Hi I am soon to own a 1998 XT 600 e and wondered if there are any faults with the bike. I know the wheels arnt all that but would prefer to not have to fork out for new ones. What else goes wrong ? Cheers Stu

ta

Hi Stu.

Welcome to the club.

The XT is a brilliant bike but like everything, it has one or two issues.

Like all XT's, the 4th and 5th gears are prone to wear. This is only the case on high milage machines though and usually restricted to those whos owners dont know how to use a gearbox properly.

Its certainly not a reason to avoild them.

The wheels are chromed steel which although isnt always great, they are very strong. Just keep an eye out for sharp flaking chrome on the inside of the rim.

The non adjustable suspension lets the XT down but what do you expect for a cheaper bike. Stiffening up the springs will help if you going to be carrying heavy luggage. I only changed the rear spring on mine which is all it needs.

The standard exhaust is an absolute horrible piece of heavy crap you will ever see on a bike. Get it changed asap for a road legal aftermarket one. You will save 10kg easy.

Before buying an XT (or any bike really), check the exhaust studs in the head. Take a spanner with you and make sure the studs arnt sheared or impossibly siezed. The studs are too small really and rust solid into the head making them VERY prone to snapping. I changed mine immediatly and applied plenty of copper slip.

All in all, the XT600E is a reliable, strong and easy to maintain bike. Its not going to break land speed records and the components arnt the highest quality but thats not what you want in an overland bike.

I bought mine with 2000 miles for £1800 and spent £2000 to make it a complete overland bike with all bells and whistles.. It was still cheaper than buying a BMW with 20x the mileage and no extras and ya know, its a way better bike !

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Cheers for the advice Ted. The bike I'm looking at is low millage so luckily I dont need to worry about the gearbox problems for a while yet. The bike has been well looked after as its my brothers he can't afford to import it into Norway so all I have to do is sell my BMW rt and take a trip over to pick it up. I love the BMW for mile munching but I've always had offroad bikes and miss being able to explore tracks and gravel roads. I like the look of the new tenere but from a cost and ease to maintain issue I think the XT is a better long term option Plus the bike comes ready to tour with rack and panniers bash plate exhaust etc. Good for my wallet as I usually get carried away with accersories. Cheers Stu (i will get working on a small screen) for the XT


"KEEP EM ROLLIN"