Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
opinions wanted on Africa Twins opinions wanted on Africa Twins
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Perth
Posts: 263
opinions wanted on Africa Twins
Hi

I'd like some opinions on which is the best africa twin if possible.

For example are the older ones more rugged with steel frames etc and are they really that much better than the 650 transalps (transalps are somewhat lighter)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Aug 2006
sa6 sa6 is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: from uk/ living in oslo norway
Posts: 12
Easy one is to dump the std can. They weigh a shiteload. i think it weighs around 9kgs.

Also Engine crash Bars are a good idea.

also cheek out this fourm the guy the are ever so helfull.lot's of info

http://www.xrv.org.uk

regards

Andrew
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Aug 2006
markincyberspace's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Brighton, UK
Posts: 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by martync
Hi

I'd like some opinions on which is the best africa twin if possible.

For example are the older ones more rugged with steel frames etc and are they really that much better than the 650 transalps (transalps are somewhat lighter)
It depends what you're going to be using the bike for. One up or two up? I tried a Transalp, but two up it seemed a little sluggish. The extra 100cc does seem to make a bit more diff. (despite the extra weight) and there's a lot more pillion room.

Later models have progressive springs, but don't have drainage bolts in the forks, so if you what to change the oil, you'll need to drop the forks. If you go for an RD07 (later..97?-03) change the fuel pump (details at XRV.org.uk), as the contacts on the stock one will corrode.

If you need a testimony to the ruggedness of the bike, read:
http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6054
__________________
Two wheels good,
Four wheels bad (unless it's two bikes).

http://www.markincyberspace.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Cumbria, UK
Posts: 38
Brilliant bikes, very underrated. Unswervingly reliable. Robust enough and quite capable off-road. Great handling on-road.

Basic run down of models:

RD03 - 650cc 1988-90 (?) and rare in the UK
RD04 - 750cc 1989-92 (looks very similar to an RD03 but has twin headlamps, twin front discs, etc.)
RD07 - 750cc 1993-1995 (a very different looking bike from the preceeding ones)
RD07a - 1996-2003 (minor changes to bodywork, ignition and carbs)

I have a '94 RD07 on which I've done nearly 20k on and off-road miles (inc. Stella Alpina) in the two years I've had it (it's now showing 55k miles), and nothing has gone wrong with it in that time. The only time I've was stranded was when a rear wheel bearing collapsed about a month after I bought it.

Definately check out www.xrv.org.uk - lots of useful knowledge on there.
__________________
Current stable: 2004 TDM900
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 163
All later AT's are great.
I've just returned from S. America having ridden a '99 AT, 2 up for two and a half years. We covered nearly 100,000 miles and aside from the normal running repairs/maintanence the bike just kept on going. We used dirt roads wherever we could and did a lot of off-road. There's are plenty of good bikes out there but the AT is well up at the top of the list.

Cheers
Chris
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Now Alberta, Canada! (originally the Netherlands)
Posts: 276
Owkay, best AT......

The frame of the RD07's are more rigid than the RD03/RD04.
Also the fuelpump can be reached more easily, which is a huge advantage. ;-)

We (my girlfriend and I) have a RD07 from 1993 and a RD07A of 1996 (my bike).

I have to say the RD07 is better (1993-1995), because:
-You can reach the electronics in the cockpit better; just take the windscreen off and you can disconnect the tripmaster etc. On a RD07A you'll have to take the whole front off
-4 bobines instead of 2.
-No throttle-sensor, so less wiring to the CDI.
-Drain-plugs in the forks.
-Adjustable airpressure in forks
-Adjustable damping on the rear shock
-Personally: although the RD07's are available in better looking colours, I like the front of the RD07 better. It is a bit "sharper".
The rest of the bike is the same.

The RD07A uses less fuel. On a full tank the difference is about 1 liter between our bikes, when driving the same tracks. When I have the panniers on, and my girlfriend not, we use about the same.

Top speed is exactly the same.
Last edited by dstehouwer; 1 Jun 2009 at 18:15.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Wanted: Toyota Landcruiser in South Africa for overland trip Michiel 4 wheel Overland Travel 1 20 Jul 2005 01:00
Wanted: Toyota Landcruiser in South Africa for overland trip Michiel Equipping the Overland Vehicle 0 10 May 2005 15:55
Wanted upper fork clamp for Africa Twin Jeff@TheQuadShop TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 14 Apr 2005 00:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:46.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top