Built in homage to the giant desert racers of the gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally, the Africa Twin is a huge, imposing trail-styled bike, powered by a rather softly tuned V-twin engine. First launched in 1990, the Africa Twin features fully-faired bodywork, including a large 23-litre (5 gal) fuel tank and a tall windscreen. A wide, long dual seat stretches back from the tank to a tough, aluminium grabrail/luggage rack, while a tough aluminium bashplate protects the bottom of the engine from flying rocks and impacts.

But, while the Africa Twin's styling points to off-road prowess, its detail design and performance suggests otherwise. The trail-styled knobbly tyres are designed for Tarmac use, and offer little grip on wet dirt or deep sand, while a close-fitting front mudguard quickly clogs with mud and debris. The plastic bodywork is easily damaged in the inevitable tumbles of off-road riding, and the 205kg (4521b) weight makes the XRV very hard to pick up after dropping it.

Kept on the road though, the Africa Twin works well as a touring bike and is also useful in town. There is plenty of weather protection from the fairing, and the large tank gives an extended range. The riding position is comfortable for extended two-up riding, and the rear rack is useful for carrying luggage. The seat is very high, however, and even average-height riders will struggle to touch the ground at traffic lights.

Although the 742cc liquid-cooled engine is rather dated and low on power, its

flexible delivery allows reasonable progress, and it is both reliable and economical. The long-travel suspension insulates the rider from uneven surfaces and while the twin-front and single rear brake discs are a trail-styled compromise, they work well enough in the context of the bike as a whole.