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Honda XLV750R (1983-1986)

Detail	Value
Engine size	749 cc
Power	61 bhp
Top speed	100 mph
Insurance group	of 17

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The Honda XLV750 R was the first Japanese made monster trail bike to go head to head with the R80GS from BMW. Both bikes were twin cylinder machines and both had shaft drive. Unfortunately the XLV was too top heavy for even gentle off-road riding and also suffered major gearbox faults. The model was discontinued in 1983. Style is pure 80's brashness, performance is more Honda Deauville.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Honda XLV's very softly tuned V-twin is very similar to its modern sibling the Africa twin. It produces reasonable low rev torque but is far from swift. Claimed power is 60bhp but a measured rear wheel figure is more like 52. Three valve-per-cylinder design is economical.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

A narrow 19 inch front wheel and wide bars make it quick to turn and it¹s excellent in town if a little top heavy, good visibility and steering lock.
Brakes are weak, especially the rear drum. On a good road surface you¹d struggle to lock either end. Riding position is odd with high pegs, low narrow seat and a stretch to the bars.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Equipment is basic but you do get a rev counter and trip meter (in kms, the XLV was a european model). Unusually the fuel tap and air filter cover are on the top of the tank and easy to get at, the oil filter sits on the right side of the engine. Shaft drive is unobtrusive and reliable. Compare and buy parts for the XLV750 in the MCN Shop.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Finish is typical 80¹s Honda. The alloy and paint are of exceptional quality and if looked after will last another 30 years. Worst areas of corrosion are usually the mild steel battery box and number plate bracket. Due to a design fault in the gearbox many of the spares were used up long ago. Complete gasket sets are especially rare. Gearbox specialist Nova racing now re-make many of the gearbox parts including the fragile gear selectors.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

If you can find one they usually sell for around £1500. A bargain for such an unusual bike but beware any machines with high mileages, rattly top-ends and notchy gear selection. Find a Honda XLV750R for sale.

Insurance group: n/a

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The HONDA XLV 750 R (RD01) was sold in Europe (but not the UK) from 1983 to 1986. An updated version (RF) was sold for the last year of productions with minor engine improvements.
Despite appearances, the XLV was never intended as a 'true' off road bike.
Instead it was styled in the 'theme' of a Paris-Dakar XL600 race bike. Honda obviously saw the popularity of the Dakar race and thought it could attract buyers with a road bike that looked like it promised adventure. In much the same way BMW's R1200GS is sold today.

Specifications

Top speed	100 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Max power	61 bhp
Max torque	ft-lb
Weight	212 kg
Seat height	855 mm
Fuel capacity	19.5 litres
Average fuel consumption	mpg
Tank range	miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	of 17

Engine size	749 cc
Engine specification	45° V-Twin, 5 gears, shaft drive
Frame	Steel cradle, oil in frame
Front suspension adjustment	Air assist
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, air assist
Front brakes	276mm disc
Rear brake	140mm drum
Front tyre size	300 x 21"
Rear tyre size	450 x 17"