[@specter929]

other tubers also list the gear they are wearing with links to those. Would be nice if you could also do that Kate thanks

[@gutotomos1553]

Good afternoon, how do you like it compared to the Africa twin many thanks Guto

[@alwarren2653]

Kate what was the headlamp performance like? Do you know how the headlamp performance compares to the last iteration of the V-Strom 650? I ride in the dark and dipped beam performance is important to me.

[@nigeltankard6977]

Another bike I have always liked the look of. Great to be able to compare it to the Suzuki

[@chrishart8548]

I was on the side of the honda with the lower weight and more horsepower. But once I saw them both I prefer the 800de I really didn't want to.

[@chema1546]

Ok 👏🎉👍 Kate

[@frankvanleeuwen2943]

Saw one ad the Honda dealer yesterday when i picked up my " new " Honda St1300a... Saying goodbye to my 30 year old GS.....😔

[@bsv64]

I personally love the look of the bike, but how comfortable is the saddle cause I had the tracer 700 good bike but saddle was awful and that was with the comfort seat, had the Africa twin(1000cc) again fantastic bike but saddle was awful,now have the z900rs cafe and all round fantastic

[@IRQ1Conflict]

Everyone says the seat on the Suzy is all day comfy. Not so much on the Honda.

[@flexywing]

Hi Kate, please review the KTM 790 Adventure then we could compare which middle weight would be best.

[@millinutz]

I've never been a big fan of Honda (and never had one) but I do aknowledge their ability to constantly bring out new, and often visionary bikes to become the biggest make of the world. This does not mean i've never ridden a Honda. I was very much attracted to the Transalp Mk 1, the XL 600V, a very good allrounder, which came out end of the 80's, I think. The colour schemes were great, especially the Burgundy/Silver one. Anyway, if I was to look at a bike in this class today, i'd more than likely find myself on a V-Strom. I've always had a soft spot for Suzi and have nearly always had a Suzi dealership near to where I have lived. Good research done here Kate and well presented. I don't know how the hell you memorize all those facts and figures to give us while riding, but you sure do it well. Ride safe S. PS. still binge watching your back katalogue and loving it.

[@Ridewithunicorn]

Serious with tube tyres so funny no Corning abs but it is beautiful beast 😅😅😅

[@mraidymaddful]

Hey Kate, have you done a review on the Honda Cb650R yet? I looked back through some of your earlier vlogs and couldn't see one. One thing that puzzles me, if this bike and the new Hornet are essentially the same bike, how come the Transalp is 2K more?

[@UsernameKate]

Hey!! I haven't yet unfortunately! And i think it's to do with supply and demand. It's the same with most manufacturers, the 790 duke vs 790 adventure, gsxs8 vs vstrom 800. Adventures are always more.

[@chrishart8548]

The wheels cost more as they have to be built. The suspension costs more because its longer. And is it 43mm TA and 41mm Hornet. And the bike has more hardware. Stronger Rear subframe. Mount areas for luggage. Screen, fairing.

[@IRQ1Conflict]

Yes, a lot more goes into a bike to make it offroad friendly.

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Just can't get past the bland front end styling with that headlight - could've been so much better with a little more effort, maybe more like a smaller Africa Twin?

[@chrishart8548]

Looks like they could have fitted 2 of those headlights side by side in the fairing it's shocking.

[@nickholmes2464]

Footpegs main issue for me feet to far forward, but otherwise I loved it

[@marcbrasse747]

Hey Kate. Almost totally off topic. But not really. You disregard the V-twin here which almost all new parallel twins try to emulate. You often ask which machines we’d like you to review. There’s one I have been hoping for. Could you try out the Moto Guzzi V100 Maranello for us? Pulleeeeeze! You’ve already ridden the BMW and Suzuki sports tourer equivalents so are rather qualified for this task anyway.

[@Abdulrahman_unli]

I didn't know why Kate didn't seem happy with the bike. It seems like Kate is not in the same good mood as usual or the bike is bad 😢

[@alozborne]

I had those Dunlop Trailmax Mixtours on my CB500X as stock, they are fine on pavement but garbage off pavement. I don't know why, other than being cheap, Honda keeps putting the Mixtours on its ADV bikes - enough already, Honda! Why not use Trailmax Missions or Raids if you want to partner with Dunlop?

