Honda Transalp XL750 test ride at TouraTexas Rally 2024.
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- Опубліковано 12 січ 2025
- I attended the TouraTexas Rally 2024 in mid October where I was able to test ride several motorcycles to include the Honda Transalp XL750. This was my first test ride of this motorcycle so I was not completely sure of what to expect from it. My initial impressions of this motorcycle was it felt small. I liked the engine and the electronics, however it was absent of cruise control. Veridian Cruise Control has an aftermarket cruise control for this motorcycle so not all is lost. If you are looking for Japanese reliability with the ability to transform this motorcycle into the best machine for you type of riding then the Honda Transalp is worth taking a look at. I do think it will take $3000 to $4000 to transform this bike into a long distance travel bike that can handle Backcountry Discovery Routes with ease. Check out what else I had to say about this bike.
Thanks for your review. Now at 22,000 kms (about 13,500 miles) on my 2023, I agree with almost all your reflections. And yes - no suspension adjustment on the Transalp - only spring preload. Suspension work on my agenda. I also agree about the jerky throttle response at low revs - I overcome it by using 3rd gear around slow corners, where I might have used 2nd otherwise, and it is fine. The Transalp doesn't feel all that strong at low revs, but is a little deceptive - mine has never stalled, or 'baulked' at low revs. But we get a few more horsepower in Australia, and my Transalp has plenty of power for the job it does. I have a Ducati sports bike for the other stuff.
I wonder whether the jerky throttle response off low revs relates to the twistgrip, which has a lot of play on the handlebar, but for the moment I am 'riding around it'. The modes? Yes, pretty useless in Gravel, and even with TC at the lowest setting (like in Sport, where I leave mine for the most part) the TC is still VERY intrusive on a gravel uphill incline, particularly with corrugations. Turning it off transforms the bike, but is fiddly to do.
I also agree with you regarding the Tuareg - a great machine, but more seriously dirt-orientated than the Transalp. The Transalp much better on the road though. The standing up position I found much better once I had reversed the risers, which moves the 'bars about 20mm forward, and also rolled them forward a little from where they were set. This feels better all the time - not just standing up The Honda accessory bear grip footrests also better for standing, being wider and with much better grip, and sit slightly lower than the stockers.
Thanks for your review, and your candour. I wasn't convinced about the Honda when I bought it, but it has really grown on me, and I ride it all the time.
Whenever I hit dirt I go into user mode where I have configured power 100%, Engine braking 50%, traction control 25%, ABS off road (but I turn it off completely by holding down the up arrow). I'm interested in the switch you can buy to turn it all off with a single press, but don't want to upset my warranty by installing it yet.
@@tonyjourneyman1944 Yes the single button switch off of TC and ABS would be ideal, and as others have said - it would have been better if it had come with that. But I like the bike to be consistent, so have 'learned to ride it' mainly in Sport, which is close to your settings, only with less EB. But it is better with the TC and ABS switched off on loose surfaces, that's for certain. It's just annoying to have to do the procedure, over and over.
Matt, thank you for the review. I appreciate your viewpoint. I purchased a Transalp a couple of months ago and for that bike to be any good it has to live above 5000 RPMs. Then it actually has some spirit. Also the fueling below 4,000 RPMs is horrible and I'm working with a company to get that taken care of with a new ECU map. Also, had you turned traction control off in the user mode you would have been much more happy.
@@gregs5738 I did notice the bike was happier over 5k rpms. Demo rides are challenging, we were not given time or instruction to adjust the ride modes. I was not completely familiar with the modes.
Sounds like you're still loving the Tuareg, it is so good right out of the box.
I put TracTive +25mm suspension on my Transalp 750 and a bigger rear sprocket because it is geared so tall that even gearing it down it still has a better taller 6th than my Tuareg 660 and I don't even get on my Tuareg any more since now my Transalp XL750 is way smoother for long distance and as good off road and has more horsepower than the Tuareg, oh and I did I say the Honda Transalp XL750 is more reliable than the Tuareg 660? And now I have MC Cruise control on my Transalp 750, so my Tuareg 660 is for sale.
