The first generation of the Africa Twin was introduced in 1988 in response to Honda’s success with the NXR750 racebike – it would end up winning Paris-Dakar four years in a row, starting in 1986. Honda already had the single-cylinder NX650 and the V-Twin Transalp, but the Japanese company decided another big trailie was needed. History has shown that they were correct, and of course the name has recently been brought back for another successful run. All the new ATs owe their existence to this model, which was not officially available in the US.
The XRV utilizes a 647cc 52 degree V-Twin that put out 57 horsepower through a 5-speed transmission. The suspension was 43mm Showa forks with 9 inches of travel up front and a Pro-Link monoshock with 8.25 inches of travel in the back. Dry weight was 425 pounds and the fuel capacity was 6.34 gallons. For more information on the model, check out this site dedicated to the RD03.
This example has 27,728 miles and the seller has had it since 2015. “It was brought into the US by the previous owner around 2013 who went through the entire bike.” The frame, bars, and rims have been powdercoated and the bodywork has been repainted. Upgrades include Rugged Roads handlebars, NTR shock, aftermarket luggage rack, and Rugged Roads braided brake lines. There’s a few minor issues but it seems like this would make for a fun rider.
Find this Africa Twin for sale in the Bay Area, California for $10,500 here on ADVRider.