1988 XRV 650 J-Type (RD03) RD 03-1000057

[sphinx]

Hi Jim,

My "Beast" is running, well actually it is running very well. It still has the genuine engine, which by the way has never been open (so it looks like).

I plan to restore it as much as I can, but I know that parts are a big problem. Please have a look at it is right now...

Regards

Erwin

[sphinx]

Hi Jim,

One more thing: Given the numbers of RD-03 produced for all markets I strongly believe that my bike eventually was produced on the very first day at all. At least my numbers indicate that to me - looks like it was the 57th off the line which must have been day 1 or 2...!

Cheers Erwin

[BobA]

Erwin

That looks like a good solid bike, perfect for restoration, and the fact that it is a very early production model, surely makes it worth all the effort involved.

From what I can see, most of it is there, and the only parts you will need are body parts like;

Front fairing and screen
Front side panels
Rear side panels
Lights
Instruments
Rear rack

I remember reading an article in a UK bike magazine about a company in Thailand (Bangkok I think) that did excellent replica paint schemes. They would be perfect for doing a fantastic job of restoring the original HRC colours, or maybe a race replica livery like the popular Rothmans scheme.

In the end, you have to work out if the cost of restoration is worth it to you, but rest assured the RD03 is a great bike.

P.S You'll get good money for those Baja headlamps



Good Luck



Bob

[sphinx]

Dear Bob,

As mentioned in my other post I guess my bike must have come off the production line on the very first days if not the first day at all.

Here in Thailand, prices for bikes are much higher than in most other countries I know of. I paid $ 2,200 for my "Beast" in a good running order but optically far away from genuine, and with many parts missing.

This is considered by everybody I know here in Thailand a "steal"...! Just 2 weeks back a friend of mine sold his 97 AT for $ 6,000 - and this bike was far from being perfect - This may give you some idea...

So far I purchased following parts in the UK, Germany and Austria:

Front fairing, Fairing left & right
Fairing on the front fork left & right
Radiator cover
2 Tank level sensors
Complete double head lights, gasket, brackets
Complete instruments
Complete lock, cover, and matching tank cap (unfortunately without the lock on the rear)
Passenger footpeg & bracket (mine was welded before), rubber for pegs and shift lever
New Marving silencer (buying an old exhaust is not always the best)
Complete wiring harness including all Relais, oil switch, fuse box etc. more
Choke lever, choke cable, speedo cable
Front master cylinder, EBC front brake disk
Steering bearings top to bottom (mounted already)
Bottom part of the rear Rack
Lots of genuine screw, bolts and pieces

and most sure I will get today:

2 Side panels rear left & right
Rear rack
Rear light
Rear mud guard

Cost so far... $1,300 including shipping but without Thailand Customs

Regarding the paint work I consider 2 options:

1) Original HRC (if I can get the genuine stickers)
2) Rothmans Racing Colors (which I do like a bit more)

I know that this is not all but at least it is a good start, and there are not too many parts missing.

Guy's - let me know what you thing (without telling me that I am crazy, because I know that anyway)

Regards

Erwin

[sphinx]

Hi Bob,

I agree totally, and I do have Thai guys who can do the paint job in any way I want. I do like the Baja lights, modified side panels as well as the modified rear rack as well - It actually looks good like that, but I want to buy the original parts.

I made the same thing on my Harley as well - way too expensive but I am happy. Everybody with cash can buy any bike, but do it all the way yourself is something different - at least for me.

I had been on a Harley event over the weekend, and wish I had my "Beast" with me because it was pissing like hell

Regards

Erwin

[BobA]

Erwin


You are not crazy don't worry! These bikes just get under your skin, and if you consider that you are dealing with a 21 year old bike, the fact that it is still here proves what a good machine it really is.

AT's particularly the early ones are definitely "Modern Classics" as far as I'm concerned. Restoration is a great way to go and I'm impressed with the amount of parts you've sourced so far.

I don't know what resources you have there, but here are a list of some suppliers for the harder to obtain parts. Beware, they are not cheap, but if (like me) you are fussy enough to want the correct Honda fastener in the correct hole, these supplier are invaluable.


CMSNL

David Silver Spares

Wemoto



Keep us posted with your progress, it's quite interesting as it's such an early bike.



Bob

[sphinx]

Hi Bob,

I too would say that the early AT's are worth restoring, because they made History.

I use all sources available, and purchased from Wemoto, eBay Germany, eBay Austria, eBay UK, as well as scrap yards found on the www.

One of the just told me that he may have the Complete rear rack and mud guard/tail light (and he will give it to me for free if he find them in time to get my purchased goods on the way to Thailand).

Good news, and all I can do now is wait...

Regards Erwin

[Kjell Lindberg]

Hi Erwin.

Funny thing! There are people that is actually doing their best to build their XRV in to something simillary to yours

(I like those XR250 Baja Head lights, and wish I could have a set in my garage for the future)

and then we have you wanting to return it into its former glory.

I actually like the looks of it, but an early example like yours would benefit from beeing taken back to the original design.

The Sadle skin and the stickers will be the parts you have to look the hardest for.

I think we all will enjoy reading the story of the resurection of an RD03!

Keep us posted, and hang in there, 'cause an RD03 is a Honda milestone in many ways. (IMHO)

[BobA]

Erwin


Kjell is right about the seat, and it triggered my brain into gear.

Here is an original RD04 seat, but this will fit the RD03 as well.

Honda xrv 750, africa twin on eBay (end time 16-Aug-09 21:48:09 BST)



Bob

[sphinx]

Dear Kjell,

Just to make you understand one thing: the RD03 on your photo is my actual bike anyway, and off course I do have the Baja lights.
The previous owner stripped it of, cut away and grinded/styled it to what it is right now. It's quite good looking but as I mentioned before I do plan or better said I am right at a full restore project.

My tech agreed with me on a price for a genuine paint job (he will even get me the stickers done)... remember here in Thailand this kind of job is not too expensive!!!

I had a look at the Marathon RD-03 and I would like to get my hands on a set of the panels plus tank (any idea who reproduces them?).

If not, I will ask me tech how much he want to make them for me - I am sure he can, as he does similar mod jobs for sports bikes as well. The rear tank is a different story tough

Regards

Erwin