I have just found the wonderful world of bikes and have bought my first bike that I was told was an XV750SE BUT! i'm not so sure. So as i am a virgin at bikes I need some help to see exactly what bike I have and what better place to ask.
Looking through your galleries my bike is exactly the same as the Silver TR1 1981, chain driven, seats, frame, all match except the engineAs I understand TR1's are 1000cc (ish) but mine is a 750cc.  Any help the engine number is 5E5, imported into the UK 4 years ago.
If anyone could help it would be wonderful - as no-one as yet has been able too.
Looking forward to hearing from someone
Claire

If it has chain drive it's either a XV 920 or a TR1. In my Haynes manual, that covers all XVs and the TR1, I can't find the engine number 5E5. There is 5H1 for the XV 920 and there is 5A8 for the TR1 (both models). What is the frame number?
There are a few conversions around such as a XV 750 with a TR1 engine. That a lot of work because the left crankcase half is different because of the shaft drive. XV 750 with XV 920 or TR1 cylinders and pistons might be possible as well. I don't know.
If you have the chopper model tear drop petrol tank, it's a XV 920.
If you have the normal touring type petrol tank, it's a TR1.
If it has the rear mudguard that moves with the rear wheel and a square box behind the seat, you have the early type TR1 (5A8).
If you have a rear mudguard that's fixed to the frame and a tail light that's integrated in the seat unit, you have the later type TR1 (19T).
That's all I can say about it at the moment.
Regards,
Harry Spruit

Harry,
Thank you for your reply - i'm glad you cannot find the engine number either, we looked in the Haynes manual too.
I've not had the bike long but closer inspection we've come up with that it must have been imported from Japan (might be why engine number is not in manual as thats USA & UK only).  One idea is that due to their engine size restrictions on car engines (guess it applied to bikes aswell) maybe the 750 engine was put in for these restrictions?
But as you have described in your mail it sounds like the 5A8 - as said before put a 1000cc TR1 against mine its identical except the engine.  The chassis/frame number is 5K0-020628, but it is an encased chain drive.
Its been apparently standing for 2 years and yesterday it took a breath of life - sounds beautiful - just needs a good polish and abit of TLC
Thank you for all your help
Regards
Claire

To distingish the 5A8, older type TR1, form the 19T, later type TR1, look at Manfred's TR1 page. Probably the previous page before you got to this one. The silver one is the old type and the red one is the new type.
As being a Japanese import I have no idea about its cubic capacity, but its its either a TR1 or a XV 920. Not a XV 750 SE, because that one had a shaft drive.
Of course it may one of those special Japanese capacities, since they have a driving licence for small capacity (I tought up to 400 cc) and a driving licence for big bikes (over 400 cc or something).
I also heard another story about a chain driven very early 750, that was only sold in Japan and Australia, but I was unable to verify that story. So I might just be what it is: a story.
Harry Spruit

Harry,
Thanks for all your Information, its been a great help.  It might just be that someone had a TR1 and put a 750 in it, its definately not a 920 or 1000 as it has 748cm3 stamped on the engine and it is definatley a TR1 body shape like the silver one on Manfreds front page not XV shape.  So you never know that story you heard might be true after all.
Thanks again
Regards
Claire

In the US, a chain drive 750cc engine was offered for a time to help start a dirt track effort. I don't believe they were widely used, so a few may have found their way into road bikes...just another possibility to consider...

Hi Claire,
it is quite obvious thta you're confused about the type of your new bike. As I read all the answers and return questions it seems to me thta you have a Japanese TR1 with a 750 cc engine. Those types were actually build because of some formal reasons in Japan. I've seen such a bike 3 years ago on our yearly TR1 Meeting in Rossbach, Bavaria. Maybe Piet Kottas knows more about this type of Bike.
But if it is such a version it should exactly look like a TR1 but has the 750 cylinder heads on. The rest of the motor is identical anyway beside the chain driveversusu the shaft drive at the XV 750. It shouldn't be a XV 750 SE, that was a socalled "sodt chopper" and it looks much different in its overall appearance than a TR1.
Perhaps those thoughts may help you.
Enjoy your Bike, it's definetely a fascinating one.
Regards from Augsburg
Armin

haven,t got a clue what bike it is but welcome  to the site , let,s have a pic. of this cycle .

Thanks for everybody's comments regarding my new pride and joy - seems I have picked a strange one - bit like the owner really.
I shall send a picture as soon as she's had a clean - she is in need of a bit of Tender Loving Care at present.
Great Site by the way! Keep it up
Regards
Claire

Hi Claire,
        I think you'll find that your bike may be the 750 virago (usa) model.  If you look under the seat you will find a collection of relays, one of which is for the flashers, if american, 1 for the hazzard warning lights, and either two or 3 for the starter circuit.  if you have an extra one connected to the sidestand, then you have an american import, if not then it was meant for the uk/european market.
that any help?
Dave

Uncanny!
I have just bought a non-working TR1 by chance.
i didn't realize what it was till I checked it out on the internet.
Small world.
Brain

Dear Claire,
I've got exactly the same bike. Identical in every detail to the early
TR1, except with a 750 engine and some Japanese advice on the chain
cover and tool box. I also have the 5E5 engine number. There may be
some differences with the starter motor and oil filter compared to
the TR1.
My bike was imported from Japan about 8-10 years ago. As the bike is
quite old I use Lancaster insurance which covers the bike for around
£100/year.
Watch the exhaust as replacements are hard to come by.
Unfortunately, I used the bike in all weathers and over 25000 miles in
a year. The bike suffered. You may be able to get some MPH clocks from
breakers or XV Motors in Addlington.