RD07 Frame Problem

[Ujeni.net]

Hi everyone, I've been a lurker for a long time now and finally, after years of searching, now own a 94 RD07. Wahoo!!

I've had it for a month or so and am in the midst of getting it in better shape after it sat for about 2 years. I was starting on a valve job for the first time when, as I was unbolting the left radiator, the horizontal mounting piece that holds the left radiator fell off. Its clearly been in bad shape for a while (judging by the rust). My guess is that it received too much pressure from an engine guard in a spill before I bought it.





So, now I need to find someone to weld this puppy back on for me and it got me thinking, should I tear this thing down while I'm at it? Perhaps now is a good time to strip and refinish the frame. There are some rust points here and there. Bike is running well after some sea foam and cable adjustments...but it sat for about two years before I got it. The bike has about 52,000km on it.

At the very least, I could use some advice on what to do to prep the bike for welding this thing back on. Otherwise, I'd like to hear from people who have rebuilt an Africa Twin and if they think it is worth doing. Living in the US means that I need to think pretty far ahead if I embark on this journey. What parts should I order now from Europe so I have everything I need?

Thanks!

[BobA]

Africa Twins are rare on your side of the pond, so it may be well worth a restoration, or atleast a freshen up.

Consider whether you intend to keep the bike, or sell it on eventually and what it may be worth.

I think the damaged mount could be tackled by any reputable local welder, and the repaired area perhaps treated to a coat of silver enamel paint and reassembled, OR you could strip the bike, get the repair done and ground off nicely then have the frame media blasted and either painted or powdercoated.

The AT engine and drivetrain is pretty bulletproof, the weaknesses (atleast in the UK) are corrosion on alloy wheel rims and brake calipers. Areas to watch out for are overtight chains which cause failure of the output shaft or bearings. If it's been well looked after, it will last you forever.

Some useful UK suppliers that will ship to you are;

David Silver Spares (OE Honda parts)
WeMoto (pattern service parts)

or CSMNL in the Netherlands who will supply most original Honda parts.

ebay.co.uk, ebay.de, ebay.it, and ebay.fr are all good sources of used parts. The German site is probably the best. Always search on Africa Twin and XRV750.

You've got a great bike there, that realistically should never lose any value, so treat it well and it will reward you for many many miles.



Bob

[Ujeni.net]

It is a great bike that I plan to keep for a while. My plan would be to take it apart as far as the engine (don't see a reason to take the engine apart). Here's a pic from a week or so ago:

[Kjell Lindberg]

It looks kind of...... Swedish

I like the choise of colors!

[desertjoe]

if you plan to stick to it, and there is rust on the frame, then its worth re-doing the full monty! there is a lot of help from chaps on this forum. i just finished a complete rebuild today, and the task is not as daunting as one thinks. if done well, you will have something better than the original, so at least 20 years of good service, and massive value added. search the forum for rebuild threads and have a look! its fun, have it!

[Paul-S]

if you plan to stick to it, and there is rust on the frame, then its worth re-doing the full monty! there is a lot of help from chaps on this forum. i just finished a complete rebuild today, and the task is not as daunting as one thinks. if done well, you will have something better than the original, so at least 20 years of good service, and massive value added. search the forum for rebuild threads and have a look! its fun, have it!

Very nice looking bike there

Joe only went to do an oil change and look what he did - the full monty - can be quote addictive but the end result is great