Honda Transalp 750 test and tuning

What a breathtaking view! On the left, the crater lake shines in all its glory, while on the right, a clear view of the Atlantic unfolds. We are here at the "Miradouro das Cumeeiras" in the Azores. Like many other places here, this viewpoint is only accessible via unpaved roads. In the Azores, you can truly experience the capabilities of Honda Enduros. These motorcycles truly come into their own here. They allow you to explore foreign lands with fewer restrictions compared to "regular" motorcycles. While the Honda Transalp 750 may seem like a standard motorcycle, when equipped with a few Touratech parts, it becomes a genuine adventure enduro.

Let's start with the basics. At 1000PS, we are very familiar with the new Honda Enduro. We have tested it extensively and compared it to others. This time, our test was even more intense, focusing solely on the Enduro's adventure capabilities. The engine once again performed excellently. It was easy to control off-road, allowing us to navigate through muddy terrain without any stress. When needed, we could increase the engine speed for a sportier ride. On the Azores, we encountered deep, sandy sections, where the Honda Enduro proved its worth once again. The entire bike gave off a very sturdy impression. There were no issues with the low-set exhaust, no rattling noises, and no loose parts or screws throughout the week. The bike handled tough terrain with ease. The accessible controls were also very useful off-road, providing a high level of confidence and easy handling even after a long day of riding. Despite spending hours in the saddle, riders felt fresh and relaxed. The wind protection, weather protection, and spray protection were well-designed for our journey. Despite heavy rainfall and dusty conditions on the Azores, the bike performed admirably in all weather conditions.

Several modifications have been made to the Honda Enduro. The motorcycle was provided to us by Touratech for the Azores Rally, allowing us to thoroughly test the enhancements in real-world conditions. Our focus was on components that would enhance the bike's performance and unlock its full potential. The front of the bike was equipped with a Touratech Suspension Cartridge Kit, while the rear featured a Touratech Suspension shock absorber. The cost of the cartridge kit and suspension strut is approximately 1,300 euros each, depending on the country and VAT. Additionally, the high-performance and sporty seat from Touratech proved to be a perfect match. Together, these upgrades have significantly increased the height and firmness of the motorcycle, giving it a more serious appearance. Despite the enhanced responsiveness, the bike has maintained its friendly character. The suspension setup is well-balanced, with the fork providing a soft and comfortable ride. The Honda Enduro offers a high level of comfort while remaining stable at high speeds off-road. The handling of the front wheel is exceptional, giving the bike an overall sportier feel. Off-road, the Honda Enduro now has more reserves and feels confident in the correct position. With just these two upgrades, the Honda Enduro has been transformed into an excellent adventure touring motorcycle.

Link: Touratech Suspension details and prices

When it comes to the Honda Enduro, there are three key areas that can be considered "off-road bottlenecks". The tank/seat combination meets a wide range of needs, but on steep off-road terrain, the tank may feel a bit too wide around the knees, limiting front movement. Another issue is the gear ratio. While everything feels right for everyday use, the transition from first to second gear is too long in challenging terrain. This results in a lack of power at low revs or a transmission ratio that is too long in 2nd gear, making long, steep sections feel less than ideal. Trying to shift to 2nd gear may lead to a loss of engine control, forcing a return to 1st gear and relying on high revs to navigate steep slopes. However, the most frustrating aspect in practical use is the traction control. Even in "Gravel" mode, it doesn't enhance safety but rather poses a risk. Off-road, it must be turned off to make any progress safely. Disabling traction control in "User" mode requires navigating through the configuration menu, involving a long press and multiple short presses on the central left switch unit. This can only be done when the bike is stationary. Every time the motorcycle is turned off, the mode must be deactivated again for off-road riding.

When looking at the Honda Enduro, I can't help but compare it to my modified Tenere 700. I've also upgraded the suspension on it - a direct comparison with the Touratech Transalp would be interesting, but even so, I can clearly see some key differences. Compared to the Tenere, the Enduro excels with its more stable front end. It inspires more confidence in the front wheel. You really get a good sense of grip. The bike requires less effort overall. Riding long distances is a breeze with the Enduro. The Tenere stands out with its immediate power delivery from the revs. Even in second gear, you can quickly get extra torque to the rear wheel if needed. On steep terrain, you have more flexibility in the saddle of the Enduro. Overall, I would describe the upgraded Enduro as more sporty, capable of tackling even tougher terrains. This is mainly due to its improved traction on steep slopes. The Transalp impresses with its smoothness combined with good handling and strong front-end confidence. It demands less power and allows you to conquer seemingly endless sections without any issues.

In conclusion, the Honda Enduro proved to be a truly capable adventure motorcycle during testing in the Azores. In its standard form, it is a fantastic everyday bike. However, with some additional investment, it can be transformed into a top-notch globetrotting motorcycle.

• Team communication: Cardo Packtalk Edge
• Textile suit: Held Atacama
• Honda Enduro test and travel report from the Azores
• Metzeler Karoo 4 tires](https://www.1000ps.at/testbericht-3009110-metzeler-karoo-4-im-test)