In 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. Automotive manufacturers taking part in this renowned 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 780 desert racer. NXR was the first ever, liquid cooled engine powered motorcycle to win this rally. The history making four valves, 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 is renown for producing many record breaking/legend making racers. Although the NXR was not as powerful as its competitors and somewhat disadvantageous for high-speed cruising, it had excellent high-speed stability and total driving performance. The NXR was able to complete the approximately 15,000 km, rally―which has been called the toughest rally in the history of Paris-Dakar―with almost no trouble. As a result, Neveu was victorious, followed by Gill Lalay also riding the NXR . This perfect race gave the NXR the name of “Desert Revolution” and after its victory, the Paris-Dakar became more and more tough and extreme.
NXR models and specification. Taken from the Japanese magazine RACERS, Volume 31, 2015.
NXR780 V45 engine.
Fuel tanks of NXR NT5D(1989).
1986 NXR780. Here you can find more info from moto verte No 143(FRA).
The winners of the 8th Paris-Dakar rally. Cyril Neveu and Honda NXR780.
A nice picture of the very detailed 1/12 scale model of Tamiya.
1987 NXR780. Here you can find more info from Moto Journal No 777(FRA).
The 1987's Monster.
NXR780 1988 edition.
The "office" of NXR NT5C(1988).
NXR780 1986 & 1989.
The great driver Gilles Lalay, 3rd in 1988, 1st in 1989.
The 1988 winner of Edi Orioli with her little cousin XRV650.
NXR780 in its last edition, 1989.
1989 NXR naked.
Details of NXR780 1989 edition.
