![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 Apr 2003
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 246
|
|
XT550
Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the old XT550. Here in Canada it was only in production for 2-3 years around 1983. My understanding is that it is closer to the XT600 then to the XT500 (dual shocks, 2 valve, single cam, 6 volt electrics and such). They are a monoshock with a fairly wimpy fork and drum brakes. A friend has one cheap, and I am thinking of building a light and cheap bike for South America. any thoughts?
------------------
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Apr 2003
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 18
|
|
I've got a 83 XT550, had it for the last 9 years, Ive used it for trailing and touring around France, it's now done 58000 miles and never let me down, when I bought it it had 26000 on it, I rebored it and fitted a new camchain and thats all I've done in 32000 miles, apart from regular oil and filter changes.
I've fitted a disc f/end, acerbis 20l tank, a small rack and a screen. jbw
------------------
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
22 Apr 2003
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Savage, MN
Posts: 1
|
|
Do a search on Yahoo, a lot of good info. I just picked on up on ebay for a couple hundred dollars, needing restoring. I have a couple 600's now. They are almost identical, from what I can tell.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
22 Apr 2003
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 5
|
|
Hey, I live in Wisconsin. Have you heard of the "Enduraid" dual sport rally? See this page; http://www.geocities.com/enduraidrally/
and tell me what you think. Maybe you could come this year?
------------------
JR
__________________
JR
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Apr 2003
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 246
|
|
Thanks for the info. I have done a few Google searches, and mostly came up with dead sites or sites in German (I love those translations!), but some good info. I have not been able to locat a source for the larger tank, which is pretty much a neccesity for any touring. Any suggestions on where to get a larger tank? Will the tanks for the the 600's fit?
The front end seems to be the most odvious week point, I am planning to graft on a disk brake front if I purchase the bike. Anyone have suggestions about what fork combos might bolt on easy? thanks for the help!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Apr 2003
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Padova Italy
Posts: 130
|
|
Any Teneré or XT600 front end will mount w/o problems - I have also a XT400 , converted to 550 with Teneré fork and rim , Since the fork is longer and with more travel than the original, you need to keep the monoshock with high precharge (to level the rear) or slip the forks into the triple clamps.
Acerbis should still have a 20 litres tank for the XT550 , maybe not in catalog, but probabily still in stock.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Apr 2003
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 235
|
|
The XT 550 is an excellent no frills rugged tourer. I did 40 000 mile on mine over three years on African tours. The only weakness I ever found was the primary gear woodrift key is susceptible to wear and the gear change leaver tends to strip the splines of the shaft if you set it too low.
|
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
|
|
|
|
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
|
|
|