Adventure Motorcycles
1988Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin
19 fields on record
The 1988 Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin is a pioneering dual-sport enduro designed for adventure-seeking riders tackling both on-road and off-road terrain. Its 647cc V-twin engine delivers reliable power, while the lightweight 220kg frame and long-travel suspension make it nimble across varied landscapes. Best known for establishing Honda's legendary Africa Twin lineage, it remains iconic among adventure motorcycle enthusiasts.
- Capacity
- 647.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 220.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 7000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built as a long-distance adventure and off-road tourer, blending modest power with a big fuel tank and rugged suspension for crossing varied landscapes.
- Built for
- A rugged, go-anywhere companion that favors steady, unhurried progress and mechanical simplicity over outright speed or sharp handling.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders chasing high-speed thrills or nimble city commuting, since its strengths lie in stamina and terrain versatility rather than pace.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 647.0 ccm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 7000 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2273 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 79.0 x 66.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.4:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Valves per cylinder
- 3
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 168.0 km/h (104.4 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 90/90-21
- Rear tyre
- 130/90-17
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1988 | 1989 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 647 cc | 647 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 25 L | 25 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin?
The 1988 Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin has a Capacity of 647.0 ccm (39.48 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin have?
The 1988 Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 7000 RPM.
How many gears does the Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin have?
The 1988 Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin weigh?
The 1988 Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin has a Wet weight of 220.0 kg (485.0 pounds).
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