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84 xt600 handling issues 84 xt600 handling issues
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Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

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


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



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Old 2 Aug 2010
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84 xt600 handling issues
I just decided to take my bike offroad for the first time, coming back onto the street, adn a few times offroad, it felt a little odd, I'm not sure how to describe it, other than it feels as though my back end wants to turn while I want to go STRAIGHT.

the swingarm and rear wheel bearings are all nice and tight, zero play in them. front wheel bearings are brand new all balls kit, and steering head are unknown.

anyone have some ideas? for what its worth, I'm running twinduro tires front and rear, at 28psi, which I feel is a happy medium between offroad grip, and on road handling.
Last edited by bobthebiker; 2 Aug 2010 at 04:01.
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Old 2 Aug 2010
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Check if your chain isn't too tight!
Also, check if you've set the chain adjusters to the same position!


Vando
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Old 2 Aug 2010
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Is this only noticeable off-road? Are the forks twisted in the yolks? Frame bent? Wheels out of line?
Is it to the left or right?
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Old 3 Aug 2010
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thats just it, its both directions, which doesnt suggest bent forks or frame, although I'll still check the forks when I'm home from vacation anyhow.
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Old 3 Aug 2010
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Broken frame? Spindle nuts not tight? Thorough inspection required
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Old 3 Aug 2010
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frame is solid, no bends or breaks, I'm thinking maybe loose wheel spokes. a bent rim is possible. I'm not entirely sure what the issue is offhand. may be lower tire pressure combined with something in the road, as I havent checked the tire pressure lately, so its possible my air pressure in the tires is a bit low.
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Old 3 Aug 2010
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I was going to say tyre pressures in my last post but you'd put 28psi in your first post. If you've not checked lately they have a habit of reminding you by behaving badly in corners, front being vague and "pushing", rear threatening to come round, hanging out. First thing to check
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Old 5 Aug 2010
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well, I checked my tires today. 20psi rear, and I think it was 24 front. explains everything. they're sitting happily at 36 rear and 34 front now, and handling is MUCH more stable. no more wanting to step out, or fall into turns like it did. I could get used to this.. and I think I just may. note to self: check tires daily.
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Old 5 Aug 2010
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Pleased it's a cheap fix, but it's one of those things that can get you in a mess
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Old 5 Aug 2010
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Yes, it can, but I agree, it was a cheap fix. I got it up to about 40-45mph earlier, and it felt nice and solid. as I want any bike to feel.

cheap fixes are the absolute most awesome ones. especially when they're this simple to do.
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