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Worth a repeat to all the keyboard warriors riding their couches, “Which, last time I checked, had zero horsepower.” Treading on a troll warms my heart.

@dstubby82

7 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/f35sz62AmpzSYto.htmlsi=KDZ6VBqEk1OV3zOb 😁

@hlpressley

7 ай бұрын

They always have the loudest fingers!

@johnnygeorgopoulos4072

7 ай бұрын

Speak for yourself, my couch has a mighty 5hp Briggs 😤🤣

@lukefish7562

7 ай бұрын

13:46 there it is! Great ride buddy! Enjoying your thoughts on it. If it had been available early this year it would have been it or the Norden Expedition I picked up. No regrets but I love my Honda dual sports (300L &450RL) too!

@nobleharbor265

7 ай бұрын

@@johnnygeorgopoulos4072John, you do know that when the sun goes down you have to climb down off that riding mower. I sympathize with the streaming to your hearing protectors, but it’s time to turn on the big screen, and fire up the grill… just don’t get those mixed up! 😂😂😉😎

A fair assessment of the TransAlp and its purpose. I bought a TransAlp to use as an all-rounder and will do some basic "adventurerizing" with no expectation that it is a hard core off-road machine. My DesertX is for the more serious riding and being a Ducati I thought having a Japanese bike in the garage was a good safeguard :). That said with over 10,000 miles the DesertX has been stellar. A whopping 30 miles on the TransAlp so I need to get busy! Thanks for sharing your insights.

@TheZakkmylde

3 ай бұрын

Hey. Curious your thoughts now on the transalp. I really want to buy one but I have hesitation because many people say off-road it doesn’t perform well and you’d have to probably upgrade suspension and no cruise control, etc.. do you have any advice on this bike?

@paulvanhout9695

3 ай бұрын

@@TheZakkmylde I think the key is how you intend to use the bike and how you evaluate your skill level. For modest adventurer riding I think the TransAlp fits the bill and is easy to handle if you get in a rough spot. For a skilled adventure rider who wants to tackle challenging terrain there are better options and the bike will reach its limitations pretty quickly. I have cruise control on my DesertX, but unlike others I only use it on occasion - not a show stopper for me. That said there are aftermarket cruise control options for the TransAlp including McCruise and now Veridian. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the video I appreciate your feedback on the transalp. I think for any of you adventure riders out there thinking of tackling a BDR. Don't forget you always have the option of getting a true motocross/enduro tire and put it on the front only. Even if you don't lower the pressure the grip will be night and day. I see too many ADV riders crash from loss of grip. On this bike with the spoked rims, you could even add a rimlock and lower the tire pressure. Sure these bikes are not really meant for hard offroad but I've seen so many crashes just from going through a mud puddle it's crazy. A good dirt tire is only around $100 and will last the duration of most trips. It would be much better than an ADV 50/50 front tire. The road feel is only a little worse onroad but offroad it will save you from injury.

So here’s my story. I was out riding one of the legs of the PA Wilds-BDR…stopped at a local brewery to have a beer and a burger (solo, riding buddy bailed.). Anyway, I was out in the parking lot heading back up to leave and three dudes all wearing the same Honda polo shirt came over to me…they got close enough and all their shirts had “transalp” embroidered on them. My interest was piqued. So after exchanging pleasantries and chatting for a bit, they kind of got the drift that I knew what I was talking about when it came to being honest about bikes. I was on my 300L, and told them everything I liked and everything I hated. These Honda guys were there because there was a large group of transalps doing a factory backed shakedown of the pa wilds, Tim James himself was actually there. Anyway, my biggest complaint with all “big adventure” bikes, is the routing of the exhaust pipes, and the tractor speed of first gear, without giving any throttle. These guys probably thought I was nuts with all my smart ass remarks about bikes, the industry, people in general.

Love it man. You’re doing great! Keep gettin at it!

Thanks for all these videos about the transalp! I just got mine today!

