Honda XRV750

Honda "Africa Twin".

The Honda XRV750, also known as the Africa Twin, is a motorcycle manufactured by Honda. The motorcycle was based on the NXR-750 which won the Paris Dakar rally 4 times in the late eighties.

The Africa Twin XRV was available in 650cc (42kW) and 750cc (742cc) configurations. It is no longer manufactured. It is considered by many to be the most robust motorcycle that Honda has ever manufactured.

Related models are the Honda XRV650 Africa Twin which was a lighter, higher specification version made in 1988. 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. The engine is derived from the very robust VT500 and six figure mileages are often reported. 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 re-design 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.

While the Africa Twin's styling points to off-road prowess, its detail design and performance suggests otherwise. A close-fitting front mudguard quickly clogs with thick mud, the plastic bodywork is easily damaged in the inevitable tumbles of off-road riding, and the 205kg (452 lb) weight makes the XRV hard to pick up after dropping it.

Kept on the road though, the Africa Twin works well as a touring bike and is also useful in town. There is plenty of weather protection from the fairing, and the large fuel tank gives an extended range. The riding position is comfortable for extended two-up riding, and the rear rack is useful for carrying luggage. The seat is high however, and even average-height riders will struggle to touch the ground at traffic lights.

Although the 742cc, 6-valve, four spark plug, liquid-cooled engine is rather dated by 2003 standards and low on power, its flexible delivery allows reasonable progress, and it is both reliable and economical. The long-travel suspension insulates the rider from uneven surfaces and while the twin-front and single rear brake discs are a trail-styled compromise, they work well enough. When riding with a pillion, there is a large amount of nose dive under hard breaking, and the fitting of progressive springs and thicker oil helps reduce this, but losing smoothness over harsh terrain solo. The rear standard shock absorber is also prone to overheating when two-up with luggage and over rough terrain.

The other weakness is the fuel pump which is reported to weld itself together over about 10,000-20,000 miles, but there are many modifications available to cure this.

The XRV's instruments have some unusual additions; 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	1420 mm	1430 mm
Wheelbase	1565 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 L to N (1990 to 1992) models:

   Front 90/90-21 54H
Rear 130/90-17 65S

Tyres P models onwards (1993 on):

   Front 90/90-21 54S
Rear 140/80-R17 69H

Tyre Pressures (Rider) L to N (1990 to 1992) models:

   Front 29 psi
Rear 29 psi

Tyre Pressures (Rider & Passenger) L to N (1990 to 1992) models:

   Front 29 psi
Rear 33 psi

Tyre Pressures (Rider) P models onwards (1993 on):

   Front 29 psi
Rear 29 psi

Tyre Pressures (Rider & Passenger) P models onwards (1993 on):

   Front 29 psi
Rear 36 psi