Rd03 vs rdo7

[will]

Anybody any thoughts have the 750's much more power , brakes i presume are better on 750 ?? also fuel economy , how much lighter is 650 ???

[BobA]

Will


You probably haven't had much of a response, as this question has been answered so many times in the past. If you use the forums search function on the blue bar near the top of the page you'll get a wealth of information about both bikes.

I've only ever owned earlier AT's, so RD03's and RD04's, so cannot directly compare them to the RD07, but I will say the following.

The earlier 650 RD03 is a great bike. It has more than enough performance for the road and trail (unless you're really fast and are comparing it to KTM's) and the motor just seems a bit smoother and sweeter than the 750.

Overall, the RD03 is not really any lighter than an RD04, but it does actually feel as if it is. The frame is basically the same, so it's not down to suspension geometry, and the tank is the same, so it's not down to wet weight.

AT's in general are becoming classics and a rare sight on the roads, and the earlier ones especially as they are all around 20 years old. The fact that they are still around and running, considering many would have been used off-road and had some rough treatment is testament to how strong and reliable they can be if cared for. Honda designed a great product when they made the Africa Twin, you just have to make your mind up which flavour of it, or look, you want.

Brakes on all AT's are strong enough if they are in good condition, but obviously not up to superbike standards, as you just don't need that stopping power for a skinny front tyre on the road, and definitely not off-road.

Fuel consumption is pretty much the same for all AT's, so expecting around 50 mpg would be about right, although some people report more and others less.


Hope that helps



Bob

[Kjell Lindberg]

BobA is right in what he is writing.

I used to own an RD03, and now owns an RD07A.

The RD03 is in many aspects a better built bike.

Adjustabel front forks, and rear shock,
More fuel in the tank,
Warning lights for low fuel,
Smother engine,
Quick release fasteners in the front side fairing,
And the looks and pedigree from Hondas early racing days in the desert.

The RD03 usually have less problems with the fuel pump, but have problems with the CDI-boxes instead.
This is caused by the bottom of the saddle that put pressure on to the connections of the CDI-boxes, and could be avoided by raising the saddle or making a hole in the saddle bottom just above the contacts.
A few spareparts is impossible to obtain, as the saddle, fueltank and headlight grille, but I'm surprised that Honda still can supply nearly all other parts.
Also since the RD03 were never sold in huge numbers, there are not that many second hand parts around.

The RD07A is just somewhat dearer on fuel comsumption, and better for short legged drivers as my self.
It also have slightly better front brakes, just as BobA pointed out.

There are also more after market parts made for the RD07.

I love the RD03 and I really like my RD07A, but knowing them both, I think the best bike to own would actually be the RD04 that still have the "race look" from the 750 Marathon, and som updates done when compared with the RD03.
RD04 have twin front discs, longer swing arm, wider rear rim, and a more stylish rear end.

When it comes to the choise between an RD03 and an RD07, I would pick the best individual for the money, since the technical differences between the two is not as important as the difference between a well serviced and pampered one and a neglected one.

[will]

Thanks Bob and kjell i was looking for rdo7 and then mate who bought my old rd03 said he wasn't using it anymore did i want it back i really liked it when i had it but remember thinking the front brake was a bit weak also i thought the rd07 had bit more go but i must admit i'm tempted to get her back i did fair bit of work on her preparing it for off road trips , I'm just getting over broken leg (3 spirals and broken ankle ) did it on enduro in wales in may still in removable cast now so no more enduro's for me ktm is sold looking for something bit more sedate some gentle green laning and transport for work thanks Will

[holla]

BobA is right in what he is writing.

I used to own an RD03, and now owns an RD07A.

I've not been on here for a while but is this true Kjell, You sold your RD03 ???

[Jim Davis]

I LOVE my RD03, but I didn't get an AT for big power. It's a classic and is altogether perfect for its purposes.

[Kjell Lindberg]

I've not been on here for a while but is this true Kjell, You sold your RD03 ???

Hello HOLLA!

Yes, it's true, I sold it, and I can't remember why anymore,,,

I will get myself another RD03 ASAP.
I will keep my RD07 for everyday transportation, and just fiddle & polish with the RD03.

Just waiting for springtime and all those RD03 4-sale advertisments,,,

//Kjell

[will]

Think iv'e answered my own question just bought rd07a

[AlanH]

mate who bought my old rd03 said he wasn't using it anymore did i want it back

Well if you're not having it back and he wants to sell - post the details here. The RD03 is arguably the sweetest of the bunch.

[will]

Ok will try again i did suggest that in november but he didn't seem to keen don't no why