Honda XLV 750 R

**indu** · #1 18 Feb 2004

Now this is new to me, I must admit. Searching for a second-hand XRV750 Africa Twin I stumbled upon this one, a XLV750R, made in 1984. You guys are the ones to know, I reckon: It is a bike clamied to be produced to beat BMW in early 80's Paris-Dakar. It is shaft-driven, has 3 valves per cylinder, and the twin engine produces a healthy 61 bhp @ 7000 rpm. This is a new aquaintance to me.

Question is: Is it any good? Yes it's old, but the guy who's selling claim he has had it from new, taking really good care of it (it certainly has the looks of good caretaking) and it has only some 36000 km's on the odo. Considering the price he is asking it might just be a bargain I'm looking at here.

Anyone who can help with some additional information and/or experience reports? I couldn't find any by searching the hub - but then again I might be spelling it all wrong...

Really looking forward to your replies!

Take care out there

Indu

**POB/London** · #2 18 Feb 2004

Google it - there are a few pages out there!

**indu** · #3 18 Feb 2004

Thanks POB. I actually did a search, but I can't find any reviews that puts it in a RTW setting. At least not a more recent review. How about spares availability for this old, rare bike - which is still a Honda? There is this guy in Switzerland who has three of them, which may be a hint, of course, but still I'm in need of more - how shall I put it? - reliable info (which one usually gets at the HUB).

Anyway: If you have any hands-on info, I'll be grateful.

Indu.

**iswoolley** · #4 20 Feb 2004

First the preennial question, what are you going to use it for?

If you're thinking of RTW or trans-continental then I'd recomend against it. This is purely based on parts availability. The shaft drive and 3 valve engine were never produced in anything like the quantities that the Africa Twin is/was. So if your bevel gear goes in Katmandu, it's not a matter of when you can get your hands on a part, it's if you can get your hands on a part.

If you're thinking of it for the odd day trip, and to have something different to all the other 'adventure' bikers out there...go for it.

Hope that helps.

'02 Africa Twin
'00 XR400

**toddrd** · #5 21 Feb 2004

Try searching for strings on the Africa Twin site: www.atic.org Lot's of info on the A.T. and I remember this topic coming up a few times. While in Germany I met a couple of guys that had this bike and they mentioned how parts are few and far between. Hope this helps.
rdt
@#775
98 RD07

**beddhist** · #6 21 Feb 2004

My cousin's got one she uses for all-year commuting. On paper it should have made a GS-killer. It's even got hydraulic valve lifters, so engine maintenance should be limited to changing oil, filter and plugs.

I remember her husband telling me that it had an ignition problem once. Turned out to be the sender unit in the motor. The engine needs to be removed to access this, as you can't remove the sidecover any other way. He's quite an experienced hobby mechanic, but between the two of them they didn't manage to get the engine out of the frame; it just wouldn't fit through! In the end they just tilted the motor enough to be able to remove the cover. I think the clutch lives under the same cover!

The engine should be almost identical to the old VT750C of same vintage, but I have no idea of differences.

They both said they don't like the chassis and that parts are a problem.

------------------
Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

**indu** · #7 21 Feb 2004

Thank you all. I tried to find spare parts suppliers, but they certainly are few and far between. No, I think I'll stick to my original idea of getting myself an Africa Twin and burn some hard earnt Norwegian Kroner at Touratech - but it would be really cool to have this rare bird in my garage, though.

Next time, maybe.

Take care
Indu