Paris–Dakar Rally (1986-1990 years)
Αfrica Τwin RD03 XRV650 based her legend on her reliability, participating at the Paris-Dakar rally. The conception for a motorbike which could dominate among the Paris-Dakar rivals, led to the idea for a motorbike like the ΑΤ RD03 XRV, which finally got materialized. The ΑΤ RD03 XRV took her sharp but proportional colors, from the racing model of Honda, which prevailed in Paris-Dakar during the second half of the 80s. Paris-Dakar was perceived and organized for first time in 1979, by T. Sabine, a quite innovator person for that time.
The 80s is considered to be the “Legendary years” of the durability completion. This intercontinental competition extended its fascination far beyond the narrow perception of the mechanized athletics. In an attempt to make the “elderly” to feel nostalgic for these times and to “educate” the youngsters, we present the pictures of winners - rides and motorbikes - form the entire period of the 80s.
The Honda Racing Team , with the notorious NXR succeeded in winning the golden medal, four times in a row – 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1989 – when she got withdrawn. In 1989 and 1990, the production model AT XRV 650, participated in the legendary rally, winning the first distinction in "Marathon" category both years.
Overall Motorcycle Standings
1. Cyril Neveu (FRA), Honda NXR 780
2. Gilles Lalay(FRA), Honda NXR 780
3. Andrea Balestrieri (ITA), Honda XL600LM
Overall Motorcycle Standings
1. Cyril Neveu (FRA), Honda NXR 780
2. Edi Orioli (ITA), Honda XL640
3. Gaston Rahier (BEL), BMW 1040
Overall Motorcycle Standings
1. Edi Orioli (ITA), Honda NXR 780
2. Franco Picco (ITA), Yamaha YZE 750
3. Gilles Lalay(FRA), Honda NXR 780
Overall Motorcycle Standings
1. Gilles Lalay(FRA), Honda NXR 780
2. Franco Picco (ITA), Yamaha YZE 750
3. Marc Morales (FRA), Honda NXR 780
"Marathon" category
Patrick Toussaint (FRA), Africa Twin RD03 XRV650. 1st in "Marathon" category and 16th overall.
Overall Motorcycle Standings
1. Edi Orioli (ITA), Cagiva 900
2. Carlos Mas Samora (ESP), Yamaha YZE 750
3. Alessandro De Petri (ITA), Cagiva 900
"Marathon" category
Africa Twin RD03 XRV650 of Tony Boluda (ESP). 1st in "Marathon" category and 18th overall.
T. Sabine(1949-1986), organizer of Paris-Dakar rally.
Info taken from: www.dakar.com
