Royal Iris was a Mersey Ferry out of Liverpool. I sailed on her twice - once in about 1958 on a primary school trip along the length of the Manchester Ship Canal from Pomona Docks, Manchester, to Liverpool. And then again about 10 years later in an evening outing from work for a disco cruise in the Mersey estuary when I was about 19. She famously had a dance floor (hence her suitability as a disco cruise ship and host to the famous Liverpool bands in the '60s). We spent the evening cruising within the confines of the estuary so she'd cruise along in a straight line for about 20 minutes, then do a 180 degree turn and cruise back in a straight line for 20 minutes, then another 180 degree turn, repeating this all evening. My abiding memory was, back then, it was customary for groups of girls to dance together in a circle around their hand bags, which would be on the dance floor in the centre of the circle, while us blokes propped up the bar and 'observed the talent'. Every time the Royal Iris commenced one of these 180 degree turns she'd heel over and all the handbags would slide across the floor out of the circle of dancing girls, who broke off to chase after them, to the side of the dance floor where they retrieved them before going back into their circle once more dancing around the hand bags. It was a long time ago so it's all a bit hazy, but I think we blokes eventually got enough Dutch courage care of the beer to ask the girls for a dance, but I really can't be sure! It's very sad to see her laid up and sitting sunk onto the river mud like that, water up to her decks, that dance floor well and truly flooded. Vince

Freddie, your joy in motorcycles is infectious and Monica's photography is wonderful, as always! Enjoy the Transalp!

This is a great channel Freddie (& Monica)!. There are many other bike channels that go into super detail of tech specs and performance, but this channel does more to show what it feels like to actually live with these bikes as Freddie rides like the 90% of us do. Such a relaxed vibe - so easy to watch. Keep it up!

Nice one Freddie and Monika,i remember going on the Royal Iris as a child from New Brighton along the River Mersey, fond memories...

Great looking bike, Honda nailed it. Not too big, not too heavy, simple and comfortable too.

I remember the Transalp episode in Tenerife like yesterday. And remember what an utter gem the bike was. And those Tenerife episodes just nailed it for me as my favourite channel. The content, the style, the music, the look, the fun, the humour, the travel...the bikes...the cars!!! Don't stop guys. You're on the cusp of mega subs. Those of us watching now however just want more of the same!! Take care both and travel safe.

Hey, Freddie just tripped across your channel after watching the Verralls museum vlog. 👏👏😊 I love my TA. I have only been out a few times till winter set in.. but so agile for an adventure bike. Like you, I remember the first TA and AT's that memory has always stuck with me for decades, being an offroader guy 😉 then being at the NEC in 22 I fell in love again with the retro look of the TA. Can't wait to see your next vlogs 🏍💨🗻

Love the venue! Classic English cities and the new Honda Transalp. I love your narration and vernacular phrasing! Very pleasant to listen to your critiques and commentary!

I remember the Transalp review you did in Tenerife, it was really good Freddie! One of the best videos from the Tenerife diaries 👍🏻 Looking forward to hearing more about the new Transalp. Ride safe Freddie 👍🏻

So cool to see you with the new transalp. That video with the OG transalp is the video that got me watching your channel. I started watching all of your Tenerife endeavors and ended up going to Tenerife twice with my family. Absolutely loved it and your videos were inspiring. Such a beautiful island. Really enjoy watching your videos. Keep it up Freddy

Loved this - not just the transalp but also the fact that you ride around my old stomping ground one week (I was born in Greenwich, grew up in Charlton and went to school in Blackheath) and then the following week you’ll be in my new stomping ground (well, for the last 20 years - god I feel old!) here in Kent - not far from rootham, trozzzzzly, and “item” 😂. Shocked at how Woolwich has changed almost beyond recognition- though probably for the best. Safe riding and maybe one day you should arrange a “channel” coffee somewhere. I’d happily come along.

12:45 this old transalp looked too modern for those days! What a machine 😍

Great little vid there Fred. You two have a good time in Lithuania and keep us posted of anything unusual that happens........

I had a Blue and sliver 2005 Transalp 650. I once road a few kilometres with a flat front tyre. I loved that bike.

Last year I got an 1999 Transalp pd10, and I'm in love wit it since. It's my first ever bike and I even bought it before passing my bike license. This year will be my first full riding season. In november 2023 i already did some engine repairs and give it new fluids. Got the seat restored (actually bought a second one to do so) plus some extra touring gear. I think that I'll try the new one at some point buy this one stays with me till it shatters. So basicly it could overlive me :)

So in awe of the vibe of this channel Freddie! The pace with how you speak & converse with Monica in between is such an understated beauty. Thank you for posting, made me fell in love with biking once again!

what a lovely coffee shop nice and relaxed comfy seats i did sit on a 750 transalp i thought the seat height is quite high when the weather improves i think a test ride is in order could be the one bike that does all

The first bikes I saw that made me think ‘I want one of those when I grow up’ were the Transalps, Teneres and Dr Bigs of the 80s. Seeing them loaded up with kit, the riders in their big enduro boots and peaked helmets in the French Alps from the back of a Renault estate made quite an impression on me. I’m delighted to see this type of bike get this modern resurgence though my heart will always belong to the old XTZ750 Tenere.

