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 :D It looks a good package and looking at the reviews, practically bullet proof.
The bike....http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-england-75137 :clap: :thumbup1:

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

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

I agree. Nice looking bike ... I hope all that oil on the ground is not from the Yamaha? :eek3: 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! :Beach:
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.

bier

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

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. :)

Well i am now the new owner of the XT600E i went to see today, looking forward to getting out on it
:funmeteryes: :thumbup1:

Congratulations Cap, i think you took the right decison:thumbup1:

Thank god people are still buying proper overland bikes... It will do you proud no doubt.

The new toy
 

Liking it:D:funmeteryes:

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!

1st outing on the new bike
 

This was done about 2 days after I got it, just trying to work out Photobucket :rofl:

just trying another way of posting pics

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps542a0ada.jpg

Great looking bike!! :D

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

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

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 :D

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 bier

Hi Wayne,

here a pic of mine a few months ago...

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps3e48754a.jpg

Will be mounting the Acerbis tank this month and a few extra bits...

I'm still in doubt with the suspension upgrade but are more inclined to mount Hyperpro progressives front and rear! Still got to do a bit more research!

Cheers and let's keep in touch with our upgrades! :thumbup1:
RN

Nice pic mate
Yeah I was leaning more to the Hydrapro progressive springs front and rear, just trying to get some monies together. Which is really all I intend to do as it has already got 12v socket and hidden immobilizer, hard touratec panniers (but leaning towards soft), David Lambeth bash plate and of course the Acerbis
I find it very easy riding after having a CRF205X but for what I want it for it will be great. Its pretty much good to go as it is

all the best

Wayne

PS, forgot to say that i am trying to find a taller screen which will just bolt on and some TW200 footpegs :thumbup1:

Hey Wayne,

yeaps XT600 compared to the CRF205X! World's apart....

But again if you're travelling you need a "no fuss" bike...that's the XT! :cool4:

For footpegs I got a "chinese" alternative.
Cheap and sturdy!
Have a look at: Steel Foot Pegs For Yamaha PW 50 PW 80 TW 200 | eBay

It seems that your bike is already half there! bier

For screens I think I'm going for the:
Pare-brise - YAMAHA 600 XTE Desert 90/94

not cheap, but then again I don't want a cheap piece of plastic right in front of me! :nono:

Cheers,
RN

RN

Haha, i meant to say CRF250X not 205

I have looked at those links, Ummmm even more food for thought, will the Desert Screen fit on the 2003 model??

all the best
Wayne

Have a look at this option for you: this could be the future of motorcycles.

ZERO DS ZF11.4 +POWER TANK

Zero DS Electric Motorcycle - Specs || ZERO MOTORCYCLES

I much prefer the vibes of an engine, and the noise

First Trip Out
 

Well the ferry is booked and cant wait to go, got a week left, popping across the Channel to visit a mate in Hamburg for a couple of days.
The plan is to blast from Rotterdam to Hamburg and spend a couple of days in Hamburg before having a nice leisurely ride back to Rotterdam on the last day to take in some sights
It will be the first proper outing on the XT600E. Not fully loading it but will be putting some kit on it. But it will give me some idea of what its like with panniers on etc. :D

Safe trip Wayne...
don't forget to get "lost in the woods" ie offroading a couple of times....

Cheers,
RN

On the way back I will be going Hamburg to Bremerhaven, then to Groningen, then on to De Friese Meren so I can cross the long dyke bridge before heading south back to Rotterdam. I will have about 11 hours to do it in. I don't know of any cross country routes. Do you?

Cheers
Wayne

Hey Lonerider, nice bike. I have a 2002 and took mine to Morocco, and looking at a trip to Norway next year. I'm looking to fit pannier racks, but they don't seem to offer up correctly. Is there any chance you could take a couple of photos of the mounting points on yours (from both sides) so I can see how they should fit. Thanks, but no problem if you are not up for it.

I will do some photos for you no drama, but it will have to be probably next week, just got home from work abroad and going to Germany. PM or email me after Fri and will sort you out if thats ok
Thanks for the comment on the bike

Wayne

Hi Cambelt

Managed to do you some photos when I was getting the bike ready today, hope they are ok

Left side

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psfb35fc15.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psc4aabce0.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps377a7bc8.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psec61552e.jpg

Right side

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps8353eee9.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psf3cb2e10.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ps4b4df765.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...psa3203ae1.jpg

Great pics. That's really helpful. Thanks Wayne.

