Great vid as always Mark! Thank you. I’m going from two bikes to one - BMW R1250R and CB500X- and chose the Transalp because I loved the comfortable riding position and handling the new bike has. Collecting it on Tuesday next week with some extras. It features qualities that I liked from the existing bikes I have so for me it is perfect. Keep up the great job and ride safe. 😎
What are your thoughts on the Transalp so far? I've got a few boxers and a Forza 750. Need to rationalise as garage full and retiring shortly so won't have the cash to keep and run all of them.
I sat on one recently at HGB, its what you expect from Honda, well designed, safe and usable, great engine, but for me needs bigger pedals, handguards n crash bars and a few other mods, would i own one, defo! its great value for money. Another great review Mark 👍
Awesome review Mark! I wasn’t sure to buy this one because of my height, I’m 5’7 and 32 inch! Now I made my decision to get one because of you! Oh and there’s a lower seat available, that’s good! Thanks Mark!!! 😅
Thanx for a good review. Pros: engine & sound, weight, handling, ergonomics, comfort, enough electronics, apperance, robust suspension, 21/18 wheels & aftermarket gadgets Cons: too naked out of the box, low muffler, No: DCT, tubeless, cruise control, adjustable suspension, adjustable windscreen, adjustable front fender, spring loaded gear & break lever, airfilter location , Wingbadge, outside temperature indicator, gps mounting bar,& high price in my country with all needed accessories. Conclusion: I will still keep: My XL 650V Transalp from 2005. & My Crosstourer DCT from 2019. Maybe go for AT 2016-2019.
Those are fair points but you'll never buy a new bike if that's your yardstick, as any manufacturer will be charging more than £15k for that lot.. FWIW I have this issue with my old BMW boxers that are worth far less than the Transalp, buy are now laden with accessories.
My first bike bike was a tiny wr250r which was destroyed in an accident, and since then I've been riding super sports for the past 4 years. Currently riding second get Busa and this video made me want to come back to the adventure/ dual sport scene...
Hi Mark, Great review of the Transalp. It is in dead a very nice bike and you seam to have spotted all the good points about the bike with out being critical about any issues it may have. Keep up the great reviews mate.
Looks a really capable and enjoyable machine, I’m testing one next week and look forward to it, another excellent informative review Mark, I think you like that one, cheers
@@thodoris3790 hi, got about 600 miles on it now. Very happy with it. No major cons, no minor ones either tbh. I’ve had a lot of bikes over many years, this bike is a peach. Very easy to ride, very confidence inspiring. Recommend the centrestand and lower bash plate then do what you want with it.
Hi Mark, I would buy this bike tomorrow were it not for those ridiculous tubed tyres. The majority of these bikes will spend 95% of the time on road. For safety reasons alone they should be tubed.
Subjective...I prefer this to the 'Classic' colours...my Tracer7 was painted this colour,as the original primer grey look cheap and unfinished...not had a single person disagree with what I did, even Yamaha copied mine for '23,wether they saw it on Instagram, I'll never know?
G'day mark, l would buy this Honda in a 💓💓 beat if l was to do another lap around Australia, the 750cc engine is the best all round size, power, but not to thirsty, and almost unstoppable reliability from Honda and parts if needed available everywhere, just thinking l might just buy one and do a lap before l drop of my perch, cheers mate great review , Neil 🤠.
Thanks Mark, I can hear you enjoyed the Transalp. The CB500X is 3k cheaper and will do the same things, but with less power of course. Now, if only the excellent display on the 750 found its way onto the 500 for the '24 update. I always do this to myself with bikes; imagining improvements.
Hi nick just richa boots nothing big ...I was only just passed tip toes nearly on balls of feet ....it wasn't as tall as I thought...the suspension sinks quite a bit Regards mark.
I think Honda will bring out a road only bike with this engine, that will have a lower seat and tubeless. Like an updated Deauville and competitor for the Tracer 7. If it has cruise control as well it will be a big seller.
Your height,inseam reference is really very helpful. I was wondering as a 5 foot 3 inch women with 30 inch inseam,will i be able to touch ground? Please consider replying.
