Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 142
rims

Hi All,
Can anyone tell me if it is necessary to upgrade the standard rims on the xt600e (2002 model) if one is planning a fair bit of off road travelling ?

Is it possible to just change the spokes as an alternative ?

I pack light generally when on foot but am not sure how this will convert to packing the bike.

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 May 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Totally unnecessary !!

The chromed steels ones are more durable, easy to repair and more likely to bend than crack if you have an accident.

They will be more than strong enough for the job. Spokes are fine too. Just make sure you keep them at the correct tension.

The only benefit of swapping them is a slight weight saving. You could also put an 18" rear rim on making offroad rubber choice easier.

Spoke tension is more important than posh rims and spokes anyday !
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Last edited by *Touring Ted*; 12 May 2010 at 21:36.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 May 2010
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
On the early XT600's (84-85) the rear rims can give cause for concern around the spoke holes as they tend to develope hairline cracks.

There were 2 different makes - D.I.D. which I have seen crack and Tagasako which don't and seem to be better.
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 142
Thanks for that info.

T.Ted....why would I want to get a 18" rear rim, how would it benefit me ? In your experience, would one actually have to buy a tyre on route (Africa) and therefore it be easier to acquire ? - in addition to the spares carried on the bike.

If I were to get the larger size, would you suggest an excel rim or another chromed steel ? Or different spokes ?

Wrt spoke tension, how is this done ? - is there a specific torque or is it less scientific....ie: the sound given off with a tap ?

Thanks a bunch.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 May 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trichelia View Post
Thanks for that info.

T.Ted....why would I want to get a 18" rear rim, how would it benefit me ? In your experience, would one actually have to buy a tyre on route (Africa) and therefore it be easier to acquire ? - in addition to the spares carried on the bike.

If I were to get the larger size, would you suggest an excel rim or another chromed steel ? Or different spokes ?

Wrt spoke tension, how is this done ? - is there a specific torque or is it less scientific....ie: the sound given off with a tap ?

Thanks a bunch.

Spoke tension ... Just check they're all tight and have the same spring to them. Any lose ones obviously need tightening up.

18"... The majority of offroad bikes run an 18" rear wheel so 18" tyres are usually more readily available in countries where they have 18" wheeled bikes. Even more so in Africa (so I hear).

It really depends where you are going and what tyres you are using. You aren't going to be able to ride the length of Africa on one set of tyres.

As I said though, keep the stock wheels, check the spoke tension and save the money to go on Safari
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
what rims for my xt 600 skiboyracing Yamaha Tech 3 7 Dec 2008 17:31
XT 600 e rims ? stuxtttr Yamaha Tech 1 22 Apr 2008 11:05
Tubeless rims to rims? bikerfromsark Yamaha Tech 17 29 May 2007 17:06
Rims and Oil Greg Yamaha Tech 2 13 Sep 2001 18:29
Rims for TLC fue_ll North Africa 2 26 Jul 2001 23:35

 
 

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. 11-14
  • 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!

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 22:07.