Honda XRV750

Honda XRV750T

Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	Africa Twin
Production	1989–2003
Predecessor	Honda XRV650
Successor	Honda CRF1000
Class	Dual-sport
Engine	742 cc (45.3 cu in) 52° V-twin. SOHC, 3 Valve per cylinder
Bore / stroke	81.0 mm × 72.0 mm (3.19 in × 2.83 in)
Compression ratio	9.0:1
Power	45.3 kW (60.7 hp)@ 7,500 rpm
Torque	62.7 N⋅m (46.2 lbf⋅ft)@ 6,000 rpm
Ignition type	CDI with electronic advance
Transmission	5-speed manual, chain final drive
Frame type	Single downtube with double-loop cradle, rectangular section, steel
Suspension	Front: 43 mm air-assisted telescopic fork, 220mm wheel travel Rear: Pro-Link 214mm wheel travel with preload and compression damping adjustment
Brakes	Front: two 276 mm discs 2 piston calipers Rear: Single 256 mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tires	Front: 90/90 D21 Rear: 140/80 R17
Dimensions	L: 2,315 mm (91.1 in) to 2,380 mm (94 in) W: 905 mm (35.6 in) H: 1,243 mm (48.9 in)
Seat height	860 mm (34 in)
Fuel capacity	23 L (5.1 imp gal; 6.1 US gal)

The XRV750 Africa Twin was a 742 cc (45.3 cu in) dual-sport first launched in December 1989. and based on the Honda NXR-750, which won the Paris-Dakar rally four times in the late 1980s (from 1986 to 1989).

It was preceded by Honda XRV650 Africa Twin, which was a lighter, higher specification version made in 1988 and 1989 by Honda Racing Corporation with a 650 cc engine producing 50 hp (37 kW). The much earlier Honda XLV750R was a shaft driven motorcycle.

Built in homage to the giant desert racers of the Paris-Dakar Rally, the Africa Twin is a large, dual sport bike, powered by a softly tuned V-twin engine. It has twin headlights, a windscreen, and a long dual seat which stretches back from the tank to an aluminium grabrail and plastic coated luggage rack. An aluminium bashplate protects the bottom of the engine from flying rocks and impacts.

The engine is a 742 cc, liquid-cooled V-twin with a single overhead camshaft, 6-valves (3 per cylinder) and four spark plugs (2 per cylinder). The long-travel suspension insulates the rider from uneven surfaces. The brakes are twin discs at the front and single disc at the rear.

In December 1989 the original Honda XRV750 Africa Twin was launched, which became known as the 1990 model. In 1990 was updated. 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. Nevertheless, it gained weight slightly. In 1996 the XRV gained an improved seat and clutch, larger silencer, modified upper fairing and luggage rack. However, the rear shock absorber lost some of its adjustability. In 2000 the Honda XRV750 Africa Twin ceased production. XRVs still in the showrooms were sold and registered until 2003 but there is no XRV with a VIN that is newer than 2000. Nowadays good second hand examples are very much sought after among aficionados. Several aftermarket products exist with which to equip the bike such as crash bars to protect the vehicle’s plastics and tank from damage in a low speed fall.

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

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)	209 kg	205 kg
Fuel tank capacity (including reserve)	24 litres	23 litres
Wheels	Front 21-inch spoke, aluminium rim 1.85×21″ Rear 17-inch spoke, aluminium rim 2.75×17″ and 3.00×17″
Tyres	Front 90/90-21 54S Rear 130/90-17 65S	Front 90/90-21 54S Rear 140/80-R17 69H

Africa Twins were originally built with a V-twin layout, but current models use a parallel twin engine with a 270° crankshaft (as pioneered by the Yamaha TRX850). The new engine was cheaper to build, lighter and more compact, allowing both a shorter wheelbase and easier placement of inlet and exhaust manifolds. Also, the 270° engine’s “big bang” concept allows excellent rear wheel grip to the track surface.

• Partial history update of XRV750 on honda.co.jp
• Test 1992: Cagiva Elefant vs Honda Africa Twin vs BMW R 100 GS vs Yamaha XTZ 750