The Hornet was just great. The only real let down was a bit snatchy throttle. I would like to try one of these. Very well done test ride Mark. What about the center stand and cruise control? :)
What a pretty bike! I like the white one the most, those gold rims are just sexy. The screen is wonderful and thats something im very picky about. Just no cruise (in this version) and not available (seemingly) in the US... YET... apparently it is coming! Wooohoo! Im pretty jealous of the Euro bike market sometimes.. Im not used to missing out on stuff living in the US, but when it comes to motorbikes, we certainly do.
No cruise control, quick shift, or handguards, on top of that tubed tires what is Honda thinking? It's a Tracer 700 with a 19-inch front wheel. Let's hope they come out with a road version.
As always great review…what I really like in all yours are RPMs at various speeds.. shows how hard an engine is working…I am looking at down sizing to a 750, and either this or the NC750X DCT. The weight of my GSX1250 fully loaded is getting harder…
Thanks for the review Mark. I teally fancy a Transalp, my only reservations being the tubed tyres and the silly switchgear which annoys me on my Forza 750. Unfortunately my 10+ year old BMW boxers arent worth much despite having few miles, and I suspect are much better bikes and have all the luxuries I need. Wish they weren't so heavy though. Choices... Just disappointing my local Honda dealer is so consistently poor, and slso cant offer me a test ride. .
Thanks Robert yes test rides and availability of bikes can be difficult at the moment....I've just reviewed the benelli trk702 just as an alternative maybe for you ? Best wishes mark
Hi Mark, you are my favourite bike reviewer so I have been waiting on this one as I have the Transalp on my shortlist but have been leaning toward the Tiger 850 sport would love to hear any insights you might have when picking between these two bikes?
Hi I should be reviewing the 850 sport at some point... those triple engines are fabulous...I'm sure it would compare very well with this one cheers mark
Hi Mark really enjoy your channel I'm thinking of getting a bennelli trk 251 would really value your opinion of it if you can get to review it ..... safe journeys Mark thanks for posting your videos superb 👍
Nice review, thanks Mark. As tempting as this is I think I will wait for the facelifted version in about 5 years time when they redesign the front light etc to look a bit (lot) less like the CB500x.
It’s a decent looking bike with a very nice power-plant, however I won’t be swapping my new Ténéré anytime soon for this bike!.. Not unless in a future update it comes with cruise control, fully adjustable suspension/inc a remote preload adjuster on the rear shock, and a USB port - as standard!!
Mark, Mark, excellent video. Please try it out off-road and let us know about how it handles, how’s the suspension over the rougher stuff, how’s the stand-up rider position, etc. Also, how do the lights look at night? Thank you!
Can someone please tell me what speed the new transalp is capable of in 1st gear in the bush, re : low down tractability ? Or will it be very tall gearing like a bmw f700/800 gs = which makes crawling through tight trails a very arduous task indeed , kind regards Peter
The headlight needs to be improved in design like the newer yamaha tenere or suzuki vstrom. Other than that it all good review. Awesome vidz!❤👍👍👍👍👍 loves Hayliee
Hi Mark, not sure how easy this is to answer, we spoke (via YT) in the summer re CB500X choice. I passed the Mod 2 last month so free to run wild. Was 100% on the 500X but starting to fall in love with the TransAlp…. Would you consider it crazy as a first big bike? GOing to the NEC next month to look at this in detail but your opinion matters a lot. Any advice appreciated,
Hi the throttle works both ways as long as you are sensible and work up slowly on the more powerful transalp..you should be fine .the problem is bike handling skills that come with time ....so you've got to be very careful with big heavy tall bikes as a first bike...that's where the smaller bikes become a better bet for the first couple of years if you catch my drift ...best wishes mark
Thanks for this Mark, that all makes perfect sense and something I hadn't really factored in 🙂. I shall be sticking with the 500X route in the New Year. All the best and thanks for the excellent videos!
Youd figure people not wanting the rebel 1100 because it looks exactly like the 300 and 500 would be an indicator to not make this bike look exactly like their cb500x. 🤦♂️
I think the bike is very good looking in the black and red livery. Although the seat height is 850mm/33.4646 inches by how much roughly with you at 75kg + riding gear does the suspension go down? This will as such alter the seat height.
Honestly, I can't understand what Honda is thinking with this machine. It's almost a great bike, but then they go and put tubed tires on what is clearly a road oriented bike. On top of that I don't believe they even offer a center stand as an option. Good luck to anyone who goes touring on this bike and picks up a nail.
