With the annual motorcycling endurance event taking place on February 14-16, 2025, we thought we’d look back at Dave Britten’s report on the 2024 ride, where he had a last-minute change of plan when it came to the bike he was riding. This is a real-world test of the Honda Transalp XL750.
Endurance and Adventure on Two Wheels
Every February, motorcyclists across New Zealand gather for one of the most grueling yet rewarding endurance events on two wheels: the TT2000. This 48-hour, 2000km ride challenges both rider and machine across some of the South Island’s most stunning and demanding roads. Now in its 15th year, the TT2000 offers participants the choice of two routes: Riding the Beat, where riders visit 20 police stations in a specified order, or Emergency Responder, a more flexible route requiring visits to police, fire, and ambulance stations in key locations, with optional checkpoints to amass the required 2000 points.
This year’s event had a unique twist, with all checkpoints tied to emergency services locations. For me, however, the real twist came two weeks before the event when the driveshaft on my trusty BMW R1200GSA failed. With no time for repairs, I turned to my recently acquired Honda Transalp XL750, a bike I had yet to properly prepare for such an epic challenge. Lacking some crucial accessories, like a bash plate, I decided to make do, and on Thursday, Brett (on an R1200GSA) and I set off for Nelson.
Testing the Transalp
Arriving in Nelson a day early, I seized the chance to put the Transalp through its paces. A round trip to French Pass in the Marlborough Sounds offered a true test of its capabilities. The ride was breathtaking, with tight, winding roads transitioning from bush-lined gravel tracks to open farmland with panoramic views of D’Urville Island. Despite the scenic beauty, it was clear this wasn’t a casual ride—the road demanded focus, and the return journey took over two hours.
The Transalp’s five rider modes provided some flexibility, but I quickly learned to favour User Mode, allowing me to turn off rear ABS and traction control for better handling on loose gravel. While the bike’s standard suspension struggled a bit under duress, its excellent fuel economy—just 3.8L/100km—promised fewer stops during the main event. Feeling confident, we turned in early, ready for the challenge ahead.
Day 1: A Strong Start
Friday dawned clear and warm, perfect riding weather. The Headingly Centre in Richmond buzzed with the energy of 233 riders eager to hit the road. After a quick briefing, Brett and I set off westward, opting for the Riding the Beat route. This choice ensured a scenic ride through some of the South Island’s finest roads while giving us the rare opportunity to visit 20 police stations with a clear conscience.
Our first checkpoint in Motueka set the tone for the day: a quick photo in the bustling main street, dodging traffic, before moving on. The ride over Takaka Hill was, as always, a highlight, with its twisting roads offering stunning views and a chance to test the Transalp’s agility. Despite the challenging terrain, the bike handled well, provided I kept it in the right gear for tighter corners.
From Takaka, we made our way to Murchison, navigating the picturesque Motueka Valley Road. This stretch, with its sweeping curves and varied terrain, perfectly suited the Transalp, which continued to impress with its smooth power delivery and economical fuel consumption. After a brief stop at the Murchison checkpoint, we headed through the Buller Gorge to Westport, enjoying yet another stretch of world-class motorcycling roads.
As the day wore on, we tackled Arthurs Pass under a setting sun, the warm breeze at our backs hinting at a potential weather change. The Transalp’s suspension showed its limits on some of the rougher patches, but overall, it performed admirably. We rolled into Methven after 740km, greeted by the lively karaoke from the Brown Pub below our accommodation. Sleep came late, but the camaraderie of the event made up for it.
Day 2: Battling the Elements
Saturday began in darkness with a 5:15am departure. The roads were quiet as we made our way to Geraldine, Fairlie, and then Waimate, where the town’s revitalised atmosphere and striking street art caught my eye. From there, we continued to Wanaka for lunch, where we met Nicki. Over a much-needed break, we watched the sky darken, signalling the arrival of rain.
The ride over the Crown Range, usually a spirited dash, was subdued by weekend traffic and the onset of wet weather. At the foot of the range, we donned our rain gear, bracing for the 230km slog to Te Anau. The rain intensified, driven by a warm, blustery northwesterly wind, making this the most challenging leg of the ride so far.
A brief respite in Otautau gave me a false sense of security, and I stripped off my rain gear, only to be caught in a freezing southerly downpour on the way to Winton. The rain stayed with us through Wyndham before finally clearing at Roxburgh, where the typical Central Otago sunshine welcomed us. After 1030km, we arrived in Alexandra, ready for a hearty pub meal and an early night.
Day 3: Crossing the Finish Line
Sunday brought a more relaxed pace, with just 250km to the finish. From Alexandra, we followed SH8 to Balclutha, where we encountered our only police interaction of the trip—a friendly officer curious about the swarm of motorcyclists passing through. Taking the scenic Tuapeka West Road instead of the more direct SH1, we enjoyed a narrow, undulating route that tested the Transalp’s suspension once more.
The final checkpoint in Milton brought a mix of relief and reflection. A near-miss on SH8, where an impatient rider overtook dangerously on a blind corner, served as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in such events. Fortunately, we reached the finish at Tokoiti School without incident, greeted by a BBQ and the warm camaraderie of fellow riders. Sharing stories over cake and soft drinks, it was clear the TT2000 had once again lived up to its reputation as a unique and rewarding challenge.
The Honda Transalp: A Worthy Companion
Over the course of the event, the Honda Transalp XL750 proved itself a reliable and capable partner. Despite its soft suspension and lack of accessories, it handled the diverse terrain admirably, delivering impressive fuel efficiency and rider comfort. My GPS recorded a total distance of 2010km, completed in 22.5 hours of riding at an average speed of 89km/h. With its strong performance, I’d happily take the Transalp on future TT2000 rides.
Looking Ahead
As I rode home to Wanaka under sunny skies, I couldn’t help but reflect on the event’s unique appeal. The TT2000 offers a rare blend of adventure, camaraderie, and the chance to test yourself and your bike against some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer, it’s an experience I can’t recommend enough. With next year’s event already on my mind, I hope to see even more riders take up the challenge.
Want To Give It A Go?
For more details on the TT2000, head to their website www.tt2000.org where you can find out everything you need to know about this motorcycling must-do event.
By: Dave Britten
