1986 XT600 Suspension Mods
 

Greetings fellow XTheads. I've been lurking for a couple of year. I am putting my bike back together so I am looking for some wisdom. I've got a 1986 XT600 (43F) that I am modifying for optimal dual sport performance. Unlike most, I am NOT starting with a new exhaust system. I believe that suspension is where it should begin. What suspension mods have been done to the 43F. Here's what I am thinking.

Front: Forks, triples, wheel, brakes oh heck, a whole front end off a YZ250 or YZ490. This gets me inverted, cartridge forks that will likely need to be resprung and revalved. Alternatively, I could put Racetech emmulators in the stock tubes with new springs. The later is certainly easier and cheaper. I'm not the former will be that much better. Any other ideas? TT600 front suspenders?

Rear: Replace the stock shock with a stock shock from a Tenere. Either one would probably need to be respring and rebuilt/revalved. Find an Ohlins or Fox shock that will fit. I think I want the rear end a bit stiffer some more travel. Any other ideas? Again, TT600 rear shock?

Brakes: Anyone make a conversion of the drum brake to disc brake on the rear? How about an upgraded master cyclinder up front?

Pegs: Does anyone know if there is a set of IMS pegs that will fit the 43F XT600?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Troy v.
Atlanta, GA

Dirtly
1983 Yamaha XT600Z Tenere (sold)
1986 Yamaha XT600
1988 Yamaha DT50 Rallye
1991 Yamaha XTZ750 Super Tenere
1993 Suzuki RM250P
1998 BMW R1100GS
2003 Kawasaki KLX400

It's not how fast you go, but how you go fast. I'll smoke you on my 50.

What kind of riding do yoy plan on doing (Mx, Trails?) My 86' xt I went with progressive springs in the stock forks and a Works shock in the rear. Works well for trail riding (and i weigh 300 pound.) Inverted forks are really only needed for extreme jumping (Mx.)

Hi! What did you do with the suspension after all? I am in the same dilema here and scratching my head on what's the best option. I think the emulators would do a good job, but I can't find them listed for my XT 600 E on RaceTech's website?! Do you know if they make them for this model? Is there another place to get them, or another brand of emulators?

This info would be of much help to me.

Regarding the rear shock, kedo.de sells Wilbers and for 420 EURs you get a fully adjustable rear shock with a custom spring fitted according to your weight. I think I'm going to take this route as it seems the simplest (even if a bit expensive).