Honda Africa Twin RD03 & Marathon review. The classic bikes that won Dakar. Part 4 of 6

The Honda RD03 650 was the first of Honda's iconic Africa Twin series of Adventure bikes and Honda won the Paris Dakar Rally four times with it's competition cousin, the RX750. Here's I give you a guided tour around both the regular RD03 and also the Marathon Edition, which was created by Honda France for private enthusiasts who also wanted to enter the Paris Dakar Rally on a Honda Africa Twin. www.nightwings....
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[@RyanQuattroS1]

seeing this dude get out and rip that bike around is so cool hes a true enthusiast

[@trefod]

The evolutionary progression in this series is so valuable as a history lesson. You really get a sense of how Paris Dakar developed over time.

[@buncho888]

Since 2020, the Dakar riders have gone back to this old style road book. They get the roadbook on the morning of the race so the teams can’t analyze it. The gps on board is not a map, it’s only used to register if the rider has passed each checkpoint on the rally.

[@kuyperdavid]

Should get the 44 teeth guys to the farm to have a go. They are preparing to do the Dakar rally now. Would be a funny video.

[@twoeyedbob]

Brilliant idea 👍

[@aarongraham7177]

That would be a dream collaboration right there

[@acpunker]

Are they?! I might go back to watch some 44 teeth. Baz Von Jaz was always entertaining but 44t seemed all sports bike and track orientated. Thanks!

[@oliverlanchester2632]

Coming from a completely non bike guy, I've really enjoyed this mini series. It's a great addition to your already brilliant channel. Thank you

[@davidmg1925]

check

[@jsleeio]

Not going to try to convert you. But I'll share something I really didn't expect before I started riding: just how much I enjoy the "enforced solitude" of putting the helmet on and going for a really long ride (multiple thousand km). No music, no video, no phone, nobody to talk to... just the world washing by, as fast or slow as I want it to.

[@montegrainger9533]

Horse Polo Practice - First Stick and Ball of the Season | Equestrian kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYfaZGZmhLOIprs :)

[@MATiASSek]

Absolutely beatiful bike. Some ppl admire super-sports like r1, haya or ninja, to me dakar/enduro bikes are most beatiful machines.

[@MrBirgerB]

Specialist tools like super sports bikes and off road bikes are all beautiful because they're honed carefully to meeet a specific demand.

[@HONDAVFRV4]

It is all down to your riding style, where you live ie road conditions and if you use it for pleasure or touring. The old saying 'horses for courses'.

[@SorryIwasntListening]

Brought a smile to my face....Harry's a bit of a lad at heart!! love it.

[@sweetcorn1968]

Watching Harry review cars is great but watching Harry reviewing his “toy” collection adds a whole new level of entertainment.

[@TRJx86]

Loving this recent stream of bike content! Cheers Harry :)

[@gareththompson538]

Another great video. I used to watch the Dakar on Eurosport in the early 90s as a kid but it's only now I appreciate the magnitude of the challenge.

[@paulcrombach7262]

Starts up ebay, search: Africa twin. Search history, XT500, XL500R.. just love these bikes and the series you are doing about them

[@kamilr9518]

I was never particulary interested in bikes, but thanks to your films, about Dakar bikes, I have become a real enthusiast of them.

[@niklaswejedal463]

This (and the Cagiva) is what I think of when it comes to Dakar bikes :)

[@theoparker6434]

It’s a pleasure to see such a civilized chap enjoy throwing some roost!

[@davidzechner552]

Love the Dakar Bike Series! You should definetley do more Bike Videos!

[@AR-rs2dy]

Not really a bike person never having ridden one but that looked fun and I'm a real Honda fan. Nice one your lordship.

[@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft]

I found the channel after talking to you in the field the day you were filming this, and have really enjoyed this series so far. That shot trailing dust across the field at high speed is quite evocative I must say. Looking forward to seeing the big bikes in action :-)

[@scwrightson2683]

Love the bike videos... Such fabulous machines

[@oyleyhands1332]

I had to get my RD03 imported from Germany, loved it. I made the mistake of buying the official Honda750 when it was brought to the UK...big mistake, too lardy and regretted buying it before the end of the first day... could not get my 650 back so replaced that with Elefant 750.. My pals said...that type of bike is a European thing, they will never catch on over here !!! how wrong were they.

[@TMBigMo]

More FPS would make your videos look even better - especially when doing slomos. Thanks for showing the classic Dakar bikes!

[@bensmiling]

I have absolutely zero intention of buying or even riding a motorbike. Yet I enjoy the videos just as much as the cars. Top job.

