So, in short. Honda made a realistic, sensible medium ADV bike, considering what 90% of adv riders do. And letting the other 10% have their thing with whatever they want. Have to respect that.
Wait- you saying there’s no fucking trees in Texas. WTF I wish I could send you one from up here in NH that’s all there is here along with water and rocks.
The way this thing handles, it really is a kind of magic. That's way more important than cruise control and uninestering screen graphics. I am at 10k kms on mine (euro spec, ross white colour), ride it every day, and smile big time every time I twist the throttle open!
Fortnine's point was, the EPA hamstringing the Transalp was pointless. Your point is a hamstrung Transalp is still a very good bike. You both have a point.
EPA's existence is pointless. They are the ruling and reigning king that no one questions, no one challenges, no one opposes, and everyone who makes stuff complies with. The EPA is assumed to be righteous, benevolent, scientifically pure and perfect, and motives beyond reproach. This stupid bureaucracy does NOT protect anything, except their own taxation and manufacturing tyranny.
Great job on the review. I have had my Transalp about 2 months and about 1,400 miles of seat time. Your gripes and praise is spot on in my opinion. I am Honda's target market for this bike and I love it. It will do all the things that I want to do with it, and at a very high level. It is not the best for high speed technical off road but that's why I have dirt bikes. I have adjusted to the menu and can now quickly turn off TC and ABS on the fly as they are both very intrusive on dirt and gravel. I will be adding an aftermarket cruise control soon $300.00. Thanks for the great review!
I put almost 5k on mine since January 2024. Absolutely love mine and perfect for what i do. Mostly paved back roads around lakes and highway to get there. Also lite trails. The one thing that stands out to me is COMFORT! Hands down most comfortable and easiest bike to ride. And just fun to ride. Came off a ST1300.
I don't care about color just performance only is what is important to me. I believe you and FortNine are both correct on the power delivery of the Transalp. It can give you the extra power that you want, it is just tuned down to meet the EPA standards. There are plenty of aftermarket tuners that will do that for you. Thank you for the honest eval on the bike.
I don't know I'm the only one, but I REALLY WISH manufacturers would get rid of "user modes" through damned menus! ....GIMME SWITCHES AGAIN! Simplicity would make riding fun again!
Yes, the amount of electronics on the bike ARE a downside. I generally just leave mine in Sport, but the ABS/TC are very annoying, even at minimal settings. It would be a better bike with some sorting of this messy aspect to an otherwise great bike. As you say - just one button to switch off ABS and TC would be ideal. Even just rear ABS, given the legal requirement around these.
Purchased my TransAlp back in February and have been loving it. Only two gripes - which I knew going in - was the lack of cruise control and tubed tires. Veridian Cruise solved the cruise control issue and it works great, so that's a non-issue now. Regarding the TC/ABS being a annoying to turn on/off, LSK Technologies should have their dongle to remody that available in the next couple months so it will just be a matter of holding down on the crosspad for a few seconds to turn them on/off, plus it will remember your settings if you turn the key off which is another huge plus. Wheels are the same width as an Africa Twin's (wheel spacer p/n's are the same to), so I'll be keeping an eye out for a set on Flea-bay this winter to go tubeless.
I rode one of the first Transalps at a dealer around here. I really liked it and almost bought it. I am going to buy a mid size adventure motorcycle within the next year. I have a DRZ400, so I don't need an offroad motorcycle. I want another motorcycle that is more highway capable with the ability for some light off road. The Transalp and the Vstrom 800 DE are both contenders. Both have plusses and minuses. If one of them were to offer cruise, that's the one I'd buy. I like the looks of the Transalp better and the red/white/blue color scheme needs to be offered in the US.
It is funny how polarizing this bike is. People either love it or hate it. I very much like the jack of all trades aspect of this bike. I can realistically only own one bike at a time at this point in my life, so a jack of all trades is what I was looking for. It's not the best at anything, but it is decent at everything I need. If I could have 3 or 4 bikes, it might not be in that stable. Veridian cruise for the win on the CC issue by the way, it has worked great for me.
You are confusing abs with traction control. Abs rear 12:42 can easily be off by switching to user at any time. Traction control resets each time the key turns off and yes that's a pain.
I just joined the Club, picked up a Transalp in Colorado last week with 1400 miles on it, I’ve put about 300 miles on it so far and love it! Also like the black, I don’t like my toys to be flashy and think the black is perfect!
That Guldan edit was sweet...one of my favorite characters in wow lore. "The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth" - African proverb
I'm not a flashy guy so the 'bland' black actually appeals greatly to me. That being said, I wouldn't turn my nose up at a flat matte blue, grey, or red. When I'm ready to take the ADV dive, this bike will be at the top of my used bike list.
Beautiful trees and scenery. It took me about a month to get used to the turn signal and low/high beam switches. To get new muscle memories. It now seems 100% intuitive and wonder why others never did this before. I can use either swtch without releasing the left hand grip at all. Which is safer. I can flick with my index finger to change low / high beams. And the same with my thumb for the turn signal. I have USER mode set with the ABS off. It takes a couple quick Mode button presses to get into User Mode. The quick shifter has 3 settings in the menu. Only lazy whimps want cruise control.
Yep, the famous Honda indicator switch in a different position to everyone else's indicator switch. I have a transalp and it does bug me because I have multiple rides. I've lost count of how many times I've hit the horn while intending to indicate a turn.
Hear hear! I've been riding the Transalp the most, and now I toot people on the Ducati. And forget to switch the blinkers off, as I've been spoilt by the automatic cancelling...
@@patkennedy1 yep! I'll second that re the self cancelling indicators. I ride a scooter as well around town, I think most times one of the indicators is always blinking, depending upon which way my last turn was.
