Today in motorcycle history, October 13, 1982

  

  

  Seemingly moments after exiting 'Salon de la Moto' in Paris, the German motorcycle magazine 'Motorrad' beats it's rivals to the presses and covers the new Honda dual-sport XLV 750R first.

  The XLV750R was Honda's first two cylinder dual-sport motorcycle. It featured an air/oil-cooled V-twin engine with hydraulic tappets, three valves per head (two inlet valves / one exhaust valve), two plugs per cylinder and the crankshaft with off-set pins. A dry sump lubrication system with the main frame acting as an oil pump and shaft drive. Eye-catching air scoops mounted below the fuel tank on either side of the bike to increase the cooling to the rear cylinder.

  Speaking of eye-catching, initially the XLV's paint scheme was offered in the colors of the Honda racing team, namely blue, white, and red, with a red engine, red fork lower-legs and red hubs.

  The XLV750R was manufactured from 1983-1986 and was initially intended for the European market only (with the exception of the UK), but from 1985 on, it was also sold in Australia and New Zealand.  The XLV was the forerunner of both Honda's Transalp and the Africa twin.

  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk