Honda NTV650 (1988-1997)

Accessories and Upgrades for the Honda NTV650 (1988–1997)

Indestructible. Honest. Always ready to start.

  • Specific upgrades for Honda NTV650 (1988–1997)
  • Improve riding comfort with YSS rear shock absorber
  • More stable handling with YSS PD335 front fork springs
  • Perfect match for daily use and commuting
  • Advice from enthusiasts for enthusiasts

The Honda NTV650 RC33 is one of those motorcycles you just can’t break. The V-twin engine runs smoothly, the shaft drive requires hardly any attention, and with regular maintenance, an NTV can easily cover 300,000 kilometers or more. This is not a machine you own; it’s a machine that stays with you.

The strength of the NTV lies in its simplicity. No complicated electronics, no fuss. Start it, run it. In fact, this is the kind of bike you can practically let idle and it just keeps going. That’s why targeted upgrades are interesting: not to change its character, but to elevate the riding experience.

One of the most valuable improvements is a YSS rear shock absorber. The original damper is often simply worn out after decades. With a modern YSS unit, the NTV regains control, stability, and comfort. Especially when carrying luggage or riding two-up, you immediately notice the difference in balance and feedback.

At the front, YSS PD-valves and new linear front fork springs complete the package. These springs reduce dive under braking and provide a tighter steering feel without sacrificing comfort. The NTV remains what it is: reliable and predictable, but suddenly feels much fresher and more stable.

The Honda NTV650 has a loyal following of enthusiasts. Riders who know what they have. Who choose durability over trends. For them—and for new owners discovering how good this bike really is—we offer targeted parts and honest advice.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Honda NTV650

Why install a new rear shock absorber?
After decades, the original damper loses its effectiveness. A YSS rear shock absorber restores control, comfort, and safety.

What exactly do YSS PD335 front fork springs do?
They improve damping and reduce dive under braking. The result is more stable and confident handling.

Is the NTV650 really that reliable?
Yes. The V-twin engine and shaft drive are known for their durability. With normal maintenance, very high mileages are more the rule than the exception.
Our experience: you don’t have to retire an NTV650 just because the odometer is over 100,000 km, or even if it’s unknown how many times it’s gone around the clock.

If you have questions about your Honda NTV650 (1988–1997) or are unsure about the right upgrade, please contact us. We’re happy to help you with knowledge and passion.

Knowledge Sharing:

  • As far as known, the 1988-1992 models (with Revere on the tank) have NH240M Saturn Silver Metallic as the color code for the frame and engine block, and the 1993-1997 models (with NTV on the tank) have NH211M Honda Alimite B Silver Metallic
  • Which engine oil? An NTV is not picky; use a good quality 10W-40 motorcycle oil (not car oil, as that will damage the engine) and you’re good. 2.4L without oil filter or 2.6L including oil filter
  • Which brake fluid? A good Dot 3 or Dot 4, but again, nothing very specific
  • E-mark on the exhaust? Not necessary, but the noise level must remain within limits. From 1999 (Euro 1) replacement exhausts for street use must have a valid E-mark matching the motorcycle type.
    For older motorcycles, like the NTV650 (1988–1997), the exhaust must not produce more noise than the original type approval.
    An exhaust without an E-mark can still cause issues during inspection, even for older models, but an E-mark for the NTV650 simply does not exist.
  • The engine is known for not protesting immediately even with light neglect. Not recommended, but it says something about the margin Honda built in.
  • Our experience with jetting for open exhaust;
    – Idle jet #42 → possibly #45 for stable idle with open filters.
    – Main jets ~132–138 OEM → 140–150+ with open air filter or sport exhaust
  • Models: from 1988-1992 you have the NTV650 Revere (with 'Revere' on the tank) and from 1993-1997 the NTV650 (without Revere, with 'NTV' on the tank). Essentially, these are the same motorcycles, almost everything is interchangeable between them.
    What’s different?
    • The Revere has clip-ons, the NTV650 has a handlebar in risers
    • The Revere has the fuse box under a flap on the upper triple clamp, between the clip-ons; the NTV650 has it under the right cover beneath the seat
    • The front fork of the NTV650 Revere is slightly longer at 610mm than the 597mm of the NTV650. The internals and seals are identical; it’s just a different fork length and therefore longer bushings in the fork
    • The exhaust of the 1988-1992 NTV650 Revere and the 1993-1994 NTV650 is shorter than that of the 1995-1997 NTV650 due to noise regulations, but in terms of placement and mounting points, both are identical
    • Dashboard: the dashboards are unfortunately not interchangeable. On the Revere models, the speedometer is slightly larger than the tachometer; on the NTV650 they are the same size. On the Revere, the indicator lights for neutral, turn signals, and high beam are between the gauges; on the NTV650 they are below the gauges.
    • Wiring harness: also unfortunately not (easily) interchangeable due to the different dash and fuse box
    • The power of the 1988-1992 models was around 56 hp and 56 Nm new; for the later models, this was 53 hp and about 53 Nm
Honda NTV650 (1988-1997)

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