Yamaha frame-chassis

[1600]

Hello people!

I 've an old, but alive and kicking, XT600 1989' (2KF)

Time has come to rebuild it. The motor is over 120000km, oil get vanguished very often and kick compression has become piece of cake.

Unfortunately, I must also replace the main frame-chassis of the bike. The main left side tube, that joins the end of the backbone, is bent by a massive crash with a car. The check 'n' straightening procedure by the appropriate electromechanical tool (that I don't know the exact word), is too expensive. It will cost me around 250 euro and although it will be in a straight line again, it will always be a repaired frame.

In our "ebay" days there are so many bargains. So, I 've found some very nice restored frames (powder coated) for less money, than my engineer asked me to repair my exhisting one. I am looking forward to buy one of them and replace my old, rotten and bent one. Problem is, I am wondering if I should buy an original "XT600" one (2KF), or a "TT600" one (Belgarda). Not the "TTR" 1998 with the Paioli forks. The previous one from 1993 (I think) till 1997 produced. With the Kayaba upsidedown forks. Specifically a white frame, by a 1997 TT-600E (electric).

Both seems in very good condition and it's up to me. I have to choose one.

Finally. I think I 've noticed, that the tube's thickness from the XT600 (2KF), is bigger than TT600E (Belgarda). I am not sure! Suppose, by what I see in the pictures. And knowing that the TT is -theoritically- more Off-road, it should be lighter -->> thinner:confused1:

Anyway. Does someone nice guy, could tell me if there is significant difference between these two frames, in matter of "stiffness"? Weight? And lastly, geometry?

Thanx in advance and 'njoy with the Great Yamaha Thumper

PS. I have some more questions, considering front-end, swingarm, shock and some engine tuning, but for later. For now, I have to solve this puzzle and buy a new "house" for my bulletproof engine

[1600]

Thanx everyone...

[kenymact]

I,m some one will come along and help you with what you need to know,sadly according to my missus I am the man who knows too little!!!

[Panzer]

What did some TTR's come with upside down forks ?

[bacardi23]

yup, yes they did!

[Panzer]

Originally Posted by bacardi23

yup, yes they did!

So is if you bought a set off one with top and bottom yokes they would fit on later ones ? sounds like a good upgrade.

[bacardi23]

1600:
Well, the USD forks you're referring to should be the same size or even bigger than the XT600(2KF).
If the TT600 is lighter than the 2KF it surelly shouldn't be by the front forks being narrower.

Instead when talking offroad, most bikes have in fact much larger front forks than the XT600..

As for the other points you mention.. stiffness,weight and geometry I can't talk about it because I don't really know..
But, as far as geometry, every bike has a slightly different characteristics mostly because of what they were made for...some more offroad, some more road biased...


Panzer:
Oh, you said "TTR's"... I know some TT600 had USD forks..which models I unno...

But the ones who did have, they should fit!

Basically, the only important point on fitting a different front suspension in terms of actually fitting! is knowing if they use the same steering head bearings or if not, If they have the same Internal Diameter (I.D.) or else, if it is possible to make the steering bearings fit by machining the steering stem...

Vando

[Panzer]

Cheers yeah I did mean TT600's I'll go and look for some pics.

[cyberzar]

Dunno where u live, but almost everywhere you should have same engine and frame code to avoid problems with law, so if you have a 2KF starting number in your engine, you should have a 2KF frame (and you should buy a frame with documents).