[@MikerBiker55]

You should try Broadhead road, goes north out of Edgworth village. 5 miles of national speed limit joy with twistys and long straights and a large part has just been resurfaced. You can plan a route from Belmont to Edgworth via the back roads.

[@UsernameKate]

I ride that road a lot, its in a few videos, most recently the F900R. Class road!

[@MikerBiker55]

Oh yeah 🙂 I'll give you a wave if I ever see you out

[@ocendo1]

It is nice looking and that is it.Engine is making bad vibrations to the handles.Suspension is strange set and specialy for two persons.On speeding and schifting it shakes and loses a grip on front wheel somit starts jumping,unlessmyou lay down on resorvoar.Avoid if you are smart

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

Pitty it don’t have tubeless tires, I don’t know why they dit that…

[@chrishart8548]

It's more of a case of they didn't make them tubeless. lazy or money saving you choose

[@OrangeGenerator]

Seeing the UK get rain makes my Queensland drought infested mind weep. Up here theres gravel and shit on the roads rain or shine. lmao. :( Definitely got my eye on this bike among the others.

[@rlw85]

Daft question is there much difference between a 21 inch front wheel and a 17 inch front wheel

[@favourites96]

4 inches 🤣🤣🤣

[@OrangeGenerator]

Yes. Mainly in how quickly/easily it wants to change direction and stay in that direction. I.e. leaning. Also absorbing/rolling over bumps off road a 21 is more suited.

[@Mr.ZiggedWhenHeShouldaZagged]

Watch some mountain bike videos regarding 26" 27.5" and 29" wheels. No shortage of bro science.

[@ashpunting]

The police in the US pulled someone over for standing up on his bike while he was on the road. I'm not sure Kate if it's the same in the uk ❤

[@chrischarlton6542]

No. According to section 41D of the Road Traffic Act of 1988, if the rider is standing, they are most likely not in good control of their vehicle.

[@dennismanning6684]

Written by a person with no two wheeled experience, sitting on a wood bench, wearing a wig....🙃@@chrischarlton6542

[@davidmain7794]

Cruise control, ABS, different riding modes, 😂😂😂😂 I certainly got left behind

[@paultarn1754]

After subscribing for a long time - there are just two many video and reviews - will resubscribe I'm sure

[@UsernameKate]

I've never had too many videos as a complaint before so that's a new one! Take care and hopefully see you back in time :)

[@flexywing]

Price £8200, ($9999) well that's what it is in the USA So £9500 isn't that much of a bargain Here's a comment for you Kate?

[@56Spookdog]

👍👍🇺🇸

[@jfro5867]

You say it feels light to move around, TMF says it feels top heavy and awkward 🤷‍♂. He did say he had an injury but tbh sounds like a bit of a wimp.

[@UsernameKate]

Yea, I don't find this heavy to move tbh, the Africa Twin on the other hand... haha!

[@spynles7947]

Shame Honda didn't stick with the V-Twin, and, I'd take an inline four over a parallel twin any day.

[@pgkr67]

Why? it has the same firing order as the previous 90 degree v_twin..So sound and engine character is similar..

[@spynles7947]

@@pgkr67It may sound similar with it's 270 but it's still not a V Twin. Handling, perception and aesthetics still count.

[@thodoris3790]

you were bored that day?couse i dont think this bike is so boring

[@paulyflyer8154]

Tubed tyres, no cruise control and heated grips only an optional extra. For the same money I'd go for a used Africa Twin, Tiger or a GS. Honda have missed a trick here big time.

[@chrishart8548]

If you go used you could literally have any bike for this money.

[@lucaguida4286]

You could get an older one for around 3000 euro

[@7erdogdu]

With all those features you mentioned, nobody would buy an Africa twin anymore.

[@paulyflyer8154]

@@7erdogdu That's true

[@adrianbantinesti9219]

Simple it's more practical

[@F3udF1st]

@1:55 What did you call me??

[@ManishKumar-mw3sb]

Super shy uk girl. Where is your face

[@selbyroad100]

Strange comment - focus on the bike and review.

[@dondle2]

Nice one Kate, would buy this bike in a twink, but the tubed tyres are a definite no no .

[@thodoris3790]

you were bored that day?couse i dont think this bike is so boring