I recently replaced my 1VJ ('88) tenere with a 3AJ (89 - 91), and noticed some basic differences between the 2 bikes; i have the clymer manual for the XT600 up until 1989, which is generally very good, but it does not cover the 3AJ's deviations from the 1VJ. any advice would be much appreciated...

*** front sprocket attachment to secondary/countershaft ***
on the 1VJ, this is secured by 2 small bolts (10mm), through a retaining clip. on the 3AJ, there appears to be one much larger (30mm?) bolt. i have tentatively tried to remove this bolt, but it appears to be very tightly bolted on, and when i have tried to turn it in neutral i end up just turning the sprocket and the back wheel; i am not sure if i should engage a gear before i try and turn it - will this damage the gears?

*** fuel tank ***
the 1VJ has a 23L tank, secured at the rear as well as on either side of the front section of the frame. the 3AJ is also secured at the rear, but the front appears to be different - it appears as though there are 2 hand-turnable bolts on the inside front of the tank. i have tried to turn these, but they appear quite tight - is there a technique to turn these?

*** kick starter ***
my 1VJ had a kick and an electrical starter, but the 3AJ only has an electrical start. i notice that there is a fitting where i could attach a kick starter, but before i attempt this, i would like to know the magnitude of this task, and also the effects (if any) on the performance of the bike.

*** exhaust pipe ***
i got my 3AJ with an ARROW exhaust, which i have had to replace with a BSA exhaust for the purposes of MOT/roadworthy. i am considering whether i should put the ARROW exhaust back on the bike, but i am not sure, as in my experience early teneres generally run best with genuine parts and not after market accessories. does anyone have any comments on this?

any advice would be much appreciated.

thanks
cabron

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