Was I WRONG? - Honda Transalp XL750

#Transalp #HondaXL750 #HondaTransalp
Was I too harsh on Hondas XL750 Transalp? Perhaps it’s more capable than I thought. But, what is your definition of adventure riding heavy twin cylinder bikes?

A 2WheelFreak visits Northumberland so I can have a second look at the Alp. What do you think?

Cheers for watching and your continued support 🤘#Motoeuro

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Contributions to this video:

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[Motoeuro]

Hi guys! Sorry I cannot answer all comments individually, but thank you all for watching and commenting. 🤘When we talk about ‘adventure touring’ the Alp seems more capable than I originally thought, if you pick your battles. Perhaps I was too harsh on it! My cynicism and criticism will be back soon! 👍 Cheers!

[jayzeebeezee]

New Transalp rocks and this is my third after 40 years in the saddle. The sweet spot of a motorcycle for me too. Don't need a lardy-arse overpriced vanity project Africa Twin/ GS etc. Transalp does it all, no frills no fuss. Just a great honest motorcycle that will always be your friend.

[andrewarnott]

It still takes a real man to swallow their pride and admit they were wrong.
Its also quite refreshing in the world today, well done.

[SprocketN]

I swapped my 1000cc Africa Twin for a Transalp. I definitely don’t regret this change. It’s lighter, just as quick, just as comfortable. I use it more than I used the heavier AT. I don’t don’t ride off road, I could have a road only bike, but I like the seating position of adventure bikes.

[adamnol]

No problem for BMW to equip GSes 800, 800 and 1300 as well as previous version with eg. cruise control. Only Honda see internal competition.

[Antillen]

This Trans Alp 750 is what the Africa Twin used to be, but modern.
The Africa Twin is now a to big, heavy and fat monster!

[patkennedy]

Thanks for this video - an honest rethink of your first impressions of the model. Now at 20, 200 kms here in South Australia, I can honestly report that this bike is a valid offering. I have been riding for 62 years (I started early) and can sincerely say this bike has really 'grown on me'. I was underwhelmed when I first rode it, but bought it anyway, and it has 'won me over' as the year and a bit has passed. I will continue to improve and lighten the bike, and as it is now due for a suspension oil change, I am considering my options, as the suspension does let it down somewhat for me.
But it is a great 'everyday' bike (I am retired, and literally ride it most days, 12 months of the year here in sunny Australia) and I will keep it. Smooth, amazingly economical (I am a distance from a fuel outlet) and a very undemanding ride. Low revs at open road speed - 4, 000 at 110 kmh (70 mph) - plenty of brakes, a smooth ride, and even sounds nice on the overrun! A lot of bike for a reasonable price. Mine has won over this Ducati guy...

[JTX-mvln]

I absolutely love this bike! I bought one as soon as it was released, and it's been fantastic. It’s the perfect commuter, and it's also great for the occasional green lane adventure. Plus, with the Honda badge, I have complete confidence in its reliability.

[DavesPhotoUK]

4000 miles on mine and I will confidently say that it, for me, is one hell of a bike. Comfortable (the main reason I bought it), powerful ahem (when needed), and looks cool (as mentioned by a random van driver recently). I added two clicks to the rear shock, a lesson I learned from the NC750X which I traded for the TA because it was terrible when compared. Someone has mentioned that the front is adjustable even though the manual says otherwise but right now I do not need to. Since owning I have done two 400 mile+ journeys on the back lanes of the UK and boy did it deliver in every way. Doubt I will be chucking up dirt or climbing up mountain walls but I know my TA will cope with all I chuck at her. Wishing you well and safe journeys.

[KoenPrins]

This June I bought a TA and put almost 6000 on it, mostly on long trips but also into the city. This weekend there was a lot of hubbub in town and roads were closed for protestors. And the packed roads were mine, lane splitting, hopping on and off the curb, light, easy and fast when needed. It is like riding my moped but with the power I always wanted without the weighty feel that I got used to on other bikes.
For long trips it works well, higher windscreen and some other accessories made this the ultimate touring bike for me. So yeah, it can do all I want it to do.

[rabukan]

At 5'7" and 67 years old, the Transalp suits me well. I wish Honda would give us cruise, tubeless tires, and DCT, even as options, but for what it is, and at this price point, I think it's a fine adventure bike. I love the AT, but it's just getting too heavy as I get older. I do think Honda is missing the point. There would be nothing wrong with the Transalp competing with the AT. There will always be those who want big, and those who want smaller. Why not give riders what they want and let them choose? The technology is there for all.

[SkufMcGruff]

Like a number of people have said, I absolutely love my Transalp. Especially with the available aftermarket cruise control for under $300USD. I've mine on road for a 1, 200 mile 4 day road trip and I've done a decent bit of off road riding on forest service roads. It tackled all of it with ease. Sure, like you said the suspension is bouncy, but it's kind of expected at the price point. And even like that, you can still have fun on and off road with it. It really is a great bike.

[Wileylikethehawk]

My dad got one of these brand new and we have all fallen totally in love with it. What a delightful bike it is.

[Bata_Mare]

Hat down for the video. In the end I bought a v-strom800de... after a lot of thinking betwen these two bikes... but that doesn't mean anything for the future 😊 Stay open mind, and greethings from Serbia 🤗

[rhonwyngilbert]

Love the channel, shirt and humor. Getting my transalp next week. 🎉

[gsanviladv...avgrider]

I manged to read the disclaimer :) I appreciate the way you speak, many thanks!

[easyfromtnbtw]

I love my Transalp I think it hits the sweet spot of “middleweight”

[CharlesDaleActor]

There’s so much snobbery about “adventure riding”. The old “ if you’re not putting your life at risk, it’s not an adventure” bollocks. The minute you ride a motorbike you put your life at risk to a certain extent. Adventures are what you make them and for those of us going with our various limbs unbroken to pay the mortgage, this is the perfect bike.

[briano]

I just returned from a day ride in the red clay greasy hills of Gympie, S.E. Queensland. The only bike left standing was the Transalp. The DRZ 400 with knobby wheels went down twice and the the other one, with road oriented tyres, multiple times. The front suspension needs work, as i launched it off washouts, it smashed through its stroke with a bang. The rear, though soft, held its own. Disengage the TC, lower the power to prevent unwanted wheel spin, and let it lead the way. And this was with the stock karoo streets. With the right tyres and a subtle hand, it will get you into trouble, and out. That front suspension needs work though. It's not my old KTM 790, but it goes most of the places it did, just a bit slower. And it's miles better on road. I'm hanging onto it.

[Life__ADV]

"ready to repair" 😆 love your's T-Shirt ... Greets!