Pretty funny, right? At the same time when Suzuki dropped its v Strom 800 everyone said:" oh, Honda is lighter, cheaper and more powerful. Suzuki is garbage". But it turns out that Suzuki equipped it's v Strom 800 properly and it has better suspension and more torque at low to mid revs ( which is where mostly engine lives).
No. Definitely too much bike for a beginner... id recommend something like a cb500f or mt03 for a couple of years to build up your skills Best wishes mark
Hi I've been asked this a few times now ...tbh for the riding I do now I'd go for the benelli....it's not as high tech but rides along at cruising speed just as nicely...and I found it more comfortable plus it's cheaper Best wishes mark
I’m exactly your height and inseam and I don’t own the bike yet, but I have sat on the bike a few times. I think the suspension sags quite a bit making you lose leg room between the seat and the pegs. I would not say it’s terrible, but I will say the Suzuki 800 DE is much more comfortable.
Thank you very much for your input, much appreciated. I own a Suzuki V-Strom 650, and the riding position is extremely comfortable. The only thing I wish the bike would have is more power.
@markpulling12 thank you! I tried tech 3's on my transalp but couldn't get my foot under the shifter. Mine has the quick shifter so I can probably adjust the linkage
I was so looking forward to this bike. Many aspects are great as you say in your review, eg engine, comfort, build quality, but there is no cruise control nor option to have it which is unforgivable in this day and age on bike that is likely going to be used for long distance riding/touring. The tyres are tubed when they should have been tubeless and the screen is non adjustable. Seriously? How much extra would it have added to the price to have these or at least give them as options say CC as an option and tubeless tyres and adjustable screen as std would add 250-500€? Poor show on Hondas part. They always seem so far behind their rivals in terms of spec. It's really annoying. I tried Triumph's Tiger 900 GT Pro. Didn't like the T plane crank triple and vibes through the bars and pegs. Triumph should have stuck to their tried and trusted triple set up. I tried the KTM 790 Adv a couple of years ago, like that apart from the fixed screen which was terrible for buffeting, really bad, but I understand the new 890 Adv is better with an adjustable and re-designed screen. Plus it has cruise control and a much better electronics package than this Transalp. It has tubeless tyres. Yes it's more expensive but I think worth it. Although KTM reliability is the issue unlike Honda's reliability which is legendary. Hopefully Honda will see the errors of their ways and update the Transalp for next or in a couple of years time, but I might have bought a KTM 890 Adv by then or even a Husqvarna 701/901. Honda's loss. Lack of cruise control is a deal breaker for me. Shall look forward to you reviewing the new Suzuki V-Strom DE 800.
Hi Alex ...yes shame no cruise control...seems to be mainly in the 1000cc big ££ category mainly..not so much on the smaller ish sizes Yes should be reviewing the Suzuki 800 v Strom soon Cheers mark
How many people fix their own punctures on a 10K bike? It comes with Honda assistance breakdown cover so just get it to the nearest tarmac, not difficult in the U.K. wilderness. Same for cruise control, great for those traffic free U.K. highways that don’t exist in the south of England. If it’s a deal breaker for someone then fine but I think that the same people jump on videos to spread the same anti Transalp cruise and tubes. 🥱 Also the screen doesn’t need to be adjustable as it simply works with no buffeting unlike every other ADV bike that I’ve tried. The bike is not perfect but can be modded by each owner to suit them. It is a 95% road bike that can easily handle back lanes and gentle byways. Hand guards and skid plate on my list when after market parts become available.
No bike these days, particularly an off road machine, should have tubeless tyres. 5 modes, traction and launch control, quick shifter etc but tyres with tubes ... a bit absurd really.😂
Bland looking. I much prefer the new Suzuki 800 adventure bike. More low-down/mid-range shove.But I'm not really an adventure bike man anymore. Nice TFT, though. Usernames have been messed with, Mark, as you'll have noticed. I will always sign off with my old one so you know who has commented. 1990 [Nick]
While mechanically and on paper it seems like a superb machine, the boring looks, coupled to the current Honda design language, sadly renders a totally forgetable motorcycle in a the very important departament of emotion and appeal.
Finally someone is talking about vibrations! :) And revs at highway speed. 99% of reviewers forget it. Thanks!
Many thanks 👍
Best wishes mark
Great vid as always Mark! Thank you.
