I’ve always been a track person. Call it a speed bug or an aversion to muck and grime, most of my interest in high-speed off-road romps has been cursory—best enjoyed in video games and from the bleachers of flat track races. My ongoing quest to snag a racing license has all the hallmarks of this, but as I spent more time in the world of motorsports, I began to understand that—at least in India—rally was certainly the most accessible way to test your limits on two wheels. In that vein, Honda invited us to the 19 Degree Adventure Park, a dedicated off-road training facility known for its varied terrain, to get a taste of the trails on two machines. The park offers everything from loose gravel tracks to deeply rutted paths and steep inclines, making it an ideal testing ground for adventure bikes and riders of all skill levels.
My first ride of the camp was the Honda NX500, and if I had to sum up the experience in a word, it would be ‘confidence-inspiring.’ It’s nimble, lightweight (relatively speaking), and incredibly well-balanced—perfect for someone like me, who doesn’t have an extensive off-roading background and stubby legs. The suspension soaked up ruts and rocks without much drama, and the power delivery was linear and predictable, making throttle modulation an intuitive process rather than a calculated one. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels offered an excellent balance between stability and maneuverability, and the reworked Showa suspension made for a surprisingly smooth ride, even when the terrain got unpredictable. The bike’s ergonomics were relaxed, making it easy to stand on the pegs and shift weight where needed. For someone not used to the demands of dirt riding, the NX500 made sure the learning curve didn’t feel too steep.
With the NX500 making me feel like a semi-pro, I thought I was ready to take on the Honda XL750 Transalp. Big mistake. The Transalp is still an approachable ADV, but the moment you take it into more technical terrain, its weight becomes a factor. On paper, the Transalp should be more capable, with its 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear, a punchy 755cc parallel twin producing nearly 92hp, and a variety of electronic assists. But unlike the NX500, which seemed almost eager to take on the trails, the Transalp felt like it needed to be wrestled into submission.
Power delivery was fantastic—responsive yet controlled—but it was the sheer bulk of the bike that made it a challenge on the high-elevation, winding course we had ahead of us. In open sections, it felt like a dream, but the moment things got tight, the stakes felt higher. Throttle control, weight shifting, and braking all had to be dialled in with razor-sharp accuracy. The rear suspension, while great for highway riding, struggled over repeated sharp bumps, causing a bit of a pogo effect. It was manageable, but it demanded an extra level of focus.
And so, unlike the NX500, the Transalp required me to be far more precise with my inputs. I learned this the hard way. Navigating a particularly tricky uphill corner covered in soft sand, I made a miscalculation that resulted in my first crash in eight years of riding. A rock knocked me slightly off course, and in a split second, I lost control of the throttle. The front went light, the rear stepped out, and before I knew it, I was high-siding over the bike, launching head over heels.
I hit the ground hard, but my gear did its job. My boots cracked, but my jacket and armor absorbed the brunt of the impact. The real damage? A bruised shoulder and a heavy dose of humility. More than anything, it was a lesson in just how counterintuitive off-road riding can be. Much of what’s drilled into us for road and track riding—braking order, weight distribution, clutch control—needs to be unlearned when riding on dirt. You can’t just rely on instincts honed from years on tarmac; the surface dynamics demand a different approach altogether.
The crash didn’t just leave me sore—it left me thinking. I realized how crucial it is to be adaptable when switching between disciplines. Road riding rewards precision, but off-road riding rewards fluidity and reaction. I learned firsthand how crucial it is to keep light on the handlebars, shift weight effectively, and, most importantly, trust the bike. Letting it move beneath you, rather than trying to forcefully control it, is half the battle won—and a hell of a lot easier on your forearms. And while the Transalp was an unforgiving teacher, the NX500 showed me that adventure riding doesn’t always have to be intimidating.
By the end of the camp, I was battered but thrilled. I had tested my limits, learned the hard way, and left with a newfound respect for the art of riding off-road. And despite the crash, I knew one thing for sure: this wasn’t going to be my last time in the dirt.
Trail Fixes: Making Do with What You Have
On trails, things will break—it’s inevitable. What matters is how you patch things up on the go. A few quick fixes I picked up from the experience:
Boot Repair: My boots cracked during the crash, but a professional trainer used my bandana to create a makeshift harness to keep their soles intact for the remainder of the ride.
Levers and Handlebars: If you drop the bike and bend a lever, a bit of leverage (or even a rock) can help straighten it out temporarily.
Helmet Visor Fix: A snapped visor screw can be replaced temporarily with a zip tie or duct tape to keep dust out.
Chain Maintenance: Mud and debris can clog up the chain, so carrying a small brush (even an old toothbrush) can help clear it out if things get too jammed.
These small hacks can be lifesavers when you’re miles away from a proper workshop, proving that adaptability is just as crucial as skill when you’re out on the trails.
