Why I Bought A 2024 Honda Transalp 750

[@patkennedy1]

An interesting and different view - well done. Past 15,000 kms here in Australia on my (also white) Transalp, and can assure you this bike only gets better as you go. I have been riding since 1962 (not legal initially back then!) and have had mostly Ducatis, and my old (Ducati powered) Cagiva Elefant 750 over this time, and have done A LOT of miles. (And worked on bikes for my job for many decades, and have owned several Hondas over that time). I had reservations when I test rode and later bought my TA, but have not had reason to regret it since, apart from the tedious air filter replacement (now K & N equipped). That took me much more than 20 minutes... But you made many good points I largely agree with: the lack of engine heat (good) the lack of an oil window (bad) the oil capacity and lower compression etc. All true, and not often mentioned on KZbin videos. I was also disappointed at the lack of an ambient temperature gauge, which is a bit odd in this era of so much electronics. I disagree about the headlight, which not only lets down the look of the bike to my eye, but which I find is a pretty poor light. So much less light than my 29 y. o. Cagiva it's not funny. Perhaps they want to sell more over-priced accessories, like the extra lights/crash bars etc. But the TA is a bike that gets better as you go, and you are right that the engine becomes smoother (and sounds smoother) once it is run in. It is 'adequate' on dirt roads (as against rough trails) and its far cheaper price in this country allows for some suspension work. This Honda was $15,740 on road here, compared to the Suzuki DE at $18,500, and the Tuareg around $22,500 on road. The Honda represents the 'sensible alternative' to the potential parts and reliability issues of KTM and Aprilia, and the extra weight of the DE Suzuki, and its suspension can be improved for those who want to. But it is a bike that grows on you, and its ease of operation, with the clutch take-up and forgiving engine, make it the one I use the most of my few bikes. A lot of dirt roads around here, and my Transalp has done thousands of dirt miles. But the TA is a better machine than it seemed at first, and its sales figures reflect this. It really is an 'everyman' model, and the savings allow for some lightening and suspension improvements. The Honda accessories are too expensive, but many aftermarket alternatives available as the Transalp becomes a sales success. I hope you continue to enjoy yours, and that your daughter's education achieves her/your ambitions. Strange that you can't get test rides on Japanese bikes in Japan! That was never a problem here. I really enjoyed my test of the Aprilia, but its price, and its more off-road focus, slower parts delivery (and higher seat) ruled it out for my use, but it is also a great machine. I didn't end up test riding the Suzuki as it was clearly much heavier in comparison to the Honda and Aprilia, just standing it up from the sidestand!

[@franklinsaltchuck2455]

I agree

[@xlskins]

Thank you for your time and your sincerity.

[@kudryk6337]

As a Transalp owner as well, I think it was a nice purchase, I would like to keep the bike for all my life :)

[@KairyuRider]

That's my plan. Spoke wheels mean, if I get tired of adventure bikes, I can always re-spoke 17 rims and have a honda SMT

[@blackshark2088]

@@KairyuRider I have the black one..Nice! Red Crashbars and a black Engine and Hand protection. I love this Bike! Greetings from Germany!

[@franklinsaltchuck2455]

May your life be long and prosperous

[@jfro5867]

Just bought a white Transalp. Very happy with it. Honda make great bikes, had many over the years and never any trouble. They just ‘work’.

[@KairyuRider]

@jfro5867 every thing I dislike is a diy mod i can do. But good engine you can rely on, honda "just works"😁

[@ogasi1798]

we know from history - this is a life bike, as you say you would change out of want and not need

[@fixedG]

I chose the 2024 Transalp because I trust Honda engines (I still have the generator my dad bought in 1996) and I wanted a mid-sized adventure tourer that leaned slightly more to a road-touring bias that I didn't want to outgrow. It's a stellar commuter and all-arounder that I don't need to be a Goldwing or Africa Twin or CBR or CRF because each of those has concessions in order to be great performers in their specialization, and the CB and SLC models didn't seem like they were going to get me the cargo carrier capacity and light off-roading capability I wanted. It's the baby bear porridge for normal me, which probably isn't sexy but I think a lot of people find appealing when they're honest with themselves. The airbox is a little bit of a pain, though I don't live in an especially dusty area, and I wish they had spec'd it with cruise control in the US, but I can live with the airbox, especially if I do a little modification on the panels to make them simpler and easier to get on and off (seriously, Honda, why so many different fasteners?), and I have a good throttle lock with plans to invest in an aftermarket cruise control when my warranty has expired. It's just a great fit.

