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

[sphinx]

Hi everybody,

I would like to find out more about the history of my bike, but so far everywhere I find only frame numbers starting with RD-03 5......

The numbers on my bike (engine & frame) however is RD 03-1000057

Looks to me like it must be a very early one from Japan, but I am not sure! Also I would like to know if these models had other colors (it was red/black before the brevious owner painted it black)

Any ideas please?

Thanks

[BobA]

Hello Sphinx


I believe that you may have a Japanese model, but I think even these had the red, white, blue livery as standard.

Does your bike feature an extra warning light under the clocks which is labelled "SPEED", as I have seen pictures of a Japanese bike with this unusual feature.

Some info HERE which I guess you may have seen, but is not likely to be applicable in your case.

Certainly seems to me like it's an early RD03. Out of interest, does the engine number correspond to the frame number or does it start RC31.....


Why not post up some pics for us to see?



Cheers



Bob

[BobA]

Spinx


Have a look at this link HERE

Jim Davis has a Japanese RD03 with similar a chassis number, so may be worth comparing with his.

Kjell Lindberg is probably one of the best authorities of the RD03 on this forum, and is a regular Sherlock Holmes and will probably be able to hunt down some info and shed some light on your bike.


Good Luck



Bob

[sphinx]

Hi all,

Just checked the numbers, and they are like following:

Frame: RD 03-1000057
Engine: RD 31E-1005057

I would say these numbers are matching, but I can't say anything about the additional "SPEED" light, because my bike was stripped off pretty much, and I try to restore/find the missing parts.

Regards

[Kjell Lindberg]

I have read about other owners of RD03 bikes with frame and engine s/n very similar to yours, and I do not find it unlikley that your bike is a Japan home market model.

I have no documentation concerning the Japan market bikes.
I only know that at least some of them have a separate warning light indicating speeds above 88 km/h.

The lamp looks just like the lamp for the kick stand indication warning light, only there is a lable with SPEED written on it.

As far as I know, the only livery of the mighty RD03 is RED/WHITE/BLUE.
(HRC colors).

Best of Luck with fixing your bike up!
The RD03 is a nice piece of machinery, and is well worth taking care of.

[Jim Davis]

Koh, we talked about your bike. Your serial number is even earlier than mine, but for sure both are from the first couple months of production.

You need parts, well it's going to be tough finding anything. You were going to tell me what you need as I might be able to find some parts here.

As to the red 'speed' light, if you don't have that you'll definitely need to buy that part

And I'm not giving mine up! Yes mine actually still works. I rarely go that fast though, as mine has semi knobbies and I use it for short trips on the rough roads. That light does come on once I'm flying up the bypass though.

Have you got any better pictures of your beast? Is it running? I mean you only need enough parts to get it running, right? If it's running you don't need parts. It's not like you're going to rebuild it back like new. If you want a like new one, just come over here and pick one up from auction.

[Kjell Lindberg]

If you want a like new one, just come over here and pick one up from auction.

How sweet words for those of us trying to detail our machines back to sales room standard. ()

But then again, you are totally right!

If it's an old battered hack, just keep it running, and enjoy it for what it is.

If you want "show room and all total original", then find one that's already in that level of state or as close as possible, unless you like to fiddle and polish, and search the net for parts, and are supplied with a wallet of substantional size .

[Jim Davis]

Well yes, it sounds like our friend's bike is missing many bits. Considering how hard it will be to get parts to Thailand, think that's where he is.

I get the impression that bike IS running though.

When I was younger I liked to fix up bikes. Now I like to buy low mileage bikes. I'd pay much much more to get one I don't have to spend a fortune on and I can just ride and ride worry free.

I think new parts will be expensive if I do find them, and shipping to there won't be cheap. But it seems to me these countries they never throw anything out. A thorough scouring might turn up everything needed.

That could be fun, hunting parts by riding your beater all over the country looking for RD03 parts... then write a book about it - take lots of photos.

[BobA]

'Tis funny, I have lived in both worlds, and to an extent still do a bit!

I started my motorcycling life with Italian sportsbikes, using them, but also caring abundantly for them, worrying they might get scratched, or knocked of their flippy up stands, and lavishing them with proper servicing.

But how things change!


I am now on my 5th Africa Twin, and I have bought each one as a hack, knowing full well that they need work or parts. I've rebuilt them (along with other bikes) on a shoestring, enjoying hunting out the correct original parts and fitting them, and sticking to Mr Honda's original plan as much as possible, except where there are recognised improvements, and I enjoy every second of it.

I still have my sportsbikes and fuss over them with almost the same amount of care, but I just love my AT's and the fact that they are a fantastic bike that can be bought for silly money (once upon a time, but maybe not now) and enjoyed endlessely while riding and rebuilding them. I am the bloke that would be unable to break one for parts, and just have to try and fix every one!

Best of luck to our brother in Koh Samui, and I hope he gets his RD03 back to it's former glory if that is what he really wants.

This forum is a great place with great people, and that alone is enough to inspire anyone to restore an Africa Twin and become part of the brotherhood.



** EDIT ** SPHINX sorry for hijacking your thread, PLEASE post some pics of your bike, tell us your name (is it Erwin??) and best of luck with your rebuild.






Bob

[sphinx]

Hi Kjell,

Thanks to let me know, and I don't have anything from the original instruments at all.

Regards

Erwin