Testing Flickr
 

The bike ready for my trip to Hamburg in Sept 14

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3953/...6fd627f3_b.jpgWayne_20140905_009 by swcapell, on Flickr

Well I am back in the UK now, the weather was great on Bank Holiday Monday so it would have been rude not to take Arrunya out for a spin, so we went to Bridlington for a coffee

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7742/...82b19685_h.jpgIMG_0355 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8759/...e1edb991_h.jpgIMG_0360 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7796/...e307f398_h.jpgIMG_0361 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7671/...7fef8493_h.jpgIMG_0362 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7791/...3f9baf47_h.jpgIMG_0374 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Wayne

XT600E 2 up
 

I am looking at planning a 90 day trip with my girlfriend in Europe next year on my XT600E. Do you think it will cope with 2 up and luggage? Clothes, tent, sleeping bags etc. Has anyone used one 2 up on trip?

Wayne

I did a 1000km round trip around Argentina with a 6ft American guy on the back of mine while his bike was being fixed so we could get to a party.

It was cramped and not very comfortable.

If you pack VERY light, you will do it... But you will need to really wind up your rear spring tight on the pre-load of even get a stiffer spring otherwise your arse will be dragging..

Cheers Ted

Would you recommend the spring even though she is 4 ft and a tab end and about 9 stone wet through lol

Wayne


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Girlfriend abuse
 

Will she still be your GF after 3 months on the back of a thumper?
And does it matter if she isn't?

Those are the key questions IMO.

The bike wont be the limitations on that trip, your gf will...... ;-)

Joke aside - as TouringTed said a decent rear spring is neccesary and then the bike should be ok. The seat comfort can be an issue too. That said - there are other bikes that would be more comfortable for such a trip...

and your point??

Wayne

Cheers Kurt

Don't really want to buying another bike though, getting a better seat would be cheaper, also won't be doing loads of miles in a day, want it to be chilled

Wayne

It's good luck your GF is petite & light weight! :thumbup1:

But even so, if you're bike has stock suspension, I'd up grade as much as you can afford. With luggage and a passenger (even a light one) the bike will ride MUCH better with stiffer springs and better rebound damping (bump damping) in the shock. It will also turn better as the rear won't be over sagging from the load. It's ALL GOOD! Do it!

But as mentioned, the SEAT will be the key thing. Hire a PRO seat craftsperson to extend the stock seat, making it not only WIDER but as LONG as is practical. Even an inch or two makes a BIG difference. Using multi layer, high quality foam is very important for riding multi long days.

If seat is done correctly and your luggage isn't too overwhelming, I think you will be OK. It won't be a BMW R/T, but doable. Probably good for at least a 6 hour riding day without ruining your relationship!

Having a smooth and fresh driveline on a big thumper is also important for comfort. A new-ish chain, new sprockets, fresh cush hubb rubber dampers ALL help the engine feel smoother through the bars, pegs and seat. Vibrations cause fatigue over time.

bier

hello,

Can you post here some examples of the parts that you would buy for a ride with a GF on this ?

I'm also very interest ;)

Ciber

I take by parts you mean for the bike?

I got the bike from this site and it was pretty much good to go. All I have done to the bike to get it better to go is replace the rear spring (which is been done as I write this as a mate of mine back in the UK is doing it for me), I am also having braided hoses and thicker oil in the forks but this is personal preference. The only thing I am going to do at some point is replace the seat to make it more comfy

There are quite a lot of photos of the bike both on this thread and on my Hamburg thread (link in my signature block), which was my first ride out on the bike.

Other mods include, bash plate, heated grips, all the rear end has been strengthened, uprated head light, hidden immobiliser, 12v socket, 23ltr Acerbis fuel tank, which gives me about 300 miles on the motorway at 60/65 mph, pannier frames and Zega panniers.

Enjoy choosing you bike

Wayne

New Parts
 

Back in the UK again just in time to get Arrunya from a mate who has been doing some work on her and he kindly took it for an MOT for me. So she is now good to go

Had some new parts put on...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/399/1...b2603a3b_b.jpgUntitled by SW Capell, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/431/1...904db81a_b.jpg by SW Capell, on Flickr
New Hyperpro Progressive rear spring

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/...47d1a4b6_b.jpg by SW Capell, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/402/1...35f40e20_b.jpg by SW Capell, on Flickr
Braided brake hoses (which have improved the braking)

Cush drive rubbers replaced
lower chain guide
and a big once over, valve clearances, bearings greased, all oil, lubes and filters changed

Went out for an hour on her yesterday, running great. :thumbup1: :funmeteryes:

What more of an excuse do i need to get out riding!