[@orical2832]

Had the AT RD07. Absolutely mint bike and I loved it to bits. Could stare at it all day long. But I could just never get comfy on it. The seat was just torture, peg to hip distance to cramped and despite being a 'large bike', was quite small when riding with a pillion. But everywhere I went on it, people would stop and stare at it. So did I eventually because I just couldn't put my ar$E through any more pain...

[@dontbeboreduseadiamondswor4898]

After watching the end of year round up and the disappointment that the bike videos didn’t get as many views. I thoughts I would rewatch to try and get the figures up as I loved them so much!! Love the channel Harry.

[@mantarayal]

....."I can't help myself".....and then 135kph across a field...I think Harry is a) a legend and b) best dad ever?

[@niallmcmenamin7368]

I believe Harry is a grandad too.!

[@richardhead4786]

Great video and if you haven’t already found it the history of the Marathons is on this website, including the histories of the known surviving bikes. www.nightwings.org/Marathon/Marathon-home-en.html

[@simonstokes6561]

Looking forward to the Super Tenere👍

[@gordonmackenzie4512]

I’ve got the baby baby one in Yamaha colours. XT350 from 1993. Had it since new. Taking it to Loch Ness tomorrow for a second spin of 2021.

[@aumkar2]

Harry, would appreciate if you could do video on the CBX after the Paris Dakar series.

[@offseason9856]

I'v just bought an RD03 with 30 000km on it. Perfect

[@richardhead4786]

I was waiting for the video on this bike as I’ve bought an original Rd03 Marathon, it’s #20 of the 50 series 2 bikes and did the Pharaohs rally in 1990 and the Dakar in 1991. But it’s stuck in Italy due to COVID and I’ve not seen it yet let alone ridden it. So I’ll just watch this video a few more times....

[@harrysgarage]

Wow, well found! Could you share what sort of value an original Marathon is today? I expect it to be circa £30k, depending on condition but could be wildly out as I've never seen values discussed anywhere before..

[@richardhead4786]

@@harrysgarage values are hard to know as so few change hands. However, there are basically 3 types of bikes: - totally untouched and in the condition they finished the Dakar.... usually owned by the guy who raced it, appear at shows occasionally - bikes that were returned to road spec after the race and sold by Honda as a standard Rd03 road bike, these turn up occasionally and I found one on Leboncoin in France last year for 5,000 euro. I tried to buy it but the guy didn’t want it doing to the UK and wouldn’t sell to me. It had the race number etched onto key parts but had none of the Dakar kit (large fuel tanks etc). I regret not being able to buy that bike and restore it to Dakar spec, although the Dakar kit is very hard to find - bikes as above but later found and returned to Dakar spec with old stock Dakar or replica parts. These are most common and the night-wings website has photos of all the restored bikes Mine is an unrestored bike bought at a Honda auction after the Dakar race in 1991 but never restored. It’s spent it’s time in a basement and once I get my hands on it I’ll sympathetically restore it. It didn’t pay anywhere near £30k, but then mine hasn’t run for 30 years. I’ll happily share more info if you wish. BTW we met at the London concours last year.... I have the Lamborghini Silhouette.

[@darius2640]

first time I saw one was in my friends dads garage, had no clue what it was, but my first reaction was wow I didnt know they made bikes that big, how does one even wield this lorry around, also I noticed brakes with plastic shroud and funky stiker that says africa for some random reason, but you still can somehow tell even if you dont know what it is, that it is indeed something more special

[@stalincat2457]

I've had a couple (04,07a, and a 2018 AS.) seeing people walk past your bike and look *up* at the dashboard will never get old :)

[@Bladebars]

I cant keep my eyes off the cagivas in the back ground

[@cecilwilson5442]

Great to see that Honda getting a good thrash across the field also the jumps, well all of it really well done,, thank you for the videos ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️from Northern Ireland greatly appreciated

[@mpn7738]

Thanks for sharing this Harry. Just amazing

[@user-ij6xs4ut7j]

Loving the motorbike vids!

[@shandyholliday]

I reckon the bike reviews are more interesting than the car reviews.

[@pommycalva]

You are having fun Harry.Wonderful.CHEERS!!

[@gusgornall]

Thanks So much, amazing diversity to your content .

[@victoralley708]

Every time Harry jumps a dirtbike an angel gets its wings

[@peppemberton9948]

What you on.....