Thank you. I think I’m going to get one of these. Gravel road riding is what I do off pavement. Big Rock put a cruise control on his and it seemed to work well. You might try that if you haven’t already.

That's so awesome I totally figured it would be just the way you described

Nice ride, look forward to more Transalp content. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

Love your channel man. You helped me decide on a CRF300 rally for my first bike. Got it a few months ago and am loving it. Thanks for the great content!

Thanks Ben for the great off road test, I was not sure of the look of the TransAlp in pictures but Understand now where Honda were going with the look. Great Bike.

I got to finally see a Transalp in person. It’s a nice bike. I’m enjoying your Transalp content. Please keep it coming. Fall is my favorite time to ride. I did a fun little fall ride today, nothing stressful just enjoying the changing colors. Beautiful!

Lazy day at work and look what pops up in my notifications...... cant wait to see the armor you put on this as that sump is just looking for something to hit it.....

You nailed it with your assessment. Perfect bike for the weekend warriors/average Joe great reliability get to most places and light enough to pick up

Aaagghhhh, I want to be back down there riding sections 4 and 5 again but I'm still waiting on new wheels to replace my busted one that was bent back in July... Glad to see you're out there on the Transalp tho!

Thanks for the video. I definitely prefer the term “off pavement” for these type of riding scenarios.

Great video and overview of the bike. That model makes a lot of sense. Like you said, it hits the middle market. Huge. And it’s a Honda.

Really liked that section you are riding on this video

That's good. I'm getting similar vibes to those I felt from Ian. Like many, I'd pretty much dismissed this bike as a contender for my next one, however now I am compelled to check it out. Cheers!

That bike looks amazing. Just what I need actually

I enjoy your videos. I have a heavily modded 2017 DR650 and appreciate it's ground clearance and the Acerbis bashplate on it. I ride in Idaho often were there are very rocky sections and water erosion ruts. I was out messing around in the backwoods when the front tire kicked up a big rock and hit the undersides of the bike. It was loud and I darn near stopped to see if all was ok. I am looking forward seeing to the protection mods for your bike and if they can do the job - lets say I am skeptical because there isn't much framework for a skid plate attachment and if the bash occurs it push into the oil sump and exhaust. I like the Transalp less the oil sump and low slung exhaust. My mind is not made up I am looking forward to more videos. Thanks!

Man I wish we had a place to ride like that. Good on you!!

After your 'this is not what we wanted' video, you let the Transalp be what it is. Excellent for the 70%. Nicely done (!!!) ..... So much love for the amazing scenery and trails that you enjoy and share. The Transalp is quite possibly the best looking ADV to date!! Bottom line ... we all need to get out and ride whatever is in the shed and enjoy. Thanks Ben, you do good work.

Great video again!!! Winter is coming there! If you can make it work and have some vacation time, it’s riding season here in United Arab Emirates, and we have a really good off road community over here and you could make some really unique content

confidence inspiring. nice. does everything well. makes me think of the versys, not the cool 300, but the 650.

Creeping up on 100K there Dork 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I think you are spot on with your observations of the Honda engineers intent on this bike. As I age, my skills have decreased quite a bit, I find I don't need crazy power anymore, but it's still hard to let that go. 😀 That 450 weight range is still a bit hefty to me for anything less than gravel, but I do like the low seat height on the alp. 10 years ago it would have been too low, I bought a Beta 500rrs last year and find myself wanting to lower it, besides it sucks getting to the destination on road! I think my legs are shrinking....I digress.

Great ride/review! I have a '21 ATAS manual.. and I like it very much. I totally agree with your statement about it being "unruly"... i think that was the adjective you used... or similar. I got it "hung up" twice last year in some pretty gnarly trails where I live... (Northern Maine).. and i was thinking at that time that I wished I was on my KLR 650.. Anyway, as I slide into my 60's... the Africa may become increasingly more difficult to manage, and I'd really be looking at the Transalp.. I've kind of been a fan of it since I first saw it in magazines... I'll be checking more of your vids. Happy Trails Friend.. Thank You

20 minutes for "Confidence Inspiring"? Man. Kept waiting for it, was not disappointed.

