Should I quit or...?
 

Hi, I recently bought a 1987. 2KF. Cam chain needs replacement, piston rings and valve stems as well. 3rd and 5th gear make some whining sounds. It is common for 5th gear but not for 3rd.

Fork seals and oil should be replaced, brakes have to be refurbished. I have to search my wiring because last time I rode it, it just died. Don't know, maybe just a spark plug, cable or something minor.

Swing arm bearings have to be replaced.

When I open the engine, I may find out that cam chain slider and tensioner have to be replaced, maybe crankshaft bearings, transmission bearings, piston as well...

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I paid 770 euros for the bike (about 850 USD). In worst case scenario, how much the refurbishment may cost? My biggest problem is, I calculated that almost 1000 euros is needed for fixing up the bike. You can buy a solid 2KF in Serbia for about 1000 euros, of course, you have to invest at least 200 euros in every bike you buy to make it good. You can buy a 2001. TTR600 for let's say 1800 euros. I really LOVE XT and this is my second one but, is it worth it? One of the biggest problems is, my monthly income is about 200 euros :funmeterno:

Solutions:

1, Finish eating this sh*t and fix it. It will take more than six months and I will live like a hobo because it will eat all of my money :D

2. Sell the bike to some enthusiast for 700 euros (nobody would pay 700 euros for a bike that doesn't work)

3. Disassemble the bike and sell parts separately (rationally, the best option because I could get over 1000 euros but I love XT bikes and that would mean, one less on Earth, I would really feel bad about it)

4. Keep the bike, sloooowly rebuild it, in a year or more.

Options 2, 3 and 4 include buying a cheap transportation device, for example, 125cc scooter, Piaggio Liberty... :scooter: I find it very difficult being without a two wheeler :)

What would you do? Thank you in advance.

I would want to keep it and refurnbish the whole thing but I am totally irrational about worn out old bikes so best ignored. In reality my experience is given what you have already found wrong there will be a lot more to put right and you might be better off cutting your losses and selling it in parts.

Why don't you get a newer XT600E e.g. 1999 onward 4PT model that doesn't need rebuilding.
They have fewer problems than the earlier models, & no 5th gear wear problems.

Bob

Sell it if you can and buy something better:thumbup1:

Mark Manley, same here. Emotions say keep it and rebuild it, brain says I should sell it.

Bobmech, I tried many XTs, 2KF, 3TB and 4PT. 2KF is superior compared to others, much better suspension, wheels, it has a kickstarter, it is lighter and if you ask me, looks much better. 5th gear issue can be easily fixed, adding another oil hose makes all troubles dissapear. XTs other than 2KF don't work for me.

XTrock, considering that as well, I don't know if I can be patient enough, I mean, there is always something draining your money.

Go with your heart Andreja. It's clear you love the bike so keep it and fix what you can when you can afford it. That connection you feel with your machine is not something that can be measured with numbers and rational arguments and no sensible commuter machine will ever give you the same buzz. So yeah keeping it is probably a dumb and crazy idea and will cost you double but it's gonna make you smile every time you see it.