Junior Member
Hi All
just bought myself a sweet 92 rd03 with 27000 km ers on it
it is stock, what are the top 5 cheap upgrades I should make before touring Spain and Morocco hopefully in one month
lights, just another bulb or a complete lightset
central stand: does one from a rd04 and later fit on it?
windscreen - gifi or another
crash bars - 100 euro?
seat i will leave for now
...............
thanks for your 5 cent thoughts, have a save spring!
kurt Belgium
Senior Member
Originally Posted by kaotik
The RD03 was produced 1988 and 1989 only.
Lights: Change to H4 lights if you do not already have that
Second headlight/Low beam is always handy to have in use, if you do connect it, make sure you follow the path of Honda, and use relays.
Honda did that on the markets were doubble headlights were allowed in use for the low beam.
Top 5 upgrades?
1. Relocate, or protect the two C.D.I. units (Part no. 2 in the picture) located under the saddle!
The Transalp 1989-1996 have a different solution (But the same C.D.I. boxes), I have bought the "cussion CDI unit" part no 1, to see if that will move the black boxes out of harms way.
Transalp 89-96:
The OEM centre stand from an RD04 looks different from the onte for the RD03
Check this links:
http://www.xrv.org.uk/RD03_FICHE/RD03_fiche.php
http://www.xrv.org.uk/RD04_FICHE/RD04_fiche.php
The RD07 stand, I'm sure will not fit.
However looking at this:
It's from Five Stars and is made to fit both RD03 and RD04.
http://cgi.ebay.de/Africa-Twin-XRV-6...ayphotohosting
2. Front suspension, will benefit from new springs, like Wilbers
3. Perhaps a GEL pad on the saddle?
That's about it.
The rest is just to have good tyres and a well serviced bike.
The RD03 is a great bike for it's age!
Wing Commander
crash bars from Wemoto for an RD04 will fit, under £100. Available in black or white (I think white looks best on the standard RD03 livery). Crash bars are a must.
Whealie (Wing Commander, @ Airborne Division)
Two XRV750-M ('91) RD04s on J ('92) plates.
Laser Pro Duro, crash bars, bark busters, heated grips, GPS, topbox, Alu Boxes, Scotoiler, Starcom, ciggie lighters and XRV stickers.
Member
Hello Kurt, I'm on my third RD03, you made a good choice. Centre stand from a RD04 will fit, I've fitted them to two of my 650s, the spring is a b*****d to put on and the lifting handle wont fit but other than that it's easy.
Fit progressive springs.
CDI can be iffy, I have just fitted a 'double ' unit from a RD04 when one I had started going bad when the engine was cold. Might be worth taking a spare for Morocco.
I've never had problems with light bulbs, if one blows just buy a new one.
Other than that the bike is a tough old thing.
xRv PiMp ;-)
In my opinion, you have bought the finest AT !
These are the items I would do to get the best from the bike and improve it without ruining it's originality, and with your long journey in mind.
1) Check the condition of the chain and sprockets, AND MAKE SURE CHAIN IS ADJUSTED CORRECTLY, which means looser than Honda recommend on the swingarm.
2) A good service with new air and oil filters, balance the carbs, check and lubricate the entire choke mechanism. Check all wheel bearings, and possibly fit Iridium spark plugs if your budget allows.
3) Fit crash bars, like the ones stocked by Wemoto. RD04 ones will fit.
4) Fit a centre stand. RD04 one will fit
5) Consider a tall screen if your are doing lots of miles. I have the Givi one and it is good. RD03 screens are somewhat harder to obtain, so get what you can.
6) RD03's do not respond well to drastic changes with the exhaust system. Probably the best system would be a Laser Pro Duro, but ask others for advice on what they are using.
7) Changing the Bilux headlamp bulbs to Halogen H4's is a good upgrade.
8. Rear pannier frames are good for boxes but also for protecting bodywork, so worth considering.
9) Continental TKC80 knobbly tyres work well with all road and off-road conditions, and are a popular tyre for AT's.
10) At some point during a long journey, your butt will scream out for a seat upgrade!!!!
Enjoy it, they are fantastic bikes
Bob
Senior Member
a better padded seat, along with handlebar extenders. this way you will get a really comfy bike you can ride all day, with no back ache. a cheap chain oiler from 'loobman' will also preserve the chain.
before going, I would remove and lubricate all the bolts which hold the brake calipers and fairings on the bike. what should be a five min job, can turn into a disaster if you can't undo the fastenings because they have corroded. i can remove the plastic covering, the front caliper and replace in the pads in about 3 mins, all by the roadside. adjusting the rear chain, again, if you have the correct tools with you will only take a couple of minutes. if the fastenings have not been touched for ages, which might be likely in a low mileage bike of this age, this could end up taking hours.
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