@@LARGO125 Oh yes, there have been a few 'interesting' solutions to the blinkers operation. Harley had a self-cancelling unit about the size of a lunchbox for a while. BMW had another idea. The Honda's are fine of course, but they should all be the same on all makes really, now so many have more than one bike. At least the gearchanges are all the same now, on the same side! That only took about 80 years...
The 750 Transalp is a terrific bike. Had it for 7 months but traded it back to the dealer because the seat was causing back pain I couldn’t resolve. Loved the engine! 😊
I loved my CB500X but the Transalp fixed my biggest gripes with it. Gearing, power, vibrations at cruising speeds, and comfort. It's a better package. The Africa Twin can be good off-road but it's a bit too heavy and a handful. That takes a lot of the fun away. I feel the Africa Twin is a GREAT touring bike. The Transalp is a great all-rounder. The CB500X might be good bike for someone who is just starting to ride and really wants an all-rounder. You may not want to hold onto it for reasons stated above. I have a hard time recommending ADVs for beginners because of how top heavy they can be. Also the seat height can be a bit much for some.
Exhausting, just watching but I know what you mean about the handling, sublime! Here in the UK there is a stunning blue/ red on white, as well as colours you see in farmyards!!!
Color choices on the bike is not a big ask. The matte black and mixed black plastic is nasty, very post-apocalypse road warrior or something irrelevant. Why? Spite is right. Honda makes a really nice deep metallic or pearl dark red and a metalllic blue and various, there is white with red and blue stickers. Yellow. Silver. Various. Even shiny or metallic black with some pin strip action. Something. Matte black is just too shaker can.
I took mine from Mexico to Canada through Yellowstone and Black hills and it's a great bike. I put cruise control on it which I thought was a miss by Honda.
Not a bad review of what is, as you note, a better bike than it seems at first. It is surprisingly capable, and it grows on you, as you found. It even gets smoother as you go. At just over 17,000 kms here in South Australia (about 10,700 miles) I am enjoying my white one on the mixed surfaces around here, and on several longer rides. Funny that you travelled along roads from Eureka I travelled back in the '80s on out way north via Grant's Pass, when we stayed at Eel River the night before, which was run by an Aussie called Bruce at that time... A suggestion for the riding and standing position ergonomics. I reversed the handlebar risers, which moves the 'bars forward about 20mms, and this improves it further, as well as 'rolling' the 'bars forward in the clamps. I am only just off 5'10", but found this improved it in all situations, as well as taking out that 'tiller' feel of the 'bars being too far back from the steering pivot point. I also got the wider 'bear' footpegs thrown in with the deal, being the first purchaser of the model here, and they improve it further, being a bit lower, and giving better foot support for standing. But this is a good second bike to a fast sports bike, and really does both jobs - dirt and bitumen roads - rather well. A good foil to a very light Ducati. And better than my old '95 Cagiva Elefant 750, although that bike has a better headlight than the Honda! But the Transalp is a very easy bike to live with.
For a color option, I don't mind the black, but could use more red and grey/silver in graphics to break it up so it's not just solid black with a stripe. Some pretty good wrap kits coming out now for the T/A so plenty of options to totally change the look if you want to.
Nice review. I think it’s hilarious you said you didn’t like the color scheme being black and red because it was drab. But that’s what you were wearing black and red. 😂. I have a TA and agree I would prefer the tri-color model more
I'm waiting for 2025 colorways. Hoping for something in red, or RWB, or white - in that order. Thanks for a truly great vicarious tour of NorCal in a nice machine!!
Terrific review. I’ve just bought one and it comes tomorrow, I want an all rounder that’s very good at everything and I believe it will do just that. 👍
I have 4200 miles on my transalp and con honestly say i love the bike i put some kenda big blocks and crash bars on and it does everything ive asked of it and then some the abs is a bit of a pain but honestly as long as i only turn the bike off at the kill switch its no problem but i have noticed ive occasionally switched riding modes by accident
Great review and love seeing my backyard roads from another point of view. As far as colours, they could do a stars and stripes theme for the US market!
You nailed it on this one. I’m looking for a middle weight adventure tourer and I feel in love with the TA…except for the few negatives you mentioned. The biggest is the color finish. I know it won’t hold up after a few months of use. The matte black finished chipped off in a few areas during assembly. I figure it will look like shit after a year with me. I’ll pull the trigger when Honda installs cruise control and changes the color…any color.
Dont hold youre breath why punish yourself . beat it up enjoy it all those battle scars all have stories right? hack thr ecu turn it loose smoother throttle more power! yes those things would be nice .. but Im not watin bark busters are amust( keyoko ? Throttle lock great combo match and cheep)( Had one on my DL1K) this is a great bike solid without all the KTM BS ....live in the now after all no one can promise tomorrow!
It’s a great motorcycle ride and the backside towards Patterson is awesome too. Basically it’ll take you to the I-5 eventually. Another great ride is Mt Tamalpias.
I would love to see a Blue Transsalp with white detailing and gold spoke wheels. What did you think about the engine? Is it just another P-twin or is it worth ignoring it in favour of the whole package?
Awesome seeing your video about this trip! 💯 Seemed it was great! I can imagine the Transalp being a solid ride/bike. It is really common here in The Netherlands. Good bikes. Colorway wise, I dig seeing the tricolore, the Yellow of the Hornet, the Silver of the CB650R and the White/Red and Black/Red of the new Hornet too. The Green would also look good!
