Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Potential XT owner looking for some insight Potential XT owner looking for some insight
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 4
Potential XT owner looking for some insight
Hello all. Ran across this forum and at first glance it appears to be pretty resourceful. I've read through several threads already and have found alot of good info.

I'm looking at a couple XT600's this weekend and was wondering how compatable the parts are between the 1990 and 1991? May buy both bikes, 1 running and 1 that needs some TLC. Hope to get the both going good, but if I have parts issues will 1 make a good parts bike if needed?

Thanks in advance for any and all info.

J
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Fife ,Scotland
Posts: 76
Hi there and welcome to the forum.

The '90 and '91 model XT600e are both exactly the same and are known as the 3TB model which ran from 1990 - 1995 so the parts should be completely interchangeable. This was the first model that used the oil in frame design as opposed to the earlier models with a seperate oil tank and is also recognisable by the fact that it uses the exhaust as as a supporting part of the frame.

I am currently rebuilding a 1996 4PT model which is the follow on from the 3TB models that you are looking at but as the '96 model still uses the 3TB engine I have the service and parts manuals for both models (thanks to tedmagnum on this forum for the 4PT ones) on PDF and would be glad to email you a copy of them if you need them.

Cheers
Lee
Last edited by elv73; 27 Nov 2009 at 16:16.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 289
as said by elv, XT600E are all similar, pay attention if the older is a 2KF model (you will find on the engine the three letters to identify model) If you find the code 3TB on both, they are OK.
There are also some 3TB without electric start, they have some difference on engine and electrical system, frame is the same.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Nov 2009
G600's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 235
Hi and welcome.


XT‘s have always had a reputation for reliability. Post 1990 bikes (3TB) are even more reliable since they have a separate oil line that oils the gearbox, making the “fifth gear problem” less likely.

Some model info:
Google Translate
__________________
----------
Yamaha XT600E '01, Honda XR400 '03, Yamaha XT550 '83
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Fife ,Scotland
Posts: 76
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberzar View Post
as said by elv, XT600E are all similar, pay attention if the older is a 2KF model (you will find on the engine the three letters to identify model) If you find the code 3TB on both, they are OK.
There are also some 3TB without electric start, they have some difference on engine and electrical system, frame is the same.
Sorry cyberzar but thats incorrect, All 3TB models have electric start and use the same engine and electrical system although the early 90's models (upto 94 i think?) have the kick start as well as electric start but that was removed on the later models and they became electric start only.

Also a good place to check for the 3TB code is to lift the seat and look on top of the air intake as this has the 3TB code moulded into it, the letters on the engine dont denote the model as they use the same cylinder heads as the early models mine says 3AJ on the cylinder head!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 4
Thanks for all the info, very helpful.

Are there any other quirks, or simple mods that are recommended for these bikes (jetting, intake, etc..???)

My normal Dual Sport (Adventure) sled is a 08 KLR 650, which I love. Now I'm trying to get my son an entry level DS to learn on, and me another one for shorter trips and local DS riding. Should be able to get both these bikes for around $1100, and can't wait to tear em down and bring them back to life.

J
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 4
Well the '91 runner (as per ad) turned into a '89 Major POS. not even a parts worthy bike.

Hopefully get to go look at the '90 today. Looked clean from the Pict in the ad, but is noted as a non runner, requires Tune up & Battery... Will see...

J
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Nov 2009
BlackDogZulu's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: West Wales, UK
Posts: 753
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaycal View Post
Looked clean from the Pict in the ad, but is noted as a non runner, requires Tune up & Battery... Will see...
Don't get your hopes up I have seen many bikes on eBay advertised as only needing a quick fettle or a new battery to be fine, strong runners. I always ask myself, if all that stands between a non-runner and a great RTW bike is half an hour of spannering and a few £££/$$$ for a battery, why hasn't the owner done it himself and doubled the asking price? Same with the MoT (annual safety test, not sure what the US equivalent is). "No MoT, but will pass no problem" might just be an elderly owner who can't be bothered and is prepared to take a hit on the price as a result, but it's unlikely.
__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 4
For the price ($700-$800) I'm expecting a good project bike. If it looks good and no obvious abuse, I will probably be willing to roll the dice.Top end and TLC I can live with, if I get lucky I wont have to dig into the case. Bikes got 26k miles and has been stored for 5+ years (Hopefully it shows).

It will be a starter (DS) bike for my son, so he needs to get a little greese on his hands. You have a way of appreciating it a little more if you put your own time into it.

J
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Potential problems in SE Asia? skiberdi West and South Asia 6 3 Jun 2009 08:38
Good mechanic for potential engine rebuild needed in Northern Spain.. davidlomax Repair Shops, Europe 0 18 Jul 2007 21:52
Advice required for potential new BM owner davidlomax BMW Tech 5 5 Mar 2003 22:38
Carnet potential American in India kipper Trip Paperwork 0 30 Jun 2001 19:40
Spare parts and potential problems for a R1150GS Jose Mª Garcia BMW Tech 0 28 Jun 2001 06:28

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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. 11-14
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 03:47.

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