Africa Twin timeline
Back then it was a 650cc machine, the XRV650 RD03, based on the Transalp motor – purists say it was one of the best put together versions of the lot. A year later – 1989 – and Honda had upped the ante with the 750cc-powered RD04, by which time the NXR dedicated Dakar machine had been winning that event from 1986 through to 1989. The 1993 RD07 featured the famous electronic ‘Tripmaster’ which was nothing but a glorified set of trip-meters masquerading as a road book. Also for this model, came in less weight (by eight kilos) and a redesigned frame. For 1996 Honda made some small changes with the RD07A which gave a slight alteration to the fairing shape, higher cowling and reshaped saddle for greater comfort. The bike was allowed to carry on until 2003, when it was deleted. A few years earlier, the Firestorm-powered Varadero was released, but even with a full 1000cc it wasn’t what the Africa Twin was, being thirsty and characterless and therefore many still mourn the XRV750’S passing.
1988-1989 Honda XRV650 Africa Twin RD03
XRV aficionados rate the XRV650 RD03 sold between 1988 and 1989 as the best and ‘purest’ Africa Twin model ever, even if it was never brought into the UK officially. Marketed as the biggercapacity sibling to the Honda Transalp, the RD03 boasted 57bhp and came with longer travel front and rear suspension, more ground clearance and a modified 650cc V-twin engine, derived from the Transalp’s bottomend: 647cc, 185 kilos, single front disc brake.
1990-1992 Honda XRV750 Africa Twin RD04
An all-new power unit was developed, based on the existing Transalp/rd03 architecture but now with a full 742cc: the original motor could not be simply bored-out past 650cc. The result gives more low-down thump and midrange. The RD04 also benefitted from dual front brake discs and larger rear disc. Similar styling to the earlier model, but from 1992 the addition of a digital trip computer was made, known as the ‘Tripmaster’, for the real Dakar look.
1993-1995 Honda XRV750 Africa Twin RD07
A new chassis and repositioned fuel tank (now further back) gave the RD07 a lower centre of gravity. The fairings and body panels were now redesigned for better wind protection and the seat height was 15mm lower than previously. Weight was up to 207.5 kilos.
1996-2002 Honda XRV750 Africa Twin RD07A
Pretty much the same adventure/big trailie motorcycle under the skin, the 07A featured a redesigned fairing, headlight surround and a reshaped saddle, all aiming to give better comfort and wind-resistance. Towards the end of its life, the Twinkie withered on the vine next to the Vtr-powered (and soulless) Varadero, which came out in 1999, before ending its own life around 2002 in dealerships when you could pick a new one up for just £6149.
2015 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin
998cc parallel twin, 270º crank, 230 kilos and 94bhp.