If the bike had an ABS button, cruise control, and tubeless wheels, but was $12k instead of $10k, would you buy it? ✅$150 for LSK Electronics ABS button ✅$300 for Veridian cruise control ✅$1500 for VMX wheels I totally would. I actually think the black is way cooler looking than the tri-color. My biggest issue with the bike is that terrible name…
12:09 just select GRAVEL MODE! Honda did it for you :) i have the red/white/blue HRC one here in spain. love it for all my needs and yea it feels VERY sporty despite that big front wheel. i do 90/10 on/off. its my daily including my grocery hauler (top and side cases!)
My understanding is that in Gravel you still have rearwheel abs, it's just tuned for offroad riding. I prefer it off so I can actually stop in the dirt.
I like the trans alp/ cb750 hornet. But both bikes should had come factory with cruise control. When i first got into riding i didnt care for it. But after my fjr1300 i really appreciated it
I love mine! My quickshifter tends to be a little bit jarring between first and second, like coming away from stoplights, so I think you're right that it's best when you've already got some momentum. And I'd love to have cruise control too, but I'm satisfied with a good throttle lock until I spring for an aftermarket solution. The absence of an ABS button is probably the most telling that it's not as purpose-built for "adventure" as say the BMW GS, even those 1150s built 20 years ago, and I think they had an ABS button. If I'm honest with myself about that last one though, I'm in the >90% of ADV riders who put >90% of my miles on the bike in conditions where I don't need or want to disable ABS. I'm just not that guy, but I don't think Honda built this bike for that guy.
@@jonwoodworker Maybe your stupid as everyone has a different interpretation of what a REAL adventure rider is. In my country a proper adventure ride is more like a full on enduro.
@mjonno64 Yes, as I waited two years to buy it. I was so disappointed with it that I chose the 800DE and couldn't be happier. Had a chance to ride another Talp recently and confirmed it is worthless to me as an ADV bike or a street bike.
@@jonwoodworker fair enough. I quite like the 800 de except for its weight and its excess heat from its engine. Sounds like it also may still need some suspension work. There is no perfect bike solution.
I really want one of these bikes. I also don't like the lack of cruise control, but there is an aftermarket option. The matte paint is the biggest issue for me. I really wish they would have used the same white that the Africa Twin got as that is some beautiful paint.
Test rode one the other day and compared to my NC750x (2024) the Transalp (2024) is a defo step up. Really enjoyed the silky smooth conering and solid feel. I have the papers to sign on my phone but waiting to test the NT1100. Can I be cheeky and ask what mount that is hold the insta bike stick on your right of the handle bar ?
Jack of all trades master of none , tubes and spoked rims but not enough off road oriented , no cruise control the only thing it has going is the Honda reliability and the solid engine. Honda knows what sells well but most riders don't know what they need.
If the bike is efi with dbw throttle it only takes about $20 more in switch gear to have cruise control. Mt Hamilton is a very good riding area . They should have routed you east to Yosemite then back to LA down 395 on the east slope of the Sierras.
Honda could have killed the competition if they put cruise control on the Transalp because its a much better highway machine than allot of its competitors but having travelled allot of long rides cruise control is really really nice.
Not sure why this video triggered so many? There are some unhappy people out in the world. Spite, the video was great. I still had hoped we would get the Hornet CB750 here in the US. Doesn’t look like it any time soon. Ty for the great review! 👊
Spark plugs and air filter are under tank in my bike Trk 502. Had dealer do recently. I've seen other bikes do this too. My Tmax scooter battery was behind/under front end.
I’d like to see retro color schemes like the old Transalp. I know it’s newer and better but they should pay tribute to the old one at least as an option.
@@hpenvy1106 And that is why a lot of folks will pay a bit more for an ADV with cruise control and heated grips... like the Tiger 900 like I did (and yes I tried the Transalp before buying the Triumph). The ATwin was quite a bit more $ than the Tiger also.
Hey Spite did the transalphave the 80 hp or a ecu flash to get standard 94 european horsepower , there are all ready a lot of rally stikker sets out here in europa to buy to let the bike look beter. time fore you to ride the transeuropean trial now hahaha Nice vidio ...greetings from the Nederlands .
Hopefully you'll get a reply on this as I'm wondering the same thing! Maybe a better question would be did it feel to you (Spite) like a 70 hp bike (Cycle World US spec. dyno results) or a 86-89 hp bike (results I've seen for Global spec'd Transalp/Hornet) sense it's doubtful Honda would own up to providing modified bikes?
10:20 turning ABS off isnt hard once you program it into user mode. After that its just a matter of hitting mode and selecting it (sport, standard, gravel, rain, user) EASY!
Great review, I would like to have seen a little more off-road I'll have to go on other reviews. It's going to be hard to part with my 22 890 adventure r. But I like to change it up two years is about Max I own bikes. The 890R is like a giant dirt bike off road really kicks ass I'm hoping the transalp has a little of that
I want to say don't worry about fortnine's video on this, heck even Spite's here isnt that good. Spite, you got an all expense paid trip to Cali, you're not going to go full MKBHD on the bike. What I can say is if you want a good review on the transalp, Watch Dork in the Road's review. Its an actual good long term review.
@@spitescorner I think you nailed the review Spite, I’ve seen some UA-cam reviews where riders hammer the bike on really rough terrain at speed. You can’t buy the Honda expecting a hard core off roader because it isn’t one, they have completely got it wrong. The target audience don’t want that from the bike they want what YOU just did.
We need that red and blue on white colorway like they have in Europe. I'm seriously considering one of these for my second bike, and it'll be hard to resist if they release that colorway in the US.
Seems the Japanese manufacturers are all late to the cruise control feature on their middle weight ADV bikes. I like the size and package this bike offers but I won’t buy another ADV without cruise.
