|
22 Sep 2002
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Worcester, UK
Posts: 61
|
|
TT-R600(E) / XT600(E) Model Advice
Hi All,
I am in the process of choosing a bike for a RTW off-road trip starting spring 2004. I'm new to all this and so far I've narrowed the choice down to either a TT-R600 or an XT600 but I have a few questions..
I want the best unladen off road ability I can get (without sacrificing reliability) as I plan to occasionally unload the luggage and go for some serious off road fun :-) This is steering me towards the TT-R rather than the XT at it is lighter and looks more of an enduro focused chassis but still in steel and with the nice reliable XT motor.
Would anyone agree / disagree with this choice?
Can anyone tell me what model changes took place from say 1998 to 2002 for the TT-R? (and/or XT)
Are there any model changes that make one years bike much better than another?
Are the electric start models really worth having? (I seem to remember reading somewhere that the TT-R600E suspension was a lower spec than the kick-only TT-R600)
I tried to find TT / XT model histories on the web but no luck and although the excellent looking xt600.de site probably has the info I want, I can't read German :-(
Lastly, any other bikes I should be looking at? I ruled out Honda XR650R because of ally frame / high compression and XR650L because of availability. KTM just too expensive I think and parts perhaps a problem. I also heard stories of electrical frailty when abused.
All opinions and advice much appreciated!
Thanks very much, Andy.
|
23 Sep 2002
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: pittsford ny
Posts: 43
|
|
The Yamaha Italy website specs are a bit vague on the differences between the TT600E and the TT600R, but only a 9kg weight penalty for the convenience of an electric starter (& slightly larger tank) would swing it for me. They both have Öhlins suspension & the motors seem identical.
EDIT: Oops, looks like the R has the Öhlins, not the E. ISTR that the E uses a Paoli shock on the rear. E uses Paoli 43mm USD forks, R uses 46mm USD according to Yamaha Italy, but the photos show conventional(?). I don't know how good these components are and how they compare.
TT600E: http://it.yme.com/page.cfm?pageID=37171
TT600R: http://it.yme.com/page.cfm?pageID=34688
The TTs are cheap, especially new, and lighter than water cooled bikes like the KTM, but less power, equipment and with possibly iffy build quality. They're rare in the UK but there's one for sale on Biketrader at the moment - think it's a TT600E, and there are big tanks (expensive)and other goodies available.
Chris Scott had a similar list of bikes and went for the XR650L imported from Australia. See Desert Riders ( http://www.adventure-motorcycling.co...ders/index.htm) if you haven't already.
Let us know what you go for!
[This message has been edited by john (edited 22 September 2002).]
|
23 Sep 2002
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 284
|
|
Check out: http://www.tenere.ch/english/eindex.html
For a history on the Tenere,
I found it useful when trying to decide on which bike to buy.
Geoff
|
23 Sep 2002
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Padova Italy
Posts: 130
|
|
If y're looking for offroad , don't think to the XT/E ...it's handling behaviour is way different (and worse) than the older kick-start XT's ... and the poor suspensions and rims needs costly changes.
TT/E is really more similar to older Kick-start XT 'S 2KF , same power (43 HP/shaft), more-or less weight (148 - 155) front fork USD had some problems with joints
TT/R weghis a bit less (135 dry) a bit more power (48 hp/shaft) and shorter gar ratio . suspensions are good & regolable , fork is traditional .
|
23 Sep 2002
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Worcester, UK
Posts: 61
|
|
Thanks everyone.
Does the TT600E also have a kick start? I'd be wary of relying on only electric.
Does anyone know of any aftermarket rear shocks and fork springs that fit the TT600E?
Cheers Andy.
|
24 Sep 2002
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Padova Italy
Posts: 130
|
|
No...TTE isn'equipped with the Kick-start, but shold be possible to add it (Klaus , confirm ?)
several producers of Shocks makes for TTE , WP, Ohlins, Technoflex , Koni, a interesting alternative is Italian's Bitubo www.bitubo.com , that makes models even for the old ones like XT500 & XT550
|
30 Sep 2002
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,902
|
|
I had a TT-E on one of my desert tours once - and up till then I always thought they were neat, but this thing was just a flashy XT-E, prety crap really.
I would no recommend a TT-R for RTW because by the time you load it up it will handle like a XT-E and it really is a play/racing motor that does not have the legendary XT reliability, its more like and XR6.
I would say Tenerise an XT6E which are cheap, there's an outline in the book or a feature on Davids LAmbeth one on the MC Years on my AM website.
Also I feel the kickstart debate is obsolete these days with jap bikes. No cars have crank handles anymore and you can always push start a flat bike.
We picked XRLs for desert riders but I dont think I would have chosen it for RTW - a lower Dommie would have done the job.
Chris S
www.desertriders.co.uk
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
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. 11-15
- 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
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|