[@marlorendon-ml3ux]

Lovely review. Practical and honest. Great!

[@sattvicvelo3506]

Great content as usual mate. Totally agree with not letting youtubers get in your head - and to get out and ride. I had an MT07 and really didn't enjoy it despite everyone on KZbin telling me it was a great bike - worst gearbox in my opinion, and relatively crap suspension for the roads I ride. Perfect example of not to go by other peoples rants on forums and online. Also, like you said - impossible to test ride pretty much all the Japanese bikes at dealers here. That leaves BMW and Triumph that'll actually let you put a leg over a bike and make up your own mind. Alas, I test rode a Scrambler 1200 and fell in love - traded in the MT07 a week later for a 2019 Scrambler 1200 XE. That bike is the perfect bike for me on chill rides on the back roads of Nagano/Yamanashi/Gunma etc. while still having plenty of grunt. I then made the great decision to test ride a hyper naked hooligan bike and fell in love again ;-) Speed Triple 1200 RS joined the staple a few weeks later - most fun I've ever had on a bike period, smiles for miles. But it's not a mile muncher, the scrambler does that just fine. I really enjoy both bikes. My point is that you have to rent a bike in Japan to test ride one unless it's a Triumph or a BMW (to my knowledge - at least that how it is around here Nagano/Yamanashi) - at Kawasaki they'll let you rent one WTF.... Honda stores look at you like you are just a nuisance..... a lot of the shops treat you like crap and don't even warrant a smile when you walk up. Ok, that turned into the story of why I now own and love two Triumphs ;-) Don't even get me started about Japanese makers not letting you put another pipe on the bike if you want it serviced etc.....

[@KairyuRider]

Credit where is is due. Even in japan. Ktm, bmw, and triumph are always happy to get a no questions long test ride. They win for customer service even in Japan.

[@digitalmike330]

Bigfoot is sometimes confused for Sasquatch. Yeti never complains.

[@Anath525]

I had my Norden 901 for 40k miles now, just over 2 years and recently the engine has been consuming lots of oil, more than usual. Long story short, it looks like sand got through the air filter and damaged some seal for the piston. In order to fix that, it is a whole lot of work. Strongly considering trading in for a transalp.

[@KairyuRider]

After only 40k miles. That sound spike you got a really reliable norden. There are aftermarket air filters that can protect the engine better next time. Personally. I don't know that the transalp can be made to be as good as a nordan. If I trusted ktm (and I dont), I would have picked the norden. It's the best bike in my opinions

[@MrAfiqasyran]

Hey, I saw your 4 videos on rented Transalp, now bought one last 2 weeks. I truly envy you living in Japan where road connectivity are just top class, scenery are just heaven. Superb motorcycles, with heated tank around calf area. 😅

[@ciribyte]

Having some backbone issues, I bought my TA last year mainly because it's lighter on paper than all its direct competitors. Given that no bike is perfect (f.eg range on display ?! Come on Honda) but I still haven't stopped grinning each time I fire it up here in northern Italy. My second choice would have been the Vstrom 800 but I wanted a change from my previous V-Strom 650 XT (great learner bike) I believe that tubed tires can be handled with a foam cannister (fingers-crossed) Cons: adding all Honda optionals I wanted turned out to be spending closer to the €13k. However all in all, fun factor ensured. Ride safe.

[@andysturrr]

love your take on this. Keep going man! You’re too talented to not succeed

[@KairyuRider]

@@andysturrr thank you. It really does mean a lot to get positive feedback like this

[@amarkumarrai6133]

Nice video with candid thoughts. Completely explains the purpose of going with Transalp750. I was very eager to purchase this bike in India but it very costly in India as it is imported in CBU form which subjects it to huge Customs Duty and some other taxes making it expensive. But it is a very nice bike for sure. Meanwhile I happen to test ride Himalayan450 which fulfills my purpose at almost one fourth the price of Transalp and so I immediately bought it. Anyhow, you have made a brilliant choice.