I’m going from two bikes to one - BMW R1250R and CB500X- and chose the Transalp because I loved the comfortable riding position and handling the new bike has. Collecting it on Tuesday next week with some extras. It features qualities that I liked from the existing bikes I have so for me it is perfect.
Keep up the great job and ride safe. 😎
Thanks Steve great choice... with the transalp cheers mark
What are your thoughts on the Transalp so far? I've got a few boxers and a Forza 750. Need to rationalise as garage full and retiring shortly so won't have the cash to keep and run all of them.
are you happy with it?any major cons?
I sat on one recently at HGB, its what you expect from Honda, well designed, safe and usable, great engine, but for me needs bigger pedals, handguards n crash bars and a few other mods, would i own one, defo! its great value for money. Another great review Mark 👍
Great review Mark. Looks like a nice bike. Hopefully we will get it here in the US.
You are getting it.
This is the review I've been waiting on, thanks Mark.
My pleasure! Thanks mark
Awesome review Mark! I wasn’t sure to buy this one because of my height, I’m 5’7 and 32 inch! Now I made my decision to get one because of you! Oh and there’s a lower seat available, that’s good! Thanks Mark!!! 😅
Great thanks Alberto you'll love it
Best wishes mark
Thanx for a good review.
Pros:
engine & sound, weight, handling, ergonomics, comfort, enough electronics, apperance, robust suspension, 21/18 wheels & aftermarket gadgets
Cons:
too naked out of the box, low muffler,
No: DCT, tubeless, cruise control, adjustable suspension, adjustable windscreen, adjustable front fender, spring loaded gear & break lever, airfilter location , Wingbadge, outside temperature indicator, gps mounting bar,& high price in my country with all needed accessories.
Conclusion:
I will still keep:
My XL 650V Transalp from 2005.
& My Crosstourer DCT from 2019.
Maybe go for AT 2016-2019.
Those are fair points but you'll never buy a new bike if that's your yardstick, as any manufacturer will be charging more than £15k for that lot.. FWIW I have this issue with my old BMW boxers that are worth far less than the Transalp, buy are now laden with accessories.
Dreamer😂
@@anthonytrinca9460
❤️The Power Of Dreams ❤️
My first bike bike was a tiny wr250r which was destroyed in an accident, and since then I've been riding super sports for the past 4 years. Currently riding second get Busa and this video made me want to come back to the adventure/ dual sport scene...
Undoubtedly a lovely bike Mark, and great review. Personally i think these stealth colours work OK in sunny climes, but in grey uk, just toooo drab.
Totally agree 💯 I like the white and blue myself
I agree, but I would prefer the white one. :) Drop by mate, you may like my content. Cheers.
@@RRRRefuelRideRace yes I am a subscriber
@@Grahamvfr Thanks mate, appreciate it. :)
Hi Mark,
Great review of the Transalp. It is in dead a very nice bike and you seam to have spotted all the good points about the bike with out being critical about any issues it may have. Keep up the great reviews mate.
Many thanks 👍
Great review Mark, for me the highlights of the bike are price, lightness and a good sounding 270 deg engine.
Thanks Aaron yes the bike rides great and the engine is brilliant with that 270 crank
Best wishes mark
Looks a really capable and enjoyable machine, I’m testing one next week and look forward to it, another excellent informative review Mark, I think you like that one, cheers
Thanks Peter ...it's a very comfortable great handling machine
Cheers mark
I know it’s a case of ‘what the market will bear’ but that’s a HUGE increase over the £6,995 of the Hornet with the identical engine.
Literally just ordered a Transalp. As ever Mark your reviews are on point and form a valuable part of my due diligence researching the bike.
@@jfro5867 great choice many thanks 👍
Best wishes mark
are you happy with it?any major cons?
@@thodoris3790 hi, got about 600 miles on it now. Very happy with it. No major cons, no minor ones either tbh. I’ve had a lot of bikes over many years, this bike is a peach. Very easy to ride, very confidence inspiring. Recommend the centrestand and lower bash plate then do what you want with it.
@@jfro5867 thanks man.i m an old rider too and i want something to keep it for years
@@thodoris3790 I’m 55, 5’11” with 31” inside leg. Just make sure you can fit it. 👍
Hi Mark, I would buy this bike tomorrow were it not for those ridiculous tubed tyres. The majority of these bikes will spend 95% of the time on road. For safety reasons alone they should be tubed.