Wayne

See post number 35.

To spell it out, GFs don't always appreciate the backend of bikes.

There again, there area more GFs available in the world than there are motorcycles.

That depends vastly on your GF, whether she is the type that gets on with it OR one that likes whinging a lot. Anyway getting off Topic its an XT600E thread not one on GF's

Wayne

Fair enough.
Only you know your particular GF; as one or two others mentioned, it is a very important factor which you raised in your OP - so it's not a long way off topic. ;-)

No, but I have tried it on a F650GS, quite a few years ago (and that was with a wife on the back who is nothing like as easy to ditch!) - it didn't work out because:-

It will be interesting to hear how you (both) get on with your travels.

All of my recent bikes,since the 21 century have required seat reupholstery.
we get,the new (?) technology but they should have kept the seat designers rather than replacing them with stylists. look at some of the major custom seat makers n copy the one you like ,keeping the seat level with a slight upturn in the back for the Lady( keeps her in position during sudden braking,may want to take some pads to experiment with the density that you are comfortable with then have that put on just before it is covered,make it is wide as possible,add a thin foam over the whole thing to cover the glued seams,get a cover that is not slippery something like a leather in appearence.
if you dont get i right the first time( maybe the upholsters first also) then do ot again,not too expensive or if you have time send it to some well known seat maker but you then must have time AND money. I have not tried an airhawk yet. My next bike will be a XT 600 also with some changes.

Looks like you've made your choice and upgraded the XT...

The rear spring needs doing anyway. It's too soft as it is even solo with luggage.

I guess with your GF being on the slender side, she might get on fine with it.

Like you say, everyone is different.

If it's unbearable; you could always sell the XT and get a very nice XL650 Transalp for exactly the same kind of money which is a much better two-up machine.

Either way, enjoy the ride.bier

Oh I will, thx...next year can't come quick enough as I don't know if the trip on my own is going come off this month :(

Wayne

Weather has been great, so it was out on Arrunya to give her a good run after having the new stuff on it. Nice! :thumbup1: :funmeteryes:

Out in North Yorkshire Moors

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/431/1...d26db2e0_b.jpgIMG_0426 by SW Capell, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/349/1...54726979_b.jpgIMG_0428 by SW Capell, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/509/1...0fe4fbd4_b.jpgIMG_0432 by SW Capell, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/457/1...7f337c1e_b.jpgIMG_0436 by SW Capell, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/363/1...bc243d7c_b.jpgIMG_0437 by SW Capell, on Flickr

Wayne

Looking good Lonerider. I thought the tank bags would stick out a lot more than they do, but looks good.

I had an XT600E. Rode From Pretoria to Malwi via Mozambique and back via Zambia. I lost a spark plug in Zambia, but I had a spare.

It can do 120km/h for eternity. More than that, you seriously need a windscreen, and preferably a wind blowing from behind.

Fuel consumption ranged between 23 km/l - riding very civilly, with road-ish tyres and not over 90km/h. That is more than 300 km/tank.

When going faster, it's less economical, and get down to 15km/l

I made myself a rack, an later saw "Ventura racks" are made after my design : ) It fits your luggage in your bodies slipstream s, you don't make to much drag. I sold it at 40 000 km with standard shocks and never had a problem with suspension, but I do travel light.

On my longest trip, of 6000km, it used 300 ml of oil!!! That's way less than my friend on his GS.

I now ride a XT660, which is a blast, (and a GS1200) more economical and way faster. But the "E" is still lingering in my memories and on a silent night, Im sure I can hear the echo's of her pipe resounding in my thoughts.

120KM/H. That's like 90mph.

Jesus.. You must have been really winding up that motor hahaha.

But yeah, they're strong. If any motor can take a thrashing, it's that one.

90mph, I have not taken mine over 70 yet :rofl: I got it for enjoyment not for blasting about :mchappy:

Wayne

That's a fantastic looking machine! And by the way I've seen people two-up on Tornado XR250's with full on camping equipment not to mention two-up on CGL125's! I think you'll be fine on that thing!

:scooter:

Thanks for the comments
The only thing I would like to do now is change the seat but finding it difficult to source in the UK

Wayne


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nearer 70 MPH than 90 of the same units.

About 72-3 MPH and, naturally, speedos are 10% optimistic unless it is a police bike with a calibrated speedometer.

