I'm 100% with you on most of this, but your comments on the air filter life are a little optimistic - especially for someone doing any off-road riding. As someone living in Vegas who clearly does a lot of desert riding, you should know full well that you need to service your air filter much more frequently when regularly riding in dusty conditions. That fine dust will cake up the filter the same as drywall or saw dust will a shop vac filter. That said, I agree it's still not a huge issue as it shouldn't take one more than 10 minutes to strip the bike down to get to the filter once you do it a time or two and know the routine. I also see it as a plus because while you're in there you can look around for any other potential issues that might otherwise go unnoticed (leaks, cracks, etc).
Lots of people will say to clean your filter almost every time you ride off road in Vegas, and I just don't. I clean it, and my airbox is always good, but I dont do it like that, and Im not worried about it on my Hondas.
Newbie to your site Mob Moto. Great stuff and really falls in line with most reviewers around the globe. More importantly, it is apparent that HONDA has made a winner for the MAJORITY of consumers.......that is WHAT matters. I look forward to pulling the trigger on a XL 750 sooner than later. Really appreciate the comparisons you highlighted!
You said it in a nutshell I have the trans out 2024. Absolutely love it can’t figure out what everybody was nitpicking it apart about. It’s a fabulous bike.
The air filter is very difficult to replace regardless of the 8000 mile intervals. I ride a lot and 8000 miles is mot much for me. The difficulty involved is stupid and not desirable on a modern bike that many consumers will hope to do on their own. Please check YT post regarding this cumbersome process. Dismantling the fairing, seat, petrol tank and electricals is not OK despite what you say. Also riders in AUS encounter potentially more dust than you might and wish to change filter more frequently. This issue is a near deal breaker for me regarding this otherwise great looking bike. Glad you are enjoying yours though. CF Moto 450 filter change is much simpler- just take off the seat with a key.
i had to lift the tank to add a cruise control and the first time is a major project but the second time would be an hour ish and the third, sub hour. You only need two allen keys and a socket.
I very much agree with your assessment. I worked on one last year who wanted new suspension. As a suspension pro, I always started with my asking “what’s wrong with your riding experience?”. I got the bike from him with 0.0 miles total. He had been extremely pleased with his other bike that we reworked. In the process of my riding the bike and making changed I discovered mow much I enjoyed the Transalp! More than a half a year later, I purchased one of my own even though I was not in the market for a heavy (okay “medium” adventure bike. I am very pleased with this bike. Of course I have improved the suspension but only after coming to the same conclusions you mention. I would so very much enjoy discussing in some more detail making my own upgrades based on my 200 lb weight. You may be much better expressing and maybe experiencing what I found. I do think your audience would be really interested in your additional thoughts, suggestions and experience. Please let me know what you think.
I find the front forks on the Transalp spot on for in the middle ground of being able to do off road and on road very good, where some adventure bikes will be good off road and not so good on road or vise versa. But the rear shock skips around too much over bumps in the road and tends to bottom out too much off road, but I am on the heavy side of 270lbs, so I had to change it out for a TracTive rear shock for my weight and it’s awesome now everywhere I ride it. Great video and I would love to see more of this type of content.
I just bought one today--heck yes! Test rode it Monday, went back and bought one Wednesday. Same color as yours. Thanks for the video--liked and subbed!
Yay, some Transalp love - love mine. There's a lot of Suzuki fans out there, or Honda haters when both bikes are very good. I've seen a bit of belly aching from the Transalp launch and then the Suzuki launch *cough lambchops* that the traction control reverts to ON when you cycle the ignition off/on - I welcome that as a safety default, especially as these bikes will spend an average of 90% tarmac / asphalt 😁
I agree with everything except from the rear suspension. It is good enough to an average rider, even for a heavy one with full preload but it is very problematic the moment you go 2-up and add luggage. In my case it was so bad that I was very close to dropping the bike at very slow speed and at stoplights because the frontend became so light that makes the wheel to lose contact with the road. It was a simple spring change that took care of the issue but it would be nice if Honda had sprung the bike with a 100 spring instead of the 80 one that it has.
Very good job, I've reviewed this bike also. Some are just to critical of this $10,000 bike...it is a lot of bike for the money plus Honda reliability. You covered it all thank you be safe.
Air filter depends totally if your riding in dusty conditions (following someone). If so no way that your air filter should go that long. One full day of riding in heavy dust can do a pretty good job of clogging an air filter. Still once you've serviced it once you'll probably get the routine down.
