Just my 2 cents. I bought the Transalp 750 last year...and I tried the Suzuki 800 DE a few weeks ago. Those bikes are not to be compared. As a result...I have sold the Transalp a few weeks ago and opted for the Suzuki. I know I have lost some money but the joy which I experience every f** second on the Suzuki is just priceless. So anyone hesitating between both bikes, just try both of them and I believe you will have zero doubt (oh, I agree that the look of the Honda is more consensual and it took me sometimes to kind of like the look of the Suzuki..but honestly, it doesn't matter...this Suzuki hits all the buttons!)
I can inform you that Suzuki 800DE is around 600 pounds cheaper than Transalp 750 here in Sweden. It is a little bit strange that it is the opposite more or less everywhere else in the world.
I haven’t ridden either one of the two but I have seen them in the metal recently. I much prefer the looks of the Suzuki, especially in the grey color with the yellow accents. And in my book low end torque is always preferable to high end power. Solid review once again! Cheers, Lupo
Great review. I've got the black Suzuki and love it. Waiting for givi to make the air flow screen to fit for the colder weather but enjoying the wind in my face at the mo. The QS is up and down and you can adjust all settings whilst riding.👍
Good review & agree mostly with your findings. I test rode one for over an hour courtesy of City Motorcycles the other day and absolutely loved it 🙂 I have been off bikes for a lot of years due to mental health problems, back now and have spent the past year on a Burgman 400 but am now looking to upgrade. I found the DE so easy to ride and didn't notice the weight at all. I had no hesitation or lack of confidence in the corners at all which really surprised me coming from a small wheeled bike.. and my ability level. Like you, I kept saying to myself 'this is fun'. Had to grin when on the road and still in off-road modes you were hyped about the torque.. and that's just it with this bike.. unlike the Honda, the grunt is where you need it. At 6' 1" I felt so comfortable on it though that screen would need to be substituted & luggage racks added. It would be my choice 😃
Thanks I really appreciate that 🙌 Great to hear that you are coming back to riding again. This new engine really is brilliant, Suzuki have done a great job. I agree a taller screen would be nice, easily changed. All the best to you and wish you good health
Really a great review. I just put stickers on windscreens anyway. Trail permits, park permits, brand stickers. My helmets have never buffeted riding a naked and that postage stamp sized windscreen would keep roosted stuff from wrecking my chest. Honestly, people whine about buying an aftermarket windscreen, but if you ride like I do, the first thing you're going to do is upgrade the suspension, all around, on the Transalp. But the 800DE doesn't need anything on that mark except a beefier rear spring, for my heavy body. If you are no more that 13-14 stone 180-200 pounds), you won't need an upgrade on the 800DE. I guess, if you just ride roads, the Transalp suspension is fine. (Roads= paved, gravel, groomed two track.) 6:30 You are mistaken. You can change the DMS (what you called the engine power modes) setting on the fly. And the DMS, ABS, and TC are persistent, even after a key off. When I rode it, I really didn't want the nanny features, so I turned the TC off, the ABS off (well, you really can't turn off the front tire) and the DMS is usually in A or B (B if the trail is technical), so I wasn't messing with the settings much anyway, except the DMS, but switching DMS you can do on the fly. And when you stop for gas or to take a view in, you don't have to go find the settings you had when you turned the key off. It stays how you had it when you started back up. Quickshifter is adjustable bidirectionally and can be adjusted to how hard or easy you want the shifting effort to be. And, if I remember correctly, the adjustment for up and down is separate, but don't quote me on that. 2024 Transalp came with quick shifter standard. That increased its curb weight a little. The wet weight does matter, when you have a 5.3-gallon tank on the 800DE and 4.5 on the TA. And the 800DE has a liter more oil. And the fully adjustable shocks do weight more. Not that it's not a middle weight ADV. The 800DE wears its weight low, taking into account the larger tank and the considerably higher ground clearance. And the 800DE has 8.7 inch suspension travel, front and rear, whereas the TA has 7.9 front and 7.5 rear.
That blue color scheme with the gold wheels is pretty sharp. I actually prefer the looks of the VStrom, but both look good. I just wish we got the White and blue livery on the Transalp here in the states.
