Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988

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Since the end of the 70s, Honda has declined its trails in 2 sub-families: The XL, versatile trails and their little XR brothers adapted to a slightly more sporty use (endured or rally-oriented trails). And this rule applies whatever the type of engine, with the exception of the Dominator family which bore the sweet name of NX (most certainly inspired by NXR rally prototypes). The XRV 650 respects this rule.

At the end of 1987, the Transalp, code name XLV 600 (XL equipped with a 600cc V-twin), presented the previous year, was supported by a new more sporty model but resting on a very close engine: The XRV 650 Africa Twin. This new model is the result of a clever mix: A technical base derived from the Transalp and a very strong inspiration from rally Honda, in particular the NXR sponsored by Lee Cooper for the colors.

Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988 The engine is a water-cooled 52 ° open V-twin with 3 valves per cylinder. The displacement increases by 64cc compared to the Transalp by increasing the bore by 4 mm. Pure performance is not transfigured by it (+2 horsepower and +3 to +4 km / hour peak), but the engine is better filled and more expressive, although it has to do with the increase in weight..

The cycle part is also close to the XLV trail, but still specific. The frame is more rigid and reinforced for a more track oriented use (just the name of Africa Twin leaves little doubt on this subject). On this point, the Africa Twin retains some weak points of the Transalp. The single disc pinched by a double piston caliper is considered by some users to be insufficient. The suspensions have greater travel and the saddle peaks at 890mm, which does not facilitate city traffic; the slightest stop at a fire that could prove to be tricky for those less than 1.80 m.

Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988 For the rest 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 manoeuvrable, the saddle and the suspensions comfortable. And if the bike is rally oriented, it also becomes a serious traveler as soon as a high bubble is added to it. The large 24-liter tank allows for long stages and protects the rider’s legs quite well. The very practical luggage rack can be used to transport weapons and luggage and the Honda accessories line also offers a pair of suitcases. The lighting, it is considered a little too modest despite the double optics.

Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988 The Africa Twin turns out to be so homogeneous that the owners often find it rather burlesque weak points: “perfectible fork, think of changing the springs before 100,000kms”, or even “too reliable to be liked by the dealers”. Others consider it the best machine in the world, often for its extreme versatility..

A small “Marathon” series of 50 copies will also be marketed and will win the Dakar in 1989 (Marathon category of course). It will give way in 1990 to a new model: the XRV 750 Africa Twin which will mark the spirits even more and which will be equipped with a new engine (The original twin having reached its limits in terms of displacement with the XRV 650) and will erase some of the defects of the 650 by benefiting for example from a second front brake disc.

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      Model marketed in

      1988
      1989

      Performances

      • Max speed:
        approx. 175 km / h
      • Consumption
        medium: 6 l

      The technical aspect

      Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988

      • Frame
      • Frame: single double tubular steel cradle
      • Tank: 24 liters
      • Seat height: 890 mm
      • Length: 2320 mm
      • Width: 900 mm
      • Height: 1320 mm
      • Wheelbase: 1,555 mm
      • Dry weight: 193 kg
      • Train before
      • Telehydraulic fork Ø 49 mm, deb: 230 mm
      • 1 disc Ø 296 mm, 2 piston caliper
      • Front wheel:

        90/90
        – 21

      Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988 technical

      • Transmission
      • 5-speed gearbox
      • secondary by chain
      • Rear axle
      • ProLink monoshock, deb: 210 mm
      • 1 disc Ø 240 mm, 1 piston caliper
      • Rear wheel:

        130/90
        – 17

      • Motor
      • Twin cylinder
        in V at 52 °
        , 4 stroke
      • Cooling: liquid
      • 2 carburettors Ø 32 mm
      • 3 valves per cylinder
      • 647 cc
        (79 x 66 mm)
      • 57
        ch
        at 8000 rpm
      • 6.10 mkg
        at 6,000 rpm
      • Weight ratio /
        power
        : 3.39
        kg / hp
      • Compression: 9.4: 1
      • Crit’air:

      Detached pieces

      exhaust
      motor
      fluid
      electricity

      filtration
      braking
      chain kit

      Competitors

      BMW R 80 G / S 1980
      BMW R 80 G / S 1980

      Suzuki DR 800 S Big 1990
      Suzuki DR 800 S Big 1990

      Moto-Guzzi NTX 750 1989
      Moto-Guzzi NTX 750 1989

      Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988

      Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988

      Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988

      Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988

      Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988

      Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988

      Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin 1988

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