Honda XRV750 Africa Twin Review

Good Points
Economy- 50mpg
Go anywhere (within reason)
Handling
Power
Comfort
Two up riding

Bad Points
Could do with a bit more top end.
Mild vibrations at 120kph
Stock screen too low and creates air turbulence at ear level
Could be too heavy for some smaller riders

General Comments
This Honda XRV750 Africa Twin bike is awesome. I have done 13,000Km in 4 months on and off road in New Zealand and this bike has not missed a beat. Now has 73,000km. Oil changed every 5000km. Sweet running. Mitas E-07 tyres (good in all conditions except boggy wet mud). Adventure panniers, Givi topbox. Cruises very well at 100kph (NZ legal maximum) but sits easily at 125kph all day.

Off road, it is more capable than you would think. Okay, it is 207kg dry, but keep it upright and you can do almost anything- with the right tyres. Mitas E-07 are the best I have tried on this kind of bike.

There are no faults with this bike, provided you don't want to race Hyabusas or get your knee down. It tours, takes passenger without any problem, good fuel (39mpg off road, 44-48 town and country, 51 on a long run at 90-100kph).

I am 5feet 11 inches tall, weighing 88kg. Riders of this bike could do with being 2 inches taller and a bit stronger. That said. I have gotten out of everything.

Check my weblog for pictures www.wideboyracer.co.uk/gallery



Alternatives for NZ touring would be DR650 (with long range tank)

I am heading to Australia in Feb 2007 after selling the AT. Will buy another one if possible as it is THE bike to do desert/rough track exploring. Just don't take it wallowing in mud by yourself and you will ride through everything. I would ride this over an R1150 GS anyday, for cost (outlay) and value for money (and I suspect the R1150 is heavier- it certainly felt more ungainly just sat on it).

Email me for further details.

Happy riding!