[@ogasi1798]

wow, you get the 450 for 25% or close to the Transalp? Wow - no brainer choice and the 450 is a sweet bike anyway

[@benb2058]

Great take and great review Im lovin mine for all the same reasons you listed ! Already found some tubless rims wish honda would have done it ! Thanks for spending the time to make a real world real life review ! Beautiful scenery there !

[@stevecoaster2360]

Exactly why l got the Transalp over Ktm & Aprilla in Australia. Ktm big issues, enough dealerships around atm, but Ktm likely to fold or go broke replacing warranty stuff. Aprilla dealership only in main cities. Honda around $16,000 Aus. I am fitting after market cruise. Would have paid in $20k’s plus if it came with Cruise, tubeless. I have fitted aux power, quick shifter, center stand & protection (sw motech). Fun bike!

[@KairyuRider]

@stevecoaster2360 I have crusie and just posted a tubless vidoe. I just started getting into off road, the electronics are fine at my level. But resetting the abs Wil get annoying. If I can figure a way to reprogram the bike to remember my settings it will be perfect

[@bjlo8220]

Superb Video. Thank you for the great knowledge you have passed along to us all. Such magnificent wisdom.

[@CraigVanSickleAK]

Great video and thoughts. I've been out of motorcycles for many years and saw a great fit for a return on the Transalp.

[@KairyuRider]

It's a very satisfying bike to own and ride. The only complaints I have against honda are all fixable in the aftermarket. A bike that can grow with you as you grow

[@sled9263]

Buy the bike that makes you happy. Don’t begrudge others purchasing decisions.

[@burgundypoint]

No cruise control is a slap to the face

[@KairyuRider]

@burgundypoint only ktm790 and Aprilia 660 have cruise. But i agree, it wasn't expensive or hard to put veridian cruise on last week.

[@franklinsaltchuck2455]

How is the Viridian working out for you?

[@jaide1312]

The most responsible financial move would have been sticking with the MT! I'm curious to see if you can resist the urge to get another bike in two years. I wonder how long I'll stick with my bike.

[@jeremycarr3920]

I'm thinking of buying another motorcycle after 20yrs off them. I'm looking at adventure bikes, vstrom 800, transalp, then after more you tube watching came ktm 790, cfmoto, kove and a tuareg. I',m knowhere near test riding, as i don't own any motorcycle gear yet. But your videos are a different perspective than other motorcycle reviews. Now after visiting some dealers and some research, my thoughts: KTM, just no, too much going against them, cf Moto, looks good, but KTM. Tuareg: now there's a cool looking bike Vstrom: seems perfect, it just looks good, from everthing I've read it is just right. Transalp, just seems too honda, does what ot says on the tin, qashqai of motorcycles. I got home and googled little aprilia, it sounds as good as it looks. with some real quality kit on it. But! So question is Japanese reliability or Italian flare, I totally get you're logic for buying a transalp, would i do the same, i don't know, do i want the qashqai of middle wieght adventure bikes?

[@KairyuRider]

@@jeremycarr3920 I find the Transalp very fun in the street. I’m new to dirt so maybe the wrong guy to ask. Vstrom, the heat and weight are noticeable. Ktm 790 is my perfect bike… if it works…. Big “if”😅 Aprilia is going to have some more riliability issues than Japanese, but not as bad as ktm from what I hear. If I was in the USA, I’d get the aprilia no question. Transalp making 91hp was a big deal for me. If it made only 81 like aprilia for near the same price (USA and Europe), I’d have to go aprilia. Glad you liked my video. All good bike, Japan sacrifices quality/premium features thought the aftermarket helps. Europe sacrifices long term reliability. I guess the real question is, will you trade you bike at the end of the warranty, or, you’re hoping it lasts 10+years

[@franklinsaltchuck2455]

Too many people listen to too many people. I test-rode a Triumph and Ducati... according to The Internet, I should have loved them, but they just didn't feel right to me... maybe I'm boring, but I just feel better riding a Japanese bike.

[@KairyuRider]

@@franklinsaltchuck2455 agreed, internet let's me know I need a europe bike and to treat my adv like a duel sport. But real life shows me I want a adv bike to treat like a sport touring bike with a few dirt roads and manage able trails

[@kurthedgecock6313]

New subscriber. Japan is an interesting country. I'd love to visit. But riding on the left side of the road would be hard to get used to.

