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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.
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  #1  
Old 14 May 2012
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Front brake upgrade
Hi, I have an 1984 43F XT600. I'm looking to upgrade the front caliper and or the disc. Has anyone done this and what did you use? I mean the thing stops me but emergency stop? I don't think so. Any ideas? Cheers.
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  #2  
Old 14 May 2012
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I would start with new pads, steel braided lines and changing the fluid too (obviously). That could be enough.
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  #3  
Old 15 May 2012
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I've done all that. I'm thinking two pot caliper minimum and perhaps a bigger rotor.
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Old 16 May 2012
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Or maybe a Super Tenere front end....


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  #5  
Old 16 May 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G30ff View Post
Or maybe a Super Tenere front end....
That certainly would be the biz! That is on the front of an XT 600 yeah? I guess the down tube I can see says yes. So is that Super Tenere forks in XT 600 yokes or Super Tenere yokes and stem in the XT 600? Perhaps either way will work? What about a 660 front end?
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Old 16 May 2012
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Sorry, didn't mean to duplicate your photo.
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  #7  
Old 18 May 2012
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This idea is bound to be expensive! Probably not worth it. You might actually end up spending more than the bike is worth!

Most of us improve the effectiveness of the front (and rear) brake by merely fitting replacement stainless steel brake hoses (Goodrich etc) and by changing brake fluid once a year or so.

You might also consider changing your brake pads to quality EBC sintered? Also check the brake disks for wear and scoring.

If riding offroad it pays to check the calipers regularly (if needs be take them apart and clean).

The brakes on the XT6 are never going to amount to very much and most of us stay in one piece by slowing down and riding defensively (slow enough to react to a problem).

I actually think that the XT6E front brake is quite effective compared to the crappy rear brake! .

I have the habit of spraying my bikes with copious amounts of WD40 and or GT85! A few times I have sprayed the disks by accident. Perhaps it might pay you to clean the disks on your own bike with a purpose made brake/disk cleaner too?

Good luck whatever you decide to do.


Oh, and welcome to the Yamaha (XT) sub-forum.
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  #8  
Old 18 May 2012
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or you can read here... smart germans posted files for an adapter for 320 disk

"Yamaha XT600 Forum XT 600
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  #9  
Old 19 May 2012
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Harrison Billet Option?
As another option you could try contact Harrison Billet

Harrison Billet - performance motorcycle brakes

I replaced the caliper on my R100GSPD with a mini6 and now it stops properly, even two up with luggage.

I had a quick look on their website and I didn't see a model for your bike but since you're in the UK a phone call would be worthwhile to see if they have something that would fit.

It would be cheaper and easier than a new front end

Regards

Ian J
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Old 19 May 2012
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+1 on the Harrison Billet. I have one on my '04 F650GS. Replacing the naff single piston Brembo. The "6 pot Mini" caliper give confidence in all conditions.
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  #11  
Old 21 May 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpinewheels View Post
That certainly would be the biz! That is on the front of an XT 600 yeah? I guess the down tube I can see says yes. So is that Super Tenere forks in XT 600 yokes or Super Tenere yokes and stem in the XT 600? Perhaps either way will work? What about a 660 front end?
Yeah that's on a 3AJ.... the 600 stem is pressed into the 750 yoke... the earlier 660 would work but it's only a dual piston set up.... the later 660 would be expensive & you'd have to sort out the electronic speedo....

It didn't cost a lot of money, I bought a whole bike off ebay very cheap....(you can read all about it here The Ténéré Forum • View topic - Geoff's 3AJ rebuilds....)

I've now started on a 1VJ which will have Super ten front end & a 3AJ rear

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Last edited by G30ff; 21 May 2012 at 14:43. Reason: added pic
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