MR NICE GUY

The Transalp plays all nice unless you know the right buttons to push

- Manaal Mahatme

For the better part of the last decade, supersports were the heartthrobs of the motorcycle world. Most look drop-dead gorgeous and fast even at a standstill, and then there are the bragging rights that come with 'taming' a 200-bhp motorcycle.

That said, the world is suddenly in awe with the utilitarian-looking, sub-150-bhp adventure bikes. Is it the versatility of these motorcycles or the #wanderlust bug that has not just swept motorcyclists off their feet but also prompted Honda to get back in the big ADV game with the Africa Twin and now the Transalp? Not that I am complaining, but my time with the Transalp had me pondering over some serious questions.

The 'bike next door' appeal?

Honda has kept the Transalp's design simple... maybe too simple. Come on, this is a 90-bhp-spewing adventure bike. It should have had the visual appeal that would make the newbies weak at the knees and lure the pros to take their shot at it. But the Transalp's aesthetics are the most unintimidating, and to an extent even diplomatic in its segment. At least, the Africa Twin has that angry-looking face to instil fear in the uninitiated, but this one? This looks as fearsome as a Labrador.

Does size really matter?

Having an ADV with an engine capacity and performance that could shame most four-wheelers plying on our roads definitely caresses my ego, but in all honesty I don't see much use other than covering ridiculous highway miles at illegal speeds. And on the trails? I would rather have myself fixated on enjoying the experience rather than being at frequent risk of soiling my pants.