Yes I agree 💯 ...seems a bit antiquated having tubes on a modern bike like this
Cheers mark
Don't be so miserable, it's about £5Grand cheaper than it's Ducati competition,getting the rims sealed is peanuts...another moronic comment!
Should have read your comment, before posting my own 🙄
Always fancied the Transalp ,reminds me of the old Super Motards from the nineties .
nice looking bike , would make a good two up tourer .
Perfect size adventure bike Mark!Thanks again👍
My pleasure! Thanks Brett 😄
Good informative review as always Mark. However, would never buy this bike with tubed tyres, big mistake Honda.
After this review I really look forward to your review of the new Suzuki 800DE.
Yes me too ...should be in the next couple of weeks 😁
@@markpulling12Go ask Hessler to test ride their DE800...a league ahead of this?
Cheers mark thorough as usual. Have a vstrom 650 and wont be changing. Colours dreadful. Too expensive
Thanks no probs....you can't go wrong with the v Strom 650 ...one of the best all rounders
Cheers mark
Subjective...I prefer this to the 'Classic' colours...my Tracer7 was painted this colour,as the original primer grey look cheap and unfinished...not had a single person disagree with what I did, even Yamaha copied mine for '23,wether they saw it on Instagram, I'll never know?
Couldn't agree more, I also have a V Strom 650XT and won't be selling mine just yet. So nice having tubeless tyres and spock wheels!
Great review Mark as always. All the best!!!
Thanks, you too!
G'day mark, l would buy this Honda in a 💓💓 beat if l was to do another lap around Australia, the 750cc engine is the best all round size, power, but not to thirsty, and almost unstoppable reliability from Honda and parts if needed available everywhere, just thinking l might just buy one and do a lap before l drop of my perch, cheers mate great review , Neil 🤠.
Hi Neil thanks....yes I think these are going to sell well ...a great balance of power/price /handling
Best wishes mark
Thanks Mark, I can hear you enjoyed the Transalp. The CB500X is 3k cheaper and will do the same things, but with less power of course. Now, if only the excellent display on the 750 found its way onto the 500 for the '24 update. I always do this to myself with bikes; imagining improvements.
Huge difference betwen cb500x and transalp 750.
Can't compare
Think honda has done a great job with this bike. Nice finish and build quality. I think though it would be hard to justify buying the 500x now.
Thanks rab it's definitely worth the extra money in my opinion over the cb,500x the engine is superb plus it's very comfortable
Cheers mark
CB500X is more universal, consumes way less fuel.
@@podunkman2709 about 15mpg uk both have similar tank range and not a huge price difference so I'd still choose the 750. Much better bike.
I love it, I have an AT1100 that is just too much bike for my needs, I might try to trade down when they're available...
What boots you wearing ? 850 seat height and 30” in-seem doesn’t sound right to me. I also have 30” but trouble on 810 seat!
Hi nick just richa boots nothing big ...I was only just passed tip toes nearly on balls of feet ....it wasn't as tall as I thought...the suspension sinks quite a bit
Regards mark.
I think Honda will bring out a road only bike with this engine, that will have a lower seat and tubeless. Like an updated Deauville and competitor for the Tracer 7. If it has cruise control as well it will be a big seller.
Yeah it's called a Hornet 😁
Another great video mark really like the new transalp cracking bike for the money keep up the good work thanks.
Many thanks Dean 😄
Great review mark I like it alot and the tft screen looks very sharp.
Thanks James ..yes great bike
Really enjoyed it and that tft is one of the best
Cheers mark
Your height,inseam reference is really very helpful.
I was wondering as a 5 foot 3 inch women with 30 inch inseam,will i be able to touch ground?
Please consider replying.
Hi yes you should be able to touch down with the balls of your feet but not flat footed...same as myself
Best wishes mark
Great review, lovely bike, bulit to a price but looks and performs great. Cheers Mark 🍻
Many thanks Andy 😄
Fabulous review, thanks.
Thanks Clive glad it was helpful for you best wishes mark
The Hornet was just great. The only real let down was a bit snatchy throttle. I would like to try one of these. Very well done test ride Mark. What about the center stand and cruise control? :)
Yes sadly no center stand or cruise
C'mon Honda ! :)
@@markpulling12 Having all that would be great, I agree mate.
