1983 Honda XLV 750R: The V-Twin Adventure Bike America Never Got
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
Few people in America will ever get the chance to own a Honda XLV 750R. Honda didn’t sell it in the US. This complete and original example recently listed on eBay in Salt Lake City, Utah, was sold new in Germany.
Available Abroad, Never at Home
The XLV 750R is not quite showroom-ready, but nothing is missing. Recent service included:
- New oil and filter
- Fresh gas
- New battery
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The seller says it runs and rides and has always been garaged. The rear damper and rear turn signals both require attention.
The early 1980s saw the introduction of several dual-sport motorcycles from Japan. Rugged and strong, they were built for the street but with more than a little off-road capability. They typically had a single-cylinder engine and weighed about 330 pounds.
In 1983, Honda introduced the XLV 750R. This dual-sport bike features a 750cc V-twin engine and weighs approximately 500 pounds. It was to be sold worldwide except for Japan, the US, the UK, and Australasia. The launch took place at a motocross track in Spain, but the XLV wasn’t designed for this type of treatment, and several riders crashed.
The XLV 750 was the forerunner to the legendary Honda Transalp and Africa Twin - opens in new window or tab.. That alone makes it deserve a closer look.
Tech-Heavy, Terrain-Ready
The XLV’s 749-cc engine delivers ample power and torque on and off-road. It utilizes three valves per cylinder (two inlet valves, one exhaust valve), two spark plugs per cylinder, and a dry-sump lubrication system with the main frame serving as the oil tank. This was innovative stuff at the time.
The air-assisted front forks and rear Pro-Link/mono-shock - opens in new window or tab. reportedly work well on the road (if a little stiff) and are up to the task of covering ground in rough terrain. Reviewers found it distinctly happier on the blacktop. Dunlop Universal tires - opens in new window or tab. were praised for being a fine match for the machine.
Honda’s Euro Unicorn
Although the XLV was eventually sold in the Australasian and Japanese markets, it was never sold in the US or the UK. The vast majority found homes in mainland Europe. Between 1983 and ’86, just 10,000 examples were built, which, for Honda, is a very low number.
The direct descendants of the XLV were the Transalp and Africa Twin, which became two-wheeled legends. As such, owning an XLV in the US today is indeed a scarce opportunity.
The enthusiast website Bike-urious - opens in new window or tab. summed up the sight of an XLV in the States. It said,
The XLV is unique and nearly impossible to find in the US, as they were never officially sold here. So, if you want to make your GS-riding buddies feel like they’re riding common bikes that don’t stand out, here’s an option.
The XLV listed on eBay shows 7,431 kilometers on its odometer, or just over 4,600 miles. As the seller stated, the $9,700 Buy-It-Now price secured a “great museum piece.”
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.