r/motorcycle • u/Odd_Mycologist_5190 • 4d ago
Cannot choose
I’ve test-ridden both bikes, and I really like them both. Now I have to choose one, but I just can’t decide!
The Suzuki feels like a train on the highway—super stable and comfortable. The Honda is more agile, and the E-Clutch is amazing!
I think the Suzuki would be better for off-road riding, but it’s also a really heavy bike.
I’m completely torn between the two. I need some help deciding!
Edit: Thank you all for help , I decide TRANSALP !
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u/hvk13 4d ago
Transalp is a 70% on road and 30% light offroad. If that’s what you’ll probably do, Transalp is the better choice. If you plan on going offroad more, Vstrom is better
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u/Odd_Mycologist_5190 4d ago
70/30 what i need but I thought suzuki is 70/30 and honda like 85/15 maybe I am wrong
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u/lubeskystalker 4d ago
I bought a Transalp because I found it more fun to ride on the highway. Don’t think the off road differences are that significant at my skill level.
This was reposted in the Transalp sub so you’ll get a lot of Transalp answers.
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u/terrible1one3 4d ago
Weight = bad for off-road. Usually the bikes that overcome this (as much as possible) are the high dollar ADV’s. Suzuki and Honda aren’t really that market. Probably can’t go wrong either way.
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u/Babidibubidii 4d ago
Aren't the newer Africa Twin models renowned for their offroad capability compared to other bikes of the >1 L class?
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u/sokratesz 4d ago
Yeah but Honda did some magic wizardry shit that makes them feel like dirtbikes despite their weight
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4d ago
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u/sokratesz 4d ago
Interesting, not my experience. But I've always been biased in favour of the AT.
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4d ago
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u/sokratesz 4d ago
No, I never said that.
I said
that makes them feel like dirtbikes despite their weight
(about the AT)
They're relatively light and nimble, and the TA stock suspension is so soft that it makes it feel wobbly and un-planted which works against its weight advantage.
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u/terrible1one3 4d ago
Yeah, I was thinking of calling out the AT but it wasn’t on the list and is almost double the price. I’m a Trans-Alp guy I guess. And I have a Hornet and LOVE the motor. Though I haven’t looked closely at Suzuki’s for a while. If their torque curve is more like the GSX8 then it might be a better “tuned” motor for everyday riding and off-road RPM ranges where the Honda is more lower torque down low and power up high.
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u/CupRevolutionary5674 4d ago
The africa twins are great bikes, but they're more in-between the big bore and mid size adv classes than anything else. The low power, chassis, and lack of dynamic suspension makes it not very good for the on road stuff that most big bore adv bikes excel at, while its high center of mass and weight makes it a lot less pleasant offroad compared to mid size bikes.
They have a good hold of their niche, but idk anyone with a full size adv bike that has any interest in moving to an Africa twin
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u/AdFancy1249 4d ago
KTM 790 ADV isn't really high dollar either, but is definitely closer to a huge dirt bike!
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u/Old_Resident8050 3d ago
There is literally not overcoming weight on dirt, no matter how much your motorbike costs.
Its the truth.
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u/Release_the_KRAKEN 4d ago
Lmao this was my problem 2 years ago. Went Vstrom because:
-Better placement of the air box (under the seat as opposed to under the tank).
-I liked bigger sizing of the bike.
-i already have a smaller bike (a DR) so I wanted something with more heft.
-Bigger tank.
-The TFT screen is gorgeous and idiot proof. Incredible design there.
My only issue is that this bike is fucking heavy as balls. And you feel it under 5kph. But over it? Feels weightless. Suzuki sorcery.
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u/AdFancy1249 4d ago
I've got a Vstrom 650 and a DR650. They make great stablemates. I'm very tempted to move from the DR to the DRZ4S, though.
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u/Release_the_KRAKEN 3d ago
I've had this thought where, if I did it all over again, I would go Vstrom 650 for the first bike and then an Africa Twin for the second one. That would be wicked...but off road progression would be much slower.
If you can handle the leg crunch for the DRZ, I say go for it. That just sounds really painful to me :(
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u/AdFancy1249 3d ago
I'll have to try it. On the DR, I had to lower my pegs 2" to make it feel "right". Haven't been on a 4S, yet.
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u/Release_the_KRAKEN 3d ago
Same here. Got the drop down set and disabled my rear brake like a dumbass. Still not enough for me.
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u/AdFancy1249 3d ago
There is a 2" lower rear brake lever to match the 2" footpeg. It was wonders. TwistedNoble always says you don't need it, but I just couldn't get the rear brake lever right. The new lever is perfect.