The suspension and air filter replacement are a definite issue when you ride off road with buddies and there’s lots of dust and g-outs ruts some rocks. If your lucky and find flat dirt or gravel roads and aren’t following anyone you’ll like it but that’s not real world on BDR and the like.
Your the perfect weight for any motorcycle. They build them all thinking about Rodney lol. Great video. I met you a few years ago. Whatever happened to wanting to review the AT DCT?
On my 2018 DL1000XAL8, when the TC is turned off, its stays off, even after a key off. The 800DE, I want to say it stayed off, but I don't honestly remember if it came back on after a key off. Pretty sure it is persistently off as I only remember turning it off the one time, morning of day one of three days I was riding it. Rear tire ABS stayed off. Never dorked with the controls after that because I had it the way I wanted it. I think, on the 2018, in five years, the only time I had to mess with the settings was when I threw a code and had to jumper it to dealer mode and clear the code. You hit the nail in the head. It was designed to be ridden on roads. As a heavier person, I would not want to get it on whoops, I have to set the preload way up and then it pogos.
People buy these adv bikes and want to act like they should be dirk bikes and cross continent travelers in the same bike. Honda did a fantastic job with the TA for the price. If the suspension sucks, then you're most likely over weight. LOL
Vstrom 800DE lets you turn off TC and leave it off. Its a great setup. So yeah, its not normal or necessary. ABS on the other hand, well that reset is normal for most bikes.
As an owner with over 8k on mine, i agree and disagree. Agree with everything except....TC is just way too intrusive. On or off road. I turn it off before clicking first. The rear shock is way too soft. It needs a way stiffer spring and it has little to no rebound or compression damping control. I'm re springing and revalving mine. Lastly, the air filter is no big deal. Once done once it simple and if you clip off the side tabs on the inner cowl panel, you can tilt the tank without having to remove that panel and the dash. I've got a re usable filter and can have it removed and replaced in 30 minutes without rushing. Tip to owners who ride dusty areas... Remove the air filter and re seal the locating grooove to the air filter with grease. First air filter check for me was at 3000klms and there was dust which got past the filter and had lightly coated the bell mouths. 👍
1- the 21 inch is just fine for road use. 2- the 21 inch goes through thick stuff much easier like gravel and sand. and 3 -thats what people want the most, its what I prefer even for a road-biased adv bike.
Changing the exhaust systems always comes with loss of power. They are designed for this engine. Putting on cheap aftermarket exhausts will do nothing for you. Most of these things brought up by internet adventure experts are not issues and made up in their heads. Most of the time, these iditos don't even ride these bikes. Damn internet "experts". Writing shit they don't know a thing about...Every... fucking.... time.
But people understand this bike ?!? This is a ROAD bike with some gravel capabilities. 80/20 or maybe 90/10 !! If you want a dirt bike buy a dirt bike , or a transcontinental bike like Africa Twin, GS etc. Transalp is a ROAD bike, all rounder. Capiche ?!?
Hello, the reason for ABS automatically coming back on is for lability purposes. They would be sued by the fool or family the rider forgot to turn in back on and they had an accident ABS may have prevented. What to bitch about ABS, take it up with our tort system, file lawsuits against all and often.
I'm 100% with you on most of this, but your comments on the air filter life are a little optimistic - especially for someone doing any off-road riding. As someone living in Vegas who clearly does a lot of desert riding, you should know full well that you need to service your air filter much more frequently when regularly riding in dusty conditions. That fine dust will cake up the filter the same as drywall or saw dust will a shop vac filter. That said, I agree it's still not a huge issue as it shouldn't take one more than 10 minutes to strip the bike down to get to the filter once you do it a time or two and know the routine. I also see it as a plus because while you're in there you can look around for any other potential issues that might otherwise go unnoticed (leaks, cracks, etc).
Lots of people will say to clean your filter almost every time you ride off road in Vegas, and I just don't. I clean it, and my airbox is always good, but I dont do it like that, and Im not worried about it on my Hondas.
Newbie to your site Mob Moto. Great stuff and really falls in line with most reviewers around the globe. More importantly, it is apparent that HONDA has made a winner for the MAJORITY of consumers.......that is WHAT matters. I look forward to pulling the trigger on a XL 750 sooner than later. Really appreciate the comparisons you highlighted!
You said it in a nutshell I have the trans out 2024. Absolutely love it can’t figure out what everybody was nitpicking it apart about. It’s a fabulous bike.