That photo of you and your bro on the bike --- wow. That T100 looks the goods, as an owner! I could go that Honda though. Loved the views of Lonfon. Never tire of it!

Effortlessly funny, you two. Loved the throwback videos and I'm proud to have watched both of them. What a journey it has been, this KZfaq channel of yours. I'm glad I went along every single episode. On the Transalp: love the sound, good that Honda went with a 270-degree crank.

Great video as usual, owned two of the original 600s and used them as commuters, faultless, enjoy 😊

Hi Freddie I have the Transalp 750 in black with rally pack, tall screen, quick shifter and hand guards, a great bike to ride and very comfortable (Unlike my previous Africa twin 1100 adv sport). Would recommend a tall screen though..a great addition especially being tall. Owned it since June and love riding this bike comfort and a great smile every time. You have to love that engine!

Lovely. Tonight's viewing sorted, tempted by one to replace my '93 Transalp.

Saw the short the bike looks sweet ❤ can't wait for the review & the aesthetic shots

Always love the content. Look forward to your adventures on the Transalp.

Love your passion about the Transalp. Hope it gives you lots of riding pleasure. Enjoy.

Street Scrambler Vid: personal favorite lol Always dig the music--Satie!

I am becoming a big fan of your channel. Despite the name of my channel, I love anything on two wheels. You have a really nice laid back style.

Thanks for the update and content!

I had the transalp for a full day test ride. I’ve never owned an adventure bike in over 30 years of riding. I loved it. It really is the only bike you’d ever need. Really fun in sport mode, excellent clickable handling, great power, superb gearbox and comfortable. I had the Africa Twin the day after and it felt heavy and cumbersome with hardly any noticeable difference in performance - more torque but not a game changer. I prefer the Transalp. The only negative, oddly for 17:08 Honda, was the paint finish looked very basic and the decals were just stickers and not lacquered, they will get tatty after a few years. The Africa Twin has the most stunning paint finish I’ve seen on a production bike. I thought about ordering a Transalp for a couple of weeks during which my financial situation changed and I had some very big property repair bills. So I’ve had to put a new bike on the back burner for a while. The Transalp is definitely on my shortlist when I can get the cash together. Looking forward to Freddie’s adventure

Great picture of you and your brother on the original TransAlp. The new one looks a good bike but a shame it has no tubeless wheel rims. I'm more tempted by the Guzzi V85TT.

I had a 1992 model in blue and white paid $2,500 with 2k on the clock. Loved that bike sold it 4 years later for $3,000, probably worth more now.

Great picture of you both on the old transalp. Enjoy Lithuania etc bit cold for me there tbh Heading down to Namibia ATM

Hi Freddie, you (and a few other KZfaqrs) are responsible for getting my wife and I into biking in our 50’s. We’ve been mountain biking and road biking for decades and decided to switch to motorbikes. She’s purchased her 1st bike, a 900 Speed Twin and I am seriously considering the Transalp. I figure the rain mode or user mode can be set up to neuter the throttle response as I build up my confidence and skill set! …Thanks again for the great content! ❤

I don't really do long legged adventure bikes but must admit the Transalp looks and sounds nice, Thanks Freddie and Monica enjoy Lithuania

Very nice! As your New Year's resolution is to look after your bikes, one tip - don't ride with a big bunch of keys in your ignition. Nothing takes the shine off a brand new bike more than the sight of a top yoke scuffed up by jangling keys.

I bet an older one would make a great winter hack/commuter bike. A bike you wouldn't be too precious about

Really enjoy Freddie's videos Nice and easy to watch and listen to.

9:50 The mirrors on that T100 are gorgeous

Love your enthusiasm freddie, I reckon this bike suits you...bar the fact you tend to go for lower seat height bikes. Tubed tyres are my only gripe with the transalp.

Back in 1986 I joined the Airforce ❤ as a then 18 y old, that was the 1st time I saw the Transalpe the Greek police used them for years, very reliable and the ability to go everywhere this new one looks amazing and has kept the same character and charm. Looking forward to your in depth review 🇦🇺🇬🇷 cheers from Oz

Love your filming style. Art Cafe, what a great place to relax with a cup of coffee.

Awesome bike, I get the way this colour scheme gives you that heritage vibe, but look up this one: MATTE BALLISTIC BLACK METALLIC. That's the one I'd get! Lovely video again, Freddie, looking forward to seeing more of this one!