That was a great review a good comparison between the two bikes I hope you are doing well I train when I’m watching your videos it keeps me thinking well good job mate 👍
I was thinking Honda for me but now Suzuki has the 800RE version or 800 TECH as its called here in Spain. I think the 19” front wheel might just seal the deal for the Suzuki for my case use. Hoping to take both for a test next month.
@6:32 do you though ? On both the 650 and the 1050 you need to just close the throttle to adjust TC and throttle modes. I doubt the 800 would be different....
As always, liked your comparison of the two bikes. But due to my 5' 7" height and 28 in seam, I have no choice but look for a bike with a lower build. The suspension systems on adventure bikes and dirt bikes are hard to beat. But I still think you own one of the best bikes. Does the new Speedmaster come with heated grips and cruise control? Or at least an option?
Thanks 👍 Yup they are tall and there is no getting away from that! Great bikes though. Yes the Speedmaster does come standard with cruise control and I believe heated grips are an option 👍 Cheers
It almost feels like few bikes compete against each other. They always vary in price power weight etc. I think all the manufacturers are in on it. They won't make the same bike. With all the litre bikes. Gsxr r1 zxr cbr etc. It made almost no difference what one you chose.
For me the biggest negative is the use of tubed spoke wheels. The previous model had tubeless rims. I know since I owned a 2019 dl650. The ridiculously high seat hight is a thumbs down for me at 5'7"
Dumb question at the 4:01 mark in the video what are the white lines on the road? I’ve never seen those here in the States. They are too uniform to be the product of a drunken road line painter. What is there purpose?
Gotta love this V-Strom for the gold wheels with blue livery. Winner. But the exhaust is a monstrosity. But sadly neither this V-Strom nor the Honda Transalp are winners because neither have cruise control which is a major over sight by both manufacturers. Deal breaker. I would be leaning toward the KTM Adv 790/890 as it has a far better spec suspension brakes and electronics package and it's faster and better off road performance. If only Honda had given it's Transalp cruise control, adjustable suspension and tubeless tyres it would sweep the field, as the looks of it are great. How's your Speedmaster doing Angus? Haven't seen much of it recently. Have you still got it? ATB.
Yup some exhausts these days are looking terrible! Easily changed though. I do agree the lack of cruise control is annoying to say the least. Two great bikes though. Absolutely I still have Speedy, have been away working though so haven't had time to feature a video on her. I will definitely be doing more videos with Speedy 👍 Thanks, and you
Honda were really going for the lowest price with the transalp. They cut corners everywhere. And yet it still seems like a lot of money. I think it doesn't do much more than the cb500x and the price is considerably more than the 500x
I agree that the Honda looks way better (especially in that white / red / blue colour scheme) but with a 29" inseam I think I'd struggle with the height of either bike
I think I could be happy with either the 800DE or the Transalp - I quite like the 'edgy' looks of the Suzuki and the engine characteristics sound better for touring etc. The Honda looks a lot less fussy and might be a bit more exciting when in the mood for some spirited riding......what a great dilemma to have! It will be interesting to see which one sells best. Many thanks. Cheers.
@@thodoris3790I want thar too but I'm not sure it's going to happen. Now I've seen them both it would definitely be the Suzuki for me. I really couldn't feel that extra weight it claims.
I can't help wondering if the Suzuki would look better with different colour combinations. It sounds to me that the Honda is better for just 'going for a ride', but the Suzuki is a better tourer (once you have fixed the screen...)?
I wonder if you would have preferred to look of the Suzuki in the yellow paint scheme ? People have said the Honda looks too much like the CB500x which I own and don’t mind. I guess need to test drive them both when it comes time to change my Honda. Lower seat height options and the best fuel economy would be my pick my Honda is great for touring good fuel economy.
When I look at the 500x and the transalp I only see downsides. Apart from the 91hp. Its heavier, all round bigger . Has narrower tyres. That are not tubeless. Has a headlight that looks much to small. Looks like they could have fitted two of them next to each other it's that small. For me it's a higher tax band for the transalp. I just looked at the Africa twin and it seems to address all the problems the transalp has.