@@cliftonsr I can see you were able to transform the Transalp into an amazing bike. What about the tubes, any aftermarket tubeless wheels available?
@@advmatt Or you can use Honda Africa Twin rims and use the Africa Twin bearings
@@cliftonsr good to know.
I put VMX rims on my Transalp 750 ua-cam.com/video/p2y6xjnEkbc/v-deo.htmlsi=wDt79j7lVIgX9nHR
Nice to hear. I really enjoy my Transalp but I think a suspension upgrade is in order down the track. But it's a heck of a bike, a very happy place to be. It has so much going for it. I think calling it Vanilla is a bit lacking in understanding of Japanese culture. They typically understate things but stress harmony. Less ego and character but perhaps more refined.
Also, the front and rear suspension is adjustable for preload.
@@gregs5738 good to know. I would like to see compression and rebound in the suspension.
Thanks for the review.
Vanilla is Honda's design goal. You buy a Honda for reliability, and lack of surprises. - Frank
I recently found your channel and really like your reviews. It would be great if you could get your hands on a Husky Norden 901 Expedition to review. Concerning your Tuareg, I’ve not heard you mention excessive heat around your feet, especially on the right side, like so many others have. That makes me wonder if it’s overblown. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your fudture videos.
I would love to try out a Norden. I just don't see any around here where I live. I haven't seen them available for test rides at the rallies I have attended either. As for the heat from the Tuareg, I think it is overblown. My right foot was absolutely cooked on my Tenere riding in Big Bend doing slow speed work. The Tuareg has not been any worse for me. I notice the heat the most when the ambient temperature is in the 80s. It is something I notice but it is not bad enough to keep me focused on it, if that makes sense. Thanks for the feedback.
Great review!
I’m struggling to decide on a 2025 T700 or Transalp…
I’m glad to hear that you like Transalp…. Leaning towards it…. But not sure if it will be available IN USA by April…
Thanks
@@moulin680 I recommend you get a test ride on the Taureg just for reference. You make the Transalp a much better bike long term.
Was wondering if you would get to the Transalp. I started watching your videos when I got a KTM 390, and have since switched to the Transalp and a KTM 350 EXC. I think your review was mostly accurate but a few points. Many reviewers get on dirt and then complain about gravel mode because they didn’t understand the bike, thinking it was off-road mode. It isn’t. It is a safety feature for new riders to keep anything from slipping. You get off road mode by going into user mode and turning off traction control and reducing ABS to front wheel only. Also the bike is made for high RPMs. Not so good at slow speed work but a blast when you are coming on to it at higher rpm’s. It has a ton of scat when you are at the right rpm’s. And finally I’m surprised you didn’t notice the lower center of gravity, being a T7 owner. I really dislike a top heavy bike; that and the road handling drew me to this bike.
Great points. I was not fully familiar with the different ride modes. I noticed when I was editing that I didn't mention the center of gravity but you are absolutely correct, the balance of the Transalp is much much better. I think if I had waited for the Transalp to be released instead of buying of the T7 I would never have turned to the Tuareg. I thought the engine was great at all RPM ranges but it came alive at the higher RPMs. At the price point it is a good bike and the ability to add cruise control makes it a great choice for adventure riding.
@@advmattI’d have gotten the Tsureg as well, if it weren’t for the absence of a dealer network where I live. You never know, I might yet.
Sports mode , light it up on road …this bike is not boring …think 3rd gear power wheelie …no it’s not a Ducati in the corners …it however can go at a good speed in the twisties …standing position is excellent for a 175cm rider…I stand more than I sit .
I am sure this is a great bike in the twisties. Demo rides limit what we can do on the bikes. The steering seemed a bit slower and neutral compared to other bikes I have ridden. My Tuareg just has a different feel to the Transalp. The Transalp feels like a nice platform to start with and the modify the heck out of it to turn it into the bike we all really want. The short amount of time I had the bike did not allow me to get a good feel for the different ride modes. It was my first chance to ride this bike and it was impressions.
Honda make some great motorcycles. Unfortunately, they usually forget to make them fun. Vanilla is the perfect description, soulless. I'm sure they will sell a lot of them, and the owners will love them. I just cant face the blandness of riding a Honda.
