Honda XRV650 Africa Twin

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Honda-XRV650.jpg
Honda Africa Twin
Manufacturer
Also called XRV650 Africa Twin Marathon, XRV 650 Africa Twin Marathon, XRV750 Africa Twin (reduced effect), XRV 750 Africa Twin (reduced effect), XRV Africa Twin, Africa Twin DCT, Africa Twin Enduro Sports Concept, CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT, CRF1000L Africa Twin, XRV650 Africa Twin, XRV750 Africa Twin, XRV 750 Africa Twin, XRV 650 Africa Twin
Production 1988 - 89
Class Trail
Engine
Four stroke, Longitudinal 52°V-twin. SOHC, 3 Valve per cylinder
Compression ratio 9.4:1
Ignition Digital transistorised with electronic advance
Transmission 5 Speed
Suspension Front: Telescopic air assisted forks
Rear: Pro-link, rebound damping adjustment
Brakes Front: Single 296 mm disc
Rear: Single 210 mm disc
Front Tire 90/90-21
Rear Tire 130/80-17
Wheelbase 1565 mm / 31.6 in
Seat Height 880 mm / 34.6 in
Weight 220 kg / 485 lbs (wet)
Recommended Oil Honda GN4 10W-40
Fuel Capacity 25 Liters / 6.6 US gal
Manuals Service Manual



Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a Liquid cooled cooled Four stroke, Longitudinal 52°V-twin. SOHC, 3 Valve per cylinder. The engine featured a 9.4:1 compression ratio.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 90/90-21 front tire and a 130/80-17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Single 296 mm disc in the front and a Single 210 mm disc in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic air assisted forks while the rear was equipped with a Pro-link, rebound damping adjustment. The XRV650 Africa Twin was fitted with a 25 Liters / 6.6 US gal fuel tank. The wheelbase was 1565 mm / 31.6 in long.

Photos[edit | edit source]

Honda Africa Twin Honda Africa Twin Honda Africa Twin Honda Africa Twin

Overview[edit | edit source]

Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin








































The Honda Africa Twin is possibly the most reliable, versatile and proven adventure touring motorcycle ever produced. The history of the Africa Twin and its origins is a story about the perfect timing of overland rallies, business and technical brilliance. In 1984 Honda and the HRC decided to develop a motorcycle with one purpose in mind. This was to compete in the long distance overland race categories, which were growing in popularity during the 1980’s. This of course meant the Paris-Dakar. In 1986 the Honda NXR750, specifically designed for races of extreme hardship and endurance, won the Paris-Dakar. The NXR750 was ahead of the competition in every way and was the first water cooled motorcycle to win this rally. Its technology then dominated the race for the following four years. Utilising the knowledge gained whilst developing and racing the NXR750, Honda designed a production motorcycle for long distance touring and ever changing terrains. On May 20th 1988 the Africa Twin XRV650 RD03 was launched. In honour of its rally routes it was painted in racing colors mimicking the NXR750. Since the RD03 was introduced in 1988, Honda continued to develop this classic design into the most recent XRV750 RD07A. Each version of Africa Twin has had essential advances technically and cosmetically.

Since Honda launched the Africa Twin XRV650 in 1986 to when they stopped selling the XRV750 version in 2003, the Africa Twin dual-sport motorcycle has maintained popularity. Both XRV650 and XRV750 Africa Twins can still be seen riding the world today, and this motorcycle is not just restricted to tarmac. With its tall ground clearance and precise dynamics it is also a worthy machine to be taken off road. The Africa Twins proven reliability, ease of repair and responsive chassis has helped maintained its place amongst the adventure motorcyclist and commuters all over the world. Even though it is no longer produced, this now iconic motorcycle is good enough to compete with newer machines on the market today. In recent polls the Honda Africa Twin still holds its own against other large dual-sports like the KTM and the BMW adventure motorcycles.

This Africa Twin was built for adventure and ability. With superb dynamics, long travel suspension, and powerful disc brakes the ride over almost any surface is fantastic. Its bullet proof naturally aspirated V-Twin engine is fed from a large capacity tank and delivers smooth power where and when you need it. Based on its Dakar routes the design is timeless and is fitted with a protective bash plate, trip computer and extremely bright headlights.



Make Model Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin
Year 1988 - 89
Engine Type Four stroke, Longitudinal 52°V-twin. SOHC, 3 Valve per cylinder
Displacement 647 cc / 39.4 cu-in
Bore X Stroke 79 x 66 mm
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression 9.4:1
Induction 2x 32 mm CV carburetor
Ignition Digital transistorised with electronic advance
Starting Electric
Max Power 57 hp / 42.5 kW @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque 55 Nm / 6.1 kgf-m @ 6000 rpm
Transmission 5 Speed
Final Drive Chain
Front Suspension Telescopic air assisted forks
Front Wheel Travel 220 mm / 8.6 in
Rear Suspension Pro-link, rebound damping adjustment
Rear Wheel Travel 210 mm / 8.2 in
Front Brakes Single 296 mm disc
Rear Brakes Single 210 mm disc
Wheels Aluminum rim/steel spoke
Front Tire 90/90-21
Rear Tire 130/80-17
Dimensions Length 2295 mm / 90.3 in Width 895 mm / 35.2 in Height 1290 mm / 50.7 in
Wheelbase 1565 mm / 31.6 in
Seat Height 880 mm / 34.6 in
Ground Clearance 215 mm / 8.4 in
Dry-weight 185 kg / 407 lbs
Wet Weight 220 kg / 485 lbs
Fuel Capacity 25 Liters / 6.6 US gal
Road Test Adventure Group test Motosprint 1988 Adventure Group test Motosprint 1989