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

😂😂

That is truly great terminology. I am the middle. That is a bike that I can truly ride, and like. My riding style is 80% Street/freeway, and every now and then smooth fire roads. This is the perfect bike for the middle like me.👍👍

The most gnarly hardcore off roading that I will be doing will be on my dual sport or dirt bike. This bike would make a great addition to my stable. Especially for the price. To me, it’s a lot of bike for the price. I’m not into Max HP anymore. I did that with the crotch rockets in my 20’s and I’m over it. I’m glad I got that out my system.

Thanks for the video. When you do the full review, please give the seat comfort some extra air time.

Bro you have the best riding in your backyard so beautiful all the colors . Makes me miss Maine.

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

I'm very lucky out here for sure.

@240LTS

7 ай бұрын

@@DorkintheRoad ... Sasquatch country!

Basically what you said about it is the way the original feels. My 89 xl600v is a fantastic bike but not super capable but more fun then it looks like it could be.

I just picked mine up 2 days ago. It's a fun bike! Big rock moto has some great tips with this bike too. Making a switch to deactivate abs and tc from a hack he showed.

Glad to see Honda got smart and rather than having to purchase the option rally kit in 2023, to get the quick shifter, in 2024 it is standard. I'm still astounded that cruise control on midsize bikes in the mid-range price range are not there. I can almost understand that on a T7, seeing has how it was designed to be more dual-sport-ish, but both the Transalp and 800DE don't have what can't be even $100 in electronics for a cruise control. And how hard is it to make traction and ABS settings persistent? The 800DEs are. Good ride, waiting for your review after you get some crash protection and real tires, so you can go out on some moderately hard stuff.

I jumped mine over erosion mounds on today's ride. Through three bogholes. Up several steep rocky 4wd only tracks and some single track. All on the stock Dunflop mixtours. It's as good off road as most of the others in the category. It's a very easy bike to ride.

I like this one more than I thought I would. Funny, somewhere before you said it I was thinking... Man for a bike that's not good off pavement he is hauling ass down the gravel..

That scenery is just like dayz gone!

First time viewer. I enjoyed that. May I ask your weight and the weight of the luggage?

Not much of a test, but still fun to watch. That stretch of road that you did is totally doable, at pretty much the same speed, on my 2022 CB500X with Dunlop TrailMax Missions front and rear, albeit with a few jarring hits when the rear shock bottoms out! I might invest in a better rear shock next season - still haven't decided yet whether to do that or to upgrade the bike instead... Looking forward to seeing you tackle some single track that would slow down a CB500X to a crawl or bottom out its suspension with a nasty crunch. Ian of Big Rock Moto mentioned that the Transalp's suspension just needs a better rear shock and stiffer linear springs up front - do you agree?

Really and awesome looking bike and I do like all the controls in the display etc. I just wished it was just a hair more offroad ready. Better suspension for my 277lbs self

Would be interesting to see a comparison between the original Transalp and the new version.

Yep that’s me!! Thanks Dorkey!!

I used to always turn off my ABS when off road until a deer jumped out in front of me when I was hammering it on a gravel road. I did a good impersonation of a flat track rider when my rear end slid out from under me. Now I only turn it off for single track technical stuff.

They've got pics on the Honda site with it fully decked out in ADV touring. The stock skid plate covers the sump nicely.

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

Yes I have a skidplate on the way.

@HoratioBunce503

7 ай бұрын

Honda or third party?

Enjoying the content. Looking to get one of these bikes, and there are a few others that are doing content similar to this and all of you are making similar assessments of the motorcycle thus far. Looking forward to your 1000 mile review of the machine as a whole.

