My colleague Amber DaSilva announced it to the world yesterday that she is done with her BMW F800GS and adventure bikes in general. In her case, she’s probably right to go for something different. If you are unhappy with your bike, you should get something else. No one is forcing you to get your motorcycle license or ride, so you deserve to ride something you truly enjoy. That said, I rode a Honda Transalp for several months, and Amber leaves me no choice but to defend her honor.

Since the Transalp is a press bike, I therefore need to be clear from the outset that this is not a bike I have spent my personal money on. Honda wanted me to drive it, and one day it showed up at my apartment. I had never ridden an ADV before, so I really wasn’t sure whether or not I would like to buy it. I mean, even though Honda would have happily put all-terrain tires on it, I probably wasn’t going to ride any trails. In theory, an overland camping trip sounds great, but I don’t have any friends who ride and going alone seems like a bad idea.

It turns out that riding a bike that’s suitable for most types of riding has benefits if you use your bike for more than one thing. Eh. Who would have guessed it? He’s just as happy cruising on the highway as he is cruising city streets, and when I’m driving in a more rural area, he’s still perfectly happy to play along on winding country roads. There are certainly bikes that are better in each area, but I don’t have room for three bikes. I have room for one. Plus, do I really need something faster?

On top of that, someone convinced Atlanta to invest in Bus Rapid Transit, which means Hank Aaron Drive has been an active construction zone for about a year. That may not have been true off-road, but let’s just say I was very happy to have the extra suspension travel and ride height when heading to the grocery store or needing to pick up the I-20. Any bike can avoid exposed manhole covers, but it’s nice not to have to worry about harsh dips and bumps.

Soft suspension also adds to the drama when riding. As much as I loved my Monster, it’s fun to feel the bike dive a little when you shift and squat when you really open the throttle. Too many things could probably be dangerous, but what can I say? I like a little drama when I ride. The Transalp makes me feel things, and I’ll take the objectively best bike for whatever I’m doing.

In a way, it’s a bit like buying a Porsche Cayenne or an Alfa Romeo Stelvio. You can find alternatives that are more practical, better off-road, faster, more fuel efficient, or more fun to drive, but how many options are out there that combine all of that into one package that you can enjoy in almost any situation? driving? They are inherently compromised, but that’s what makes them a great choice for so many people. Besides, if you remember, the Cayenne was actually a surprisingly capable off-roader at the time. You know, if you were brave enough.