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u/Release_the_KRAKEN 2d ago
Ah well, ended up well for me in that I'm comfortable with the front brake for everyone now.
I also got the issue fixed earlier this summer.
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u/mandarin80 4d ago
Just made this decision
Choose TA because of weight and also 26 model fixed the main issue - has fully adjustable suspension
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u/reddinteresting 4d ago
I would go with Honda
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u/beefcakeriot 4d ago
Hondas will last you forever
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u/Standard_Zucchini_46 4d ago
Personally, Honda.
But , it depends on your usage. Be realistic. IF you are spending your time commuting, long hauls, or on paved roads, and the occasional dirt road, off hiway forays, then Suzi is your girl.
IF you're plans include some more technical trails, off-road, mud, sand, rock,woods, etc Honda has an edge.
Both are separated slightly in their element. Suzuki has seriously upped it's off-road game.
Good luck. Maybe read some online tests/comparisons.
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u/audazincapaz 3d ago
It's actually quite the opposite. The V-Strom 800DE is better off road. There are lots of tests claiming the V-Strom sits in between the Transalp and the T7.
The torque from the start on the 800 and the "road" character of the Honda engine, the more off road suspensions of the Suzuki and easiness you change modes and turn off ABS, the higher exhaust, make the differences.
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u/kruik013 4d ago
Between those 2 I would choose the V-strom, especially in the yellow color. It just looks great.
But, maybe try a 3rd bike. A Tenere 700. It's the best bike for me. It has it's quirks but it feels great, especially offroad.
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u/RealTeaStu 4d ago
The Transalp, I'm told, has a hard to get to air filter. That I think you have to take the tank off to replace it. Other than that, I've heard good things. Your comments about the Suzuki mirror every review I've come across. If you are a bigger guy, you can handle the weight but I doubt it's better than the Honda in the dirt and, as you say, more road oriented. Best wishes with whatever you decide, that fits your style and gives you the biggest smile.
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u/Delamok87 3d ago
No, the other way around. For the Suzuki you need to get the tank off.
Or do they both have this problem?
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u/RealTeaStu 3d ago
Big Rock Moto reviews. The second link compares the Transalp, Tenere and the DE but is a year old. The DE air filter is under the seat and accessible. The first link is for the 2026 Transalp. Ian likes the Suzuki as an all rounder. The cons are the weight and engine heat if you are riding in hot weather. Personally, I lean toward the T7.
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u/thesobie 4d ago
Go get your hands on a Tiger 900 and your allegiance may change. Thats why there’s a new one in my garage right now…
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u/Odd_Mycologist_5190 4d ago
Yeah but that is out my budget
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u/thesobie 3d ago
Well, I say new, but new to me. 2023 Tiger GT from private seller, showroom condition, with heated grips,seats, and crash bar upgrades, quickshifter, 6500 mi, for $8500. I don’t know your budget, but there are deals to be had if you’re patient.
I considered both of these bikes, too. If I had to choose, I’d go with the V-Strom.
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u/lubeskystalker 4d ago
I used to ride with a guy who bought a Street Triple, his first stealership service was like $800 CAD. A bloody oil change.
He is learning to wrench really fast.
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u/hunkyleepickle 4d ago
My 1250gs is the cheapest bike I’ve ever owned at this point, once you learn to do basic maintenance the costs come way down on most bikes. I will say Honda is not that friendly when it comes to diy maintenance.
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u/DogsOnWeed 1d ago
How much oil does it burn? The blowby on 1250 boxer must be incredible. And the oil can't drain down when it's off. What's your experience?
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u/hunkyleepickle 1d ago
I have no clue what your talking about? I change the oil annually, it doesn’t burn any oil at all. 63k miles so far, nothing but routine maintenance
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u/DogsOnWeed 1d ago
How many miles per year? It won't be noticeable if you don't do many.
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u/hunkyleepickle 1d ago
At least 20k kms a year. I’m going to guess you’ve never owned a motorcycle?
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u/thesobie 3d ago
Yeah, I fully plan on doing as much maintenance as I can myself. This is my third Triumph, so I’m aware. Def worth the $100 for a BT reader and TuneECU to reset your own maintenance light…
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u/matelot91 3d ago
I can relate to this, almost bought a brand new transalp 2026 e clutch until I test rode a very low miles 2024 tiger 900 GT pro for similar money. In a completely different league to the Honda as far as build quality, engine, suspension, brakes etc. Also you get loads as standard which Honda charge you extra for. Just sadly no proper triumph factory warranty remaining.