Third party options maybe in the future? Cruise control is a bit of a must have for me.
@@MIlesZ400 Yes, riding on highways it is a pain in the ass without it. :)
What a pretty bike! I like the white one the most, those gold rims are just sexy. The screen is wonderful and thats something im very picky about.
Just no cruise (in this version) and not available (seemingly) in the US... YET... apparently it is coming! Wooohoo! Im pretty jealous of the Euro bike market sometimes.. Im not used to missing out on stuff living in the US, but when it comes to motorbikes, we certainly do.
Excellent first impressions review.
No cruise control, quick shift, or handguards, on top of that tubed tires what is Honda thinking? It's a Tracer 700 with a 19-inch front wheel. Let's hope they come out with a road version.
As always great review…what I really like in all yours are RPMs at various speeds.. shows how hard an engine is working…I am looking at down sizing to a 750, and either this or the NC750X DCT. The weight of my GSX1250 fully loaded is getting harder…
Many thanks glad it was of help 😁
Best wishes mark
Thanks for the review Mark. I teally fancy a Transalp, my only reservations being the tubed tyres and the silly switchgear which annoys me on my Forza 750.
Unfortunately my 10+ year old BMW boxers arent worth much despite having few miles, and I suspect are much better bikes and have all the luxuries I need. Wish they weren't so heavy though.
Choices...
Just disappointing my local Honda dealer is so consistently poor, and slso cant offer me a test ride.
.
Thanks Robert yes test rides and availability of bikes can be difficult at the moment....I've just reviewed the benelli trk702 just as an alternative maybe for you ?
Best wishes mark
Seems like an excellent all-rounder. Are people spending twice this price on a big Adventure bike getting twice the bike?
Brilliant review Mark.
Many thanks Laurie
Nice review, thanks for sharing.
Hi Mark, you are my favourite bike reviewer so I have been waiting on this one as I have the Transalp on my shortlist but have been leaning toward the Tiger 850 sport would love to hear any insights you might have when picking between these two bikes?
Hi I should be reviewing the 850 sport at some point... those triple engines are fabulous...I'm sure it would compare very well with this one cheers mark
Look good might be the next bike when I decide to let the 1200 gs go
Hi Mark really enjoy your channel I'm thinking of getting a bennelli trk 251 would really value your opinion of it if you can get to review it ..... safe journeys Mark thanks for posting your videos superb 👍
Thanks for a great review.
Nice review, thanks Mark. As tempting as this is I think I will wait for the facelifted version in about 5 years time when they redesign the front light etc to look a bit (lot) less like the CB500x.
Many thanks 👍
Also tubeless tyres by then I hope!
Hi Mark! Thank you for a great review!
Which is better in your opinion: NT1100 or Transalp 750?
Hi they are both brilliant bikes ...I'd go for the lighter transalp myself
Best wishes mark
Looking good and how it's feels bilt quality
great review mark :))
Many thanks Craig 😄
It’s a decent looking bike with a very nice power-plant, however I won’t be swapping my new Ténéré anytime soon for this bike!..
Not unless in a future update it comes with cruise control, fully adjustable suspension/inc a remote preload adjuster on the rear shock, and a USB port - as standard!!
Yes shame about the lack of cruise control on a bike like this
Cheers mark
Amazing bike in black
Mark,
Mark, excellent video. Please try it out off-road and let us know about how it handles, how’s the suspension over the rougher stuff, how’s the stand-up rider position, etc. Also, how do the lights look at night?
Thank you!
Will do 👍
Can someone please tell me what speed the new transalp is capable of in 1st gear in the bush, re : low down tractability ? Or will it be very tall gearing like a bmw f700/800 gs = which makes crawling through tight trails a very arduous task indeed , kind regards Peter
is it worth spending the extra three grand over the Hornet ?
