Honda Transalp vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Which Would I Buy?

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Comparing the new Honda Transalp XL750 and the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. Which would you buy? I'm going to pick a winner in this video.

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Paul Van Gaans
Suite 27
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[BikesILike]

5 of my most recent videos you might enjoy!

[dustinanderson]

As far as the weight difference is concerned. A pretty good chunk of that can be explained with the extras that are Included on the Suzuki that are not on the Honda.

1. Larger fuel capacity
2. Lower engine guard and Skid plate
3. Factory handguards
4. Quickshifter
5. Accessory mount above the dash
6. Bolt on subframe

Also The Suzuki makes 57ftlbs of torque. (More than the Honda) and it makes its power lower in the rev range so its more useful.

Add to that the much better Suspension on the Suzuki and I think the Suzuki wins this match up

[fabianobenedetti]

better suspensions, better range, definitely Vstrom, not to mention a more interesting aesthetics to my taste...

[cheetah]

Nothing defines the offroad behavior more than the suspension. The Transalp can be more powerful and light on paper, but that unadjustable pogostick suspension will bottom out and get you off the saddle earlier than you might think. The suspension is also the main reason why people prefer an 890 over T7. Next level suspension gives you the next level of experience. So V-Strom for me please.

[MrAndrew]

I’d definitely go with the VStrom with its larger tank and the quick shift. If you preorder it with the lower seat Suzuki toss in a rack and top box . I wish Suzuki would offer the Orange available on the 250 version and cruise control as an option.

[Jonathan-L]

I'd go for the Honda for its weight advantage. If I needed additional fuel capacity, I could get a frame mounted jerrry can. I must admit, I do like the tribute styling of the Honda that pays homage to the original 1986 Transalp.

[timfinning]

Well presented as always my friend. I would have to say no other channels come close to the way you present yours. We are definitely getting the Transalp next year and sooner than originally thought too.👍

[VenomousCricket]

The Suzuki produces 78Nm (57.5) torque, which makes sense with it having the slightly bigger engine.

[jeffweier]

Both would be good bikes but the simple facts are for starters, that the Honda lacks the Suzuki's far superior fully adjustable and much longer travel suspension and better clearance. The extra weight of the V strom can be attributed to the better quality (heavier) suspension, standard bash plate, much stronger frame, quick shifter etc. The Suzuki's all new engine with it's twin balance shaft engine also adds to weight but undoubtedly it will be buttery smooth compared to the Honda. Add all the aforementioned Suzuki standard equipment to the Honda and it's weight would very similar to that of the Suzuki. Looks are subjective but IMHO the Honda without even a standard bashplate and fully exposed exhaust system looks cost cuttingly cheap and unfinished compared to the Suzuki. I have owned 4 Honda's and 3 Suzuki's and different other makes in my 45 years of riding so I cannot be accused of brand loyalty. Also, in my opinion, testing in the real world is needed rather than speculation on the paper performance figures before stating unequivocally one is quicker than the other. Even though I have a great deal of affection for Honda's I would at this time definitely take the Suzuki.

[Obsidian]

2023 is shaping up to be a monumental year for motorcycling. There are so many good bikes coming out, and the general spec of these bikes has become quite good with TFT displays, and electronics suites that used to only be on high spec bikes. Kawasaki brought back the small inline 4... Lots of good feelings about 2023.

[davidalder]

Great presentation. I would go with the Honda Transalp, but will wait a couple years for them to add cruise control and truly test out this Unicam design. I do not mind a smaller fuel tank as I have a smaller tank as well:) and stop for breaks.

[lawrenceong]

Comprehensive coverage, great graphics and well researched video! Thank you Buddy!

[تَأَبَّطفِكْرَاً]

Thanks a lot for your informative video ...
Well... I just bought the Honda transalp 750, I'm waiting for the delivery 🚚

[erkutgurun]

Great technical review. Unlike many others. Thanks a lot. I was sort of undecided and had started leaning towards the Vstrom due to it's 20liter tank, more plush ride, wider seat, longer suspension. But now decided for the Transalp with its high rev needed engine (making it more fun to ride like a KTM, I currently own a 390ADV), more preferred brand (for Turkey anyway), a service in my city, slightly higher power (95hp in Turkey), and nostalgic better looks (I'm born in 1968 so more into oldies), and more road biased (I plan to do max 5% offroading). A close 2nd would have been the Tracer 7, if it wasn't for the worthless ground clearance (since I love opening throttle when I see speed bumps, and like street hooliganism by jumping on/off pavements, etc.

[curtn]

The Suzuki's quickshifter way better adjustable suspension, way better seat, low end torque gets my purchase. I'm also an original owner of the Honda 600 Transalp in the same red white and blue color scheme in 1989. Suspension and seat sucked then and looks like it still is.

[jordanjoestar]

Suzuki no doubt at all. With a tune that 800 will easily eclipse the 100hp mark. Piles of torque and the typical Suzuki bulletproof build reliability.

[zardportugal]

You have BRILLIANT videos.
The riding position is a key-factor for sure and that is probably the reason that "specialized" reviews don´t talk to much about it.
Congratulations.

[PhilipBallGarry]

Fantastic comparison - thank you! That must have taken a lot of hard work!
The performance (bhp and torque figures) might only be realised when these bike are ridden back-to back. Styling-wise I prefer the Honda.

edit: If it's of any use, the price in the UK for the Transalp starts at £9499 GBP (in the white/red/blue colour scheme).

[joseaguirre]

I didn't say anything about suzuki!! Because for me!! It's simply !! Cool !!

[martyn_g]

Reliability niggles aside, the biggest issue is KTM’s 890 platform. More power then both, and the Norden 901 comes in at 218 kg wet, lower centre of gravity, and more ground clearance. It’s why I’m buying one.