Author Topic: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650  (Read 3722 times)

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Offline BenelliSEI

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1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« on: January 24, 2026, 02:54:04 PM »
One of our CVMG club members has recently posted this for sale. It’s a thousand miles away and yet I am feeling a very strong magnetic attraction. Can anyone talk me out of it? HELP!

Offline rocket johnny

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #1 on: January 24, 2026, 04:14:44 PM »
i too have always had a soft spot for the africa twin so i guess i'd be the devil on your shoulder saying go for it !

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2026, 05:29:12 PM »
i too have always had a soft spot for the africa twin so i guess i'd be the devil on your shoulder saying go for it !

That makes two!

Offline simon#42

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2026, 12:22:18 AM »
That makes three

Offline andy750

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2026, 04:49:05 AM »
I would buy it! Always wanted one as well  8)
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2026, 06:50:55 AM »
You guys are not helping me.

The owner has kept it in perfect condition, but also has a bad case of “TMBAT” (too much B.A.T. watching). He’s not giving it away.

His US$10K price is probably fair, but more than twice what I’ve ever paid for a bike!

Offline denward17

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2026, 06:54:49 AM »
You guys are not helping me.

The owner has kept it in perfect condition, but also has a bad case of “TMBAT” (too much B.A.T. watching). He’s not giving it away.

His US$10K price is probably fair, but more than twice what I’ve ever paid for a bike!

OK, I will help;

"This is not the droid you are looking for" ;D

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2026, 06:55:45 AM »
You guys are not helping me.

The owner has kept it in perfect condition, but also has a bad case of “TMBAT” (too much B.A.T. watching). He’s not giving it away.

His US$10K price is probably fair, but more than twice what I’ve ever paid for a bike!

OK, I will help;

"This is not the droid you are looking for" ;D

Thanks?

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #8 on: February 19, 2026, 08:27:05 AM »

... has a bad case of “TMBAT” (too much B.A.T. watching).

This has become an epidemic!  Guys try to compare their daily driver's vehicle value to unique vehicles on the web.

I'll try to help you John:  Dont buy it!
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Offline kyle750

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #9 on: March 02, 2026, 07:28:50 PM »
I also like the early Africa Twin and Transalp bikes.  I'm very tall and they fit me well.  This 1st year Made in Japan 1987 Transalp 600 just popped up for sale locally at a very reasonable price.  I'm seriously thinking about buying it.  Please talk me out of it - HELP ;)
« Last Edit: March 02, 2026, 07:41:16 PM by kyle750 »

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #10 on: March 03, 2026, 05:55:56 AM »
I have an ‘87 TransAlp in my shop (belongs to my buddy Gary) and have ridden it a lot. Lovely bike, very comparable to my Kawasaki KLR650. An Africa Twin from that same era is a very different beast……

Offline kyle750

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #11 on: March 03, 2026, 06:10:05 AM »
The Africa Twins really are Big Beasts  :)

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #12 on: March 03, 2026, 06:28:35 AM »
The Africa Twins really are Big Beasts  :)

You’ve reminded me of how determined I am to have one.

Offline MauiK3

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #13 on: March 03, 2026, 06:41:03 AM »
Not to be the nay sayer but:
Will you ride it?
Do you have the time?

You likely will find things you'd like to do to/for it. Are you ready for that?

In the end, though, if none of that matters, just get it and enjoy it!
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #14 on: March 03, 2026, 07:28:12 AM »
Good questions. I’d sell the Varadero and use this instead. Unfortunately the guy that owns it is priced at about 150% of what’s even close to realistic..,..

Offline Kelly E

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #15 on: March 03, 2026, 08:52:06 AM »
Those bikes are ridiculously tall. In 2019 when we rode to be Deadwood my buddy rode his KTM 1290 Super Adventure he wanted me to try it out. I could get going but I would have had to have him catch me when coming to a stop, my feet were nowhere near the ground. 8)
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Offline Leino

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #16 on: March 07, 2026, 12:19:23 PM »
Lovely bikes. I have wanted one since I was 9 or 10.

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #17 on: March 07, 2026, 01:15:12 PM »
Lovely bikes. I have wanted one since I was 9 or 10.

Agree, me too. The guy has not sold it, but will not budge on price. I’m afraid it’s more than I want to pay……

Offline MauiK3

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #18 on: March 07, 2026, 01:39:36 PM »
Maybe he doesn’t really want to sell it, not motivated to sell.
I’m too short for such bikes, my K3 750 is almost too tall.
If you keep looking you will find one that lines with your expectations.
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #19 on: March 07, 2026, 02:20:14 PM »
These are extremely rare in Canada….. I have another motorcycle for sale. If it goes, I will have almost justified another Honda!

Offline MauiK3

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #20 on: March 09, 2026, 09:40:42 AM »
What are you selling?
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #21 on: March 09, 2026, 03:45:08 PM »
1914 Wanderer 4PS.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #22 on: March 10, 2026, 07:34:26 AM »
1914 Wanderer 4PS.

Hey John...just curious, what is the value?

This one sold for $10K Euro in Sweden and it's a project, "the engine does not go around"!

https://auctionet.com/en/3485465-wanderer-model-4ps-germany-circa-1914
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #23 on: March 10, 2026, 08:36:25 AM »
1914 Wanderer 4PS.

Hey John...just curious, what is the value?

This one sold for $10K Euro in Sweden and it's a project, "the engine does not go around"!

https://auctionet.com/en/3485465-wanderer-model-4ps-germany-circa-1914

Looking for that. Guy is coming with cash on Sat. It’s not mine, the owner has passed  away and I want it out of my shop…… he’ll probably get a good deal. He and his Dad have a shop in Quebec and restore very old bikes.
« Last Edit: March 10, 2026, 08:38:15 AM by BenelliSEI »

Offline MauiK3

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Re: 1989 Honda Africa Twin - XRV650
« Reply #24 on: March 10, 2026, 10:18:22 AM »
Wow, that's pretty cool! I wonder if they will restore it and make it run.

Side question, I see what looks like PEX water pipe on the wall, I imagine you can't let it freeze in the winter, right?
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