[@KairyuRider]

Does have that hard of a time. Cars you deal with everything being wrong. Bikes are the same controls, just follow the flow. Visiting usa now and it feels wrong😅

[@GoldOreOunce]

Excellent video and good chill info :). Thank you!

[@le_kakis]

I like the objectivity that you showed in the end,very mature thinking. Btw is the yellow jacket you are wearing a biker jacket?

[@KairyuRider]

It's a rain coat I'm wearing over my pandomoto commando aaa. This is the yellow coat👇 www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/aw/d/B0BXBXYJ8T?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

[@zrx4me1]

If only the USA could get the white one I'd be all in, but matte black is a no go.

[@KairyuRider]

@zrx4me1 japan only gets white despite all three colors made here. Honestly if I couldn't get the 91hp transalp, I wouldn't get it. I'd have taken the gamble on aprilia or ktm

[@zrx4me1]

@@KairyuRider I most likely will go for the E-clutch CBR650R this fall.

[@KairyuRider]

@@zrx4me1 it’s very cool. Would have loved to see the e-clutch or dct on this bike.

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

Your text did ask for a Dad Joke, so here we go; What's the nicest thing you can offer your redhead friend? Chemotherapy.

[@slipngrip]

Love the bike but can't stand its headlight. I'll just wait til Honda changes it in the next generation.

[@KairyuRider]

I didn't like it earlier, but in person I am a fan. And it's a very good headlight as far as throughing light at night.

[@veljkovic92]

I'm not sure about buying Transalp anymore mainly because of tubed tires. Heard some crashes happened from fast deflation of tires after puncture. Not sure if I want that risk for me and my wife onboard. That fact really disappointed me and now I'm thinking of going Tracer 7 GT for that similar price. Was really excited for Transalp. 😑

[@KairyuRider]

I'll put tubless tape on my rims next month. I've never heard of tubes deflating faster than tubless.

[@anbukimu5292]

Smart man

[@thodoris3790]

any issues with the fueling?this motor runs smooth?the transmition is ok?isnt it a little clunky?

[@KairyuRider]

No issues. It's a twin so there is some feelings of an engine. It's the smoothest twin I've ever had after my vstrom 650 twin. But they are close and I still haven't done the first service where as that vstrom had 60,000km. Low speed city traffic can be snatchy but switch to rain or gravel and it's fin. Over 10 or 15kmh no fueling issues. Transmission is perfect

[@bronzechnl]

I am very close to getting a Transalp, but the fact that its tires are not tubeless is really concerning me. It feels like a deal-breaker. Is it normal for me to be so hung up on tubeless tires? I need your advice. Thank you.

[@KairyuRider]

I'll add tubeless rim tape next month. Hate tubes

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I went with the a T7 but if a person is going to be on the road then the Transalp is a better bike, or if a person is shorter than me. I'm 5'8" 30.5-31" inseam. Or if someone feels they need the higher tech... though I don't understand that after the failure of my Pan America's electronics. Aprilia Dealership is 3.5 hours from me, and there are reported issues when the 660 is ridden lots of miles with harder off-road thrown in. I'm glad the T7 is what it is. I'm selling my 890 Adventure today. Like the Transalp the 890 is a superior road bike to the T7 but it stops there. I want to go back to simplicity. Next bike for me to move on is my Husky 501, probably for a DR 650. Yeah, some of us just want simple bikes. All that said, the Transalp will be a great road bike, mid-size ADV bike because Honda's electronics aren't as suspect as Harley/KTM Etc...

[@nikhilprakash100]

Love from india❤

[@KairyuRider]

@@nikhilprakash100 thank you. All the best from Japan

[@ocendo1]

I have one Transalp 750 XL 2024,white with golden rims.It is so bad vibrations on the handles.In all modes and on another motorbike the same crap of engine.It is strong and suspension is weak.It is not holding road on the front.I have payed 11900€ and I think it is wrong engine.My fingers gat numb,feel electricuted in constant riding.