Transalp was released in the U.S. in October 2023 as a 2024 model. I was waiting for the Vstrom 800 tour model with the tubeless 19 inch front and 17 inch rear, but now that I've seen it in person with it's passenger pegs sticking out 10 feet I'm not liking it.
Suzuki over the Honda for me. I’d buy one if I didn’t already have the VStrom 650 as my winter ride which for me is preferable to any parallel twin. Feels light, nimble and pulls from literally tickover. Super smooth too. Seems to me, as an adv the DE800 is serious competition to a GS at twice the price. More than powerful enough for the real world.
Mate you must be insane to say that you like the looks of the transalp over the vstrom. Transalp looks like a NC500/700 commuter bike, the headlight is so ugly on the honda its straighted dated from the 2009+ era hornets. Vstrom has one of the best looking front headlights on the market today. Its miles ahead in looks. P.S i don’t own any of those bikes
You the Susuki is better but picks the Honda for looks ?? A thoughtful review but the Susuki was better everywhere except wind protection so why pick the Honda , kind of a strange review , how about picking the better motorcycle thats why we are here ..no??
@@redangrevival I suspect an adjustment will help but I doubt it will fix it. The cut-off is so sharp that you cannot see to turn. It's OK in a strait line. The pattern spread is terrible.
![Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs (my) Honda Transalp 750 - Objective Comparison [QuickTest#29]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XQhG1UF7hVM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs (my) Honda Transalp 750 - Objective Comparison [QuickTest#29]](/img/tr.png)
You only need to close the throttle to change those modes. Didn't realize that right away after i bought my 800DE.
👍 thanks that’s a good feature to know
Just my 2 cents. I bought the Transalp 750 last year...and I tried the Suzuki 800 DE a few weeks ago. Those bikes are not to be compared. As a result...I have sold the Transalp a few weeks ago and opted for the Suzuki. I know I have lost some money but the joy which I experience every f** second on the Suzuki is just priceless. So anyone hesitating between both bikes, just try both of them and I believe you will have zero doubt (oh, I agree that the look of the Honda is more consensual and it took me sometimes to kind of like the look of the Suzuki..but honestly, it doesn't matter...this Suzuki hits all the buttons!)
Great to hear , Picking up my V Strom 800 DE adventure package this week. I’m coming off a KLR 650 , you can imagine my excitement
I can inform you that Suzuki 800DE is around 600 pounds cheaper than Transalp 750 here in Sweden. It is a little bit strange that it is the opposite more or less everywhere else in the world.
🤔 That is strange! Perhaps a reason to buy the Suzuki over the Transalp
Here in the states I'm seeing them fairly regularly for $9000 for a '23 model vs $10k for a '24 Transalp.
I haven’t ridden either one of the two but I have seen them in the metal recently. I much prefer the looks of the Suzuki, especially in the grey color with the yellow accents. And in my book low end torque is always preferable to high end power.
Solid review once again!
Cheers,
Lupo
I love that color too
Thanks 🙌
Yup it is such a great new engine, really impressive low down torque delivery. Great job Suzuki.
Cheers
Yes without a doubt it is !
Great review. I've got the black Suzuki and love it. Waiting for givi to make the air flow screen to fit for the colder weather but enjoying the wind in my face at the mo. The QS is up and down and you can adjust all settings whilst riding.👍
Thanks, really glad you enjoyed it 👍 Yup I think a taller screen would make a great difference. Overall a very nice and capable bike, great buy
Good review & agree mostly with your findings. I test rode one for over an hour courtesy of City Motorcycles the other day and absolutely loved it 🙂
I have been off bikes for a lot of years due to mental health problems, back now and have spent the past year on a Burgman 400 but am now looking to upgrade. I found the DE so easy to ride and didn't notice the weight at all. I had no hesitation or lack of confidence in the corners at all which really surprised me coming from a small wheeled bike.. and my ability level. Like you, I kept saying to myself 'this is fun'. Had to grin when on the road and still in off-road modes you were hyped about the torque.. and that's just it with this bike.. unlike the Honda, the grunt is where you need it. At 6' 1" I felt so comfortable on it though that screen would need to be substituted & luggage racks added. It would be my choice 😃
Thanks I really appreciate that 🙌 Great to hear that you are coming back to riding again. This new engine really is brilliant, Suzuki have done a great job. I agree a taller screen would be nice, easily changed.