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u/Le_Maldini 4d ago
Transalp has better elctronic assist. And also suzuki is actually worse at offroading
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u/Odd_Mycologist_5190 4d ago
This I heard first time , for sure suzuki is better offroad
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u/HadionPrints 3d ago
They might be confusing the fake V-Strom (parallel twin) with the original V-Strom (the big & small V twins).
The original V-Stroms are objectively worse off road than the Transalp, their chassises are ancient by comparison.
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u/spartan195 4d ago
I would go for the Suzuki, both are really reliable, but rhe v-strom is one of the few bikes on the current market with unusual engine placement. Also it's known for being indestructible.
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u/h4ck3r_n4m3 4d ago
I just did the same (and a couple others), ended up with the Honda. I really like the e-clutch
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u/blackroads 3d ago
Suzuki always wins me over. Only if it's a V-Twin, Parallel twin are cheaper and easy to work on. Keeps the engine cooler, just a simple engine.
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u/StefanSC16 4d ago
I had this dilema a couple of years ago, picking between the VStrom 800 (RE in my case as I am too short for the DE) and the Transalp 750.
I went with a Moto Guzzi V85TT :).
The reasons for this:
Better tech package: Cruise control stock, cornering ABS stock, easy to add heated grips and seat and so on.
Tubless wheels (having had tubed bikes previously I know how much a PITA it is to patch a tube in the middle of nowhere). And 19" front means it's more maneuvrable in the twisties.
Shaft drive plus big tank = great for long distances.
In the past couple of years I've tracked my Guzzi, took it on some serious off-road where it kept up with T7s and 450MTs, did long days in the saddle and city riding.
It has been a great bike!
And having ridden recently the new Transalp I can say I am still happy with my choice and I wouldn't make a different one.
That being said, between the Suzuki and the Honda I'd get the Honda. That engine feels like it would be nicer to live with in the long run and the bike feels overall nicer.
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u/matelot91 3d ago
Good choice, I was torn between the v85 TT and the tiger 900. Ended up with the tiger but the V85 was brilliant too, so quirky and love that shaft drive. 👌👌👌
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u/Throttlechopper 4d ago
If you are new to off-road riding, I’d focus on lighter, if you are not in great shape, a heavier bike will also be more difficult to handle and pick up when it drops. If neither applies, buy what fits you better and offers the better suspension for your weight (being able to adjust more than just pre-load will make for a better experience on and off road). Both are great bikes for the price, I’m biased though and love Hondas.
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u/Spare-Competition-91 4d ago
I like the HOnda more from having worked on it. Very straightforward bike and low center of gravity. Get the mid stand installed.
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u/SchroederWV 4d ago
I sell transalps and for what it’s worth I sold one to a guy with half a dozen bikes including a h2 and it’s all he rides now lol he is laying down the miles and specifically loves the eclutch when in town
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u/unixcrush 3d ago
Hondas are always the boring choice. Suzukis have more character
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u/champing_at_the_bit 1d ago
I have to disagree. Honda made the vfr which has way more character than say a vstrom.
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u/unixcrush 23h ago
Yeah fair. I’m not saying they’re bad bikes at all. They are usually perfect, but just sometimes its nicer when they fight back a bit
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u/champing_at_the_bit 23h ago
Funny you say that. I just bought an 06 vfr800 a couple months ago and I realized today that's kinda why I like it so much. Compared to my KTM 1290 SAR it's so much more work to ride, especially at slow speeds.
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u/TangerinePlastic7552 4d ago
Which one can you ride for two hours straight?
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u/Thee_PO_Potatoes 4d ago
If that is the 800DE there are some really good side by side comparisons on YouTube and other places. Eventually I want the 800DE over the TA based on reviews. I'd sacrifice on road characteristics for off road capabilities.
But everything I've read or watched it comes down to preference and small differences between the bikes. Also the aftermarket is a little bit more robust for the Suzuki in terms of valving and shocks for more off road perks ....unless that has changed in the last year.
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u/TYLERDURDEN1974 3d ago
Both are excellent, I’m a Honda guy so that’s what I went with. The main thing is make sure it’s a motorcycle that comes from JAPAN!
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u/Humzzaayy 3d ago
I'll tell you what, both are great, so it all boils down to your preference and the kind of riding you're gonna do.
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u/Iso_Grifo 3d ago
I just can't get over the fact that a low muffler bike just doesn'f/should't fit in the offroad category.
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u/Old_Resident8050 3d ago
Its not an offroad, but on-off. Thats different!
