Bike features
The motorcycle has the following advantages:
- surprisingly high cross-country ability;
- really powerful engine;
- ease of landing.
However, it would take a very long time to list the advantages of this model. It is not only beautiful in appearance and characteristics, but also very reliable. The motorcycle will hardly need any repairs. It is hardly possible to imagine something more suitable for long trips.
Honda Africa Twin 1991
So, here's the breakdown: Motorcycle number one is a 1991 Africa Twin. Yes, this is not exactly the “original” Africa, because even before it, in 1988, the Honda racing division produced a limited edition on a 650 cc V-twin, essentially a replica of the Dakar rally projectile Honda NXR. For those who are well versed in model codes, the first Africa was called RD03, and in 1990 it was replaced by RD04, and this is exactly what we have on test. Our example is in quite good condition for its age, it has 58 thousand on the odometer, and we fully serviced it before the trip. At the time of release, its characteristics were stated as follows: 62 hp. and 208 kg.
Honda Africa Twin 1991 and 2019
Anyone with the rally virus in their blood has wet dreams about crossing the Sahara Desert on just such a motorcycle. Or very similar: the Africa Twin of the 1990 model was made on the basis of the Dakar rally projectile. Yes, it was somewhat derated and reduced the degree of brutality, but people also rode the Dakar in the serial 650 Africa, so this model is a full-fledged rally machine, which cannot be said about the new model. Of course, the production version is significantly heavier and less powerful than the evil NXR, but you can’t tell your heart...
And although the 1991 Honda Africa Twin seems like a dinosaur compared to the technologically advanced 2021 model, it is a very cute dinosaur. On the left side panel there is a tool compartment that is large enough for a substantial kit and very convenient because it can be opened without removing the seat. The two-level reserve light is quite informative: the first light comes on when you need to start worrying about refueling, and the second when it’s too late to worry and it’s time to do something. The rich instrument panel will show speed, rpm and even engine temperature. But, of course, there is no average speed, no consumption per hundred, no mileage counter until the next service.
Engine
The bike is equipped with a wonderful V-shaped engine. This four-stroke and two-cylinder unit has a displacement of 742 cm³. The engine is cooled by liquid; there are three valves per cylinder. The fuel supply system is carburetor.
Peak engine performance: at 6500 rpm the torque is 62 Nm, and at 7500 rpm the power is 60 hp. The peak speed of the XRV 750 is 170 km/h, and the car will accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. These characteristics alone do not provide an understanding of why the model is so good.
Specifications:
Technical characteristics of Honda Africa Twin 750:
| Model | Honda XRV750 Africa Twin |
| Motorcycle type | touring enduro |
| Year of issue | 1990-2000 |
| Frame | steel |
| engine's type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V-shaped (camber 52°) |
| Working volume | 742 cm³ |
| Bore/Stroke | 81.0 x 72.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Cooling | liquid |
| Number of valves per cylinder | SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder |
| Fuel supply system | carburetor, 2x Keihin flat choke, 36.5 mm - XRV750L - XRV750N carburetor, 2x Keihin vacuum (CV), 36.0 mm - XRV750P - XRV750Y |
| Ignition type | CDI - XRV750L - XRV750R all transistor - XRV750S - XRV750Y |
| Maximum power | 62.0 hp (45.3 kW) at 7500 rpm - XRV750L - XRV750N (European versions) 57.0 hp (41.9 kW) at 7500 rpm - XRV750L - XRV750R (Japanese versions) 60.0 hp (44.1 kW) at 7500 rpm - XRV750P - XRV750Y (European versions) 58.0 hp (42.6 kW) at 7500 rpm - XRV750S - XRV750Y (Japanese versions) |
| Maximum torque | 62.7 Nm (6.4 kg*m) at 6500 rpm - XRV750L - XRV750N (European versions) 60.0 Nm (6.1 kg*m) at 5500 rpm - XRV750L - XRV750R (Japanese versions) 62.0 Nm (6.3 kg*m) at 6500 rpm - XRV750P - XRV750Y (European versions) 60.0 Nm (6.1 kg*m) at 6000 rpm - XRV750S - XRV750Y (Japanese versions) |
| Clutch | Multi-disc in oil bath, cable drive |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| type of drive | chain |
| Front tire size | 90/90-21 54S — XRV750L — XRV750N 90/90-21 54H — XRV750P — XRV750Y |
| Rear tire size | 130/90-17 68S — XRV750L — XRV750N 140/80 R17 69H — XRV750P — XRV750Y |
| Front brakes | 2 discs, 276 mm, 2-piston caliper |
| Rear brakes | 1 disc, 256 mm, 1-piston caliper |
| Front suspension | 43 mm telescopic fork, travel - 220 mm |
| Rear suspension | pendulum (Pro-Link) with monoshock absorber (adjustable preload and rebound), stroke - 210 mm - XRV750L - XRV750N pendulum (Pro-Link) with monoshock absorber (adjustable preload and rebound), stroke - 214 mm - XRV750P - XRV750Y |
| Motorcycle length | 2330 mm - XRV750L - XRV750N 2320 mm - XRV750P - XRV750Y |
| Motorcycle width | 895 mm - XRV750L - XRV750N 905 mm - XRV750P - XRV750Y |
| Motorcycle height | 1420 mm - XRV750L - XRV750N 1430 mm - XRV750P - XRV750Y |