I agree that it's pretty silly that the bike doesn't have cruise control, but given the price point that it hits I am almost 100% confident that it was a project management decision to exclude that feature (not that it was the correct choice, at least offer it as optional equipment). And I agree, the colorway is pretty lame; I've never been a fan of blacked out aesthetics, and when the Tricolor livery is available overseas it makes me a bit crunchy that we're stuck with just the one option. Personally, I would love more throwback colorways: the tricolor is great, maybe something with purple and yellow like the CR500 from the 90's, Rothman colors always look good, and I've always been a fan of their classic burgundy red metallic. Also, having it available in white would be smart, since I suspect that this bike will see some service in police fleets.
@@spitescorner fair enough, but even Honda website identifies it as an A2 licence adventure bike. Looks nearly same as the transalp, has the luggage options, has a 19 inch front (which is good enough size even for an r1250 GS). So why exactly it is not an adv? Just cause of the 500cc engine?
@@theislandrider406 its an awesome little ADV bike! i had one before geting the transalp. i really had no good reason to upgrade i just like bikes and the 92hp is nice lol
I'm surprised by your comments about the quick-shifter. I've found that's is wonky when you're too mellow; it's happier revving the engine. There are separate up and down settings for it in the menus. Which yes, the menus seem annoying, but once you're used to them, it's no problem. Except stupid things like how you have to reset the trip ODO or that the automatic fuel/ODO reset only works if you took the bike into the low fuel zone - pointless 95% of the time. It's not bad, just not the most intuitive thing. They really need a flash to clean up the UI. But everything else? I will *never* get rid of mine.
Actually they have nothing to do with sport-touring. They are considered on-off bikes and are taken on gravel/fire roads, where you would take transalp on. It has low gearing too.@@spitescorner
@@spitescorner I think they're planted firmly in the ADV bikes segment. Really good ones too. Cheers. Did you try all the different settings for the quickshifter?
@@spitescorner What is "ADV bike?" Honda calls it adventure bike on their page. Suzuki sells Versys as "adventure touring". They all fit the "ride dirt road from time to time" and "have some wind protection and baggage carrying" modern ADV recipe.
Good review! I assumed this bike was going to be based on the NC750 but they went way beyond that with this engine. And hey 270 crank twins and big singles are surely the best for lighter weight ADV bikes right? Definitely should have cruise though.
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nx500 is cheaper
So, in short.
Honda made a realistic, sensible medium ADV bike, considering what 90% of adv riders do. And letting the other 10% have their thing with whatever they want.
Have to respect that.
Its more capable off road than just the fast gravel they did. check out ian at big rock moto. he pushes it quite well.
Wait- you saying there’s no fucking trees in Texas.
WTF I wish I could send you one from up here in NH that’s all there is here along with water and rocks.
I see the title and I am expecting the NX500
right!? same
yeah, that's not their cheapest adv.... you could say the trail 125 is... he probably is just click baiting this title though. not watching.
@@samueljlarsonbro watch the video! He makes great content!!
No, a trail 125 is a trail bike. Pffst
I was expecting the cb500x or 300l
The way this thing handles, it really is a kind of magic. That's way more important than cruise control and uninestering screen graphics.
I am at 10k kms on mine (euro spec, ross white colour), ride it every day, and smile big time every time I twist the throttle open!
Fortnine's point was, the EPA hamstringing the Transalp was pointless. Your point is a hamstrung Transalp is still a very good bike. You both have a point.
Good point, and in many states it's easily addressed for less than a new exhaust or many slip ons.
EPA's existence is pointless. They are the ruling and reigning king that no one questions, no one challenges, no one opposes, and everyone who makes stuff complies with. The EPA is assumed to be righteous, benevolent, scientifically pure and perfect, and motives beyond reproach.
This stupid bureaucracy does NOT protect anything, except their own taxation and manufacturing tyranny.
Great job on the review. I have had my Transalp about 2 months and about 1,400 miles of seat time. Your gripes and praise is spot on in my opinion. I am Honda's target market for this bike and I love it. It will do all the things that I want to do with it, and at a very high level. It is not the best for high speed technical off road but that's why I have dirt bikes. I have adjusted to the menu and can now quickly turn off TC and ABS on the fly as they are both very intrusive on dirt and gravel. I will be adding an aftermarket cruise control soon $300.00. Thanks for the great review!
I put almost 5k on mine since January 2024. Absolutely love mine and perfect for what i do. Mostly paved back roads around lakes and highway to get there. Also lite trails. The one thing that stands out to me is COMFORT! Hands down most comfortable and easiest bike to ride. And just fun to ride. Came off a ST1300.
I don't care about color just performance only is what is important to me. I believe you and FortNine are both correct on the power delivery of the Transalp. It can give you the extra power that you want, it is just tuned down to meet the EPA standards. There are plenty of aftermarket tuners that will do that for you. Thank you for the honest eval on the bike.
So its probably safe to say it's a halfway point between the Africa Twin and the CRF Rally. I could definitely see the appeal there.
But not as capable as either.
I don't know I'm the only one, but I REALLY WISH manufacturers would get rid of "user modes" through damned menus! ....GIMME SWITCHES AGAIN! Simplicity would make riding fun again!
Yes, the amount of electronics on the bike ARE a downside. I generally just leave mine in Sport, but the ABS/TC are very annoying, even at minimal settings. It would be a better bike with some sorting of this messy aspect to an otherwise great bike. As you say - just one button to switch off ABS and TC would be ideal. Even just rear ABS, given the legal requirement around these.
20:15 %100 agree. I love the white/blue/gold they get in europe. Dark green and black would be cool, too.
Even if it is a secret handshake to turn off the rear abs. At least it’s there and you don’t have to unplug a fuse or the sensor
Just came home on my dad’s new Transalp. It’s such a great bike. Smooth, fun to ride, light, and super easy. It’s so good.
Welcome to Northern California dude. We're pretty spoiled for great riding locations and weather.