I had an early Transalp 600 it was possibly the most boring bike Ive ever owned, bikes should never be boring.
@@Hutchie2112 amen to that. Bikes should never be boring.
@Hutchie2112 I don't think Japanese do boring but I understand your position. Eg I have a Seiko dive watch and to the unitiated to watches it does look featureless and bland. Say Rolex have more drama and personality. But then you can say, do you need all that personality anyway? To me the lack of soul is the essence of soul, if you get my drift. The Honda Transalp 750 is much more of a refined, mature bike. Anything but Vanilla. With a little careful work it could become a classic in its own right.
@@Shaun-o1l Some folk like plain food, some folk like spicy food. Each to their own.
Comparing watches with motorcycles ? Note that I didn't say Japanese, I said Honda. I also didn't say all, I said some.
It's a bit of an eye opener to hear the phrase 'the lack of soul is the essence of soul'. That sounds like marketing speak for bland can be fun ;)
Considering the transalp due to reports it’s easier to pick up than a Tenere and the fact I’m 65 years old, so my off road riding will likely be pretty “vanilla”. Also want something my 96 lbs wife can ride along with me on occasion for which it seems to be a better choice? If I can make that work I’ll ditch the road king I thought I’d never own…
@d.a3446 if you can take a test ride of Tuareg, I really recommend it. The balance of the Tuareg is just as good if not better than the Transalp and it is touring ready from the get go.
Why is everyone worried about outside air temperature being displayed lol
@@Texasgolf I like to know, especially when temperatures start approaching freezing. I am afflicted with the engineering sickness that requires my brain to quantify everything I do in numbers. I track every single mile I ride by each month, the number times I sleep in a tent, how many miles each tire has on it and I like to know when I am riding in 116 degree heat as well. I acknowledge it's a sickness.....
When I switxh between bikes I miss it! Not sure why, just enjoy knowing. - Frank
change the spockets,one tooth less front,one more rear.transalp was never an off road animal.its an on/off bike with touring capabelities and its perfect for that.buy the 2025 mobel ,i think honda imroved all the cons.and dont ask tubeless and cruise control.itchy boots is traveling with a 1987 xt600.
Most of us are not Itchy Boots so I will choose comfort and getting long distances as quickly as possible. I see the potential in the Transalp but by the time money is spent getting it modified to work for me I would have exceeded the cost of a Tuareg. I know reliability of Japanese bikes will always be the winning factor for a lot of riders, but modern bikes have come a long ways. I can see adjusting the gearing but I wouldn't do it without getting 100s of dirt miles in to see how it really handles it. Thanks for commenting.
In 2023 there was a real hype about the Transalp. It was impossible to get a discount from the dealers. Even with the color, you could not get what you wanted. And what did it all look like in 2024..?? a very big difference, many were initially dazzled by the Honda and had high expectations. But in many cases the Transalp could not fulfill them. The fork and suspension struts are extremely cheap, the equipment is not Honda-like. No cruise control, no temperature display... honestly Honda. are you kidding me? Long story short. In 2024 the Transalp was on sale like sour beer. New with no kilometers for 8500!! euros. 2000 euros less than in 2023. Doesn't suggest that the Honda will sell well. I drove it on a Monday, on Wednesday I ordered a Moto Guzzi V85TT. If you're looking for a boring motorcycle you'll love the Transalp. Everyone else will be disappointed. Greetings from Bavaria and merry Christmas 😉😉🎄🎄
@@uglybiketours4344 great insight. The Transalp needs a lot of mods to get any level of performance from it.
@advmatt You are absolutely right and in 2025 Honda will bring a revised version onto the market. Including fork and shock absorber. Honda fans don't like to hear that, but if Honda is already revising the Transalp after 2 years and selling the old one with a 20% +X discount... many of the negative reviews can't be completely wrong...😉😉 It's just logic
Boring and gets you home versus exciting and leaves you stranded. No brainer.
@@advmatt At 92HP and 206kg it goes well enough in the right hands.
@tonyjourneyman1944 the version in the United States is 10hp less. Not sure why. Any bike in the right hands can do amazing things. In its stock form it did not inspire me.