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[2][3] was a 742 cc (45.3 cu in)[4]dual-sport first launched in December 1989.[5] and based on the Honda NXR-750, which won the Paris-Dakar rally four times in the late 1980s[6] (from 1986 to 1989).
Description and technical
XRV750 Africa Twin 1993
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).[7] 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.
XRV 750 Africa Twin Adventure Sports
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.
History and update
Trip Computer of XRV
In December 1989 the original Honda XRV750 Africa Twin was launched, which became known as the 1990 model. In 1990 was updated.[8] 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.[9][10] 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.[11]
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)
209 kg
205 kg
Fuel tank capacity (including reserve)
24 litres
23 litres
Wheels
Front 21-inch spoke, aluminium rim 1.85x21" Rear 17-inch spoke, aluminium rim 2.75x17" and 3.00x17"
Tyres
Front 90/90-21 54S Rear 130/90-17 65S
Front 90/90-21 54S Rear 140/80-R17 69H
Later versions
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.
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