opinions wanted on Africa Twins

[martync]

Hi

I'd like some opinions on which is the best africa twin if possible.

For example are the older ones more rugged with steel frames etc and are they really that much better than the 650 transalps (transalps are somewhat lighter)

[sa6]

Easy one is to dump the std can. They weigh a shiteload. i think it weighs around 9kgs.

Also Engine crash Bars are a good idea.

also cheek out this fourm the guy the are ever so helfull.lot's of info

http://www.xrv.org.uk

regards

Andrew

[markincyberspace]

Originally Posted by martync

Hi

I'd like some opinions on which is the best africa twin if possible.

For example are the older ones more rugged with steel frames etc and are they really that much better than the 650 transalps (transalps are somewhat lighter)

It depends what you're going to be using the bike for. One up or two up? I tried a Transalp, but two up it seemed a little sluggish. The extra 100cc does seem to make a bit more diff. (despite the extra weight) and there's a lot more pillion room.

Later models have progressive springs, but don't have drainage bolts in the forks, so if you what to change the oil, you'll need to drop the forks. If you go for an RD07 (later..97?-03) change the fuel pump (details at XRV.org.uk), as the contacts on the stock one will corrode.

If you need a testimony to the ruggedness of the bike, read:
http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6054

[Jim2002]

Brilliant bikes, very underrated. Unswervingly reliable. Robust enough and quite capable off-road. Great handling on-road.

Basic run down of models:

RD03 - 650cc 1988-90 (?) and rare in the UK
RD04 - 750cc 1989-92 (looks very similar to an RD03 but has twin headlamps, twin front discs, etc.)
RD07 - 750cc 1993-1995 (a very different looking bike from the preceeding ones)
RD07a - 1996-2003 (minor changes to bodywork, ignition and carbs)

I have a '94 RD07 on which I've done nearly 20k on and off-road miles (inc. Stella Alpina) in the two years I've had it (it's now showing 55k miles), and nothing has gone wrong with it in that time. The only time I've was stranded was when a rear wheel bearing collapsed about a month after I bought it.

Definately check out www.xrv.org.uk - lots of useful knowledge on there.

[Chris Smith]

I've just returned from S. America having ridden a '99 AT, 2 up for two and a half years. We covered nearly 100,000 miles and aside from the normal running repairs/maintanence the bike just kept on going. We used dirt roads wherever we could and did a lot of off-road. There's are plenty of good bikes out there but the AT is well up at the top of the list.

Cheers
Chris

[dstehouwer]

Owkay, best AT......

The frame of the RD07's are more rigid than the RD03/RD04.
Also the fuelpump can be reached more easily, which is a huge advantage. ;-)

We (my girlfriend and I) have a RD07 from 1993 and a RD07A of 1996 (my bike).

I have to say the RD07 is better (1993-1995), because:
-You can reach the electronics in the cockpit better; just take the windscreen off and you can disconnect the tripmaster etc. On a RD07A you'll have to take the whole front off
-4 bobines instead of 2.
-No throttle-sensor, so less wiring to the CDI.
-Drain-plugs in the forks.
-Adjustable airpressure in forks
-Adjustable damping on the rear shock
-Personally: although the RD07's are available in better looking colours, I like the front of the RD07 better. It is a bit "sharper".
The rest of the bike is the same.

The RD07A uses less fuel. On a full tank the difference is about 1 liter between our bikes, when driving the same tracks. When I have the panniers on, and my girlfriend not, we use about the same.

Top speed is exactly the same.