|
5 May 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Posts: 97
|
|
XT600E Suspension
I was wondering about any suggestions or recommended upgrades for the rear suspension on an XT600E. Mine's a 1990, and the stock suspension is leaving something to be desired in terms of preload and travel (namely when riding fully-loaded with ali panniers).
-I have heard that a 550lb. spring is available from David Lambeth, are there any opinions on this?
-Does anyone know if a shock from another bike would fit (Kawasaki KLR or some dirtbike)? Spending $600-$800 on an Ohlins or WP shock is somewhat out too.
My main concern is the suspension preload and stiffness. If anyone had any advice regarding raising the rear of the bike as well (to get a few more cm of ground clearance, and prevent the bike from high-siding off its kickstand) that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Micah
|
8 May 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 45
|
|
Hey, If you search this forum you will find a wealth of information and (different) opinions regarding this question. For front preload, the standard front forks have a spacer positioned on top of the spring to provide some preload, so the cheapest option for the front is to have this out and get down to your local fabricator and have them cut some tube a little longer, about 2cm extra should be fine and will cost of a few pennies, or nothing at all For rear preload, just wind up the reload adjuster on the stock item. That's the cheapest option and it works, you will be able to do what you want. There are ofc many more expensive options, e.g. Hyperpro provide replacement springs for both front and back at a reasonable price.
|
9 May 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Posts: 97
|
|
Has anyone ever made a spacer for the rear spring to increase preload? I've got the adjuster cranked up almost to the max. I have full access to a machine shop, so I can make the spacer.
I guess mostly what I need is to raise the bike, the rear shock is decently strong, but it just doesn't sit high enough. Has anyone ever made raising links for it?
|
9 May 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 41
|
|
How much luggage will you take? Are you keeping the stock front suspension?
|
9 May 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Posts: 97
|
|
Usually two 35 liter aluminum boxes fully loaded, myself (180lbs or 81kg with gear), a medium-size topcase, and maybe a drybag.
I may get progressive front springs in the future, with maybe a little heavier oil (15W or so). But right now the front does OK, it's mainly the rear that I'm worried about.
Here's a good example of how the bike sits fully loaded, the KLR on the right has raising links and 420lb. Progressive rear suspension.
|
11 May 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 41
|
|
I'm currently welding my own luggage rack. It will carry two 20 litre metal jerrycans (5kg each) and the largest Givi Monokey top box (the one that has enough space for 2 helmets). 75 kg myself, so total will be little over 150 kg, not up to 200 kg.
WP rear suspension and stock front suspension.
I guess I'll be ok then?
|
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.
|
|
|