Looking for an RD04- How to check sprocket wear?

[adam402]

Hi All

I am new to this forum as i am in the process of looking for an Africa Twin RD04. I am after the RD04 just because i prefer the looks of the older bikes. One of the things i am worried about in checking out a bike is the output shaft / front spocket wear issue. How can i check the amount of wear on any bikes i see. What am i looking for in terms of freeplay? I read here that the original Honda sprocket had rubber each side whereas aftermarket sprockets do not. Should i be looking for a low mileage bike which is still on the original front sprocket or had a new OE sprocket?



Adam

[foz1969]

if the owner thinks you're serious about buying, (10 minutes) they shoudn't have a problem with removing rear left bash plate bolt, pull down slightly... giving acsess to 1 of the 2 8mm bolts that hold the sprocket cover on (this will show if it's been welded on). Undo the 10mm sprocket retaing bolts, then slacken the rear wheel, push it forwards, take the chain off the rear sprocket, giving you enough slack to take the chain off the front sprocket. remove retaining ring & sprocket. Inspect.... smile or walk away! Wheel rim condition is important, very costly. Other problems are reasonable cost wise to solve. This crew will be priceless if/when you get one. Just bought an RD04 this weekend... project, RD07A getting jealous already at the thought.

[kitped]

You must remove the sprocket as the outer splines will look good, is the ones after the ring that wear, new splines are aprox 4mm wide anything less than 2mm is worn and will need replacment of teh drive shaft. Also check for vertical or side to side movement of the shaft this will identify any play in the bearing shaft which is an engine out and plit job to replace!! As mentioned above wheel corrosion is also something to look for.

[adam402]

Hi Foz1969,
Thanks for the advice. What sort of "freeplay" would i be looking for? The ability of the sprocket to rotate indepenedent of the shaft, or to "wobble" on the shaft. Sounds stupid but i've never had hands on experience of this sort of thing on a big bike at least. ( i think Kitped has just answered this)

Yes i am sure the crew on here will be very helpful, i am looking for an Africa Twin for an overland trip to Oz a year from now and plan to do as many jobs on it as possible to familiarise myself with the bike. My KLX 650 just isn't up to the job! I want to make the bike functional and bullet proof in terms of reliability.

Regarding rims i was planning to get some new Excel rims for their better strength and us the old wheels to practice tyre and tube changes.

I will post some pictures when i get my hands on a pristine RD04!

[Paul-S]

Welcome to the forum Adam

The boys have done you good above

[Oneill]

Just be carefull when buying one,I've got two RD04's one had the shaft welded as I found out.
If the guy doesn't want to spend 15 mins to show you,just walk.
I found out after buying for a dealer,a 5 hour drive home.

[adam402]

Thanks for the info all. I will post up pictures when i get one. They seem a bit rare at the moment, saw a nice one with 20k recently in Birmingham, totally original from the pics, but didn't have the garage space at the time.

[Oneill]

Just be carefull when buying one,I've got two RD04's one had the shaft welded as I found out.
If the guy doesn't want to spend 15 mins to show you,just walk.
I found out after buying for a dealer,a 5 hour drive home.