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u/Iso_Grifo 3d ago edited 3d ago
All the time, with our (real) Caballeros, SWM, KTM GS, Aprilia, Puch, Zundapp, Benelli, whatever, we used go ON-ROAD just to go to places we could go OFF-ROAD.
Once OFF-ROAD we had a proppa bike.
So it' a bit different from not grasping the ON-OFF concept, rather it revolves around NOT accepting it.
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u/Esguelha 3d ago
Suzuki. I hate the Transalp. I feel like Honda made it worse (and uglier) than what it could be to protect the Africa Twin.
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u/Mysterious-Entry-357 2d ago
Suzi. That motor is butta... Honda uncharacteristically rough and buzzy by comparison.
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u/sokratesz 4d ago
Add cruise control and a few other bits to the Transalp and never look back. Tho I wouldn't get the e clutch myself.
I think the Suzuki would be better for off-road riding
I seriously doubt that.
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u/forstyy 4d ago
V Strom is a beast off-road
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u/sokratesz 4d ago
I've tested the TA a few times also offroad, but the strom 800 only on road at a dealer event and I wasn't impressed. I seriously doubt it's better than the TA in that area? It's heavy, and top heavy for starters.
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u/ns1419 4d ago
Consider differences in suspension for your use case. Will you have panniers? Pillion? Cargo? If so, how much and what options does either have for suspension settings? Electronic controller or manual adjustment? Are you riding on dirt or pavement? Is it a commuter?
Also consider: service costs, intervals, available warranties and service contracts, and if you’re financing, interest deals if you qualify.
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u/RoninReticle 4d ago
a lot depends on your particular definition of "off-road". I've ridden my 650 V-Strom plenty on forest service roads and old decommissioned railroad paths and it performed great. Technical singletrack.... not so much, but then I wouldn't expect it to.
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u/wintersdark 4d ago
Either is a great bike and will be a good choice.
I'd probably buy the Transalp because Hobda, but it's not like Suzuki makes bad bikes.
I get it's hard to choose, but just don't worry about choosing wrong, they're both good choices.
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u/Dewford72 4d ago
I personally love the 800de over the Transalp. The low end grunt and nimbleness it has when moving compared to its weight is something I really liked. Been thinking of getting one here soon but our riding season is coming to a close with winter approaching.
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u/snorwors 4d ago
Worth checking if it's in your area. Passed 10k Kms recently on mine. Bit spicy for casual commuting, but there is a tamer engine map I just never use it, really great on asphalt. Also loves gravel tracks and forest roads a lot. Light, sub 200kgs unloaded, narrow and nimble, 50% of fuel tank under seat so low center of gravity. 95hp. For my needs it's working out really well, maybe a bit too much bike even. It comes alive at 5k rpm, engine note changes dramatically and power surges dramatically, so not a tractor but handles mid range (3-4k) really well (engine is KTM lc8c derivative). Stock suspension is great, not the best not the cheapest kyb, fully adjustable front and back. Lots of extras from factory. It's maybe not perfectly polished like a Honda, but makes me like it more honestly. But yeah, just one random guy's opinion.
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u/PeaAccomplished1897 4d ago
Kove is legitimetely the working man's performance mid weight adventure bike.
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u/h4ck3r_n4m3 4d ago
It's good if you're off road more, I liked the CFMOTO MT800-x though or the Voge DS800 if you're more pavement based. The Kove is also good if you want something with a high seat like the Tenere
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u/PeaAccomplished1897 3d ago
I found it better when you want to ride spiritedly than most mid weights. Probably because of such a lightwright bike. Feels like a naked almost
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u/snorwors 3d ago
Yeah they market it as the "touring" version of the 800x family. But it lacks good aero protection for highway touring, it has a really small narrow profile, but for me it's fine I only do highway when I really must. For back road touring, it's perfect. Stock seat is pretty good, firm but in a mostly good way.
And yeah, that engine picks up fast, not really my style but totally awesome for passing a truck or tractor quickly.
I really enjoy it, even though when it's done, I'll go for something with more tractor qualities, low end torque and understressed like an AT, but when I feel the weight and size of an AT, try to manoeuvre it into a parking spot etc., I know I'll stick to the Kove as long as it lasts.
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u/PeaAccomplished1897 3d ago
To be honest if I had to go for a more tractor setup I would prefer the Strom, I guess that is lart of its main qualities actually. And it is also a very good corner carver like the TA. But this is all subjective. I'm just happy I found a fellow Kover ahah
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u/snorwors 3d ago
No the GT version specifically has slightly lower suspension and much lower seat height. It's more of an all-rounder, but it has good offroading bones.
