Thanks for your candid report. I agree this bike feels a little 'underwhelming' on first try, but longer term ownership reveals a bike that is more 'quietly competent' than is obvious at first. Now over 15,000 kms on my white one here in Australia (and with thousands of kms on dirt roads) I can report that it gets better with time/miles. The engine becomes smoother, noticeable around the 4 - 5,000 km mark, the engine sound also smooths, and the ideal clutch action, remarkable fuel economy and easy balance at low speeds mean this bike grows on you. I say that after 61 years riding (and working on) motorcycles, and 50 years as a 'Ducati person'. I also have the bear-grip Honda footrests, and yes, they tingle a little more than the rubber ones, but are also slightly lower, more comfortable ergonomically, and way better for standing up. The vibes are negligible once you have done those initial miles. I also recommend reversing the handlebar risers for those over about 5' 9", for a much better steering 'feel'. I also got the wind deflectors 'thrown in' (along with the footrests) on purchase, as one of the first buyers in my state, and they DO help with the wind. But as has often been said, this bike is 'more than the sum of its parts', and is a great all-round 'daily'. I don't need cruise control or a quickshifter, and the fact that so many 'extras' are available at extra cost at least keeps the initial purchase price down, and gives the buyer the choice. Of course aftermarket offerings (like the bash-plate) are generally more keenly priced than Honda's accessories... A few downsides, like the lack of ambient temperature reading, or engine oil window, the funny-looking headlight (which isn't great as a light either, encouraging the purchase of the accessory lighting I guess) but for the price, it is a lot of bike. The heavier 800 Suzuki $3,000 dearer in this country, and the charming Aprilia almost half as much again as the Honda. But I am seriously enjoying the Honda, now nine months in, and would encourage those unsure to give it a try. Only the air filter access to criticise really, and I've only done that once so far, when I fitted a cleanable K & N. At least the original filter wasn't that dirty (at 13,000 kms) for how many dirt miles I have done. But this thing grows on you, and I ride mine most days, in spite of having several bikes. I like it much more now than I did on the initial test ride, and I am glad I got it in spite of some initial misgivings. It seems to take a while for it to reveal its smoothness and usefulness!

Everyones opinions will differ regards bikes and needs. Just taken delivery of the Transalp myself ans absolutely love it. I got these extras, the tall screen, heated grips, top bars, engine bars, belly pan and center stand. It has all the power I need, I tried the Africa Twin but it reminded me of my 1250 GS where I couldnt be bothered to lug it around in my garage, this is easy to move about and less intimidating when parking and light off road. Very happy with it, tubed tyres for off road is better than tubeless but on road tubeless would be better. Which ever way Honda did it, it would not please everyone.

Beautiful bike Nick! Thanks for sharing.

13:31 EVERY SINGLE BIKE should have cruise control... zero exceptions.

Interesting Video Nick thanks, good to hear a honest no BS opinion 👍. What are your thoughts on this vs the NC750X as a third bike used for commuting and occasional run around on road bike? Thanks Rob I will now watch your NC750X review

Thanks

It’s interesting comparing various bikes, for me who started out in 1978…indeed…I am that old….but it feels to me that most if not all makers of bikes have raised their bars, they all seem to be of much higher quality and great to ride…..almost too many great bikes to chose from…..if I could I’d have a few bikes to ride out on, funny enough wife not keen on that idea…great video again…..gives us all food for thought….cheers

Very nice review. I tested one of these yesterday Nick, and my thoughts were very similar to your own. Looks much better in the "flesh too." I really liked it until the motorway.... Why is it that the stock screens on most motorcycles are rubbish? They can usually be remedied either by those cheap deflector things or an after market Givi or Puig, so you'd think Honda would provide some sort of adjuster device or offer screen options, (Honda stock screens are usually the worse) . I am a short house too so it's not that. Just a call to a Puig director, could be a useful collaboration. The other thing is tubed tyres having had to repair many punctures with plugs I wouldn't go near a tubed tyred bike for a "daily."

Hi Nick, great review as always. Nearly everything on that is shared with the Hornet, which is better imo and cheaper. I tried bikes with screens and I can’t get on with them. I’m tallish 6’2 and the turbulence above 50mph shakes my lid. Would love to see a review of the CFMoto 800 MT this brand is going to take some stopping with the bikes they have. Part of KTM.

How was the brakes and suspention?how much do you weight?

I ended up not trying the TransAlp after trying the Africa Twin and the Hornet 750. Loved the AT, but not the Hornet. Like you said, the front felt loose. I noticed that on the Hornet, and the vibrations from the engine turned me away from trying the Trans. Coming from my smooth triple engine to a viby twin, I felt would be a disappointment.

Centerstand Option 216€ Nick. Kove 450 Rally or CFMoto 450MT as far you can lay Hands on it as an alternative to the KTM 390 Adventure. And because we all know you love Blue. CB125F in Matte Marvel Blue. Don´t ask why and thank me later for the Colour choice

As he passed you the solid white line was about to end.......couldn't be bothered to wait then....there's always one.....bad rider. 'Ull' east yorkshire.

Honda went backwards with the transalp, tubed tyres, no dct, headlight from the cb 500.😔

Gold Wing!

nc750x dct every day)

00:15 posting the juicy parts? theres other websites for that :P

It has a lot of design cues taken from Royal Enfield "Himalayan".. also Honda recently filed a lot of design patents that are similar to "Royal enfields"..this is very saddening !!

Nice review, but Benelli?...

Yes, it's possible, as Ian from "Hard Rock Moto" has demonstrated, install 3rd party stuff - the CC the tubeless wheels.... but then this bike is almost at the Africa price !! - exactly where the stingy Honda wants you to be ! Well : 1 - Many have no power to lift that heavy bike, if it's dropped. 2 - Many don't need the extra power, which drags along higher insurance costs and more fuel cons. And 3 - why to pay so much more for something you DON'T need ??!!?? PS - you DON'T need to hide the speedo !!! - NO ONE can charge you for speeding from a You-Tube video, unless you've shown a statement, that describes everything in the video as EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENTAERY ! Even then - it is under a biiiiiig Q mark ☝☝🧐 You-tube videos are of ENTERTAINING character, and can be manipulated in ANY way one wishes. I can show a speedo of 5000km/h - RIDING a bike, a car...on the road + in heavy traffic ..... , while in reality, I never moved the ass from my PC/Mac !!!

4:15 Bah, no cruise control is pretty lame.