Honda XRV750

Three Honda XRV 750 RD07 packed for touring.

The Honda XRV750, also known as the Africa Twin, is a 742 cc dual-sport motorcycle manufactured by Honda. The motorcycle was based on the NXR-750 which won the Paris-Dakar rally four times in the late eighties.

It was preceded by the XRV650 Africa Twin which was a lighter, higher specification version made in 1988 with a 650 cc producing 42 kW (56 hp). The Honda XLV750R was a high specification shaft driven version made to compete in the Paris-Dakar Rally.

Built in homage to the giant desert racers of the gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally, the Africa Twin is a large, imposing trail-styled bike, powered by a softly tuned V-twin engine. A wide, long dual seat stretches back from the tank to an aluminium grabrail/luggage rack, while an aluminium bashplate protects the bottom of the engine from flying rocks and impacts. In December 1989 the original Honda XRV750 Africa Twin was launched. In 1992 the Tripmaster computer was added. In 1993 the motorcycle had a major redesign including new frame, body work plastics, fuel tank, engine modifications and a lower seat. In 1996 the XRV gained improved seat and clutch, larger silencer, modified upper fairing and luggage rack. In 2003 the Honda XRV750 Africa Twin ceased production.

The engine 742 cc, 6-valve, four spark plug, liquid-cooled V-twin. The long-travel suspension insulates the rider from uneven surfaces. The brakes are twin discs at the front and single disc at the rear

The XRV's instruments feature a large trip computer LCD display mounted above the conventional speedometer and tachometer is styled like Dakar racers' navigational displays, and incorporates a range of extra electronic timers and trip meters.

Specifications

XRV750 Africa Twin

	L to N models (1990 to 1992)	P to S models (1993 to 1995)	T models onwards (1996 on)
Overall length	2315 to 2380 mm
Overall width	895 mm	905 mm
Overall height	1,420 mm	1430 mm
Wheelbase	1,565 mm
Seat height	880 mm	860 mm	870 mm
Weight (dry)	185 kg	205 kg
Fuel tank capacity (including reserve)	25 litres	23 litres
Wheels	Front 21-inch spoke, aluminium rim Rear 17-inch spoke, aluminium rim
Tyres	Front 90/90-21 54S Rear 130/90-17 65S	Front 90/90-21 54S Rear 140/80-R17 69H