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Africa Twin XRV 650 RD03 « MARATHON » 1st series - 1988   . . . The presentation of the project "50 Africa Twins in Dakar"   The Marathon attended the Paris Motor Show 1988 . . .   our Marathons ... The Marathon of Morand-Monteil, restored by Cédric The Marathon of Roberto Boano The Marathon of Paolo DiMauro La Marathon of Régis Auvray, restored by Cédric   The Marathon of Chamagne, restored by Cédric The Marathon of J.P. Heitz, restored by Yves The Marathon of Audot/Roche, restored by Cédric The Marathon of Hedouin, now of Mandy la Marathon di Jacques Palix The Marathon of Delphine, restored by Zogui The Marathon of Giacomo (ex-Saravesi) The Marathon of Carlos Miret Bernal The Marathon of Naouel, now of Fabrice The Marathon of Tardieu   The Marathon of Bernard Lebon The Marathon of Marilyn Lacombe,restored by Eric The Marathon of Gilles Francru (Dakar '90)     The Marathon of Richet, restored by Cédric The Marathon of Hugues Arancio       Eric in action! Yves in action! Cédric in action!     Modifications to Honda Africa Twin XRV 650 RD03 Marathon (first series - 1988) # to check       #Larger tank with approx 41.2lt capacity 4 threaded pins to mount a bag on the tank Rear aluminum tank, capacity approx 17.4 lt . Non-return valves on each tank caps Both tanks have bulkheads in soft sponge-like material to restrict the movement of fuel when full Side protection strips of plastic for the tank front   Special fiberglass rear side panels to protect the inner tank, left without opening for the filter access and quick release, and also differences in the upper tail Instrumentation including rally trip, mechanical roadbook, compass and document holder Engine cut-off sensor in case of fall   #Front fairing with built in air flow diverters . Reinforcing bar connecting the front side fairings   Saddles were well padded with pocket for location beacon Small luggage plate between the seat and rear fuel cap . Additional rear tail light Additional storage for tools and fresh water mounted on protection plate Additional tabs welded to the protection plate to protect the gear lever and brake lever . Modified head gaskets to allow use of low octane fuel . # Carburetors without chokes? . # Both radiators with fans . # Forks lengthened by 10mm? . . # Reinforced rear shock Chains guards were not used on the Marathon bikes . . Reinforced swingarm and CR250-500 chain guide . levetta di sicurezza su chiocciole forcellone . # Rear rim width 2.50 instead of 2.75 # Wider footpegs . . Side stand with larger base support Additional support for right side to lift the bike. Was usually attached with clamps protection plate. Through two holes in the bottom of the plate, allowed to raising of either the front or rear wheel Right fork guard cut to expose the spindle retaining clamp to speed up removing the wheel, not standard on series 1 bikes but many drivers did for the race . Shortened front fender at the rear and punched holes as standard '88 . Reduced plate holder   Chassis with serial numbers beginning with 5 (eg 5008xxx) . . Engine serial numbers starting with 5 (eg 5008xxx) . Painted numbers on cylinder, front and rear wheel of motorcycles participating in the Dakar . .