economy
 

hi everyone. in AMH chris scott describes the XT having 2 carbs or 2 jets or something, and painting white lines on the throttle when the second jet starts playing,so you can ride for economy without using it. does the XT600E have this?and how far can i expect to get on the standard 15ltr tank?

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dave

I usually get about 250km from the standard tank on my '99 XT600E. That's commuting and sedate green laning in the UK. However one day in Morocco I got to over 300km without hitting reserve, mainly because I spent all day in 3rd gear just bimbling along slowly across the desert.

The XT600E has 2 siameesed carbs, one of which only kicks in at higher throttle positions. I've not followed Chris's suggestion and marked the position on the throttle, although it should be simple enough to do. Simply take the seat off and air filter out, start up the engine, open the throttle, and you'll hear when the second carb is contributing. (Note: running the bike without an air filter is dangerous, do so at your own risk.)

Hope this helps.

Iain.

'99 XT600E
'01 XRV750

thanx iain, ive since found when the second carb cuts in and im nowhere near disciplined enough to ride without it(me=`nail the thing until it melts`) guess ill just have to get a bigger tank from somewhere. i noticed in `RIDE` magazine that Dan Walsh has a big tank on his XT600E, anyone know where he got it from?

I think his bike was prepped by David Lambeth, number is on this board somewhere.

BTW I got 12.5 mile per litre (about 56mpg) on a recent blat to southern Germany on my Ténéré. Cruised at 80-odd mph and paid no attention to second carbs opening etc.

Acerbis do a 23 litre plastic tank for the XT, of various years, which I guess would be good for over 400km. Availability should be high, from sources such as Dave Lambeth, Touratech (Bracken in London), Wunderlich, etc.

I've heard stories of people modifying huge 40 litre tanks, originally designed for BMW GS, to fit all sorts of XRs, XTs and DRs. Personally I think there's a compromise to be made between ultra-long range and huge weight.

Iain.

Just seen that in the 'Travel Equipment For Sale' forum there is a post from Zade, who is selling a large tank for an XT. He wants £60 for it, which seems be a deal.

Iain.

Have recently done several economy tests on my '84 XT 600. Best was 24 klms per litre.

Average was 22 kpl. Roughly 60mpg.

Pretty happy with it! Currently running 17/42 sprockets so the old girl hums on the highway.