[@worldwidemattcam]

I love the bike stuff! This bike started me on adventure bikes... an icon. Thank you! Mxxx

[@alexbrown1995]

I rode an Africa twin from La Paz to the coast in Peru over the Andes and back again. Crossed the Salar De Uyuni and got bogged in the soft salt at the edge, endless sand tracks, hairpins on narrow rutted trails with trucks coming the other way. The bike was excellent - very good handling in loose stuff for a big bike, comfortable, good fairing. I'd love a new version but way too many $$$, sadly.

[@KSL12]

Love the bikes

[@Section9.P.S]

Another good bike video, very informative, looking forward to the next one

[@993GT3]

I'm in the process of converting a US spec Transalp to RD03 Twin spec. Love these bikes!

[@michaelnutzel2226]

I love the Africa Twin Series. Got one at home with 140.000km on the clock. Still runs flawlessly never had any big repairs, even tho it was ridden a lot offroad in the Sahara Dessert. It's an RD07 tho.

[@jameshazou]

I have a 1997 RD97 with 35,000 miles, which I have owned for the last 12 years. Original colours, but in 2019 I uprated the front fork internals. put an Olins rear fully adjustable shock on and lightweight wave discs front and rear. It also has an Arrow race exhaust. Awesome bike.

[@AleksandrHalas]

Nice!!!!!

[@mozaic_channel]

Shout out at 1:28. Pretty sure this is a photo of Roberto Boano, who is an Italian cousin who raced multiple Dakars, as privateer and factory rider. Incredibly talented and kind man. Taught me to ride dirt bikes when I visited during the summers. Love seeing this, fond memories of his race bike displayed in his shop.

[@griptopia]

Harry you are the only other person i know who's XRV mad . CRF1000 front end on my RD04 ? shall i do it or not..?

[@heathhouse6917]

This is wonderful - so interesting.... How about a series on wristwatches combined with roadtrips in a classic car to the factories where they are made?

[@peppemberton9948]

Love a bit of sarcasm 👍

[@humanbeing1675]

Very good idea. 😀 500t subscribers could be a nice opportunity for a special video. I hope Harry is reading the comments.. Haaaaarrryyyyy!

[@xjr13john]

Nice to see Harry can get excited by his collection of motorcycles, all be it expensive collection as well as 100K plus cars 👍

[@andyoram5815]

Brilliant little series your doing Harry; thank you 👍🇬🇧

[@mohba01]

apart from body work, the rd03 shares the same components of a XL600V transalp minus the aluminium swingarm and 583cc engine

[@dariostarsky8124]

Absolutely The Best thing on YT on the RD03. As I own one, you might think I'd be a bit biased, but my girl looks exactly the same, so they must be twins ;) Cheers for the vid!!!

[@GenaF]

My Great Grandad bought some land in the early 1930's so he could shoot game and his sons could ride their motorcycles. They made quite a worn track around the place and as my Great Uncle Charlie was something to do with Louth & District motorcycle club he knew others who wanted somewhere to ride so a chalk track was made, which in later years a proper tarmac trac was laid. My grandad and his brothers loved having the place and they named it Cadwell Park... I had lots of fun there as a child but as my Grandad and his brothers were ready to retire, it was sold in the early 1980's. Just think what Harry could do if U.K. farming collapsed!

[@charliejohnson8430]

Great series! The Africa twin is a stunning bike and one of my personal favourites

[@MrMarkusmonkey]

Harry and classic bikes. Complete ambrosia!

[@fofrt3004]

Best motorcycle channel ever! Focused So tired of brazilian crap where they talk talk talk and don’t say nothing

[@acpunker]

I love my Africa twin, and anybody who ever owned one always says how much they loved theirs too

[@caryknapton7233]

Sold my RD07 last year, those who have owned them understand exactly where Harry is coming from.

[@TheMirza1707]

I would love having Harry being my uncle.. he is freaking amazing ❤

[@ChrisBassTXP]

The Afrca Twin 650 is the best twin cyl. on-off bike, in my opinion...Look at the second hand market for one, impossible to find!

[@Fortlox_]

If you had to choose between the RD04 and the Super Tenere what would you pick?

[@jonathan9380]

I have very little interest in bikes but I've been loving this series. Harry has such enthusiasm and knowledge that it's always interesting 👌

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Agreed. My dad said I will kill myself if i get a bike. So stayed on 4 wheels except these days when i ride ebikes. 98km today. Proper bikes rather than thoses very noisy huge Harley's for people who need a lot of noise to compensate for their small apendiges...

[@nacholibre1962]

I'd like to see him do a review on the little yamaha TW200. Another classic 80's bike, but one that is still made today.

