After much expectation and waiting, the Honda Transalp returns to Big Red’s lineup. Officially dubbed the 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp, the bike shares its 755cc parallel-twin engine with the new Honda CB750 Hornet.

While I agree with this around 99% of the time because of the possible dangers to you, in unknown areas like – potholes, animals or people on the roads, other vehicles without lights or maybe black ice as the temperature drops when the sun goes down.

That other 1% opens up a vast array of opportunities to get some very unique photographs. As all have become familiar with social media and sharing our travels it’s surprising how few images that are shared are ones in imperfect conditions. 

So daytime and nighttime urban and rural shots become part of the many options.

We start at Berchtesgaden

Leaving Phoenix by the northern desert on Route 74 and quickly passing through the small cowboy town of Wickenburg where cattle roping events are almost a weekly occurrence. 

When the sun isn’t shining, in the majority of cases the light will be bad or non-existent, so you have to work a little harder for the image to look good. Whether you use a cell phone, a DSLR or a mirrorless camera nighttime shots are very achievable and relatively easy.

Look in your settings, does it give you the option of HDR (high dynamic range) this option will take multiple images and compost them (blend them in to one image) using all the best hi and low tones to give you what the camera's processor thinks is the best possible image.

Some visit the plance to climb and pass the Watzmann

• Lake Tegernsee sparkles in the sun
• Traditionally served in extra-large mugs
• Equipment dries on the neighboring pasture fence

Head up the paved road some 27km from Chinle to where it ends, make the left turn, and follow this paved road to the end and find a place to park. Now it’s time to walk a few hundred meters around a corner and if possible be there an hour or two before sunset for the most spectacular light. 

This is one of the highest points of the ride, best to visit in the early afternoon to allow you time to get further east and slight lower in elevation.

Get to Route 160 and in Kayenta fill up with fuel and follow the Route 163 towards Monument Valley. Opinions differ in this area if entering the park or looking from a distance offers the best view of this iconic area. Personally, I prefer the long distance iconic view 20km past the AZ/ UT Stateline