All the best to you and wish you good health
Really a great review.
I just put stickers on windscreens anyway. Trail permits, park permits, brand stickers.
My helmets have never buffeted riding a naked and that postage stamp sized windscreen would keep roosted stuff from wrecking my chest.
Honestly, people whine about buying an aftermarket windscreen, but if you ride like I do, the first thing you're going to do is upgrade the suspension, all around, on the Transalp.
But the 800DE doesn't need anything on that mark except a beefier rear spring, for my heavy body. If you are no more that 13-14 stone 180-200 pounds), you won't need an upgrade on the 800DE.
I guess, if you just ride roads, the Transalp suspension is fine. (Roads= paved, gravel, groomed two track.)
6:30 You are mistaken. You can change the DMS (what you called the engine power modes) setting on the fly. And the DMS, ABS, and TC are persistent, even after a key off. When I rode it, I really didn't want the nanny features, so I turned the TC off, the ABS off (well, you really can't turn off the front tire) and the DMS is usually in A or B (B if the trail is technical), so I wasn't messing with the settings much anyway, except the DMS, but switching DMS you can do on the fly. And when you stop for gas or to take a view in, you don't have to go find the settings you had when you turned the key off. It stays how you had it when you started back up.
Quickshifter is adjustable bidirectionally and can be adjusted to how hard or easy you want the shifting effort to be.
And, if I remember correctly, the adjustment for up and down is separate, but don't quote me on that.
2024 Transalp came with quick shifter standard. That increased its curb weight a little.
The wet weight does matter, when you have a 5.3-gallon tank on the 800DE and 4.5 on the TA. And the 800DE has a liter more oil. And the fully adjustable shocks do weight more. Not that it's not a middle weight ADV. The 800DE wears its weight low, taking into account the larger tank and the considerably higher ground clearance. And the 800DE has 8.7 inch suspension travel, front and rear, whereas the TA has 7.9 front and 7.5 rear.
Thanks so much I appreciate that 👍
That blue color scheme with the gold wheels is pretty sharp. I actually prefer the looks of the VStrom, but both look good. I just wish we got the White and blue livery on the Transalp here in the states.
That was a great review a good comparison between the two bikes I hope you are doing well I train when I’m watching your videos it keeps me thinking well good job mate 👍
Thanks so much I really appreciate that, so glad you enjoyed the video. All the best to you 👍 Cheers
Equipped with a bi-directional quickshifter according to Suzuki home page
👍
Great review. On the use of the phone for the walk around. Much better than the gopro. No distortion and great images. Should do it more often.
👍 Thanks for the feedback I appreciate that. I will use it more often. Cheers
You can chance the mode on the go. If you let go of the throttel
I was thinking Honda for me but now Suzuki has the 800RE version or 800 TECH as its called here in Spain. I think the 19” front wheel might just seal the deal for the Suzuki for my case use. Hoping to take both for a test next month.
Definitely recommend test riding both bikes. They’re both great 👍
Great review as ever ,decisions, decisions,. Stay safe as you hurtle around on our behalf.
Thanks so much I appreciate it 👍 I will do and thanks for the kind words.
@6:32 do you though ? On both the 650 and the 1050 you need to just close the throttle to adjust TC and throttle modes. I doubt the 800 would be different....
Perhaps I got this wrong! Apologies if that is the case
@@redangrevival no apologies needed, it's all about sharing, learning and all that nice stuff :)
Really lovely bike as the 8S, good job Suzuki 👍. Can I ask what is your personal bike you have!? Cheers ✌️
Two both brilliant new bikes, great job Suzuki! I ride a Triumph Speedmaster 👍
As always, liked your comparison of the two bikes. But due to my 5' 7" height and 28 in seam, I have no choice but look for a bike with a lower build. The suspension systems on adventure bikes and dirt bikes are hard to beat. But I still think you own one of the best bikes. Does the new Speedmaster come with heated grips and cruise control? Or at least an option?
