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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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



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  #1  
Old 16 Jun 2014
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Xt 600e

Well i think i have finally found the bike to do my up and coming tour on, the Yamaha XT 600E
Going to have a look on Thursday 19th June, so fingers crossed although I think am sold It looks a good package and looking at the reviews, practically bullet proof.
The bike....http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-england-75137

Then it will be getting used on my trip, http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...lia-back-76545
I think the only thing I might have to do is change the suspension so if anyone has any views or pointers please let me know.

I would also like to thank everyone for all the advice I was given in my other threads whilst I have been making my decision on what to get

Last edited by Caps; 16 Jun 2014 at 11:20. Reason: update
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  #2  
Old 16 Jun 2014
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Hello Caps,
i would buy the XT600, it looks fine and seemed well prepared for a long trip. My only advis will be to change or better renew the suspension and use soft panniers instead of the Zega-Boxes.
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  #3  
Old 16 Jun 2014
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Originally Posted by DrWolle View Post
Hello Caps,
i would buy the XT600, it looks fine and seemed well prepared for a long trip. My only advis will be to change or better renew the suspension and use soft panniers instead of the Zega-Boxes.
Thx
I am going to get the Magadan 2 panniers and yeah up rate the suspension
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  #4  
Old 16 Jun 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DrWolle View Post
Hello Caps,
i would buy the XT600, it looks fine and seemed well prepared for a long trip. My only advis will be to change or better renew the suspension and use soft panniers instead of the Zega-Boxes.
I agree. Nice looking bike ... I hope all that oil on the ground is not from the Yamaha? If you read in the Yamaha section here on the HUBB, there are about 10,000 posts all about this bike from many owners.

The only thing I might wish for on that bike would be an oil cooler. My DR650 has one ... really makes a difference in hot weather ... something you'll know nothing about in the UK!
Check with the experts, get opinions. It's really not hard to rig it up.

Yea, those metal boxes will stress and possible break/crack your rear sub frame. Soft panniers are better. No need to spend the BIG MONEY on the Magadans, lots of less expensive options are just as good for half or less.

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Old 16 Jun 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I agree. Nice looking bike ... I hope all that oil on the ground is not from the Yamaha? If you read in the Yamaha section here on the HUBB, there are about 10,000 posts all about this bike from many owners.

The only thing I might wish for on that bike would be an oil cooler. My DR650 has one ... really makes a difference in hot weather ... something you'll know nothing about in the UK!
Check with the experts, get opinions. It's really not hard to rig it up.

Yea, those metal boxes will stress and possible break/crack your rear sub frame. Soft panniers are better. No need to spend the BIG MONEY on the Magadans, lots of less expensive options are just as good for half or less.

thx for the info, i think its water cos if you look at the first photo you can see it on the tank, seat and tyre, i will look into an oil cooler
cheers
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Old 17 Jun 2014
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Cracking bike.. Pack light and don't expect fast highway riding and you'll get on just fine. I have a section on my blog about how I prepped mine.
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Old 19 Jun 2014
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Well i am now the new owner of the XT600E i went to see today, looking forward to getting out on it
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Old 20 Jun 2014
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Congratulations Cap, i think you took the right decison
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Old 21 Jun 2014
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Thank god people are still buying proper overland bikes... It will do you proud no doubt.
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  #10  
Old 22 Jun 2014
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The new toy

Liking it
Attached Thumbnails
Xt 600e-wp_20140621_06_30_49_pro.jpg  

Xt 600e-wp_20140621_06_31_05_pro.jpg  

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  #11  
Old 22 Jun 2014
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Man, that is a very nice and tidy XT600!

It will be fun going through it and learning all it inside and out.

One thing I see that's just a touch worrying (for off road) is the routing of the rubber rear brake line. Like the KLR650, it looks a bit exposed, vulnerable, but not nearly as bad as the KLR650 routing. A stainless line would be stronger?

On the KLR, there is an alternate routing and moving of the caliper.

Good luck, have FUN!
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  #12  
Old 1 Aug 2014
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1st outing on the new bike

This was done about 2 days after I got it, just trying to work out Photobucket
Attached Thumbnails
Xt 600e-xt600ea_zps1121051a.jpg  


Last edited by Lonerider; 1 Aug 2014 at 10:06.
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  #13  
Old 1 Aug 2014
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just trying another way of posting pics

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  #14  
Old 2 Aug 2014
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Great looking bike!!

Probably because it's exactly the same as mine!!!

Get to know it as much as you can...I mean real intimate like!

And aim to travel as light as humanely possible!

I'm planning a round african trip on my 03XT600E and these are my goals!

Cheers,
RN
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  #15  
Old 3 Aug 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rndef View Post
Great looking bike!!

Probably because it's exactly the same as mine!!!

Get to know it as much as you can...I mean real intimate like!

And aim to travel as light as humanely possible!

I'm planning a round african trip on my 03XT600E and these are my goals!

Cheers,
RN
Thanks for the comment

Do you have a picture of yours?

I am planning a Europe, Kaz and Mongolia round trip and a South America trip next year but i dont know which one to do first?

Have you uprated your suspension?

Enjoy your travels
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