Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
older XT600 excessive vibes vibrations older XT600 excessive vibes vibrations
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bmth, UK
Posts: 148
older XT600 excessive vibes vibrations
Hi All,

can anyone give some pointers as to what things to check or adjust to decrease the level of vibrations on an old XT.

I know its a single but this one vibrates terrible compared to a previous one, anything over 50mph numbs feet within a couple of miles.

many thanks

here she is, awaiting your help
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 212
Engine mounting bolts correctly torqued?
Hi Lamin,

I have been thinking along similar lines though by bike does not vibrate as bad as yours from your description.

The first thing to check is that all the engine mounting bolts are tightened to the correct torque, including the head steady ones.

The most obvious reason would be worn engine components, especially crank bearings, or a previous owner having removed or mis-timed the balance shaft (some people believe that removing it increases power or throttle responce).

If you remove the lft hand side circular plastic inspection cap at the end of the crank shaft you can gentallt lever the end of the shaft to look for free play in the left hand main bearing. I have a little free play here but don't know how much is normal for a ball or roller bearing.

Good look, I will be watching i the hope that you may throw up the answer to my problem too.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bmth, UK
Posts: 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark View Post
Hi Lamin,

The first thing to check is that all the engine mounting bolts are tightened to the correct torque, including the head steady ones.

Mark

Hi Mark,

thanks, yes, I've been all round the engine mounting bolts.

also the swingarm pivot bolt , when I torqued up the pivot bolt after having the swingarm out I seem to have a bit of 'sticktion' in the movement

I did find this from mr lambeth in the archives:-

"Severe vibration from xt6s is often caused by a loose swing arm spindle nut and lower engine mount (allows engine to rattle against frame)
I have seen this problem on many high mileage bikes - if the problem is left too long the swing arm bearings will need re shimming to avoid the arm going tight on re-tightening."

I wonder how do you check if the swing arm bearings will need re shimming?

thanks
andy
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 May 2009
wolfzero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: uk
Posts: 434
quote "when I torqued up the pivot bolt after having the swingarm out I seem to have a bit of 'sticktion' in the movement"

thats when you need to shim the bearings.
the swingarm pivot runs through the rear engine mount and there are a couple of steel inserts in the crankcases which wear away through the vibes, this allows when the swingarm pivot bolt is tightened to compress the frame slightly and can bind on the swingarm pivot
you can replace the inserts or re-shim the swingarm bearings to give the right freeplay
__________________
XT 630 SUPERMOTO

GSXR750L KMX200

RF900 & GSX400X Impulse Projects
3.9 V8 Rangerover
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bmth, UK
Posts: 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfzero View Post
quote "
the swingarm pivot runs through the rear engine mount and there are a couple of steel inserts in the crankcases which wear away through the vibes, this allows when the swingarm pivot bolt is tightened to compress the frame slightly and can bind on the swingarm pivot
you can replace the inserts to give the right freeplay
thanks, I've ordered the inserts/collars as they are only a couple of quid, do you know what sort of fit they are in the crankcases, presume they aren't to difficult to push out & install....
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 May 2009
wolfzero's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: uk
Posts: 434
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lamin Sambou View Post
thanks, I've ordered the inserts/collars as they are only a couple of quid, do you know what sort of fit they are in the crankcases, presume they aren't to difficult to push out & install....
they can be a bit of a pig to get out as you dont have a lot of room to work
__________________
XT 630 SUPERMOTO

GSXR750L KMX200

RF900 & GSX400X Impulse Projects
3.9 V8 Rangerover
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: yorkshire england
Posts: 201
hi there my 85 43f got quiet viby a while ago ,the front foot peg mounting bolts were a little loose ,also the rear lower engine mounting bolt was too . after these were tightened up it was back to normal ,i will now keep a check on these regually , zigzag
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bmth, UK
Posts: 148
shim washers
Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfzero View Post
quote
you can re-shim the swingarm bearings to give the right freeplay
anyone know where I can get some shim washers, I've drawn a blank locally

thanks
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bmth, UK
Posts: 148
shim washers spacers swingarm pivot
just for future reference and searches, if anyones stuck you can get shim washers here

Washers

cheers
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
KLE500 - fuel consumption ?? excessive Froggie Kawasaki Tech 32 8 Sep 2009 02:54
excessive brake pad wear ranfog Tech 7 29 Apr 2009 23:18
Bad vibrations waterloo BMW Tech 4 17 Sep 2007 14:17
Vibrations Macca Triumph Tech 6 22 Apr 2006 06:59

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:14.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top