Honda’s XRV750, better known as the Africa Twin, has a sheer presence few other bikes can muster, its tall, very tall. It looks the business, and in the right hands can do the business, just don’t think about taking it off road. This bike excels on the tarmac and conducts itself with satisfying ease whether in town or travelling across several countries two up with luggage. Although it is styled to look like the desert rally bikes, only the strong and very brave would venture off road with this heavy machine. 

At 452lbs (205kgs) dry, the Africa Twin is not the heaviest, but when fuelled up and ready to go it can be a bit top heavy. Once the bike is rolling the weight is not noticeable and the bike is easily controlled with the wide handlebars. It is 15kgs lighter than the bigger engined Varadero and only 10kgs lighter than Triumph’s Tiger 900. The seat is tall at 860mm but compares well with its rivals and gives the rider a good view over the traffic.

Powered by a liquid-cooled SOHC V-twin of 742cc its 61bhp has a nice balance of torque and power and gives a top speed of around 105mph (172kph). 5-speed gearbox is smooth and the bike pulls strongly in each gear.

43mm telescopic forks at the front have long travel, the rear Pro-Link set-up has stepless pre-load adjustment.

Twin discs on the front and single at the rear can be described as adequate more than powerful although they give good feedback. The 23-litre fuel tank should give a range of about 180 miles or more, depending on the type of riding.

Huge bash plates underneath and around the side of the engine protect it from damage on rough terrain. The small windscreen will keep most of the rain or flies off the rider and the plastic handgrips, give protection against flying stones and the cold wind.

A small carrier is fitted as standard and there is room for a U-lock.

Available in Sahara blue metallic and black for 2002.

Popular on the continent, the Africa Twin now has its work cut out to keep up with its rivals, Honda’s own Varadero and the BMW R1150GS to name but two.

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Last updated 20/05/02