Sheepskins are great and easy to source. I find one with my rockhard seat on the Tornado XR250 pretty could and I could 10hour days well enough.

Yeah I have a sheep skin, find it ok. But I want to try and get a better seat for that all round comfort :thumbup1:

Wayne

h
 

the seat you need has to be comfortable for you both,Im 220,my wife 98.
I Like like the softer last covering while she likes a firmer seat. not having this can increase the number of stops ,which for us being 60 yos is a good thing .
It is good to know who is getting to the end of their comfort level first. I put a vstrom seat on our gladius n with a bit of spacers got the seat tilted up ,it rides nice.

Ive got a TT Belgarda which basically has the exact same engine. Did 910 km in one day with the last 400 km on the autobahn. No mods other than a Airhawk. I rode the bike hard at ca. 120 km/h for the last 200 km stretch, as it was getting dark. It was bloody torture and the bike used around 350 ml of oil that day. Never used oil before, but I've never done that kind of mileage or sustained speeds.

Best advice: get a windscreen! I would have given my right arm for one!

Regarding the Airhawk, best investment I made before the trip. I couldn't have made a fraction of the distance without it.

Wind Screen
 

Bigfoot 2

I took the front off today to clean so I had a look for a name, no joy mate, so I took some photos, hope they help and you can see how its fastened on and the shape etc

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5691/...5e763c88_h.jpgIMG_0601 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/739/2...1eee94d3_h.jpgIMG_0602 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/598/2...c59c32f1_h.jpgIMG_0603 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/663/2...5776233e_h.jpgIMG_0606 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/780/2...7250d4af_h.jpgIMG_0604 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/763/2...6837b489_h.jpgIMG_0605 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Cheers
Wayne

Thanks, Wayne - and for the message. The plot thickens, then. It's presumably not an XT600-tailored screen but one for another bike, judging by the vacant holes and the fact that it fixes (in this case) to the handguard-bars. Some might call that a bodge but hey, what a well-executed one.

If anyone knows what screen this is or where to get hold of it, I (and others, I'd presume) would be really grateful to know details.

Thanks, Wayne and happy riding.

Tyres for my XT
 

I need some new tyres for my XT 600E

It's a toss up between the :-

Metzler Enduro 3 Sahara (which are on the bike already)
Metzler Karoo 3
Heidenau Scout K60

I don't want to get in the whole tyre debate on this thread but if anyone has used and can recommend any of the above then please do

Cheers
Wayne

Well the order has gone in for the tyres

Heidenau K60's front and rear. Paid a bit more than I wanted to but I wanted them for the weekend and I must of tried about 5 or 6 suppliers. Ended up getting them from Zen Overland, they will be here on Friday:thumbup1:

Looking forward to getting them on the bike and giving them a good test

Wayne

I've had K60s on my TT for 8000 km now.

They're excellent on dry asphalt. I can lean the bike into corners as far as I dare with no qualms whatsoever.

Tire life is excellent, but you've probably read all the reviews.

They're OK on wet asphalt, but the rubber compound is hard hence the long tire life. That means that I've once experienced a near-crash cause the rear slid out on me in a low speed corner while gently on the throttle. No warning whatsoever. Besides that I ride well within my and the tires limits in the wet.

They're crap in the mud and on wet grass. Just not enough distance between the knobs. They slide a lot on loose gravel too, but in general they're OK off road especially hardpacked dirt. The key to the Heidenaus while off road is slow and steady does it.

Thanks for the info, slow and easy is good for me as I will be travelling alone

Wayne

Heidenau K60's
 

The tyres turned up Friday, never used them before so I hope they do the job, hopefully getting them fitted in Slovenia, roll on Tuesday

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5620/...442d16a2_c.jpgUntitled by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Wayne

Cool. I just bought a set of K60s for my xr650l.

Sent from my G7-L01 using Tapatalk

Just wanted to say thanks for a fantastic thread. Currently fixing up my first xt600e and found a wealth of knowledge and experience in here.

The key points im taking away are:

1.Get a screen
2.Get something for better seat comfort.
3. Upgrade the springs.
4.Upgrade the brakes.

And check your nuts Andy. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ad.php?t=73934

Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

Thanks, I will do that in the next few days!

I've just purchased one of these with 7,000 miles on the clock and been reading with interest on what's the best mods to do.

Nice one Ant, hope you enjoy it as much as I did mine, sadly I don't have it anymore what with working and living abroad it was just sat doing nothing in the UK

Wayne