Id go for the hornet it's incredible vfm best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 "value for the money"
The headlight needs to be improved in design like the newer yamaha tenere or suzuki vstrom. Other than that it all good review. Awesome vidz!❤👍👍👍👍👍 loves Hayliee
Thanks for the comment....yes definitely the headlight could do with a re think 😉 thanks hayliee
Hi Mark, not sure how easy this is to answer, we spoke (via YT) in the summer re CB500X choice. I passed the Mod 2 last month so free to run wild. Was 100% on the 500X but starting to fall in love with the TransAlp…. Would you consider it crazy as a first big bike? GOing to the NEC next month to look at this in detail but your opinion matters a lot. Any advice appreciated,
Hi the throttle works both ways as long as you are sensible and work up slowly on the more powerful transalp..you should be fine .the problem is bike handling skills that come with time ....so you've got to be very careful with big heavy tall bikes as a first bike...that's where the smaller bikes become a better bet for the first couple of years if you catch my drift ...best wishes mark
Thanks for this Mark, that all makes perfect sense and something I hadn't really factored in 🙂. I shall be sticking with the 500X route in the New Year. All the best and thanks for the excellent videos!
hi mark....ive been told this bike comes with self cancelling indicators but i never noticed this in your vid ?? ..cheers Anthony
Hi Anthony yes they do but I probably just turned them off anyway lol 😆
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 lol
No tubless front tire?
Would this bike be good for long touring rides?
Yes most definitely...it's very comfortable and will eat up the miles with ease
Best wishes mark
Youd figure people not wanting the rebel 1100 because it looks exactly like the 300 and 500 would be an indicator to not make this bike look exactly like their cb500x. 🤦♂️
Yes. Agreed absolutely. 👍
You spelt, Kawasaki X300 Versys wrong?(even the front mudguard is the same shape).
Great vid
I think the bike is very good looking in the black and red livery. Although the seat height is 850mm/33.4646 inches by how much roughly with you at 75kg + riding gear does the suspension go down? This will as such alter the seat height.
Hi it went down about 30 mm
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 I saw a video about that a few weex ago. That's why I asked.
Honestly, I can't understand what Honda is thinking with this machine. It's almost a great bike, but then they go and put tubed tires on what is clearly a road oriented bike. On top of that I don't believe they even offer a center stand as an option. Good luck to anyone who goes touring on this bike and picks up a nail.
Pretty funny, right?
At the same time when Suzuki dropped its v Strom 800 everyone said:" oh, Honda is lighter, cheaper and more powerful. Suzuki is garbage".
But it turns out that Suzuki equipped it's v Strom 800 properly and it has better suspension and more torque at low to mid revs ( which is where mostly engine lives).
Is it a good beginner bike?
No. Definitely too much bike for a beginner... id recommend something like a cb500f or mt03 for a couple of years to build up your skills
Best wishes mark
Price £8200 ($9999) in America! So Honda Europe or Honds UK whats the deal?, now here a discussion to be had?
Want chip in
Unlike the Hornet this wont sell on value for money. Where's the cruise control, centre stand and tubeless tyres?
You can get a center stand for it
New 702 trk or this mark?
Hi I've been asked this a few times now ...tbh for the riding I do now I'd go for the benelli....it's not as high tech but rides along at cruising speed just as nicely...and I found it more comfortable plus it's cheaper
Best wishes mark
Why no Cruise Control, even as an option! Deal breaker for me.
Im just gutted that in NZ its really expensive. $1000 more than the v strom 800 😢
Just get the V Strom.
Does it have tubeless tyres ?
No sadly they are tubed
Cheers mark
Hey guys, could someone tell me how comfortable the bike is for a 6'2" tall guy with a 34" inseam? Thanks!
I’m exactly your height and inseam and I don’t own the bike yet, but I have sat on the bike a few times. I think the suspension sags quite a bit making you lose leg room between the seat and the pegs. I would not say it’s terrible, but I will say the Suzuki 800 DE is much more comfortable.
Thank you very much for your input, much appreciated. I own a Suzuki V-Strom 650, and the riding position is extremely comfortable. The only thing I wish the bike would have is more power.
What boots are those?
Hi they are rst boots
Cheers mark
@markpulling12 thank you! I tried tech 3's on my transalp but couldn't get my foot under the shifter. Mine has the quick shifter so I can probably adjust the linkage
this or the Aprilia 660?
I actually preferred the Tuareg 660 more engaging and better off road
Best wishes mark
I would to see this engine in a 750 Rebel, too big a gap from 500 to 1100.
That would be great mike ...it's a great engine
Cheers mark
If this bike able to have a centre stand, why can't it's sibling, the Hornet have it too.....
