Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BELGIUM
Posts: 7
Africa twin RD04 1990

Hi,
My husband and I let us have for project to cross ameriques from north to south.
This year, we leave 1 month to Canada as try(essay).
We bought Africa Twin RD04 of 1990 with 45000 km from the meter.
We think of changing the bearing of wheel, the bearing of direction , the kit of cogs(sprockets) and chaine and all the filters.
Clean the electric connections.
According to you, what have we to do (on the motorcycle) to avoid the problems?

Thanks ,
See you soon



Moto Aventure Belgique
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Manchester
Posts: 190
Keep the chain loose very loose , as it is supposed to be able to touch the swing arm. Too tight and it wears the output shaft badly.

Fit a mizuki vacuum fuel pump (which has no moving parts) , Africa twins (the RD07 mostly) had a fuel pump issue which caused them to weld themselves together and fail , or bring a spare. These things die every 20,000 miles lest you replace it.

I would also change the fuel filter to a different fatter one and reposition it to be far away as possible from the rear cylinder as it gets hot and you can get vapour lock.

Change the reg/rec or take a spare the RD04 has the reg/rec just above the exhaust , it gets shaken apart by the vibrations and also the heat off the exhaust. It is best to re-wire this to the left side instead and put some cush rubbers on it to protect it from vibration.

Take the starter relay off (its the first thing off the +VE on the battery) and shake it if you can hear small bits inside change it or bring a spare.

Bring a bead breaker for the rear tyre as they cannot be broken on the road with your hands and feet.

If you are crossing central America I would probably fit a second fan to the radiators as I recall my africa only had one fan.

Bring along some different jets , in that if you cross the spine of the Andes you will need different jets to deal with the high altitude.

Wrap around hand guards , if you drop the bike the std hand protectors will not protect the levers.

Cable repair kit, as the clutch springs and the throttle springs are quite meaty and wear the cables fairly quickly.

Thats it really the Africa is a VERY tough bike
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BELGIUM
Posts: 7
Thank you very much for this answer, it will be useful for us to organize the travel in best.
In our luggage with tools, we have already foreseen(planned): classic tools, fuses, bulbs, movements of wheels, candles, kit of repair of tire, cable of clutch, cable of accelerator and thus a REG / REC in more.
We have already bought a new éléctric fuel pump from Peitburg and we 'll buy protect hands / control levers.
By,
evilune
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Mar 2009
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Ken gave good advice. You should also go to

honda trail bike forums for full information on your bike.

This link doesnt work - I don't know why, but just search for the site with that address.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BELGIUM
Posts: 7
I'll go to the site right, thanks .
evi
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Apr 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GENT Belgium
Posts: 503
Honda's RD04 - great bike

Great bike, I've used mine for travelling on, now has 80.000 kms... I'm happy to share my check list, if you send me an email matthew point mason at skynet point be I'll forward it to you....

I live in Gent, happy to meet up for a chat....

Kind regards
Matthew
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
WANTED : Africa Twin RD04 Crash Bars Zenarchy TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 11 Oct 2007 09:36
wanted africa twin rd04 ali luggage rc30rob TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 5 Jul 2006 19:45
Africa Twin Shock (RD04) in Nairobi vonnymc Honda Tech 2 6 Jul 2005 02:13
RD04 Africa Twin 'Flip Screen' Which one? miggy Honda Tech 7 19 Aug 2004 14:32

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:25.