Paul Brothwood | From a Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary to Honda Adventure Roads 2026

If somebody had told me a year ago that I would swap a Suzuki Hayabusa for a Honda Transalp and spend a week riding off-road through the Pyrenees, I probably would not have believed them.

Before Honda Adventure Roads 2026, most of my riding experience came from road bikes, including my Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary.

For most of my riding life, performance motorcycles have been my passion. My Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary remains one of my favourite motorcycles. It is fast, comfortable and capable of covering huge distances with ease.

The Hayabusa has taken me across the UK and Europe. It has been part of some fantastic adventures and remains a motorcycle that puts a smile on my face every time I ride it.

Then Honda Adventure Roads 2026 arrived.

The event brought together a select group of 30 riders from around the world to tackle a route through the Pyrenees using the Honda Transalp. The journey would include mountain passes, gravel tracks, rocky climbs and remote locations that many riders never get the opportunity to experience.

There was one problem.

I had very little off-road experience.

Suddenly I found myself stepping into a completely different world.

The first clue that this was going to be different came when we were asked for our blood group and emergency information. Details were attached to both our bikes and helmets.

At that point I realised this was not simply another motorcycle tour.

This was going to be an adventure.

Honda Adventure Roads 2026 pushed me well beyond my comfort zone and introduced me to a completely different style of riding.

The Honda team did an outstanding job preparing riders for the challenge. Training sessions, guidance from experienced instructors and support throughout the event helped build confidence before we reached the mountains.

The Honda Transalp immediately impressed me.

Coming from a Hayabusa, I expected compromises. What I discovered instead was a motorcycle that felt capable, confidence inspiring and surprisingly versatile.

The Transalp was equally comfortable on the road and off it.

As the route progressed, we tackled gravel tracks, rocky surfaces, steep climbs and terrain that I would never have considered riding on a Hayabusa.

Each day pushed me further outside my comfort zone.

There were moments when I questioned whether I was taking the correct line, using the correct technique or carrying enough momentum.

There were also moments where everything came together and I began to understand why adventure riding has such a loyal following.

The scenery helped.

The Pyrenees delivered endless mountain views, remote trails and spectacular landscapes that simply cannot be experienced from the motorway network.

Some of the locations we reached felt completely untouched.

Places where the only sound was the motorcycle, the wind and the occasional conversation between riders.

One of the biggest surprises was the camaraderie.

Adventure riding seems to attract people who are willing to help one another. Advice, encouragement and support were never far away.

Whether it was experienced riders sharing tips or somebody helping another rider through a difficult section, there was a genuine team spirit throughout the event.

The experience also reminded me of something important.

Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.

I arrived as a road rider with a Hayabusa background.

I left with a completely new appreciation for adventure riding, the Honda Transalp and the opportunities that come from trying something different.

Will I stop riding my Hayabusa?

Absolutely not.

The Hayabusa remains one of the most iconic motorcycles ever built and I still enjoy every mile on it.

But Honda Adventure Roads 2026 opened a new chapter.

It introduced me to adventure riding, the Honda Transalp and some unforgettable experiences in the Pyrenees.

Most importantly, it reminded me that sometimes the best adventures begin when you are willing to try something completely different.

Honda Adventure Roads 2026 became much more than learning a new motorcycle. I also shared what I learned from Kirian Mirabet, meeting Dakar rider Tosha Schareina and the leadership lessons I took away from the experience.

Related Articles

My Honda Adventure Roads 2026 experience has inspired several articles covering the people, leadership lessons and skills developed during the event.

• Paul Brothwood | Chartered Environmentalist

• Paul Brothwood | What Honda Adventure Roads 2026 Taught Me About Leadership

• Paul Brothwood | Learning from Kirian Mirabet on Honda Adventure Roads 2026

The leadership article explores the lessons I took away from riding the Pyrenees with a select group of international riders. The Tosha Schareina article reflects on meeting one of Dakar's leading riders and the qualities that make elite competitors successful. My Chartered Environmentalist article provides more information about my professional background and career.

Paul Brothwood is an Operations Manager, Chartered Environmentalist and motorcyclist. He writes about leadership, sustainability, motorcycles and adventure travel.