Motorcycle specifications HondaXRV 650 Africa Twin 1989 Strong smell of rally

Since the late '70s, Honda has divided its trail bikes into 2 sub-families: XLs, the all-purpose trail bikes, and their little XR brothers, designed for slightly sportier use (hardened or rally-oriented trail bikes). And this rule applies regardless of the type of motorization, with the exception of the Dominator family which bore the sweet name of NX (most certainly inspired by the NXR rally prototypes). The XRV 650 respects this rule.

At the end of 1987, the Transalp, code-named XLV 600 (XL equipped with a 600cc V-twin), presented the previous year, was joined by a new, sportier model based on a very similar engine: the XRV 650 Africa Twin. This new model is the result of a clever mix: a technical base derived from the Transalp and strong inspiration from Honda rally bikes, notably the NXR sponsored by Lee Cooper for the colors.

the engine is a 52° water-cooled V-twin with 3 valves per cylinder. Displacement increases by 64cc compared with the Transalp, thanks to a 4mm bore increase. Pure performance is not transformed (+2 hp and +3 to +4 km/h peak), but the engine is fuller and more expressive, although it has to make do with the increased weight.

The chassis is also similar to that of the XLV trail bike, but with its own specific features. The frame is stiffer and reinforced for more track-oriented use (the name Africa Twin alone leaves little doubt on this point). In this respect, the Africa Twin retains some of the Transalp's weak points. The single disc clamped by a double-piston caliper is considered insufficient by some users. Suspension travel is longer and the seat is 890mm high, which doesn't make urban traffic any easier; even the slightest stop at a traffic light can be tricky for those under 1.80 m tall.

otherwise, the bike is perfect. The engine is up to the task in all circumstances, the gearbox is precise and smooth, the bike is agile and easy to handle, and the seat and suspension are comfortable. And if the bike is rally-oriented, it also becomes a serious traveler as soon as you add a high bubble. The large 24-liter fuel tank is ideal for long stages and protects the rider's legs quite well. The practical luggage rack can be used to carry weapons and luggage, and Honda's line of accessories also includes a pair of panniers. Lighting, meanwhile, is judged a little too modest, despite the dual optics.

the Africa Twin proves so homogeneous that owners often find its weak points rather burlesque: "perfectible fork, remember to change the springs before 100,000kms", or "too reliable to be loved by dealers". Others consider it the best machine in the world, often for its extreme versatility.

A small "Marathon" series of 50 was also marketed, and won the Dakar Rally in 1989 (in the Marathon category, of course). In 1990, the XRV 750 Africa Twin made an even bigger impact, equipped with a new engine (the original twin having reached its limits in terms of cubic capacity with the XRV 650) and erasing some of the 650's shortcomings, for example with a second front brake disc.

Tanthallas - Manufacturer's photos