Description
Honda's first adventure bike. The bike was built to compete with the BMW GS800 and was a much more technically advanced machine. The bike sold about 10, 000 units over a three-year period after which Honda introduced the Transalp and Africa Twin, the rest is history.
Now a rare machine this is number 167 of the original first production run in 1983 Japan only 'gold plate' 500 series. These bikes are for the time very high specification having hydraulic tappets, air suspension, shaft drive and a twin plug and CDI unit setup for "extreme reliability under the most arduous of conditions". The performance on any road or non-road conditions is very good for its time, and it handles beautifully with a very plush ride. This XLV goes exactly as it should and has been used for touring and the odd forestry track, it has not been used for serious off-road use. It is fair to say it goes much like a new machine due to its very low mileage. This machine is registered as a historic vehical with the last MOT dated 09/ 10/ 2024, it no longer requires either tax or MOT if ridden in the UK.
The bike is original in every aspect except it has a kilometre to miles converter and has the benefit, I believe, of a lowering kit. There are three previous owners, the first UK owner registering the bike in 1984, and I believe he imported from Japan when very new. It was bought from a private collector who overhauled the bike as necessary, however there was no major work required and apart from consumables the Honda is exactly as it left the factory. There are few signs of wear other than age, the rear wheel showing some cracked paint on the shaft drive housing, the odd paint chip (front mudguard) and some paint from the engine, possibly caused by a petrol leak many years ago. The bike has been overhauled where necessary and has a recent oil change. It would be hard to find a better example of the XLV than this one. This bike has always seemed like a 'gentlemans express' to me. It's a great bike to cover distance in comfort as the suspension is sublime and the engine smooth and torquey. I bought it as a do anything and go anywhere bike, which it has done. It holds up amazingly well if you compare it to a modern bike and must have felt years ahead of its time in 1983.
I love its uniqueness, everywhere it goes people want to know about it. Its a great bike!
