Honda NXR 750 Dakar

Competitors in the eighth Paris Dakar Rally headed south into the wilds of the Sahara desert, struggling over the dunes in search of glory in this torturing rally that lasts more than 20 days and approximately 14,000km. Automotive manufacturers taking part in this renown rally concentrate on reliability of the machine, which is more of an asset than speed. Honda will remember the 1986 Paris Dakar Rally for their victory in the two wheel category with the NXR 750 desert racer. Cyril Neveu came through the sea of sand riding on this superlative hi-tech rally machine, to reach the exotic shores of Senegal, making history as the first ever, liquid cooled engine powered motorcycle to win this rally.

The history making four valve, SOHC, V twin cylinder liquid cooled engine has a displacement of 779cc, and produces more than 70 horse power. This racer was developed exclusively for the Paris Dakar Rally by the Honda Racing Corporation, better known as HRC, who are renown for producing many record breaking/legend making racers.

Their painstaking endeavours are apparent in the NXR's slim, low center of gravity concept configuration. The dual headlights and cowling are rarely seen on these off road type motorcycles and they stood out as it sped through the heat waves of the Sahara.

The story begins, in the year 1984, when HONDA gave the green light to the HRC to develop, manufacture and evolve a motorcycle with racing specifications in order to get into the long distance race arena. This decision was not taken by chance, but in accordance to the motorcycle-market attitude of the early 80s. The long distance off-road races, were enjoying great popularity, which got spread beyond those, who were directly involved to them. The reason for this popularity was an event, which was commencing from Paris and ending to Dakar/Senegal, crossing the African desert. In a few years Paris Dakar became a myth in the motorcyclist world and even further.

The first Paris Dakar rally took place in 1979 and its popularity launched the off-road motorbike sales (bigger than 125cc) to 3.8 times more, in the period 1980-1987. The motorcycles with long suspension and bulky fuel tanks, established a new fashion. The essential factor for this new fashion was based on purely practical grounds. It is the simplicity of the single or twin cylinder engine and the subsequent low maintenance cost.

All the manufacturers, perceived the perspectives of this evolving market, pretty soon and the result was the production of several series of Rally Replica models, having big tanks, various easements for the rider - like electric starter - and a fashionable appearance. Honda, as the market leader, decided the involvement of the HRC to the category, aiming to be a technological pioneer in this field, which, in return, would have a positive effect on the sales. At that time the number one in the category was the BMW, until the mid 80s, when managed to win the motorcycle world, by finishing in the first place at Paris Dakar, at 1985 and 1986.

At the 1986 Paris Dakar, Honda finally did brake the monopoly of BMW with the brand new NXR 750 and not only won the race, but also the advance technological impressions, due to the fact that the NXR was the first water-cooled motorcycle that ever won at Paris Dakar.

This advance technology dominated the Paris Dakar for four years in a row, 1986, 87, 88 and 1989. Of course this was also the result of having the best riders of the particular category.

In 1986 and 1987 the first place was taken by Cyril Neveu, who was a myth in this field and who had already won the first race in 1979, with a single cylinder Yamaha XT.

At 1988 the winner was Eddi Orioli and 1989, Gilles Lalay.

1986: 1st Cyril Neveu, 2nd Gilles Lalay
1987: 1st Cyril Neveu, 2nd Edi Orioli
1988: 1st Edi Orioli, 3rd Gilles Lalay