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

Thank you. I'm really enjoying testing this bike. The more I ride it the more I like it.

Great video! I'd love to see a top speed run lol

Broken lever and scraped up bar end.....who'd do a thing like that? lol Enjoyed the ride and your thoughts on this bike. You echoed a lot of what I felt and thought about it. Cheers!

@scottsmith1897

7 ай бұрын

Watched that video earlier..... at least you got the first scratches on the new model. 😉

@Crittermoto

7 ай бұрын

@@scottsmith1897 🤣👍🏻

I've been enjoying my own Transalp 750 this summer. Have not been offroad, but done a lot of gravel roads. I find it nice and controllable, but as you say; -the gravel mode is useless. I'm always in user mode with max power and minimal traction control. And on steep hilly gravel with some wash board bumps, the traction is turned off completely. But a very nice ride I think.

Nice ride dork..

Transalp - "There's a bug in my latte... And that's okay." DR-Z400 - "Let me bang, bro!!!"

I know it seems silly especially because I watch most of your videos - but I would love if you included your body specs in the description or videos (uncomfortable I know). I'm 5'7 and 175 so I really have to find out to get a good idea of specific bikes I want to get. I got a 300L Rally after watching your videos and Itchy Boots (because my lovely Africa Twin AS got stolen) but never realized how tall exactly it really was till I was in person (Thank God for KoubaLinks). I am really thinking about getting the TransAlp as a less capable, but more maneuverable version of my ATAS until they hopefully come back out with a 21" front on an ATAS in '25 or I find a suitable replacement '22.

Your experiences mirrors my own. I've said this a hundred times if I've said it once, this is the KLR Kawasaki should have released. I can't wait to see you get the protection needed to push the bike a little. Question: how does the GL bags fit? I'm hoping to avoid having to buy racks for this bike.

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

I just edited a whole video on that for the Giant Loop channel and it'll be out in a week or so. It fits great, though. I don't think the Coyote is wide enough but the Great Basin worked really well.

@dw5523

7 ай бұрын

@@DorkintheRoad Huzzah!

You need to keep it in a lower gear because it is geared a lot taller than the T-7. And the T-7 has a 1st gear that is close to 17 to 1 ratio and the Transalp had a 1st gear of 14.99 to 1 ratio. So you could drop the front sprocket one tooth to a 15 teeth sprocket and you will have close to 16 to 1 ratio 1st gear and have a nice 6th gear ratio of 5 to 1, and still have enough top end to cruise on the highway.

@Kelly-oq9nh

7 ай бұрын

Riders comment for sure

@elgringoec

7 ай бұрын

Thoughtful info! How do the ratios between the lowest and highest gears compare between those two?

I'm pretty sure Oregon BDR 4 runs between Sunriver and Sisters, and 5 is between Sisters and Detroit. So this ride was 4 and 5.

Grate video

Can you please make these longer? Im snowed in until Spring and need the content hahahahahah!!

I’m waiting for mine to arrive at Beaverton Honda. Just getting into off-roading. Probby will stay to the tarmac over the winter, and add bash plate, barkbusters and crash bars before Spring. Do you ride with Noobs? I’m in Salem

The “shark fin” sticking down on the oil pan isn’t for no reason. It’s there because Honda decided you don’t need a water to oil cooler under the oil for like the Tenere. You’re a brave man for even riding it on the road without a bash guard let alone any gravel.

I'm very impressed with the Transalp. I think an aftermarket oil pan needs to be released, and something done with the exhaust. Other than that it feels like between the V-Strom 800DE and Transalp, they are coming after the Tenere 700.

I have a question about your riding and not being negative or questioning your abilities I wasn’t there but the gravel looked packed. How to you maintain the higher speeds without crashing. I am 50 I have had multiple street bikes and a few dual sport bikes. Never owned a adv bike. Lots of dirt riding as a kid. When I ride gravel it’s pretty chunky and I might hit 15 to 20 mph or I am gonna eat it. Really enjoying the channel.