Come back anytime🤘
Purchased my TransAlp back in February and have been loving it. Only two gripes - which I knew going in - was the lack of cruise control and tubed tires. Veridian Cruise solved the cruise control issue and it works great, so that's a non-issue now. Regarding the TC/ABS being a annoying to turn on/off, LSK Technologies should have their dongle to remody that available in the next couple months so it will just be a matter of holding down on the crosspad for a few seconds to turn them on/off, plus it will remember your settings if you turn the key off which is another huge plus. Wheels are the same width as an Africa Twin's (wheel spacer p/n's are the same to), so I'll be keeping an eye out for a set on Flea-bay this winter to go tubeless.
I rode one of the first Transalps at a dealer around here. I really liked it and almost bought it. I am going to buy a mid size adventure motorcycle within the next year. I have a DRZ400, so I don't need an offroad motorcycle. I want another motorcycle that is more highway capable with the ability for some light off road. The Transalp and the Vstrom 800 DE are both contenders. Both have plusses and minuses. If one of them were to offer cruise, that's the one I'd buy. I like the looks of the Transalp better and the red/white/blue color scheme needs to be offered in the US.
test ride both and get one with better suspension ;
It is funny how polarizing this bike is. People either love it or hate it. I very much like the jack of all trades aspect of this bike. I can realistically only own one bike at a time at this point in my life, so a jack of all trades is what I was looking for. It's not the best at anything, but it is decent at everything I need. If I could have 3 or 4 bikes, it might not be in that stable. Veridian cruise for the win on the CC issue by the way, it has worked great for me.
I just put 600 miles on my KLR doing East Coast Sturgis. Awesome riding around there
You are confusing abs with traction control. Abs rear 12:42 can easily be off by switching to user at any time. Traction control resets each time the key turns off and yes that's a pain.
I just joined the Club, picked up a Transalp in Colorado last week with 1400 miles on it, I’ve put about 300 miles on it so far and love it! Also like the black, I don’t like my toys to be flashy and think the black is perfect!
That Guldan edit was sweet...one of my favorite characters in wow lore.
"The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth" - African proverb
I'm not a flashy guy so the 'bland' black actually appeals greatly to me. That being said, I wouldn't turn my nose up at a flat matte blue, grey, or red. When I'm ready to take the ADV dive, this bike will be at the top of my used bike list.
Beautiful trees and scenery.
It took me about a month to get used to the turn signal and low/high beam switches. To get new muscle memories.
It now seems 100% intuitive and wonder why others never did this before. I can use either swtch without releasing the left hand grip at all. Which is safer. I can flick with my index finger to change low / high beams. And the same with my thumb for the turn signal.
I have USER mode set with the ABS off. It takes a couple quick Mode button presses to get into User Mode.
The quick shifter has 3 settings in the menu.
Only lazy whimps want cruise control.
Yep, the famous Honda indicator switch in a different position to everyone else's indicator switch. I have a transalp and it does bug me because I have multiple rides. I've lost count of how many times I've hit the horn while intending to indicate a turn.
Hear hear! I've been riding the Transalp the most, and now I toot people on the Ducati. And forget to switch the blinkers off, as I've been spoilt by the automatic cancelling...
@@patkennedy1 yep! I'll second that re the self cancelling indicators. I ride a scooter as well around town, I think most times one of the indicators is always blinking, depending upon which way my last turn was.
Well it beats HD's "interesting" idea of having a blinker switch on each side...
@@LARGO125 Oh yes, there have been a few 'interesting' solutions to the blinkers operation. Harley had a self-cancelling unit about the size of a lunchbox for a while. BMW had another idea. The Honda's are fine of course, but they should all be the same on all makes really, now so many have more than one bike. At least the gearchanges are all the same now, on the same side! That only took about 80 years...
The 750 Transalp is a terrific bike. Had it for 7 months but traded it back to the dealer because the seat was causing back pain I couldn’t resolve. Loved the engine! 😊
I loved my CB500X but the Transalp fixed my biggest gripes with it. Gearing, power, vibrations at cruising speeds, and comfort. It's a better package. The Africa Twin can be good off-road but it's a bit too heavy and a handful. That takes a lot of the fun away. I feel the Africa Twin is a GREAT touring bike. The Transalp is a great all-rounder. The CB500X might be good bike for someone who is just starting to ride and really wants an all-rounder. You may not want to hold onto it for reasons stated above. I have a hard time recommending ADVs for beginners because of how top heavy they can be. Also the seat height can be a bit much for some.
Exhausting, just watching but I know what you mean about the handling, sublime! Here in the UK there is a stunning blue/ red on white, as well as colours you see in farmyards!!!
They really pulled off a magic trick with the handling. I'd be willing to do a track day on it.
I'd like to see it in something similar to the red, white and blue of the Africa twin. Something classically Honda.
The title had me thinking this was going to be about the Honda cb500X.
"I want more than black and red......." says the guy wearing all black and red.
I'd like the tech air off road in other colors too, but white seems like a bad idea for a garment I'm always sweating in 😂
@@spitescorner Exactly. Seems better to just throw on something light over it.
I usually wear a light colored dirt jersey, but I didn't have one on this trip.
Color choices on the bike is not a big ask. The matte black and mixed black plastic is nasty, very post-apocalypse road warrior or something irrelevant. Why? Spite is right. Honda makes a really nice deep metallic or pearl dark red and a metalllic blue and various, there is white with red and blue stickers. Yellow. Silver. Various. Even shiny or metallic black with some pin strip action. Something. Matte black is just too shaker can.
@@Simulera I understand the Honda Monkey is available in a variety of pretty colors..........
