Yamaha XJ600/900 Diversion Enduro Conversion?

[Tenere Tom]

I'm on the lookout for a bike that will eat up the miles but still not mind going down the odd green lane or two.
I was looking at the geometry of the Yam XJ and thought if it was jacked up a bit on the front and rear with suitable rubber fitted it could be a contender.
These bikes are known for being fairly bullet proof and are dirt cheap so is it worth a punt?

Has anyone done a conversion already? I'd love to see some photos if they have.

[Threewheelbonnie]

What are the tyre sizes?

I've just switched but for the last 8 years I've been using a Hinckley Bonneville. A bike this shape worked for Ted Simon in 1973, so why not today when there is more tarmac. The key though is tyres (and I aren't saying this because I'm selling some ). GS style semi-knobblies means that if you wake up to rain halfway down that forest track in Finland you might be late for dinner at the next place, while semi-slick road tyres mean cooking moss on the petrol stove and praying for sun.

The other downside is the damage you can do. Over the years I've bought 3 pairs of silencers and at least one pair of indicators. Again, not sure how the Divi will land, but if you can buy the obvious bits from people who want to turn petrol into noise faster, all the better.

This treatment does trash the bike. I sold to a dealer who'll scrap it and knew the value, so I have no bad feelings. If breaking the frame would do more than ruin your trip you will be better off slowing down on the road sections and knowing the lanes won't break it.

Andy

[Tenere Tom]

Tyre sizes are not my main concern. Front end may be changed for a more off road set up so it will come with a suitable rim anyway.
Dropping the bike is a hazard we all have to endure from time to time but Diversions are often fitted with engine guards and if there's panniers on the back I'd be hard pressed to damage anything of great significance. Lever guards might be a good addition?

Jacking the bike up is my main concern as it may mess the geometry up to a point where it's unrideable - it might even improve...

[Tenere Tom]

Anything is possible just seen a R1 scrambler

Yamaha R1 offroad - YouTube

[Walkabout]

Originally Posted by Tenere Tom

Tyre sizes are not my main concern. Front end may be changed for a more off road set up so it will come with a suitable rim anyway.
Dropping the bike is a hazard we all have to endure from time to time but Diversions are often fitted with engine guards and if there's panniers on the back I'd be hard pressed to damage anything of great significance. Lever guards might be a good addition?
.
Jacking the bike up is my main concern as it may mess the geometry up to a point where it's unrideable - it might even improve...

I've dropped a XJ900 Divy on the left side (no luggage was fitted at the tme), at slow speed onto tarmac , and it broke the indicator on that side + some damage to the plastic side panel - gaffer tape got me home a few weeks later, of course.

Nice to see them under consideration, and discussion - great engines, but I can't see why you would want extra ground clearance; the front forks are soft and it used to be said that progressive springs are une bonne idee.

[Tenere Tom]

I'm just playing with ideas with the,suspension height, if a bit of clearance is needed then it needs looking at.
If the chassis is up to it it could be a good RTW budget bike?

[Walkabout]

Originally Posted by Tenere Tom

I'm on the lookout for a bike that will eat up the miles but still not mind going down the odd green lane or two.

I do understand, but the original point was as above.
My XJ900 did that routinely; so it all depends what you have in mind to be a "green lane".

Also, RTW is completely undefined, even in the HUBB; only you know what you have in mind for your bike.
(well, actually, there are definitions but they tend to be related to setting world records - just leaves me cold!!).

Actually I have been toying with the idea of getting another XJ900; for load lugging on the highway, incl a pillion, they are hard to beat. The FJR is vastly over-priced in comparison, but it is the spiritual successor to the big Diversion.

[Tenere Tom]

When I said green lane I was not meaning mud plugging or jumps just 'not tarmac'

[dash]

The 600 Diversion is actually on pretty tall and bouncy suspension to begin with. I only rode one once, but it was around a load of narrow Exmoor lanes full of potholes. I'd have thought it would be OK with gravel road type stuff.

The downside is they weigh as much as a small moon.

[Tenere Tom]

Well, I found a cheap (£400) Diversion 600 that had just been taken in by my local bike shop.
It needs a few minor repairs doing (fork seal needs sorting and exhaust blowing a little) before I can get an MOT on it but I can't grumble for the money can I?

It will be home later this week so I guess I'm going to be busy spannering at the weekend.

[Tenere Tom]

Looks like someone on here has had a similar idea to me...

[bkm_br]

Take a look on this topic on ADVrider.
Converted to dual-sport? POST PICS!! - ADVrider

[estebangc]

Originally Posted by Tenere Tom

Looks like someone on here has had a similar idea to me...

Instantly remembered that XJ900. It was made by Ronnie Skårner and he contributed to Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook writing about that conversion. You can find more info googling his name. I found it really impressive.

[Tenere Tom]

Originally Posted by estebangc

Instantly remembered that XJ900. It was made by Ronnie Skårner and he contributed to Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook writing about that conversion. You can find more info googling his name. I found it really impressive.

It's a shame all the photos have gone, I'd loved to have seen them