[@MINIMOTOMADNESS]

i was thinking of selling my 98 honda baja xr250 with e/start but after watching this i"m not sure now..

[@pw191164]

We are not so keen on that Moroccan Sahara mud here in southern Spain, when it rains it often brings the mud with it and everything gets coated with the damn stuff ...good video as always Harry, I also had a xt500 in the nineties, wish I still had it!

[@russcattell955i]

With a Southern wind & a rain shower we get some in Nouvelle Aquitaine France too.

[@steveluker8107]

Owned or still own the first four reviewed. R80GS and AT still in my garage.

[@dmitry_che]

hello. I have a question about one motorcycle, I think you, as an expert, can help me. sorry for my English

[@leemorson4432]

Not really into motorbikes, prefer my cars, but found these videos really interesting. 👍

[@Gorbyrev]

Good grief, my 5 year old Triumph Tiger looks 20 years older than that Africa Twin!

[@hughesja1975]

Love this bike, a classic example of function defining form and it still looks amazing as well. Thanks for sharing Harry

[@BerniesBastelBude]

your collection is really awesome, Sir!

[@benblakemore4195]

These videos are UNREAL! 😆😆😆😆 If you ever get to NZ Harry for a meet and greet, cant wait to meet ya! 😆😊☺

[@pbgd3]

A bike that I don't think ever came close to winning - The Moto Guzzi Tropicana would be cool to track down

[@MrSRV94]

I'm 27 and I've chosen the rd03 as first bike. Best choice ever, I'll never sell it

[@martinfisker7438]

Dakar riders still use paper roadbooks today. GPS is only when they get very close to the check points, it then shows exactly where the check point is, and they get a huge time penalty if they miss it

[@pininprestatyn]

You could talk about the sand of Dakar and it would be interesting.

[@bevans247]

This is THE Pari-Dakar bike for me! Awesome Harry, cheers 👍🏽

[@marcus7119]

Guys, what brand/model is the jacket? Its spectacular

[@andybowyer3602]

You look good on that H quite the racer!!!

[@xontheweb2376]

12:01 Was expecting the Great Escape. Could it be that Harry chickened out?

[@faniesmith]

As far as I know the rally's are still run with road books, milometers and compass headings.

[@andyoram5815]

Love the “ Harry’s White Bucket Sprint” at the end of these !

[@skaraborgcraft]

Having owned an RC33 650 Revere, i know how quick the bike was going across the field when the had the revs that high. Transalps are legends.

[@pudingpuding]

I love all the Harry's garage videos but these bikes reviews are really top draw, really enjoying the Dakar series 👍

[@joneldridge5513]

Ripping across the field on the closing credits...thats what its all about!

[@KLUTCHdot58]

XTC tyres? I used them once. They had my senses working overtime.

[@CXhaust]

Why no Suzuki DR750/800 in the collection?

[@onizlac]

Bello il servizio su questa fantastica moto, io ne possiedo una e sebbene ci faccio solo passeggiate tra monti e mare, trovo sia una esperienza inebriante montare in sella a questo vero mito del motociclismo.

[@nils_on_wheels]

Would you prefer riding a 03 or 04 when going on travel? Cheers

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

WHY ARE WE TALKING LITRES ?? - NO ONE EVER ASKS HOW MANY MILES PER LITER DOES IT DO - BUYING FUEL IN LITRES IS RIDICULOUS

[@philiptyson4000]

It will feel unstable with fuel only in the rear tank ! Jason a freind had a tripmeter you was looking for he also made the stand and he currently makes a riser kit for them

[@AlbertManiscalco]

@Harry's garage can you review the new aprilia tuareg 660?

[@kilroy914]

You're awesome Harry! Loving this series!

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

135kph across your field...wow

[@whylie74]

The bikes are great (rather have this twin than the new one) but your drystone walls are shocking.

[@sean-wh3it]

You have whetted my appetite to get a bike even more sadly my wife has put the blockers on the idea 😒

[@johnandrews3568]

Was that Charlie zipping the opposite way when Harry was on the ridge?

[@roelvanes1711]

Fabulous, *the* adventure bike 😁👍🏼

[@markonmotoring]

Of all the bikes in the collection the Africa Twin is the one I'd most like to spend a few days riding. Something about Honda, they always feel like they have been done properly. Maybe .biased having passed my test on a CBF500 and rode a Honda Wave 125 step through in South East Asia on some very poor roads. Again showing its ability to be able to handle more than you would expect it to.

[@terremoto7387]

Brilliant 😎crazy speed on the dirt 👍🏻