Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Adjust suspension or not? Adjust suspension or not?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Oct 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 14
Adjust suspension or not?
Hi!

I can't decide: should I make a change in the suspension or not? (if yes, how)
I'm gonna travel through Africa on my XT600E ('95). I already tried the motor fully loaded for 3 weeks (also some dirt) and I thought there was no problem with the suspension. But 3 weeks is a bit different then a whole year!
But (1), I weigh only 64 kilos, so I'm not that heavy, and I already had so many expenses!
But (2) I read often that the suspension of this model is bad and you should change it.

I can't decide!!! What do you think?

Marianne
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Oct 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
Hello Marianne, it all depends in what state the rear damper is. If it's not damping enough anymore or if the gas has leaked out you can have it rebuilt by Jan Droog in Pijnacker. If you don't have WP progressive springs in the front yet, buy them ! Hein Gericke has new multigrade front fork oil [very good for extreme conditions].



------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Oct 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 651
Ha Marianne,

You're the one from the Dutch Tenere forum?

During our trip in Africa one overhauled standard rear shock lost all the oil and was replaced by Technoflex. On the other bike the rear shock (also standard and overhauled) just made it to RSA. The nitrogen has already disappeared, oil will follow after some more off-road.

The endless coorugations are the worst for the shock: we had one shock with a sticker on it that caught flame because the shock heated up so much.

Advice would be to at least change the spring to heavier, better would be (pain for the wallet) to have a good after market one.
Driving off-road with a broken shock is a serious challenge!

Auke
__________________
Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Oct 2002
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 895
hi,

yes, a good rear shock absorber is expensive (WP, Oehlins, Technoflex)

maybe someone here on the forum, in holland, can borough you his for the trip and after the trip you return it after you got a service on it.

I am riding a tenere around the world. I left with the standard shock. In Istanbul after only 12.000km it started to leak oil. I got an Oehlins and used it for 85.000km, for more than 20.000kms two up. I got it rebuild twice, but here in south america it is difficult to get it done right. So I got a new Technoflex. My advise. Get a good one in Holland, this will save you trouble along the way, don´t try to save money with rebuilding the standard or putting another spring.

I would give you my Oehlins, but I dont think it fits into the 95 xt, and it is in Chile without a spring and you would have to get it rebuild right. So I guess this would not safe you any money.

I don´t know if you have to upgrate the front suspension, I traveled 120.000km with the standard springs, but than changed to Technoflex and new oil.

Enjoy Africa

MIKA from Bogota Colombia

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Oct 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Padova Italy
Posts: 130
My answer is : YES !

The standard XTE shock is even worse than the older ones (no damping regulation) and 7 yrs means that probabily is already leaking.
Logically , the heavier the weight, bigger the problem, but a "finished" monoshock on rough terrain represent more fatigue, less control and more risks..Good advice also to change the springs with progressive ones,
for cheaper but good alternatives to Ohlins & WP you may look to www.bitubo.com (good shocks and lot of models also for old models) or Koni (have not a link.)

On your bike I also would change the carburettor with a TeikeiY27PV (the model mounted on older teneré and XT's) to regain the original power (and low-down punch so good and useful) and alloy rims - all these peices is possible to find very cheap from uesde parts and wreckages..
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Nov 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
Hello Giorgio,

can you send us in Holland a container of wheels from your second hand source? We're especially looking for XT600Z and XTZ660, but also some XTZ750 and XT600.
Saluti,

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 14
Thanx for all your advise. I'm sure now I'm gonna change the suspension. Now, I'm looking for the best option.

O, and yes Auke, I'm the one who wrote something on the Tenere-site. Thanx for your answer there too.

Marianne

www.motorbikes2africa.nl
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:35.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top