[BoltThrower]

H&B it is. I reckon it is worth the while to go for the top/bottom/sump guard combo for peace of mind if nothing else. Never thought coughing up the moolah for a full suite of H&B hardware would be the easier financial decision to make when kitting out a bike but Honda does like to surprise us every now and then.

Originally Posted by the_90s_car_guy

My recommendation would be to wait a while and then decide?

Aye, solid advice that.

Originally Posted by the_90s_car_guy

That said, I hated the heating issues on all Tiger models (800 being the worst). The radiator fan will vent all the heat from the engine on to your knees (I think this has been fixed in the latest facelift to the 900 range by moving the fans to the sides, but I'm not sure if the 850 ever got it) while the heat radiating from the chassis will be strongly felt near your shoes and your calves.

This is invaluable info. I have scoured youtube in vain for exactly this answer. From the flashy first pages with their drone shots and 4k clarity to the absolute hinterlands with their potato quality rambling videos. I sold my Tiger 1200 primarily because of the heating issues you've described and how after 3 years it made me want to ride.. less? Strangest feeling I've had. The showroom test rides I took were too short and sedate to properly gauge exactly this. Can't thank you enough for your input, it really has cut the fog and provided some much needed clarity and that too with a big heap of Indian context which of course one misses dearly when watching a random Aussie ride on high quality bitumen.

Originally Posted by the_90s_car_guy

It's easier to ride, easier to park, easier to make a U-turn, easier to rev hard, easier to get good mileage (I get 20-21 kmpl inside the city on office commutes) and most importantly, easier on my pocket. And cumulatively, all these add up to an easier overall ownership for me.

Again, as much I loved that Tiger, after having sold it all I want is ease. That bike was a lot of great things but easy isn't one of them. The transalp seems like the bike you can actually tour on and then in the same breath go motocamping with, in case that's what tickles your fancy. From what I hear, see, and read online it seems like the phrases 'ease of use' and 'surprisingly fun motor' pretty much sum up the Transalp. Going to try and score a longer test ride if that's possible.

[the_90s_car_guy]

The transalp seems like the bike you can actually tour on and then in the same breath go motocamping with, in case that's what tickles your fancy. From what I hear, see, and read online it seems like the phrases 'ease of use' and 'surprisingly fun motor' pretty much sum up the Transalp. Going to try and score a longer test ride if that's possible.

I think you nailed it. The motor is punchy and the exhaust is sexy (for an adventure twin). I've done close to 3,000 km and the motor is getting better. We have a couple inching close to 10,000 km already in our Chennai Honda group, and the motor is still great on theirs (those owners say it's gotten better over time, like wine).

A longer test ride would definitely be useful. The demand for the bike has been so good (I guess ~200 have been sold since deliveries began in December 2023 and at that price point, it's a big deal for Honda to have managed those numbers with only 7 Topline showrooms) that they have now started selling TA at the regular BigWings too. So, try ANY BigWing showroom on a weekday and they'll oblige you with a multi-hour test ride.

I sold my Tiger 1200 primarily because of the heating issues you've described and how after 3 years it made me want to ride.. less? Strangest feeling I've had. The showroom test rides I took were too short and sedate to properly gauge exactly this. Can't thank you enough for your input, it really has cut the fog and provided some much needed clarity and that too with a big heap of Indian context which of course one misses dearly when watching a random Aussie ride on high quality bitumen.

Most Tiger 850/900 reviews simply mentioned that "there is some heat" but didn't quantify it much. Maybe you tolerated the shorter test ride on the 850 better because you got used to the heat from the bigger Tiger. For someone like me who sweats more than most, that higher engine heat was a deal breaker. I understand big bikes do heat up, and on a scale from Zero to Ducati, Triumph would probably be a little past the middle point. However, when there is an option that puts out similar power figures with a relatively much lower heat and combined with ease of handling and reliability, it's a no-brainer which one I picked.

I just read your older post about why you sold the Tiger 1200. The long wait times for parts were certainly bad and seem consistent with the horror stories heard here. You might be happy (?) to note that one of the shorter TA owners here had a tip-over accident (not the happy part) a few months ago and damaged the right fairing, indicators and foot pegs. I was very surprised to hear from him later that the replacement components arrived in two weeks' time (the actual happy part ).

Honda technicians confirmed to me that stocks for most common parts like body panels, side mirrors, indicators, footpegs, chains & sprockets, etc., that get damaged often are stocked within India and can arrive anywhere between 1-3 weeks. Larger and rarer parts, such as radiators, need to be back-ordered and could take more than a month to arrive.