[@KairyuRider]

@ocendo1 the front can lose a bit of grip for me in the fast bumpy roads. Suspension upgrad would help that. After firsts service the vibration is much less on my, I only notice a very small amount around 4-5000 rpm. Sorry your having trouble. Heavier bar weights made the vibes of my tracer 900gt almost disappear. Ktm might be smother and better Suspension. But they do seem to come with reliability risk But if you are thinking of changing bikes, weight to seewhat 2025 has. Tenere was never very vibrational for me, just a lack of tech.

[@joaorocha144]

best bike is the transalp

[@123phobia123]

does your transalp have noticable vibrations in the footpegs at or above 4000 rpm?

[@KairyuRider]

@123phobia123 without the rubber inserts in the pegs, less but not bad. With the rubber, almost zero. But I've not done the first service yet and every bike I've ever owned got dramatically smoother after the firsts service.

[@joaorocha144]

what is your topcase?

[@KairyuRider]

@@joaorocha144 see my mods videos

[@Nulrom]

Suzuki 800de. It's a better bike. But i like the factory Transalp sound more.

[@KairyuRider]

@@Nulrom it's a heavier bike. But not sure about better

[@Nulrom]

@@KairyuRider when you put everything the Suzuki has on a transalp (not including the bigger tank), they weight the same. It's undeniably a better bike, with a better engine, cheaper, with no flaws like ktms. Also, they scaled the honda and they cheated in her weight. Check it.

[@KairyuRider]

I've put "everything" on my transalp. It only added 6.5kg. The vestron without extras like crash protection is still more than 15kg heavy with a top heavy big tank. If you got the vstrom, I'm sure it's a good bike. But it and loses the weight game to the africa twin. And there is no relm where it's competitive with the 7-800cc adv bike sin weight.

[@Nulrom]

@@KairyuRider actually no, the Suzuki has a wet weight of 230kg. The honda a 214 dry weight. Also the honda lied, is a little bit more. Add the fuel, add all features that come standard with the 800 (like, for example, the quick shifter that weights 0.4kg). Add the fact some components from the Suzuki are a little bit more heavy or premium (front suspension and back adjustable suspension), you arrive at the same weight.

[@Nulrom]

@@KairyuRider I can agree she's heavy and I know a lot of middleweight are lighter but the Transalp is not one of them. In fact, you can transform the Suzuki into a rally bike, putting her on a diet. I still didn't saw a video of someone doing that to the Transalp.

[@JimLycke]

Jammer dat het geen tubless heeft

[@jonwoodworker]

The Suzuki 800DE is a better adventure bike than the Talp. The Talp is a street bike/commuter and Honda already has better options. The Talp off road is unbearable, Honda lost me with the mid size Adventure option and Suzuki gained me.

[@MotoCampAdv]

Nah , D.E doesn't even have the right size rear tire , heavier , and slower .

[@jonwoodworker]

@MotoCampAdv Nah, the rear tire size is fine and the real world torque is so much better than the Talp. The Talp has a high Rev engine, precisely what you DON'T want off road. Nah! Non adjustable suspension on the Talp, nah! Jerky throttle, nah! Taking the tank off for filter like a street bike, nah! Oil sump and exhaust almost dragging the ground, nah! Fragile plastics, nah! BigRockMoto put $7k into the Talp to make it off road worthy, and quickly sold it, because it's not off road worthy. Nah!

[@westywest59]

Lol. Cope and seethe

[@MtbPoland]

Ktm and aprilla are not better....they are not reliable

[@klausmlm]

They are better,try it yourself .

[@MotoCampAdv]

​@@klausmlmpeace of mind is better. I've owned both KTM and Aprilia and they have known issues don't be fooled.

[@klausmlm]

@@MotoCampAdv But,not Tuareg 660,isn't it? Is a different and beautiful machine. Please try one,is better than most middleweight runners.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@klausmlm There are reported issues in the T 660 that are actually ridden lots of miles and with plenty of off-road miles.

[@klausmlm]

@@pinkiewerewolf There are so.many Tuaregs with minor or none issues,you know that? Including mine... And Honda are bulletproof?Or any brand in these days? Not...and in that circumstances ,Aprilia made big improvements,it's a brilliant machine. Ride safe and enjoy your bike like we enjoyed ours Tuaregs,Hellas and Africa Eco Race winner!...not Yamaha or Honda ,or other brand...,just the"weak" and "unreliable"...Aprilia.