I took mine from Mexico to Canada through Yellowstone and Black hills and it's a great bike. I put cruise control on it which I thought was a miss by Honda.
Not a bad review of what is, as you note, a better bike than it seems at first. It is surprisingly capable, and it grows on you, as you found. It even gets smoother as you go. At just over 17,000 kms here in South Australia (about 10,700 miles) I am enjoying my white one on the mixed surfaces around here, and on several longer rides. Funny that you travelled along roads from Eureka I travelled back in the '80s on out way north via Grant's Pass, when we stayed at Eel River the night before, which was run by an Aussie called Bruce at that time...
A suggestion for the riding and standing position ergonomics. I reversed the handlebar risers, which moves the 'bars forward about 20mms, and this improves it further, as well as 'rolling' the 'bars forward in the clamps. I am only just off 5'10", but found this improved it in all situations, as well as taking out that 'tiller' feel of the 'bars being too far back from the steering pivot point. I also got the wider 'bear' footpegs thrown in with the deal, being the first purchaser of the model here, and they improve it further, being a bit lower, and giving better foot support for standing.
But this is a good second bike to a fast sports bike, and really does both jobs - dirt and bitumen roads - rather well. A good foil to a very light Ducati. And better than my old '95 Cagiva Elefant 750, although that bike has a better headlight than the Honda! But the Transalp is a very easy bike to live with.
For a color option, I don't mind the black, but could use more red and grey/silver in graphics to break it up so it's not just solid black with a stripe. Some pretty good wrap kits coming out now for the T/A so plenty of options to totally change the look if you want to.
Nice review. I think it’s hilarious you said you didn’t like the color scheme being black and red because it was drab. But that’s what you were wearing black and red. 😂. I have a TA and agree I would prefer the tri-color model more
I'm waiting for 2025 colorways. Hoping for something in red, or RWB, or white - in that order. Thanks for a truly great vicarious tour of NorCal in a nice machine!!
Terrific review. I’ve just bought one and it comes tomorrow, I want an all rounder that’s very good at everything and I believe it will do just that. 👍
I have 4200 miles on my transalp and con honestly say i love the bike i put some kenda big blocks and crash bars on and it does everything ive asked of it and then some the abs is a bit of a pain but honestly as long as i only turn the bike off at the kill switch its no problem but i have noticed ive occasionally switched riding modes by accident
Great video Spite!
As for colors, either a Red, White, and Blue, Or Honda Red-Orange from the 80's
Definitely honda red with some white accents
Great review and love seeing my backyard roads from another point of view. As far as colours, they could do a stars and stripes theme for the US market!
your keep getting better every video,i am happy for you well done man!
You nailed it on this one. I’m looking for a middle weight adventure tourer and I feel in love with the TA…except for the few negatives you mentioned. The biggest is the color finish. I know it won’t hold up after a few months of use. The matte black finished chipped off in a few areas during assembly. I figure it will look like shit after a year with me. I’ll pull the trigger when Honda installs cruise control and changes the color…any color.
Dont hold youre breath why punish yourself . beat it up enjoy it all those battle scars all have stories right? hack thr ecu turn it loose smoother throttle more power! yes those things would be nice .. but Im not watin bark busters are amust( keyoko ? Throttle lock great combo match and cheep)( Had one on my DL1K) this is a great bike solid without all the KTM BS ....live in the now after all no one can promise tomorrow!
HAH! I recognized Lick immediately. Haven't motorcycled up there, but I have cycled up. Beautiful ride. (The west side, San Jose side of the mountain)
It’s a great motorcycle ride and the backside towards Patterson is awesome too. Basically it’ll take you to the I-5 eventually. Another great ride is Mt Tamalpias.
I don't remember Ryan particularly saying there's not enough power. He was mentioning that USA gets lower powered edition contrary to Europe.
I would love to see a Blue Transsalp with white detailing and gold spoke wheels. What did you think about the engine? Is it just another P-twin or is it worth ignoring it in favour of the whole package?
Awesome seeing your video about this trip! 💯 Seemed it was great!
I can imagine the Transalp being a solid ride/bike. It is really common here in The Netherlands. Good bikes.
Colorway wise, I dig seeing the tricolore, the Yellow of the Hornet, the Silver of the CB650R and the White/Red and Black/Red of the new Hornet too.
The Green would also look good!
If the bike had an ABS button, cruise control, and tubeless wheels, but was $12k instead of $10k, would you buy it?
✅$150 for LSK Electronics ABS button
✅$300 for Veridian cruise control
✅$1500 for VMX wheels
I totally would. I actually think the black is way cooler looking than the tri-color. My biggest issue with the bike is that terrible name…
Something along the lines of a 1983 Honda VF750F Interceptor color scheme would look fantastic on the Transalp.
12:09 just select GRAVEL MODE! Honda did it for you :) i have the red/white/blue HRC one here in spain. love it for all my needs and yea it feels VERY sporty despite that big front wheel. i do 90/10 on/off. its my daily including my grocery hauler (top and side cases!)
My understanding is that in Gravel you still have rearwheel abs, it's just tuned for offroad riding. I prefer it off so I can actually stop in the dirt.
❤❤ keep pushing content Spite. We motorcycle lovers are cheering for you. ❤❤
I like the trans alp/ cb750 hornet. But both bikes should had come factory with cruise control. When i first got into riding i didnt care for it. But after my fjr1300 i really appreciated it
Adv heaven i just found! Texeda island british Columbia a bit of a pain to get there 3 ferry rides from Vancouver but it was fantastic
A red and white Honda colorway would be really nice, and "TRANSLAP" for motojitsu lol
I love mine! My quickshifter tends to be a little bit jarring between first and second, like coming away from stoplights, so I think you're right that it's best when you've already got some momentum. And I'd love to have cruise control too, but I'm satisfied with a good throttle lock until I spring for an aftermarket solution. The absence of an ABS button is probably the most telling that it's not as purpose-built for "adventure" as say the BMW GS, even those 1150s built 20 years ago, and I think they had an ABS button. If I'm honest with myself about that last one though, I'm in the >90% of ADV riders who put >90% of my miles on the bike in conditions where I don't need or want to disable ABS. I'm just not that guy, but I don't think Honda built this bike for that guy.
