home Adventure, Articles Honda XRV750 African Twin

Honda XRV750 African Twin

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.

Click HERE to see the complete inventory of Parts & Accessories available for the Honda XRV750 African Twin Dual-Sport Adventure Motorcycle.

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), V-twin
Bore / stroke 81.0 mm × 72.0 mm (3.19 in × 2.83 in)
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Top speed 181.8 km/h
Power 45.5 kW (61.0 hp) @ 7500 rpm
Torque 62.7 N·m (46.2 lbf·ft) @ 6000 rpm
Ignition type CDI with electronic advance
Transmission 5-speed, chain drive
Frame type Single downtube with double-loop cradle, rectangular section, steel
Suspension Front: 43mm air-assisted telescopic fork, 220mm wheel travel
Rear: Pro-Link 214mm wheel travel with preload and compression damping adjustment
Brakes Front: two 276mm discs 2 piston calipers
Rear: Single 256mm 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)
Weight 207 kg (456 lb) (dry)
218 kg (481 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity 23 L (5.1 imp gal; 6.1 US gal)
Fuel consumption 4.35 l/100 km (54 mpg)

 

XRV750 Africa Twin Spec by Years Built
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) 25 litres 23 litres
Wheels Front 21-inch spoke, aluminum rim 1.85×21″
Rear 17-inch spoke, aluminum 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

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 eponymous 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 42 kW (56 hp). 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 aluminum grabrail and plastic coated luggage rack. An aluminum bashplate protects the bottom of the engine from flying rocks and impacts.

In December 1989 the original Honda XRV750 Africa Twin was launched, which became known as the 1990 model. 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 adjust-ability. In 2003 the Honda XRV750 Africa Twin ceased production. 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 engine is a 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 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.

Click HERE to see the complete inventory of Parts & Accessories available for the Honda XRV750 African Twin Dual-Sport Adventure Motorcycle.