Honda XRV650 (1988-89)

The Honda XRV650 Africa Twin motorcycle was produced between 1988 and 1989. It had a four-stroke V-twin engine with a capacity of 647cc and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. The bike had a maximum power output of 57 horsepower at 8000rpm and a maximum torque of 55 Newton meters at 6000rpm. It had a five-speed transmission and a chain final drive. The bike’s suspension included telescopic air-assisted forks at the front and a Pro-link with rebound damping adjustment at the rear. The front and rear brakes were both single-disc, with the front measuring 296mm and the rear measuring 210mm. The bike had aluminium rims with steel spokes and used a 90/90-21 tyre at the front and a 130/80-17 tyre at the rear. Dimensions for the bike included a length of 2295mm, a width of 895mm, and a height of 1290mm, with a wheelbase of 1565mm and a seat height of 880mm. The bike had a ground clearance of 215mm, a dry weight of 185kg, and a fuel capacity of 25 litres. The Honda XRV650 Africa Twin participated in Adventure Group tests conducted by Motosprint magazine in both 1988 and 1989.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin

Year: 1988 – 89
Engine: Four stroke, Longitudinal 52 degreesV-twin. SOHC, 3 Valve per cylinder
Capacity: 647 cc / 39.4 cu-in
Bore x Stroke: 79 x 66 mm
Cooling System: Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio: 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: Aluminium rim/steel spoke
Front Tyre: 90/90-21
Rear Tyre: 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 Litres / 6.6 US gal
Road Test: Adventure Group test Motosprint 1988 Adventure Group test Motosprint 1989