The air filter is very difficult to replace regardless of the 8000 mile intervals. I ride a lot and 8000 miles is mot much for me. The difficulty involved is stupid and not desirable on a modern
bike that many consumers will hope to do on their own. Please check YT post regarding this cumbersome process. Dismantling the fairing, seat, petrol tank and electricals is not OK despite what you say.
Also riders in AUS encounter potentially more dust than you might and wish to change filter more frequently. This issue is a near deal breaker for me regarding this otherwise great looking bike.
Glad you are enjoying yours though. CF Moto 450 filter change is much simpler- just take off the seat with a key.
i had to lift the tank to add a cruise control and the first time is a major project but the second time would be an hour ish and the third, sub hour. You only need two allen keys and a socket.
I am an owner of a transalp and made already 10k km and can not agree more ;) Thank you for the great content!
Excellent "common sense" facts and thoughts.
Best video on any bike I have seen in years.
I very much agree with your assessment. I worked on one last year who wanted new suspension. As a suspension pro, I always started with my asking “what’s wrong with your riding experience?”. I got the bike from him with 0.0 miles total. He had been extremely pleased with his other bike that we reworked. In the process of my riding the bike and making changed I discovered mow much I enjoyed the Transalp! More than a half a year later, I purchased one of my own even though I was not in the market for a heavy (okay “medium” adventure bike. I am very pleased with this bike. Of course I have improved the suspension but only after coming to the same conclusions you mention. I would so very much enjoy discussing in some more detail making my own upgrades based on my 200 lb weight. You may be much better expressing and maybe experiencing what I found. I do think your audience would be really interested in your additional thoughts, suggestions and experience. Please let me know what you think.
I find the front forks on the Transalp spot on for in the middle ground of being able to do off road and on road very good, where some adventure bikes will be good off road and not so good on road or vise versa. But the rear shock skips around too much over bumps in the road and tends to bottom out too much off road, but I am on the heavy side of 270lbs, so I had to change it out for a TracTive rear shock for my weight and it’s awesome now everywhere I ride it. Great video and I would love to see more of this type of content.
Your so right, man.
This bike was never build for hard enduro.
But it is top for travelling with soft enduro sections.
I just bought one today--heck yes! Test rode it Monday, went back and bought one Wednesday. Same color as yours. Thanks for the video--liked and subbed!
Great video, as always an honest presentation of the reality, thanks for sharing!
Yay, some Transalp love - love mine. There's a lot of Suzuki fans out there, or Honda haters when both bikes are very good. I've seen a bit of belly aching from the Transalp launch and then the Suzuki launch *cough lambchops* that the traction control reverts to ON when you cycle the ignition off/on - I welcome that as a safety default, especially as these bikes will spend an average of 90% tarmac / asphalt 😁
I agree with everything except from the rear suspension. It is good enough to an average rider, even for a heavy one with full preload but it is very problematic the moment you go 2-up and add luggage.
In my case it was so bad that I was very close to dropping the bike at very slow speed and at stoplights because the frontend became so light that makes the wheel to lose contact with the road.
It was a simple spring change that took care of the issue but it would be nice if Honda had sprung the bike with a 100 spring instead of the 80 one that it has.
How much do you weigh? I am getting a new Transalp in about 2 weeks when the dealer expects to get it.
I weigh 160 lbs., 73 kgs. without my riding gear on. Most bikes are set up for my weight from the factory.
Great review - thanks for the work.
Nice work. Good intel. Thanks.
Very good job, I've reviewed this bike also. Some are just to critical of this $10,000 bike...it is a lot of bike for the money plus Honda reliability. You covered it all thank you be safe.
Great video!! I couldn't agree more on the suspension, I weigh 195 and I thought it was fine.
Thank you Rodney ✌️✌️✌️
yes, you definitely tested the suspension, thanks Jeff!
Glad you’re enjoying the Honda Rodney! Great purchase, sweet bike!!
Well done ! People are wanting it to be something it wasnt designed to be . Its an all roads tourer and not a dirt bike.
Air filter depends totally if your riding in dusty conditions (following someone). If so no way that your air filter should go that long. One full day of riding in heavy dust can do a pretty good job of clogging an air filter. Still once you've serviced it once you'll probably get the routine down.
It's an exhaustive and cumbersome routine.