I have 7200 miles on mine. Love it.
If you can get your hands on a vstrom 800de I’d love to see a comparison video. Great content bro
Spite and Dork proved themselves stupid and said, "The 800DE doesn't make sense." For real ADV riders, the 800DE is far superior than the Talp.
@@jonwoodworker Maybe your stupid as everyone has a different interpretation of what a REAL adventure rider is. In my country a proper adventure ride is more like a full on enduro.
@@jonwoodworkerhave you ridden the Transalp yet?
@mjonno64 Yes, as I waited two years to buy it. I was so disappointed with it that I chose the 800DE and couldn't be happier. Had a chance to ride another Talp recently and confirmed it is worthless to me as an ADV bike or a street bike.
@@jonwoodworker fair enough. I quite like the 800 de except for its weight and its excess heat from its engine. Sounds like it also may still need some suspension work. There is no perfect bike solution.
I really want one of these bikes. I also don't like the lack of cruise control, but there is an aftermarket option. The matte paint is the biggest issue for me. I really wish they would have used the same white that the Africa Twin got as that is some beautiful paint.
The all black color is so drab. They need to have some flashy colors.
Love this evolution of content from you! Great video...
I love Spites Corner's channel compared to Yami noob's 1 upper mentality & his insincerity.
Same team. No need to hate
@@Therealpicodoggyeah, about that…..
Test rode one the other day and compared to my NC750x (2024) the Transalp (2024) is a defo step up.
Really enjoyed the silky smooth conering and solid feel.
I have the papers to sign on my phone but waiting to test the NT1100.
Can I be cheeky and ask what mount that is hold the insta bike stick on your right of the handle bar ?
Lovin Mine , Just a couple tweaks . Might have to keep this one for a while!
A Transalp vs Ibex 450 from CFmoto would be interesting. Great video!
I'll take the Ibex 450 and haven't riden it yet.
i think it would be more fair to compare the ibex450 to the nx500/cb500x
Jack of all trades master of none , tubes and spoked rims but not enough off road oriented , no cruise control the only thing it has going is the Honda reliability and the solid engine. Honda knows what sells well but most riders don't know what they need.
I love it when the casuals don’t know the entire quote.
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.”
@@TheBlueDogMan
Call them what they are simpeltons and fools...
This bike has the basis to be class leading. Needs second iteration.
Add a bash plate and some handguards and the only thing keeping you off 4wd and fire track is your ability.
@@tonyjourneyman1944 ability! The magic word! Ability will enable you to do the same, and more, on a vespa.
The power feels fine to me!
_2wdw has entered the chat_
If the bike is efi with dbw throttle it only takes about $20 more in switch gear to have cruise control. Mt Hamilton is a very good riding area . They should have routed you east to Yosemite then back to LA down 395 on the east slope of the Sierras.
Death Valley would’ve been a spectacular ride too! Test out how much heat the bikes can handle too!!
saving up for the next version
Honda could have killed the competition if they put cruise control on the Transalp because its a much better highway machine than allot of its competitors but having travelled allot of long rides cruise control is really really nice.
CB500x / NX500 doesn't count?
I don't really see those as ADV bikes. They're more like sport tourers. You could make them work, but it's closer to a Versys 650 IMO
Glad you had fun in Cali-forn-eye-a.
Not sure why this video triggered so many? There are some unhappy people out in the world. Spite, the video was great. I still had hoped we would get the Hornet CB750 here in the US. Doesn’t look like it any time soon. Ty for the great review! 👊
One major design flaw on the Transalp is access to the air filter; I've heard that one must remove the gas tank!
If that's true that's rough bubbles. Having an air filter under the tank is donkey brained.
Spark plugs and air filter are under tank in my bike Trk 502. Had dealer do recently. I've seen other bikes do this too. My Tmax scooter battery was behind/under front end.
My Vstrom is like that.
@@smashy_smashertonWhich VStrom? The 800DE air filter is just in front of the battery, nothing to remove but the cover.
@@jonwoodworker the 2006 DL1000 that my poor a$$ rides
I’d like to see retro color schemes like the old Transalp. I know it’s newer and better but they should pay tribute to the old one at least as an option.
Repsol color package for the win! I like being special
Some say the perfect motorcycle.
I say that.
Honda, just give us cruise control for god’s sake.
Nobody would buy the Africa Twin anymore. The Transalp has to stay downspecced until the Africa Twin get's a big overhault.
@@hpenvy1106 And that is why a lot of folks will pay a bit more for an ADV with cruise control and heated grips... like the Tiger 900 like I did (and yes I tried the Transalp before buying the Triumph). The ATwin was quite a bit more $ than the Tiger also.
Aftermarkey cruise is 300 bucks. Problem solved.
@@joeln6861 Tiger 900 and GS 900 do that. Especially the GS can be upgraded with every dohicky
@@jhackett9482 proper electronic aftermarket CC is like 900€. throttle lock is 5€ on aliexpress
Hope Honda puts out a green model like the cb500x with gold wheels, tubeless tires, a bigger gas tank, quick abs off/on switch and cruise control.
Hey Spite did the transalphave the 80 hp or a ecu flash to get standard 94 european horsepower , there are all ready a lot of rally stikker sets out here in europa to buy to let the bike look beter. time fore you to ride the transeuropean trial now hahaha Nice vidio ...greetings from the Nederlands .