Very nice, thanks Freddie.

I remember my boss bought a brand new mk1 transalp and we used to get car parts etc I loved it so i bought my own, so easy to ride only downside was all the plastic cladding every where, people used to call them the plastic tea pot

I well remember that first Transalp video Freddie, I think it was the one that brought me to your channel. Didn’t realise that there was a long standing family connection to the model but I bought a brand new first gen 600V Transalp in 1993. I really lust after the new Transalp in the spec you have there but it’s far too rich for me. At that price I’d be terrified to take it off-road. Besides, it’s a thing of beauty, no way would I risk damaging it, which also kind of defeats the object of buying it as an ADV bike. If I bought one, I suspect that it would be for road use only ! But Honda said that you can throw this one in a hedge if you like, so GO FOR IT !!! 👹👹👹

If you have to look after it, I would take that bunch of keys off as that will scratch up all the top yolk. Big peeve of mine if you haven't guessed lol nice video fella

Great bike! Let's see Monica again soon!

I'm sure you will enjoy the Transalp Freddie. What an undignified end for The Royal Iris. I crossed the Mersey so many times on this beautiful vessel. It brought a lump to my throat to see her languishing, unloved.

Freddie, your bike 'reviews' are so different to just about all others out there, easy watching (and listening, some lovely tracks pop up) and really get to the nub of why people love certain bikes but riding in particular. I've owned over a hundred bikes and have been riding for over 40 years including a bit of off road, proddie racing, touring and of course commuting so really don't need to be spoon fed facts, figures and opinions on a bike. It's how it makes you feel, where it takes you and the company you keep that are the interesting thing to me. Keep it coming and whatever you do, keep hold of that videographer/sound engineer/editor, she is a star 😎

Good to see Honda have been watching BMW and have learned to charge eye watering prices for bolting usually bang average quality tat onto your new pride and joy 😂 Has anyone noticed how accessories have skyrocketed over the last 3 years or so, especially luggage?

I just love the way he always admires other bikes from a distance ❤ .. Also I knew that you ll be talking bout the bonnie 😅😅

The exhaust silencers on your uncles Transalp nicely fill that awkward big gap between seat & tyre, looks so much nicer.

New subscriber here...keep the English language eloquence flowing....a touch of class and very welcome these days.

Rode friend's brand new 1985 500cc v-twin Transalp -in the Phillipines, and was a bit too tall for my short frame , 5'9", could not put both feet on ground simultaneously at a stop but it was such a different experience from cruiser riding I was used to. I have over 1.5 million miles on street sport bikes as well as heavyweight cruisers and must say those couple of days riding that Transalp were some of the best. I waited from a lowered version to come to market and it just disappeared. I have seen only two since then on the road and the guys riding them were well over 6 ft. tall so I accepted it would never happen.

Great feeling! A new bike in the stable. On your mark, get set.... GO!

My bike since 2023. I love it!

You only really appreciate a Transalp, when you've had it a while. It's like a good friend.

Brilliant bikes. I had one of the originals in blue/white back in the day. ....Loved it. They've evolved into even better bikes as a 750cc although the old 600cc is still a fantastic machine. This bike really suits you 👍🏻🏍

Can’t wait for your verdict on this Freddie 👍

I’m so excited to see what you get up to on this lovely bike .

Hurray!! Finally we get to see you do some real adventure riding!! Congrats on getting a great bike!!

Great video as always this channel has something special about it I don’t know what but I just love it you reminded me of why I stated biking ,when I was young I can’t remember exactly what age but we were driving along in my dads mk1 mini van and a very early Kawasaki 250 blasted past us in a cloud of two stroke off into the distance two,up and that was the day I decided I wanted to ride bikes looking forward to more adventures 😎👍

I love your presentation. Brilliant videos.

I love my '94 600V, only thing holding it back is that is doesn't really like going faster than110-120 km/h. But other than what it's way more fun than it has any right to be.

Can I just say how much I love the music on this channel. I presume it’s Monica’s choice. I’m giving her credit anyway. Really suits the character of the content.

I like the instrument cluster. Its subtle. Tells you to keep eyes on road.

I'd also like to add that the old ones have one big advantage to the new one, taht is a high mounted exhaust. But the low exhausts are some modern idea that i do not understand, especialy in adventure/offroad bikes. Great channel by the way. I'm currently going through the videos :)

A lovely bike which sounds great. A nice clean double thump with no hint of the wheezing noise that you often get with water cooled engines. I worry about those TFT screens and their longevity but hey, it's a Honda and so will probably last forever 🙂

Great episode Freddie. I’m loving the Transalp 👍🏼

Love the Transalp. Great bike!

Nice bike, my fav kind of ride just down the road for coffee and cake.