Exactly all of the above finally somebody can speak out
The suspension and air filter replacement are a definite issue when you ride off road with buddies and there’s lots of dust and g-outs ruts some rocks. If your lucky and find flat dirt or gravel roads and aren’t following anyone you’ll like it but that’s not real world on BDR and the like.
Your the perfect weight for any motorcycle. They build them all thinking about Rodney lol. Great video. I met you a few years ago. Whatever happened to wanting to review the AT DCT?
I'd love to but I haven't had the chance yet.
How does one repair a puncture with no centre stand ?
I’m thinking about wiring a switch from the ABS main fuse it kills the traction control and abs so I can just switch it off and on
Air filter replacement is every 16T miles or 24T km
I have not bought a new air filter yet but tit is a paper one & is not cheap.
FYI: Aprilia Tuareg 660 has 2 modes (offroad and user) where the ABS/TC can be turned off and it will be remain off when you cycle the keys.
Sport mode is best, Thanks for you vid on alp
Awesome video! For an awesome adventure bike
On my 2018 DL1000XAL8, when the TC is turned off, its stays off, even after a key off. The 800DE, I want to say it stayed off, but I don't honestly remember if it came back on after a key off. Pretty sure it is persistently off as I only remember turning it off the one time, morning of day one of three days I was riding it. Rear tire ABS stayed off. Never dorked with the controls after that because I had it the way I wanted it.
I think, on the 2018, in five years, the only time I had to mess with the settings was when I threw a code and had to jumper it to dealer mode and clear the code.
You hit the nail in the head. It was designed to be ridden on roads. As a heavier person, I would not want to get it on whoops, I have to set the preload way up and then it pogos.
People buy these adv bikes and want to act like they should be dirk bikes and cross continent travelers in the same bike. Honda did a fantastic job with the TA for the price. If the suspension sucks, then you're most likely over weight. LOL
I followed you and purchased a CRF450RL and loved it, looking at the TransAlp, have you ever rode a Ducati Desert X?
No I haven’t, but all I want to do is ride the 450! Lol
@@MobMoto I’m interested in what you think of the Desert X if you ever ride one. I also have a XR650L, so I’m looking for a mid-size adventure bike.
Not gonna lie, these are some myths that I had myself!
Vstrom 800DE lets you turn off TC and leave it off. Its a great setup. So yeah, its not normal or necessary. ABS on the other hand, well that reset is normal for most bikes.
As an owner with over 8k on mine, i agree and disagree. Agree with everything except....TC is just way too intrusive. On or off road. I turn it off before clicking first. The rear shock is way too soft. It needs a way stiffer spring and it has little to no rebound or compression damping control. I'm re springing and revalving mine. Lastly, the air filter is no big deal. Once done once it simple and if you clip off the side tabs on the inner cowl panel, you can tilt the tank without having to remove that panel and the dash. I've got a re usable filter and can have it removed and replaced in 30 minutes without rushing.
Tip to owners who ride dusty areas... Remove the air filter and re seal the locating grooove to the air filter with grease. First air filter check for me was at 3000klms and there was dust which got past the filter and had lightly coated the bell mouths. 👍
This bike is a bad mofo! I love it and the quick shifter is fun as shit too.
Thanks for the video. Do you miss your 790 KTM?
no, only because my riding wants are different now.
'Low exhaust' was done on purpose - adv bikes have panniers. These exhausts that points sky look cool but are unpractical.
If this bike is more road biased, as many contend, why did Honda fit 21/18 inch tires?
1- the 21 inch is just fine for road use. 2- the 21 inch goes through thick stuff much easier like gravel and sand. and 3 -thats what people want the most, its what I prefer even for a road-biased adv bike.
Changing the exhaust systems always comes with loss of power. They are designed for this engine. Putting on cheap aftermarket exhausts will do nothing for you.
Most of these things brought up by internet adventure experts are not issues and made up in their heads. Most of the time, these iditos don't even ride these bikes. Damn internet "experts". Writing shit they don't know a thing about...Every... fucking.... time.
But people understand this bike ?!? This is a ROAD bike with some gravel capabilities. 80/20 or maybe 90/10 !! If you want a dirt bike buy a dirt bike , or a transcontinental bike like Africa Twin, GS etc. Transalp is a ROAD bike, all rounder. Capiche ?!?
Hello, the reason for ABS automatically coming back on is for lability purposes. They would be sued by the fool or family the rider forgot to turn in back on and they had an accident ABS may have prevented. What to bitch about ABS, take it up with our tort system, file lawsuits against all and often.
Shaddap