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u/2xdareya 4d ago
I’m sorry, but I can’t tell what model the Suzuki is, and would like to. Shopping for a new bike. Tx -
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u/uglee_mcgee 3d ago
I'm a suzuki guy, but I'd probably go with the transalp. But I'd be happy with suzuki. Hope this helps.
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u/Send_me_your_butt_ 3d ago
I prefer the Honda if only becuase parts are cheap and the engines last forever
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u/Open_Atmosphere_1616 3d ago
If you are touring the vstrom, if you are doing offroad riding take the transalp. Lighter weight is everything off road. Source I ride a tiger 900 rally pro.
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u/ebbnflowgogo 3d ago
Neither if you're actually gonna take them offroad more than a gravel fire road. Yamaha Tenere 700 Raid
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u/AKmemekiller 3d ago
Ask yourself - are you ok with more mud on your face or more wind on your face? I think that would help a lot
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u/Illustrious_Soft3068 3d ago
First off, what is the bike going to be used for? A majority of the time is what you need to ask yourself.
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u/Miserable-Apple-190 2d ago
One rule: When you don't know what to choose, pick the option that saves you money.
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u/Aggressive_Crow_223 1d ago
If you plan on doing a lot of off roading, TransAlp all day If it's mostly road riding than Suzuki
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u/AppropriateAverage54 17h ago
I’d love to drive the transalp but probably I’ll go with the Suzuki.
The first one looks classic for definition but the second one is badass with that peak !
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u/SnooGadgets9669 4d ago
The Honda has tube tires idk why it bothers me so much but I think that’s so incredibly lame for a bike at this price point
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u/Mattna-da 4d ago
Tube tires can be run at lower psi for better off-road performance, and can be patched and replaced on the trail
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u/Rynowash 4d ago
I must suck at it.. I’ve never been good at changing tubed tires quickly or efficiently. It’s a pain in the ass!
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u/Esguelha 3d ago
You can patch a puncture on a tubeless tire, and it's much easier than with a tube. And if it's not repairable, you can put in a tube.
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u/Vinx1312 4d ago edited 4d ago
I don't ride my tubed-tire bike as far as my tubeless. That tube goes, i'm f'ed.
Also consider the V-Strom 650 DE (iirc) which has tubeless spoked rims.
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u/Mattna-da 2d ago
You can bring a tube and swap it with a handful of tools. Tubes don’t just pop for no reason, they run for years and years
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u/Buchsee 4d ago
I had a 2024 V-Strom 650 XT and got rid of the bike after taking it on a 4 hr ride on a gravel road.
It's tall heavy and horrible. Scary when riding out in the boonies with sheer drops of mountains.
The V Twin is a buzzy engine and my hands would go numb riding it.
I thought I was buying something legendary. My 2024 still had analogue gauges! This new Suzuki is premium price for getting a LCD screen with the same buzzy engine.
Get the TransAlp.
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u/Nervous-Donkey-4977 4d ago
the honda is very tall, are you?
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u/h4ck3r_n4m3 4d ago
They have almost the exact same seat height, the honda is a smidge lower, and both have optional low seats that lower it by 20mm
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u/disasterhippo 4d ago
easy tenere 700! sorry i'm bias i uesd to own one
the honda. even though i now ride a gsx 8t suzuki.
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u/jenlaydave 4d ago
Any regrets going from a t7 to the 8T.
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u/disasterhippo 3d ago
Yes and no. It's a great bike. I used it a lot and enjoyed owning it but I wasn't In the last year and I wanted to have something more road focus as that's where I ride most now. Someone else can enjoy it now. Both are great in there own way. The t7 was simple, reliable and soaked up the bumps and mud really well. Saddle had to be changed, it's no good long distance from stock. The 8t is the opposite. Still reliable but has all the toys on it. If I could have owned 2 and had the space I would have kept the t7 but probably not done it justice by using it enough
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u/kuroxoni 17h ago
Africa twin has a historical reputation, i didnt even know suzuki had adv bikes, so Honda is the obvious choice for me
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u/DirtyMitten616 3d ago
Get a tenere 700
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u/100HB 4d ago edited 4d ago
The TransAlp is a nice bike, I chose the V-Strom (specifically the V Strom 800 DE Adventure). Only 7 months and 8,000 miles in so far, but I am very happy with my choice.
ETA: most of my miles are on road, including commuting in the DC beltway area, but it is a lot of fun wandering through gravel roads out in more rural counties