That said, the tubed tyres are a big bother, and I experienced the horror story of a flat tyre within a week of taking delivery. On a recent visit, I procured relevant-sized tubes from the US for about $7 each as I couldn't find 4-inch rear tubes in India (the 21-inch front's availability is not an issue as the Himalayan uses the same). Other than procuring Africa Twin's tubeless setup for 1.5L a pair or finding someone who can apply Outex flawlessly to your rims (and paying extra to buy new tubless tyres), there are no other options around it that I know of. Something to be aware.

[Manudon]

Great points above. To add
1. Transalp is super easy to maneuver and heat management is excellent. So much so that it has become my default daily driver in the crazy Banglore traffic and I am contemplating what to do with the Duke.
2. Got Outex done without changing the tyres and 0 issues so far. It was apparently done by Madhus.
3. Engine is butter smooth, and has become even better post the first oil change. Waiting for it to get better.
4. It's a no fuss bike - something you can enjoy long rides, a bit of bumpy offroad or heavy city traffic without getting woefully out of depth A true all rounder.

[Sebring]

Does MADHUS do OUTEX? (Why do you say "apparently"?) I need to get it done for Himmy 450

Originally Posted by Manudon

Got Outex done without changing the tyres and 0 issues so far. It was apparently done by Madhus

[a_chelat]

Originally Posted by Sebring

Does MADHUS do OUTEX? (Why do you say "apparently"?) I need to get it done for Himmy 450

If you are still looking, try TopGear Thumpers, Marathahalli. I saw many Himalayans there for the Outex kit. I was getting alloys for my GT650 so no idea about their workmanship but very nice people to deal with. The owner is also a BHPian.

Although with the tubeless spoke rims now available for purchase, perhaps that is a better option.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by a_chelat

Although with the tubeless spoke rims now available for purchase, perhaps that is a better option.

True. Outex makes no sense now, considering the tubeless spoke wheels have been launched at prices cheaper than these kits!

[MadhavNarayanan]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

True. Outex makes no sense now, considering the tubeless spoke wheels have been launched at prices cheaper than these kits!

Originally Posted by a_chelat

If you are still looking, try TopGear Thumpers, Marathahalli. I saw many Himalayans there for the Outex kit. I was getting alloys for my GT650 so no idea about their workmanship but very nice people to deal with. The owner is also a BHPian.

Although with the tubeless spoke rims now available for purchase, perhaps that is a better option.

A little confused here. Tubeless spoke rims now available and cheaper than outex? Which means we are not referring to buying the Africa Twin wheels which costs 1.4 lakhs!? Are these being made available as an accessory by Honda?

[ToThePoint]

Originally Posted by MadhavNarayanan

A little confused here. Tubeless spoke rims now available and cheaper than outex? Which means we are not referring to buying the Africa Twin wheels which costs 1.4 lakhs!? Are these being made available as an accessory by Honda?

They are referring to Himalayan 450 and not Transalp

[the_90s_car_guy]

I finally got around to fixing the Baja Designs Squadron AUX lamps I bought for my Transalp. I chose them because they had a small hint of warmth to their light and were not completely white. It's a lot easy on the eyes. The PRO model is the same but with a lot more brightness (and pricey). I felt this adequate for the job.



I decided to use Maddog light mounts for this as I could not find BD light mounts here. These Maddog mounts seemed to be of good quality and were sturdy.



I had the light mounted a little forward so as to protect it incase the vehicle tips over to the side. This way, the crash guards and hand guards should absorb the impact and protect the lights. The lights also seem to provide good throw from this angle.



Even though the lights are high up, I did not want to take any chances and purchased the optional BD clear covers (they also sell amber). They seem to snap on well and should even come in handy if some idiot at the parking lot decides to scrape his handlebar against these lights.




I also got the bike covered with PPF film. I did this at the Detailing Mafia, Nandanam branch in Chennai. They charged about 14k and it includes full coverage on the tank and side fairings, the TFT display, the front visor and the headlamp + a couple of free maintenance washes. They also did one ceramic coat of the entire bike - including the plastic parts. The upper crash guards had to be removed for this and they were put back once the job was done. Due to the curvature of the tank, the film had to be cut into three separate pieces. They overlapped them like so, to prevent peeling or dust ingress.



They did my other bikes and cars too and the quality has been really good. At any point of time during the warranty period of five years, they will replace the film if it ever peels off on its own accord. The film also hasn't turned yellow in the past (although none of my other vehicles are white) nor became flaky. If you're planning to get this done for your bike, find a good dealer with good quality film.

[navinkamath4657]

Hello Bhpians,

The bug of biking has bit me once again and this time the heart wants to set the hands on a big one. Mentally had zeroed down on Transalp and F850GSA but wanted to see them in metal and feel them for a lil good time before handing over the big mullah.

So with all this in mind, today went to Big Wings Honda, Indiranagar, Bangalore. And I swear, I have been met with more enthusiasm in a Jockey Showroom.