Thanks 👍 Yup they are tall and there is no getting away from that! Great bikes though.
Yes the Speedmaster does come standard with cruise control and I believe heated grips are an option 👍
Cheers
They really don't compete against each other. Ones a street bike, the other is an adventure bike.
I don't know, I think they are basically direct competitors!
They are both adventure bikes.....youre trippin
It almost feels like few bikes compete against each other. They always vary in price power weight etc. I think all the manufacturers are in on it. They won't make the same bike. With all the litre bikes. Gsxr r1 zxr cbr etc. It made almost no difference what one you chose.
For me the biggest negative is the use of tubed spoke wheels. The previous model had tubeless rims. I know since I owned a 2019 dl650. The ridiculously high seat hight is a thumbs down for me at 5'7"
Yes that is a down side, but I suppose they have to save on cost somewhere. I would miss not having cruise control!
Same about jump in price…. But yeah love one. My 650 ok though got a place in my soul
Yup more of a commitment. 650 still has its place for sure 👍
Dumb question at the 4:01 mark in the video what are the white lines on the road? I’ve never seen those here in the States. They are too uniform to be the product of a drunken road line painter. What is there purpose?
Strictly no parking or stopping on those lines. Or crossing them
How have you been? If you are still doing this I am hoping you could look at the RE version of this bike
I am good thanks for asking. Just very busy working etc...
@@redangrevival glad to hear that you are doing well and are busy. Stay up and hope to hear from you and your channel.
I bought the RE version. It's a good commuter
The suzuki has an adjustable quick shifter and comes with a bash plate
Agreed, looks and windscreen are lacking. I don't liked "beaked" styling. Cheers
Yup I think the looks need some work. Dynamically it is great though
I'd guess it has a relevant/practical aerodynamic value. Blunt shapes on the front of a motorcycle help nothing.
Gotta love this V-Strom for the gold wheels with blue livery. Winner. But the exhaust is a monstrosity.
But sadly neither this V-Strom nor the Honda Transalp are winners because neither have cruise control which is a major over sight by both manufacturers. Deal breaker. I would be leaning toward the KTM Adv 790/890 as it has a far better spec suspension brakes and electronics package and it's faster and better off road performance. If only Honda had given it's Transalp cruise control, adjustable suspension and tubeless tyres it would sweep the field, as the looks of it are great.
How's your Speedmaster doing Angus? Haven't seen much of it recently. Have you still got it?
ATB.
Yup some exhausts these days are looking terrible! Easily changed though. I do agree the lack of cruise control is annoying to say the least. Two great bikes though.
Absolutely I still have Speedy, have been away working though so haven't had time to feature a video on her. I will definitely be doing more videos with Speedy 👍
Thanks, and you
Honda were really going for the lowest price with the transalp. They cut corners everywhere. And yet it still seems like a lot of money. I think it doesn't do much more than the cb500x and the price is considerably more than the 500x
I agree that the Honda looks way better (especially in that white / red / blue colour scheme) but with a 29" inseam I think I'd struggle with the height of either bike
Yup it looks much better 👍 You could opt for a lower seat option
The transalp really isn't high at all.
really? Honda looks so dull, like 500x, that front is horendous
I think I could be happy with either the 800DE or the Transalp - I quite like the 'edgy' looks of the Suzuki and the engine characteristics sound better for touring etc. The Honda looks a lot less fussy and might be a bit more exciting when in the mood for some spirited riding......what a great dilemma to have! It will be interesting to see which one sells best. Many thanks. Cheers.
Same! They are both brilliant new middle weight adventure bikes 👌 Such a great choice we have, so spoilt! Cheers
I have the same delimma.i leaning more to the suzuki too.but i think i ll wait to see the 17/19 cast wheel version next year.
@@thodoris3790I want thar too but I'm not sure it's going to happen. Now I've seen them both it would definitely be the Suzuki for me. I really couldn't feel that extra weight it claims.
I can't help wondering if the Suzuki would look better with different colour combinations. It sounds to me that the Honda is better for just 'going for a ride', but the Suzuki is a better tourer (once you have fixed the screen...)?