Ben, did you have to add any preload to the rear shock for your weight or the luggage? Thanks

“Random dude..Missing body”. Hahah. That sump shark fin screams - Why? Think I’ll stick with the V85TT. Thanks for the post.

Are you going to the Adventure Rally in Julian next week?

7:13 Looking forward to the 2024-2025 release of the TransAlp "offroad" focused bike. 😊

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

I'm sure they will offer the adventure package as an option at some point.

I love it to bits, except the tubed tyres. I've pinched every tube I've ever tried to fit and cannot be arsed with them any more. Shame, because if it was tubeless I'd already own one.

More a question for your final review: would you think the Transalp is suitable for an experienced road rider who's never done dirt?

I own both the T7 and the Transalp. Both bikes have their place. They aren’t the same, but likely were never intended to be! My plan when I bought the Transalp was to sell the T7. Not sure I can do that, but also not sure I can sell the Transalp. I really enjoy both bikes. May have to break my own rule and sell the trusty DR650 instead…

@kluthage421

7 ай бұрын

why? won't get too much for it. Keep the DR and T7.

@TheZakkmylde

3 ай бұрын

So of the two bikes I really love the Honda. I’m pretty sure the Yamaha is better off-road but I guess the question is how much really better is it especially if you’ll be riding more road than off-road with the Honda be a better bet.? is the Honda really terrible off-road or you just have to slow down

@ridenm7748

6 күн бұрын

Keep the Honda and the DR. I'm sure the DR is way better off-road than both.

I ran Karoo 3's on my KLR for years. Great most the time, but on rainy asphalt they get a little sketchy.

Give us some feedback on the giant loop bags mounted on the TransAlp.

I am trying to decide between this bike and a Tenere 700. I don't really care to ride anything too hard. I like to ride the gravel/dirt/chert roads. My Kawasaki Versys-x 300 has been a great beginner bike, but I have already outgrown it. I was really wanting the Tenere, but this Transalp might be perfect for me. The more I see about it, the more I like it. I'm probably going to go look at one over the weekend. The local dealer has two of them.

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

This is probably perfect for you, based on what you said here. It's gonna do everything you want and then some, I'm guessing. Just get a skidplate on it, lol.

@GLHS592

7 ай бұрын

@@DorkintheRoad You are probably right. I had crossed the Transalp off my list, but after watching your videos and Big Rock Moto's videos, it has gotten back on my list. I'm going to see if I can test ride both bikes. It will probably be next year before I buy anything. I'm hoping prices will drop in the used market and I will pick the bike I can get the best deal on. The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is also on my list.

@GLHS592

7 ай бұрын

@@DorkintheRoad They have two in stock at the local dealer. They let me ride it and I have to say, I liked it better than I thought I would. It's very smooth and has more power than I was expecting. I gave it around half throttle and that was all I wanted. The bike is just smooth all around. and it rides great. I love the riding position. The transmissions is very smooth and I really liked the quick shift. I didn't think I'd like it, but it felt seamless when shifting. It really didn't feel any heavier than my Versys-x 300. He offered me $8500 out the door with my Versys-x 300 as trade. I expected to be offered $1500 and he offered double that.

A fuse can be pulled to disable tcs and abs for off-road riding. Needs a switch.

Put some good 50/50 tires on it & try some rougher terrain. May need protection first.

Agree about the "Shark fin" sump pan thingymabob. Would have much better ground clearance without it in the way.

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

My guess is somebody will come up with an aftermarket replacement really soon. It'd be easy to unbolt the stock sump and replace it with something shallower and wider.

@jjteal6272

7 ай бұрын

​@@DorkintheRoadI wonder why honda didn't just do that in the first place? Any thoughts on why they designed it the way they did?

The T7 is definitely a street bike engine crammed into an offroad bike. I think Honda just left the tune for the hornet in the Transalp so the spec sheets reads more HP than the T7. Plus you get the C.A.R.B. approved detuned veraion.