| Wheelbase | 1560 mm - XRV750L - XRV750N 1555 mm - XRV750P - XRV750Y |
| Seat height | 880 mm - XRV750L - XRV750N 865 mm - XRV750P - XRV750R 870 mm - XRV750S - XRV750Y |
| Minimum ground clearance (clearance) | 190 mm - XRV750L - XRV750N 195 mm - XRV750P - XRV750Y |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) | 4.6 sec[1] |
| Maximum speed | 177 km/h[2] |
| Gas tank capacity | 24.0 L - XRV750L - XRV750N 23.0 L - XRV750P - XRV750Y |
| Motorcycle weight (dry) | 209 kg - XRV750L - XRV750N 207 kg - XRV750P - XRV750Y |
| Motorcycle weight (curb) | 236 kg - XRV750L - XRV750N 234 kg - XRV750P - XRV750Y |
Dimensions and weight
The curb weight of Honda's XRV 750 is 234 kg, while its dry weight is 207 kg. This weight cannot be called too much for a touring motorcycle of the level of this model. The fuel tank capacity here is 23 liters, which is very good for such a bike. Actual gasoline consumption is about 6-7 liters for every 100 km of road. The length of the motorcycle is significant - 2320 mm. The width of the XRV 750 is 905 mm, and the height is 1430 mm. The wheelbase is impressive – as much as 1555 mm. The height of the model at the saddle is 870 mm.
Honda 750 Africa Twin
Today there is another one, even more legendary than the Honda CB 400 motorcycle - Honda 750 Africa Twin . It is also very popular in Russia, perhaps the most popular among dual-purpose motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 400 sq.cm. The prototype of this bike with a V-shaped two-cylinder engine appeared back in 1982. At that time, the Honda concern considered winning the Dakar a matter of prestige. To participate in the race, the motorcycle must be production. Thus, a heavy enduro Honda XLV750R with a modernized chopper engine and rear wheel drive via a cardan shaft was created and released in a limited edition. It was a powerful and lightweight dual-purpose bike with good handling and energy-intensive suspensions. In total, no more than three hundred copies of this machine were produced. The bike was never able to win the Dakar and Honda no longer gave it priority.
The Honda 750 Africa Twin model began production in 1987 and it was a completely different motorcycle. And it was he who was destined to win wild popularity and the love of motorcyclists. The Honda 750 Africa Twin is primarily focused on motorcycle tourism, which means it is primarily about reliability and comfort. As happened with this motorcycle, to some extent maximum speed and dynamics were sacrificed. Whatever it may be, city streets are not the best testing ground for him. Even on the highway at a maximum speed of 170 km/h, it is not always possible to drive more than 140 km/h. And here the large windshield and body kit play an important role, which at high speeds noticeably take power away from the engine. The Honda 750 Africa Twin is a heavy and tall motorcycle, and if you are less than 175 centimeters tall, it will not be very comfortable to ride. But if you prefer a motorcycle, you will probably like it. The instrument panel is equipped with a trip computer and is located very well, without blocking the view in front of the motorcycle.
Engine 742 cm3, four-stroke, two-cylinder, V-shaped, liquid cooled. Engine power 60 horsepower. The power supply system is carburetor. The engine runs very smoothly, rustling like a scooter, which is generally typical for Honda. Vibration is also almost not felt. However, amateurs can install a special tuning exhaust, which of course will change the sound of the exhaust. The Honda 750 Africa Twin engine has excellent traction at low and medium speeds.
The clutch is soft, as is the gearbox. But the motorcycle’s dry weight of 207 kilograms does not promise ease of handling, especially in off-road conditions. If you want to be at ease with a motorcycle, it won’t hurt you to go in for sports and build up your muscles. And this is not a joke, since picking up a motorcycle after a fall (and they will happen, there’s no escape from them) will not be easy.
If you are not afraid of these difficulties, buy a Honda 750 Africa Twin, because after all, this is an excellent vehicle for comfortable long-distance travel.
Specifications (1995-98):
| Engine | Two-cylinder, four-stroke, V-shaped |
| Volume | 742 cc |
| Bore/Stroke | 81x72 mm |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Number of valves | Three valves per cylinder |
| Power | 60 hp |
| Transmission | Five-speed |
| Seat height, mm | 860 |
| Base, mm | 1565 |
| Dry weight, kg | 207,5 |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 140/80-17 |
| Gas tank capacity, l | 23 |
Chassis and brakes
The frame is made of steel. Its contours impress with elegance and strength. There is something in the appearance of a motorcycle that declares its undeniable power and reliability. The colors are perfectly chosen. The wheels are spoked. The steering wheel is a convenient and reliable control tool.
The rear suspension has a travel of 214 mm; it is a pendulum version with a monoshock absorber. The front suspension is a telescopic fork with a size of 43 mm and a stroke of 220 mm. The rear brake is a 256 mm disc with a single-piston caliper. At the front there are two discs, each measuring 276 mm, and the caliper is two-piston.