I don't mind the colour combinations personally. Yes I think you have summed it up quite well 👍
I wonder if you would have preferred to look of the Suzuki in the yellow paint scheme ? People have said the Honda looks too much like the CB500x which I own and don’t mind. I guess need to test drive them both when it comes time to change my Honda. Lower seat height options and the best fuel economy would be my pick my Honda is great for touring good fuel economy.
Yes I definitely prefer the Yellow paint scheme 👍 I agree, I don't mind the look of the cb500X
When I look at the 500x and the transalp I only see downsides. Apart from the 91hp. Its heavier, all round bigger . Has narrower tyres. That are not tubeless. Has a headlight that looks much to small. Looks like they could have fitted two of them next to each other it's that small. For me it's a higher tax band for the transalp. I just looked at the Africa twin and it seems to address all the problems the transalp has.
Nice bike, ride safe.
Thanks, and you
Interestingly the honda trans alp 750 is about INR 100,000( $1200) costlier than the v strom 800 here in india
That is interesting! I guess it is to do with shipping costs etc…
@@redangrevival and whats more interesting is that the trans alp doesnt come with a quickshifter in india. Not even as an option
I bought an 800DE about a month ago and I love it. Would have liked to cross shop the Honda, but it’s not coming to the USA until 24 😢
You have definitely got a brilliant bike there 👍
Transalp was released in the U.S. in October 2023 as a 2024 model. I was waiting for the Vstrom 800 tour model with the tubeless 19 inch front and 17 inch rear, but now that I've seen it in person with it's passenger pegs sticking out 10 feet I'm not liking it.
Suzuki over the Honda for me. I’d buy one if I didn’t already have the VStrom 650 as my winter ride which for me is preferable to any parallel twin. Feels light, nimble and pulls from literally tickover. Super smooth too.
Seems to me, as an adv the DE800 is serious competition to a GS at twice the price. More than powerful enough for the real world.
Yes I agree, when you compare the prices and how they actually ride, these middle weight adventure bikes are great!
I’d be using the bikes off road a lot so what would you recommend please??
I would personally go for the Transalp. However the suspension on the Suzuki maybe a bit better for off roading
Do you think the Suzuki was more vibrating than the Honda at highway speed?
Yes but not by much at all
could u tell me what brand is ur jacket? it looks nice
Yes it is a Merlin Chigwell Light, great mesh summer jacket 👍
@@redangrevival thx bro have a nice day
Like your short hair Mr Revival
Thanks, it’s certainly a different look!
Mate you must be insane to say that you like the looks of the transalp over the vstrom. Transalp looks like a NC500/700 commuter bike, the headlight is so ugly on the honda its straighted dated from the 2009+ era hornets. Vstrom has one of the best looking front headlights on the market today. Its miles ahead in looks. P.S i don’t own any of those bikes
That’s why looks are so subjective! We all have very different tastes. Some like retro style
You sound normal on 1.25x speed
You the Susuki is better but picks the Honda for looks ?? A thoughtful review but the Susuki was better everywhere except wind protection so why pick the Honda , kind of a strange review , how about picking the better motorcycle thats why we are here ..no??
It is all down to personal opinion! People don’t always pick the technically better bike. It is what you prefer as an individual rider
Weird, over here the Honda is the thousand pound more expensive option.... And lol the Suzy looks vastly better than the snubnose Honda.
but why if u are just gonna use pavement
Yup it is a very valid point! However the sales figures prove that these types of bikes are very popular
Transalp all day long 💯💪👍
P Strom, lol.
I bought my 800DE two days ago. Today I learned it has the absolute worst head light ever made.
I'm surprised it's road legal.
Thats annoying! Unfortunately I didn't get to test it at night. Are you sure it doesn't just need adjusting?
@@redangrevival I suspect an adjustment will help but I doubt it will fix it. The cut-off is so sharp that you cannot see to turn. It's OK in a strait line. The pattern spread is terrible.
230kg vs 208 kg-83hp vs 92hp =Game Over
not really
Really, you need to give it a try. It's surprising how easy it is to ride
Im a Honda guy but the honda has non adjustable suspension.......garbage