I was so looking forward to this bike. Many aspects are great as you say in your review, eg engine, comfort, build quality, but there is no cruise control nor option to have it which is unforgivable in this day and age on bike that is likely going to be used for long distance riding/touring. The tyres are tubed when they should have been tubeless and the screen is non adjustable. Seriously? How much extra would it have added to the price to have these or at least give them as options say CC as an option and tubeless tyres and adjustable screen as std would add 250-500€? Poor show on Hondas part. They always seem so far behind their rivals in terms of spec. It's really annoying.
I tried Triumph's Tiger 900 GT Pro. Didn't like the T plane crank triple and vibes through the bars and pegs. Triumph should have stuck to their tried and trusted triple set up.
I tried the KTM 790 Adv a couple of years ago, like that apart from the fixed screen which was terrible for buffeting, really bad, but I understand the new 890 Adv is better with an adjustable and re-designed screen. Plus it has cruise control and a much better electronics package than this Transalp. It has tubeless tyres. Yes it's more expensive but I think worth it. Although KTM reliability is the issue unlike Honda's reliability which is legendary.
Hopefully Honda will see the errors of their ways and update the Transalp for next or in a couple of years time, but I might have bought a KTM 890 Adv by then or even a Husqvarna 701/901. Honda's loss. Lack of cruise control is a deal breaker for me.
Shall look forward to you reviewing the new Suzuki V-Strom DE 800.
Hi Alex ...yes shame no cruise control...seems to be mainly in the 1000cc big ££ category mainly..not so much on the smaller ish sizes
Yes should be reviewing the Suzuki 800 v Strom soon
Cheers mark
U mix touring bikes with adventure ones.
How many people fix their own punctures on a 10K bike? It comes with Honda assistance breakdown cover so just get it to the nearest tarmac, not difficult in the U.K. wilderness. Same for cruise control, great for those traffic free U.K. highways that don’t exist in the south of England. If it’s a deal breaker for someone then fine but I think that the same people jump on videos to spread the same anti Transalp cruise and tubes. 🥱 Also the screen doesn’t need to be adjustable as it simply works with no buffeting unlike every other ADV bike that I’ve tried. The bike is not perfect but can be modded by each owner to suit them. It is a 95% road bike that can easily handle back lanes and gentle byways. Hand guards and skid plate on my list when after market parts become available.
@@Snoozzzzzze You clearly love the bike. You go for it, but it's not for me.
If Honda are expecting me to ride to the Alps without a cruise control they should realise that it won't be on one of those ☹
No bike these days, particularly an off road machine, should have tubeless tyres. 5 modes, traction and launch control, quick shifter etc but tyres with tubes ... a bit absurd really.😂
Sorry...should not have tubed tyres.
Bland looking. I much prefer the new Suzuki 800 adventure bike. More low-down/mid-range shove.But I'm not really an adventure bike man anymore. Nice TFT, though.
Usernames have been messed with, Mark, as you'll have noticed. I will always sign off with my old one so you know who has commented. 1990 [Nick]
Thanks nik yes what's going on with the user names on RUclips??
Anybody know ??
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 It's a pain in the ar5e, isn't it. No idea why they've done it. 1990
Nice bike but very poor non adjustable suspension.
People who continually whinge and whine about no cruise control and tubed tyres aren't even real motorcycle riders !
Haha 😂 absolutely!
That made me chuckle
So how many high speed tube blowouts have you enjoyed?
Looks like a cb500x on steroids
Which would be good, if the CB500X wasn't so dull!
@@jimmyjam8795 Agree
More like honda Nc
It’s very similar to ride … apart from the additional power.
Transalp look better then the ugly V-storm…
While mechanically and on paper it seems like a superb machine, the boring looks, coupled to the current Honda design language, sadly renders a totally forgetable motorcycle in a the very important departament of emotion and appeal.
..........and (I assume) tube tyres!
Yes tubed tyres
its a transalp dude,what would you expect?at least its a transalp as it should be in 2023.
Actually it's a CB750X called Transalp! 🤦
I think the idea on price is you can mod as you require
$10k for a nice 750 - wow....
I'm not sure it's worth 4k more than a CB500X. For 8k tops it would be a great bike.
A slightly cheaper version with cast wheels would be interesting.
Having seen this bike in person I find it very bland.
It's enough to put one off motorcycling... characterless, dreadful looking machine.