First class video , I had no real interest in riding a motorcycle until I came across your channel. I past my test in September then bought this motorbike . So your to blame for my new obsession, keep up the good work 👏

Great program as always . The bike looks great and it really suits you Freddie. Hope you enjoy it. They ride great and it is a really fantastic bike to ride. So you will buy I garantee. All the best to you and Monika. Regards Martin

Great looking bike with that pack, and sounds brilliant glad to see you on a different genre of bike.

Love it! They got that styling down!

Envy envy envy sorry Freddie but I know how fab the Transalp is as sat on one at bike show last year have a great time with it which I think you will see you on the next one . Have a great time away you 2......

Freddie, you can sync your phone to the bike and have navigation. RTM . It explains how to do it.👍

Wow that bike sounds amazing, certainly for a stock Honda exhaust. Some character there for sure. Very nice bike!

Old mate had 600 for years did mega high miles on it 200000 plus, when it was totally knackered he bought another...

Because of your Tenerife video, and because of your Tenerife video only, I bought a 1989 Transalp 600. And I don't know what it is, but now I have to buy a Transalp 750.

I still see those original Transalps at rallys in Argentina. People love them and ride them everywhere. I was excited when the new one came out. A little disappointed when I found out how much electronics it has. Probably just me but I prefer a simple bike that is easy to maintain in a third world country. Working on Honda 250 now. It has a siezed speed sensor and a new one is $150. Owner says he would rather buy tires.

The Transalp , been out on one, couple of riders I know have one, had a GS BMW myself but I keep coming back to a cruiser, they are to me the bike of my dreams, look the business so comfortable, when I had the GS , great, great bike do anything go anywhere, and it looked good, but my speedmaster ( New march 23 so very new) a beautiful, beautiful machine and so comfortable so was my Triumph bobber before the speedmaster, so sorry Transalp doesn't do it for me, loved my iron 883 in glitter gold was a great bike but my triumph speedmaster fantastic beautiful bike ( well I do love all bikes truth be known ha ) keep up the fantastic videos you do a great job 😊.

By no means saying these videos are boring, far from it, but they are so chill, they are the perfect thing to put on and drift off to.

There's a few notable changes to the latest Transalp from the old 600 which you rode in Tenerife. Most notably the change from V-twin to parallel twin. I think it's a 270 degree and so sounds very similar to a V-twin, but presumably it is a little wider in the beam. It is a very nice looking bike, not something I would normally say about an adventure bike. I think the low level exhaust improves the looks but I do wonder how durable that will be for off-roading. The old 600 Transalp had a high level.

Transalp looks well, sounds well, goes well and won't break the bank. As for Sat nav.... I have an old phone as a sat nav on the handlebars. It's pay as you go. No phone numbers or any info in it so if it falls off, well, I've lost €20 (maybe).

You lucky boy that the bikes getting the full Wurks ;) Been enjoying his updates.

Great video, that bike fits you so well. 👌

I am so pleased that you ve got the Transalp for testing. For your height it suits you best. Although I have the 2005 model and I haven't ride the new one, I must say that Honda keeps easily the reputation of the best motorcycle maker worldwide. Enjoy Freddie.

How do you manage to make every bike you test so desirable, its unbelievable, now I'll have to keep this in the bikes to look out for on marketplace. Freddie!

Hi Freddie, the old boat cries make me Freddie's Biker Café. Maybe on Land but the style is great!

My pet hate is the bunch of keys scratching the top yoke… distracted watching them. Get rid of them Freddy… loved the video of the old one you rode….

Freddie is smitten, all over again. 😄 Hope you and Monika have a great trip.

The retro Transalp bit in Tenerife: nice touch!

I really like the look of these. Zack Courts from Revzilla reviewed one on his "Daily Rider" segment. He raved about it. For me, the 650-750 size is the sweet spot for most road bikes, on UK roads.

Freddie. Can I just say. You are to Motorcycle KZfaq videos, what Bob Ross was to paintings. Keep doing what you're doing and keep the same vibe.

I had many a night out on the Royal Iris in my youth 😊

You're a good salesperson Freddie. I've just received a pair of gloves and thermals after watching your previous video ! Well pleased with them .

I bought my ‘91 Transalp in February… it’s been a fantastic bike since than.

The ADV bike was like an SUV in the 4wheelers, good for around town, excellent long distance touring and with good cargo carrying capacity with an upgrade and also not shy going to places for a light to medium difficulty off-road with upgrades on the tire, you should had one besides your other favorite motorcycle style, but it’s also good enough for one motorcycle to caters all your riding needs for some person. But personally I took the aprroach of N+1, you should had more than one motorcycle, mine was the cruiser bike and the other was the adv bike, and some day in the future, a classic standard on the likes of Bonneville/Interceptor, and a Scrambler.