Hopefully you'll get a reply on this as I'm wondering the same thing! Maybe a better question would be did it feel to you (Spite) like a 70 hp bike (Cycle World US spec. dyno results) or a 86-89 hp bike (results I've seen for Global spec'd Transalp/Hornet) sense it's doubtful Honda would own up to providing modified bikes?
10:20 turning ABS off isnt hard once you program it into user mode. After that its just a matter of hitting mode and selecting it (sport, standard, gravel, rain, user) EASY!
Great review, I would like to have seen a little more off-road I'll have to go on other reviews.
It's going to be hard to part with my 22 890 adventure r.
But I like to change it up two years is about Max I own bikes.
The 890R is like a giant dirt bike off road really kicks ass I'm hoping the transalp has a little of that
You didn't know the Transalp untill the new one? Man they are everywhere here in The Netherlands.
Cheap as chips for a used old one too.
I want to say don't worry about fortnine's video on this, heck even Spite's here isnt that good. Spite, you got an all expense paid trip to Cali, you're not going to go full MKBHD on the bike. What I can say is if you want a good review on the transalp, Watch Dork in the Road's review. Its an actual good long term review.
Dork did the same trip I did, but if you don't think my opinions are valid on the bike after 1100 miles, that's cool. 👍
@@spitescorner I think you nailed the review Spite, I’ve seen some UA-cam reviews where riders hammer the bike on really rough terrain at speed. You can’t buy the Honda expecting a hard core off roader because it isn’t one, they have completely got it wrong. The target audience don’t want that from the bike they want what YOU just did.
We need that red and blue on white colorway like they have in Europe. I'm seriously considering one of these for my second bike, and it'll be hard to resist if they release that colorway in the US.
Great review thanks!
YO I'm from McKinleyville just north of eureka i cant believe you were here in Humboldt that's sick!
If you ask Itchy Boots she will say that Honda CRF 300 Rally is Hondas cheapest Adventure Bike. But Transalp is a good one also!
Humbolt and Trinity counties have some of the best riding in northwest.
Y’all went to far south
Hard to take spite seriously as he hadn't heard of the honda transalp before now.
It'd be nice if the middle Weight advs offered heated options and cruise control.
So how will you enjoy Lime Creek after experiencing the variety of California mountain and coast roads?
Seems the Japanese manufacturers are all late to the cruise control feature on their middle weight ADV bikes. I like the size and package this bike offers but I won’t buy another ADV without cruise.
I agree that it's pretty silly that the bike doesn't have cruise control, but given the price point that it hits I am almost 100% confident that it was a project management decision to exclude that feature (not that it was the correct choice, at least offer it as optional equipment). And I agree, the colorway is pretty lame; I've never been a fan of blacked out aesthetics, and when the Tricolor livery is available overseas it makes me a bit crunchy that we're stuck with just the one option. Personally, I would love more throwback colorways: the tricolor is great, maybe something with purple and yellow like the CR500 from the 90's, Rothman colors always look good, and I've always been a fan of their classic burgundy red metallic. Also, having it available in white would be smart, since I suspect that this bike will see some service in police fleets.
Cheapest? Wouldn't the cb500x be cheaper than the transalp?
It's not an ADV bike in my opinion.
@@spitescorner fair enough, but even Honda website identifies it as an A2 licence adventure bike. Looks nearly same as the transalp, has the luggage options, has a 19 inch front (which is good enough size even for an r1250 GS). So why exactly it is not an adv? Just cause of the 500cc engine?
@@theislandrider406 its an awesome little ADV bike! i had one before geting the transalp. i really had no good reason to upgrade i just like bikes and the 92hp is nice lol
@@alexandercoll4863hehe I bet. Plus the 270 degree crank sounds waaay better than the 180! Have fun on the Alp!
White with some bright highlights colors. 👍🏻
I'm surprised by your comments about the quick-shifter. I've found that's is wonky when you're too mellow; it's happier revving the engine. There are separate up and down settings for it in the menus. Which yes, the menus seem annoying, but once you're used to them, it's no problem. Except stupid things like how you have to reset the trip ODO or that the automatic fuel/ODO reset only works if you took the bike into the low fuel zone - pointless 95% of the time. It's not bad, just not the most intuitive thing. They really need a flash to clean up the UI. But everything else? I will *never* get rid of mine.
Hey Spite, do you know where this gravel road was between Eureka and Sacramento?
It's a great touring bike with enough off road capability for 90% of people riding dirt roads.
cb500x / nx500 is even cheaper.
I wouldn't consider those ADV bikes per se. They're more like sport tourers
Actually they have nothing to do with sport-touring. They are considered on-off bikes and are taken on gravel/fire roads, where you would take transalp on. It has low gearing too.@@spitescorner
@@spitescorner I think they're planted firmly in the ADV bikes segment. Really good ones too. Cheers. Did you try all the different settings for the quickshifter?
guys have been using the cb500x for BDRs, you have to outfit it properly though.
It's NX500 tho. Transalp is their midrange ADV
That's not really an ADV bike. It's more like a Versys 650
@@spitescorner What is "ADV bike?"
Honda calls it adventure bike on their page. Suzuki sells Versys as "adventure touring".
They all fit the "ride dirt road from time to time" and "have some wind protection and baggage carrying" modern ADV recipe.
Looks like you're approaching the maximum weight limit on your helmet in this one lol!
How does this compare to your cfmoto china adv?
I don't have one.
Good review! I assumed this bike was going to be based on the NC750 but they went way beyond that with this engine. And hey 270 crank twins and big singles are surely the best for lighter weight ADV bikes right? Definitely should have cruise though.