The SA seemed Fixated at just one response - NO

Came to test ride a Transalp, can I - NO
Can I see a Transalp - NO
Is It Available With You - NO
Do you have it in any other showrooms - NO
Is there a Bike Brochure - NO
Any Running Discounts - NO

He didn't even bother to extend basic courtesys, let alone take my details and see if I can he hooked on to the 14L bike. Stepping out made me wonder, if SA in bigger brands have smaller targets and hence lesser enthusiasm.

Will try the BMW Motorad Next week and If I get a similar response might well consider it a sign of God to not put down so much of hard earned cash.

Any one with better luck here?

Ride Safe

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by navinkamath4657

Will try the BMW Motorad Next week and If I get a similar response might well consider it a sign of God to not put down so much of hard earned cash.
Any one with better luck here?

Navin don’t get disheartened by the attitude of sales people anywhere and least of all Honda Bigwing. They are known to not care like the manufacturer itself about the Indian market. Honda most times don’t even have bikes to sell even after people have made full payment.

Keep it in mind that you have nothing to do with any manufacturer sales team after you take delivery, it’s extremely important to have a great service team.

I am sure your experience will be good with BMW. Try out the BMW F900 GSA which has been recently launched. Hope this makes you happy.

I would suggest that you take this as a sign from God that you need to buy BMW not Honda

Update us with the good news. All the best.

Cheers

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by navinkamath4657

Any one with better luck here?

Most Honda showrooms are not known for their welcoming sales experience - but in this case I don't think you visited the right showroom. Big Wing Indira Nagar is not a Topline showroom and will be mainly dealing with the regular bikes, not big bikes like the Transalp. Few months back they could only take bookings for bikes upto the NX500- but recently these showrooms can take bookings for the Transalp as well, but don't expect them to have TD and all.

If you are serious about the Transalp - try the Big Wing Topline showroom in Vittal Malya Road. Thats the showroom which is supposed to cater to these big bikes. Though their attitude is also caught lagging on many occasions just because Honda doesnt have stocks for India, and people wait for months in queue to get whatever little stocks that do come.

That said, also do try out competition. BMW F900GS and Triumph Tiger 900 range are both priced not too far away. Even the Suzuki VStrom 800 too.

[hikozaru]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Most Honda showrooms are not known for their welcoming sales experience - but in this case I don't think you visited the right showroom. Big Wing Indira Nagar is not a Topline showroom and will be mainly dealing with the regular bikes, not big bikes like the Transalp. Few months back they could only take bookings for bikes upto the NX500- but recently these showrooms can take bookings for the Transalp as well, but don't expect them to have TD and all.

I understand that normal bigwings don't sell 500cc+ bikes but I have seen a few Transalps both in drab black and gorgeous white on the road in that showroom. Seems a bit too careless to park it on the pavement if it is a customer bike.

[navinkamath4657]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

I would suggest that you take this as a sign from God that you need to buy BMW not Honda

Hi Cyborg
Honda has a very dear place in my heart. I bought the Honda unicorn the very year it was launched that is in the year 2004, and since then so many vehicles have come and gone but the unicorn is still parked in my home and won't be let off ever( touchwood).
I went for Honda as a first choice cos I know how awesome those machines are and how joyful they are to ride year after year. To be honest BMW F850GSA is what has capture my heart but the purse is still to catch up. I will definitely look it up and hope that I get to lay my hands on one very soon. Thank you for your encouragement sir

Ride Safe
Navin

[navinkamath4657]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Most Honda showrooms are not known for their welcoming sales experience - but in this case I don't think you visited the right showroom. Big Wing Indira Nagar is not a Topline showroom and will be mainly dealing with the regular bikes, not big bikes like the Transalp. Few months back they could only take bookings for bikes upto the NX500- but recently these showrooms can take bookings for the Transalp as well, but don't expect them to have TD and all.

If you are serious about the Transalp - try the Big Wing Topline showroom in Vittal Malya Road. Thats the showroom which is supposed to cater to these big bikes. Though their attitude is also caught lagging on many occasions just because Honda doesnt have stocks for India, and people wait for months in queue to get whatever little stocks that do come.

That said, also do try out competition. BMW F900GS and Triumph Tiger 900 range are both priced not too far away. Even the Suzuki VStrom 800 too.

Sir,
Being in an industry where you are totally dependent on the person walking through that door a person responsible to represent the brand should have basic courtesys and knowledge.
I might have been to a wrong place with respect to the bike sales but it was certainly not a wrong place with regards to the bike info.
First impressions are best impressions and people working in sales should know this by their heart.
I will surely look into the F900 and V Strom Sir
Will keep this tread updated.
Thank you

Ride Safe
Navin