I have carried out a few upgrades to my standard mint XT600E (1999) -

1. Brake Lines (Front & Back) HEL stainless steel £60
2. Pipercross Foam Air Filter £50
3. Odyssey Gel Battery £100
4. GEL (visco-elastic foam) seat insert £45
5. DID Gold X Ring heavy duty chain (and new sprockets) £100
6. Renthal Bars £40

Perhaps a S/S exhaust? What's the best option here? I really don't want to spend more than about £150.

What about an Engine bash plate, the existing one isn't up to much is it? I only use it on tarmac so I guess it will only be for show...

I only use the bike in the summer when the weather is warm and dry. It's really only a play thing for the road (Yeah I know I'm a pussy). The thing is I really LOVE the thing, I just love BIG jap singles and the torque they produce.

Who knows I may one day take it on a trip somewhere else warm and hot. I rather like the idea of Ukraine and Russia.

Waddaya Fink Boys?

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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Hey, Kentfallen! Some mods I had on my XT600E '03:
-progressive springs by Hyperpro front and back, for much better handling;
-oiltemperaturegauge, to watch your oiltemp; Kedo;
-TKC80's or Metzeler Tourance; first for more offroad ridin'but also good on tarmac;
-handlebar risers, 30mm, Kedo;
-Hepco&Becker rack with alu panniers;
-steelbraided brakelines Goodridge;
-Acerbis 23lt tank;
-custom made seat for logrange ridin': higher, wider and more comfort for your butt, anti-slip toplayer;
-CRD exhaust and alu bashplate, K&N airfilter, SW-Motech centrestand.

Greetz, Hans.

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XT rules! XT660Z Tenere '08
make the world beautiful, get a tattoo!
http://dallastx.smugmug.com

Come on, its 10 yrs old in the few days - get it a life!

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Dave

Dave,

You're right I know but I just hate to get the thing dirty and wet! Honestly It's my baby. Every October 1st I put it into hibernation.

I must say how pissed off it makes me having to get a brand new MOT and TAX disk every single year when I only ride it about 1,000 miles or so. It really grates if you know what I mean. The bike always sails through it's MOT's as I look after it so much. I have to do the same for my other bike (Mint Honda XBR500). That's about £200 plus Insurance costs for riding less than 1,500 miles a year!

It's about time the damn UK government had arrangements in place to avoid owners like me having to pay out like this when they only do mimimal mileage. The only thing I'm guilty of is trying to look after 2 lovely bikes and keep them in the very best condition. I run a car too which is used throughout both summer and winter. It's a pity my car tax can't cover the bikes too?

As I have admitted above, I know I'm a pussy and that I 'm not using the XT for what it was designed for.

I am considering using the XT to tour Russia and Ukraine this coming summer. I don't know how practical that would be bearing in mind the trip will mainly be high speed motorway stuff (to get there at least). A single cylinder isn't the most comfortable high speed machine out there is it? Perhaps I should consider taking my mates advice and get myself a Triumph Tiger 955?

One things for sure, I love my XT and XBR and will NEVER get rid. Honestly they are so much fun and they do everything I ask of them. These days I'm content plodding around country lanes and minor A Roads doing no more than 60 mph.

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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

My use of the XT is exactly opposite to yours. I got it originally as a little brother to my Ducati, as my daily commute used to take me through a lot of mud and crap, and it hurt to watch the Duke getting so caked in sh*te. The XT is a tatty old thing off eBay, and was bought specifically for the winter commute. However, when I got it, it was so much fun that I rode it everywhere - not just the rainy days I had planned for it. I had owned a couple of XTs in the past, but had forgotten how much fun they were. (The Ducati is now a Pan European, but the same principle applies.)

It gets filthy every day, and hosed down and treated with WD40 and Scottoil at the weekends. I like to look after my bikes, but I have made the decision that this one is going to be a workhorse, with essential maintenance but no pampering. It's holding up just fine. The funny thing is, I have a lot of respect for the Duke and Honda as machines, but for the XT I have affection as well. A bit like the scruffy mate who's always there when you need him.

I plan to take the XT off the road next summer and get it looking a bit better - perhaps even a full restoration - but I am afraid that I will then feel like you do, and be reluctant to take it out in the rain. I think I prefer it as a workhorse. We'll see ...

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2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/

My advice to you is to keep your money for travelling and dont obsess too much over upgrades...

I spent a small fortune on my XT and it just wasn't necessary when it came to actual riding.

If your riding rough stuff then yer, get a bash plate !

leave the exhaust alone unless its rotten. Anything louder is offensive and messes with your MPG.

Personally if I did it again id only get an Acerbis tank, centre stand, bash plate and brush guards and touring screen. Why would you need anything else ??? You don't really even need those.

I have a section on my website (see sig) on all my prep work.

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

Hi Guys, planning an Africa trip, 3 months around west africa, bit of desert, bit of coast, all road types (and lack of). My big contempaltion at present is what bike to use.
I am by no means a mechanic so simple is better, reliable is paramount and obviously I need to be able to turn it into a bit of a on/off road tourer (can this be done with the 600E or if the frame a bit light?).
In addition the cost variance between the 2 is fair. It is not so much the purchase cost that concerns me, it is rather that the more expensive it is, the more worries one would have about its safety while left unattended, over night etc..
A further factor, I would be using it to commute while in London.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I think you've answered your own question really. You want it simple and less nickable, gotta be the XT.

Talking of vehicle tax, it should just be added to the fuel tax. Then you pay as you use. Simple, but far too simple for politicians.

Geoff

If you realy love your xt and only ever ride it on tarmac get you ar5e down some green lanes and farm tracks, you'll love it even more!