No Reserve – 1988 Honda Africa Twin XRV650 RD03

SOLD FOR: $7,062

Reserve price has been met.

This auction ended on July 27, 2023

Winner: IngmarB

Winning Bid: $6,600
Buyer Fee: $462
Total: $7,062

Next Auction Ending >

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

Although Honda finally brought the Africa Twin stateside with its revival of the model in 2016, the US never officially got any of the previous iterations — including the one that started it all in 1988 (the XRV650 RD-03). As the first publicly available offering to bear the nameplate, the RD03 was a direct descendent of the legendary NXR750, a Honda Works bike that dominated the Dakar Rally in 1986 and continued to do so for the next three years.

And here’s the thing: Honda kept it as close to the Dakar race bike as possible, even going so far as to task HRC with its production. Beyond the bright red, white, and blue livery, it boasted a large 6.3-gallon saddle-style fuel tank, a set of sturdy 43mm Showa forks, a box-section aluminum swingarm with Pro-Link suspension, as well as a competition-style dash and plenty of crash protection: a headlight screen, a bash plate, and some hand guards.

For the powerplant, Honda took the 583cc, three-valve SOHC V-twin from the Transalp and bored it out to 647cc. Mated to a five-speed transmission and a pair of 32mm carbs, this resulted in 57hp, 42lb-ft of torque, and a top speed just shy of 105mph. Two aluminum radiators nestled behind the forks took care of cooling, while a full stainless steel system made up the exhaust.

As Honda describes in its overview of the Africa Twin’s history: “While market interest in large-displacement motorcycles produced in the late 1980s was largely focused on ‘racer replica’ super sports models, the Africa Twin’s positioning as a touring bike with off-road styling was, in a word, unique. Moreover, as most off-road models were powered by small to midsized engines, the Africa Twin’s large-displacement V-twin made it singularly extraordinary for its time.”

This example is VIN: RD035003629. It came to Iconic as an import from the UK; prior history is not known.

The odometer shows 65,394 kilometers (40,633 miles).

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery, the oil and oil filter, the coolant, and the brake fluid. We also torque-checked the fasteners and gave the bike a detail.

Steve did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:

Fuel Tank Internal: Ok
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 2021/2021
Tire % Front/ Rear: 90+/90+
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 30/32
Brake % Front/ Rear: 99/80
Hydraulic: NEW
Engine Oil: NEW
Coolant: NEW
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Kill: OK
Horn: OK
Battery: 12.6V, NEW
Test Ride: 11Km test ride, bike operates as intended.

Notes: SEAT DIRTY UNABLE TO CLEAN

Modifications:
This Africa Twin appears to be completely stock.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Continental Conti Escape tires with date codes of 3221 and 4121.

The sale includes two keys.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:






Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean Oregon title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any Africa Twin stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!

Additional Information

Location

Santa Monica, California

Year

1988

Make

Honda

Model

Africa Twin

Mileage

40,633

VIN

RD035003629

Title

Clean

Title State/Country

Oregon

Private Party/Dealership

Dealership

Additional Charges

No

Total Bids Placed: 50

Auction has ended.

Highest bidder was: IngmarB

Bidder Name Bidding Time Bid Auto
IngmarB July 27, 2023 1:01 pm PDT $6,600
jerundle July 27, 2023 1:01 pm PDT $6,500 Auto
jerundle July 27, 2023 1:00 pm PDT $6,200
IngmarB July 27, 2023 12:31 pm PDT $6,100
AGhini95 July 27, 2023 12:31 pm PDT $6,000 Auto
IngmarB July 27, 2023 12:31 pm PDT $5,950
AGhini95 July 27, 2023 12:30 pm PDT $5,850 Auto
IngmarB July 27, 2023 12:30 pm PDT $5,750
AGhini95 July 27, 2023 2:30 am PDT $5,650
ShelbyPhoenix July 27, 2023 2:30 am PDT $5,550
AGhini95 July 27, 2023 2:30 am PDT $5,500 Auto
AGhini95 July 27, 2023 2:29 am PDT $5,400 Auto
ShelbyPhoenix July 27, 2023 2:29 am PDT $5,300
AGhini95 July 26, 2023 3:39 pm PDT $5,200
ShelbyPhoenix July 26, 2023 9:19 am PDT $5,100
AGhini95 July 26, 2023 9:18 am PDT $5,000 Auto
ShelbyPhoenix July 26, 2023 9:18 am PDT $4,900
AGhini95 July 26, 2023 9:17 am PDT $4,800 Auto
ShelbyPhoenix July 26, 2023 9:17 am PDT $4,700
AGhini95 July 26, 2023 9:17 am PDT $4,600 Auto
ShelbyPhoenix July 26, 2023 9:17 am PDT $4,500
AGhini95 July 25, 2023 11:42 pm PDT $4,400
munsty July 25, 2023 11:42 pm PDT $4,300 Auto
munsty July 25, 2023 11:41 pm PDT $4,100 Auto
AGhini95 July 25, 2023 11:41 pm PDT $4,000
munsty July 25, 2023 11:41 pm PDT $3,850 Auto
AGhini95 July 25, 2023 11:41 pm PDT $3,750
munsty July 24, 2023 8:57 pm PDT $3,650
IngmarB July 23, 2023 9:57 pm PDT $3,550
Boostin July 23, 2023 9:57 pm PDT $3,500 Auto
Boostin July 21, 2023 6:04 pm PDT $3,400
Elephants July 21, 2023 6:04 pm PDT $3,300 Auto
Boostin July 21, 2023 6:04 pm PDT $3,200
Elephants July 21, 2023 11:32 am PDT $3,100
Boostin July 21, 2023 11:32 am PDT $3,000 Auto
Boostin July 20, 2023 7:15 pm PDT $2,813
Andir13 July 20, 2023 7:15 pm PDT $2,713 Auto
Andir13 July 20, 2023 3:00 pm PDT $2,600
OpenRoadMini July 20, 2023 3:00 pm PDT $2,500 Auto
OpenRoadMini July 20, 2023 2:59 pm PDT $2,213 Auto
Andir13 July 20, 2023 2:59 pm PDT $2,113
OpenRoadMini July 20, 2023 11:35 am PDT $1,100
rhcranium July 20, 2023 10:18 am PDT $1,000 Auto
sahuarobiker July 20, 2023 10:18 am PDT $900
rhcranium July 20, 2023 10:16 am PDT $800 Auto
sahuarobiker July 20, 2023 10:16 am PDT $700
rhcranium July 20, 2023 10:05 am PDT $600
LiveSideways July 20, 2023 10:05 am PDT $500 Auto
LiveSideways July 20, 2023 10:04 am PDT $101
1313david July 20, 2023 8:51 am PDT $1 Reserve
Auction started July 20, 2023 7:15 am PDT
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Shipping Information

Continental US:
Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.

Please note:

  • spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
  • the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
  • additional details can be found here

Southern California
On a case-by-case basis, we can transport motorcycles in our van.

We are located in Santa Monica, California 90405.
Local Rates (one way):
0-50 miles: $150
50-150 miles: $300

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Please contact concierge@iconicmotorbikes.com for a quote.

Canada:
We recommend TFX

$1,500 for Los Angeles, CA to Canada is a ROUGH ballpark, please contact TFX for an exact quote including shipping and customs.

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We recommend Shippio

$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.

Australia/New Zealand:
We recommend Bikes Abroad

$1,500 for US to Australia is a ROUGH ballpark, please contact Bikes Abroad for an exact quote including shipping and customs.

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