RD03 or RD04

[redsquare]

For those in the know which would you go for:

The RD03 or the RD04?
Give us your reasons for or against....

[BobA]

How do you answer a question like that?

Simple, I have both!

It sounds a bit blase I know, but neither actually cost me very much, and I'm just a guy that can't say no!

OK, so an answer.

RD03. I bought my second RD03 purely by accident believe it or not. For those of you that don't know, my first AT was an RD03 and that bike was transformed into a sort of AT/CRF beast for a TV programme. Ever since that happened, I missed the original bike, so I was scouring flebay one night, put in a silly bid and won the RD03 I have now.
The RD03 has the status of being the first Africa Twin, and really was a race rep, designed to look like the NXR750.
The bike was apparently assembled by HRC (although I doubt that) and does feel a bit special, i.e like it hasn't come off a production line. This is sort of apparent when working on the bike, as when you undo some bolts, they still have Copaslip on them from assembly. Not what you get nowdays!
The 650cc engine is sweet, and seems to be less vibey than the 750, and it also feels lighter and nimble/flickier than an RD04. The big single disc with shroud shouts "look at me I'm different".

RD04. The first 750cc Africa Twin. It's just so similar to a 650 AT, but at the same time feels so much heavier. Why? The extra 100cc probably gives the RD04 slightly longer legs and some more torque, but the trade-off is those extra vibes between 4500-5500 you get sometimes. Basically, all the bodywork of an RD03 & RD04 are interchangeable as they really are that similar (the nosecone is different but fits)
The RD04 also got better halogen headlamps and twin discs up front, a different (single) ECU but really it isn't that different at all. In fact, even the RWB liveries are similar (but definitely not the same)

So, in short, I have the RD03 for what it is... the first, and slightly special Africa Twin. This is currently sitting in the garage awaiting a minor rebuild when I get time.

The RD04 I have is (or should I say WAS) my work hack, purely for carrying me and all my tools into London, although it has also took me all over the UK and Europe touring. This bike is also (now) sitting in the garage, awaiting an insurance decision, after some numbnuts rear ended me.




Bob

[redsquare]

cheers Bob
some guys have all the luck!!

[Sohoeasy]

Hello matey,can't help with any answers but it's nice to see you back in the frame.I thought you had given it all up after the "Red Baron" was sold.Hope life is good for you !

[Cabby]

For those in the know which would you go for:

The RD03 or the RD04?
Give us your reasons for or against....

The one you had looked rather good, Darren.....I thought you were banned from bikes....Have you escaped from somewhere...

[redsquare]

The one you had looked rather good, Darren.....I thought you were banned from bikes....Have you escaped from somewhere...

Guys
back in the land of living (sort of). Looking at various options for the next project, trying to get an overview of the older twins. Also been speaking with Jenna about Yam XTZ's after seeing this one on a site. As usual she has been a huge font of information. Was really struck by the look of this bike, though one of the problems seems to be aftermarket parts. This isn't a problem with the twin as you know after my mods on the last bike I've developed a good relationship with the AQ and Boano parts guys. I'm looking about at the various options and prices the Yam and the Hondas are going for - we shall see.

[EL PASO]

The RD03 is the pukka HRC model, definitely built at HRC - sometimes it's possible to find various parts initialled in Japanese if the bike has never been apart before.
The RD03 is supposed to be the tallest AT - for off-road use. Built for the European market with the Paris-Dakar rally in mind. Although Dakar competitors made further improvements to the bike for the rally.
The motor spins up quicker because the bottom end is lighter and it has a shorter stroke than the 750.
And if you want to tune one, simple. Hordpower in the States tune the same motor (called the 650 Hawk in the US) and make it 700cc with much more power, although theirs are for road racing. Check out the website.

[Whealie]

I have only had experience of the RD04 but it is a corker. The standard model will knock the Rd07 for six because of the sprocket set-up and I imagine the Rd03 because of the engine size. I am sure either bike could be adjusted accordingly (I am about to down the oomph on on RD04 to get more mpg).
If you are visiting the big city, you'd be welcome to try the Zebra and even stay here (providing you promise to get back to bed before the landlady locks you out)

[redsquare]

I have only had experience of the RD04 but it is a corker. The standard model will knock the Rd07 for six because of the sprocket set-up and I imagine the Rd03 because of the engine size. I am sure either bike could be adjusted accordingly (I am about to down the oomph on on RD04 to get more mpg).
If you are visiting the big city, you'd be welcome to try the Zebra and even stay here (providing you promise to get back to bed before the landlady locks you out)

Cheers Chris
Spoken to the other Chris about the RD04 he's selling at the mo - he's away at the just now but is going to post some more images tomorrow - he mentioned it's airwolf's old bike.

So far this year I have only been locked out once - though did have an emergency number to call - however felt to crummy to wake them up so yet again it was a circuit or three of the town and about 30 b&h. A lot colder that time, however, had a good book with me to keep me company till 7ish.

[Cabby]

I keep looking at cheap Supertens and TDM's on ebay....daydreaming of ways to fill the gap whilst I patiently await a new engine to turn up for my Alp...( started with a tapping sound .)They seem a bit rare....... But I like my Alp...It really is dual purpose....Doubles as a f**king garage shelf...

Whealie ...never got to work ...Hire light full of water..soaked the meter...daren't switch it on tonight...