Honda Transalp 650

I bought a HONDA TRANSALP 650 in June 2003. I have since travelled in excess of 73,000 miles, year round in all weathers, both in the UK and IRELAND. It is an excellent all round motorcycle, economical 50 mpg, comfy, good handling,responsive though not a rocket ship. A good bike for everyday use and also touring.I bought the bike based on a road test in BIKE magazine, i'm well happy with it, it does what it says on the tin. I would recommend this bike to anyone, you won't be disappointed. I'm gonna ride mine into the ground that's how good I rate the TRANSALP!!!!

A proper Honda although it is built in Italy!! :) Well put together and with reliability pretty well guaranteed as long as you change the oil and filters. As another reviewer mentioned, they can be hard on chains even with a regular lubing, so a Scottoiler will be worthwhile especially for those with a less enthusiastic attitude to dirty chains!

I have toured and trail ridden on mine, two up is hard work as the bike is a bit too small, but it will sit on a Motorway at 75-80mph, 2-up, fully laden with camping gear and other stuff and still return 48mpg. Get it in the mountains and it will surprise many other riders that a measly 50hp can make a bike go round corners so well and allow it to keep up with tackle with over twice the horsepower.

Front tyres last about 10-12k, rear, maybe 5-7k, fuel averages 48-50mpg unless on motorways. Service costs for the BIG one at 18k miles are high because of all the plastic that needs to come off to get at the engine, so factor that in if you are buying a used machine.

Buy one and you will not be unhappy, but it will not light your fire like a bigger quicker machine, however, look on it like a Labrador, reliable and nice to be with.

Great bike happy in any situation. A little bit underpowered (can be a good thing if you don't like speeding tickets).

Economical, 200 miles from a tank of fuel, range above average, comfortable to ride for hours. Very reliable.

A great bike for roaming hills and dales, not a great bike for fast motorways, though at legal speeds.

I've been riding motorcycles for 47 years and the Honda Transalp is my favourite so far. The suspension is just perfect for Norfolk back roads and easy on my old back. The engine is really flexible and has all the power I need, including pillion work. Most of all it's so utterly relaxing to ride, seeming to sense where you want to go without needing much input. The quality is everything I've come to expect from Hondas - my first was a CB72 in 1964 and that never let me down either. I'm retired now, but it would make an ideal commuter.

STURDY GODD OPEN ROADER AND GOOD DIRT EXPLORER

I commute to Glasgow come rain or shine and I find the Honda Transalp takes it all in its stride. I swapped my panniers for a top box and cutting through traffic is a breeze with the peace of mind that I have a punchy throttle should I require it.The upright riding position provides good visibility in queuing traffic and the high centre of gravity makes it extremely manoeuvrable for a heavy bike. An excellent commuter bike in terms of ruggedness and fuel consumption. Superb torque when accelerating. A bike which will give the rider confidence very quickly. I would have to agree with other reviewers that the Transalp has to be one of the best 'workhorses' you can get, plus it comes with the Honda tag which has got to give peace of mind.

I commute to Glasgow come rain or shine and I find the Honda Transalp takes it all in its stride. I swapped my panniers for a top box and cutting through traffic is a breeze with the peace of mind that I have a punchy throttle should I require it.The upright riding position provides good visibility in queuing traffic and the high centre of gravity makes it extremely maneuverable for a heavy bike. An excellent commuter bike in terms of ruggedness and fuel consumption. Superb torque when accelerating. A bike which will give the rider confidence very quickly. I would have to agree with other reviewers that the Transalp has to be one of the best 'workhorses' you can get, plus it comes with the Honda tag which has got to give peace of mind.

Love the Honda Transalp. Exactly what I needed for London riding (commuting) and occasional pillion with wife and sometimes my children (one at a time!). Could get a faster and bigger bike but do I really need it. Transalp does it all!

Been in production for 20 years odd, upgraded time to time and has a solid fan base....Quite a good jack of all trades as a bike...great for those who want something functional and good value. I would have preferred several other makes that do a similar job but were much much dearer but in the end the Transalp will not disappoint even if it does not greatly impress either. No doubt it will last forever,though. Well built and very solid.