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).

Honda XRV750T
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledAfrica Twin
Production1989–2003
PredecessorHonda XRV650
SuccessorHonda CRF1000
ClassDual-sport
Engine742 cc (45.3 cu in) 52° V-twin. SOHC, 3 Valve per cylinder
Bore / stroke81.0 mm × 72.0 mm (3.19 in × 2.83 in)
Compression ratio9.0:1
Power45.3 kW (60.7 hp)@ 7,500 rpm
Torque62.7 N⋅m (46.2 lbf⋅ft)@ 6,000 rpm
Ignition typeCDI with electronic advance
Transmission5-speed manual, chain final drive
Frame typeSingle downtube with double-loop cradle, rectangular section, steel
SuspensionFront: 43 mm air-assisted telescopic fork, 220mm wheel travel
Rear: Pro-Link 214mm wheel travel with preload and compression damping adjustment
BrakesFront: two 276 mm discs 2 piston calipers
Rear: Single 256 mm disc 1 piston caliper
TiresFront: 90/90 D21
Rear: 140/80 R17[1]
DimensionsL: 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 height860 mm (34 in)
Fuel capacity23 L (5.1 imp gal; 6.1 US gal)

Description and technical

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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

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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

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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

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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.

References

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  1. ^ Dentges, Thorsten (Dec 16, 2003). "Gebrauchtberatung Honda Africa Twin (2003): Leidlose Leidenschaft". MOTORRAD. Retrieved Feb 19, 2023.
  2. ^ Wilson, Hugo (Feb 19, 1998). Honda. DK Publ. ISBN 9780789435095. Retrieved Feb 19, 2023 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ Schüller, Jörg (Aug 20, 1997). "KTM 620 Adventure und Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin im Test: Schöne Ferien mit Reiseenduros". MOTORRAD. Retrieved Feb 19, 2023.
  4. ^ Dowds, Alan (Feb 19, 2006). Superbikes. Le moto più straordinarie di tutti i tempi. Gremese Editore. ISBN 9788879448192. Retrieved Feb 19, 2023 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "HONDA XRV750 AFRICA TWIN (1989-2003) Motorcycle Review". www.motorcyclenews.com. Retrieved Feb 19, 2023.
  6. ^ Gingerelli, Dain; Michels, James; Everitt, Charles (Jan 10, 2011). 365 Motorcycles You Must Ride. Motorbooks. ISBN 9780760334744. Retrieved Feb 19, 2023 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ Koch, Werner (February 21, 2013). "Auf Achse: Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin". Motorrad Classic. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  8. ^ "Honda | バイク製品アーカイブ 「アフリカツイン」". www.honda.co.jp. Retrieved Feb 19, 2023.
  9. ^ Hertneck, Holger (Jan 1, 1997). "Gebrauchtkauf Honda Africa Twin: MOTORRAD 01/1997". MOTORRAD. Retrieved Feb 19, 2023.
  10. ^ Hertneck, Holger (Dec 23, 1996). "Gebrauchtberatung Honda Africa Twin: Affrika Twin". MOTORRAD. Retrieved Feb 19, 2023.
  11. ^ Superbikes: The World's Top Performance Machines, page 114
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