Tbh a V-Strom 650 has as much off-road capability as I need, I see this bike as basically an upgrade from that bike on every front. I'd probably be ok with 19/17" cast wheels though to improve puncture repair capability, much like Suzuki is offering on the new V-Strom 800RE but that is a heavier and less powerful bike and costs more unfortunately. Metzler Karoo Street tyres would do fine for me as well!

You pretty much summed it up - "It's pretty much a street bike that does good off road". Have you rode the Suzuki V-strom 800de yet? You keep mentioning the T7. Check out the Suzuki, it's worth your time buddy!

Would have loved to see what Cache Mtn loop on Section 5 was like - or the gnarly portion of Section 6. Almost anything is ok on the section 5 portion you did, right?

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

Yeah you could do it in a Honda Civic. Let me get a skid plate before I take on the rocky sandy stuff

Forget the T7. How are it's offroad capabilities compared to DRz650?

Not sure if this bike is on their radar, but it would be cool if Black Dog would make a plate for this bike.

Nice review. What does BDR stand for?

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

www.ridebdr.com

I have a versys 650 with a 19 front, seems pretty similar idea just done better obviously not a mod.

Love the bike. Still waiting though for SOMEONE to show access to airbox. WAITINNNNNNGGGG ⏳⏳⏳!! Would have signed up 3 months ago, but even the dealership couldn't show me!! So - there's a clue for you. Wanna be the first in the world to let the cat outta the bag??? 🤔🤔😈😈

How’re you liking the Shoei? What lead you to the Shoei vs the Arai or Klim?

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

So far so good. Bought it because the Shoei is supposed to be best for an oval head. My Klim gives me a pressure point on my forehead.

How’s the on road vs the 890 adventure non R /Norden

He said it! Guys... hey guys... hey.... guys, he said the thing!!

I agree with your assessments of the bike. BUT, had Honda done a better job with the exhaust and sump this bike would be able to compete directly with the T7. Everything else can be overlooked. I mean, what was Honda thinking? Honestly, I just don't get it. Maybe they will design both of those items out in the coming years, which would suck for anyone who bought the first-year model. We shall see......

Hello, Greetings from Chile. What microphone do you use?

When are you going off road ?

I own a 300 rally and love it but to be honest as much as I love Honda I really feel like they lack in quality in everything other than the motor. My next adventure bike will more than likely not be a Honda which is disappointing but it is what it is. Thanks for doing these honest reviews. Still love my Honda Rally but like I said the rest was pretty much junk built around the motor.

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that man. I'm pretty happy with my Hondas.

@donnieyoung2774

7 ай бұрын

The Honda CRF300L and Rally come with low end suspension components to keep the retail price as low as possible. With up grades like Rally Raid components it's on par with anything and still under 10k investment.

@user-xx4gm3sq5p

7 ай бұрын

Tell us What issues you faced with the rally.

Honestly the whole exhaust situation would be a show stopper for me. Even if you install some protection, you can't really use it for anything else other than some light gravel because of the low ground clearance.

@daleslagell617

7 ай бұрын

Light gravel?? LOL

does that have tghe quick shift?

Hi Dork, I’m still on the 2016 Versys 650. Doing the riding, you are doing here, Thinking about trading for the Transalp. Any thoughts ?

Will Honda release the Translap 750 in the white, red, blue, and red colorway in the USA?

Seen people changing front sprocket to get more low down torgue,what do you think

@DorkintheRoad

7 ай бұрын

Lots of people do it. I'm not sure it's necessary on this bike.

If you could have one bike, what is your choice? I live in Texas, I want to focus on ADV but I do not have a ton of off-road opportunities and time in Southeast Texas.

So, how would this bike fit a 6'2" full figured gal like me?

I want to get the wheels and suspension from a transalp and swap them into my NC700X.