Hey guys,
1) After losing out on a deal for a bike, I'm back looking for another XT600. As well as the usual stock bikes in the 'trader' etc, does anyone have one or know of one for sale in reasonable nick? (Good engine and gearbox) maybe even used on a trip as I can service most things if need be.
I can collect and cash buy but will be coming down from Edinburgh so when I say a reasonable bike, a 20 year old hack isn't worth travelling 1/2 the country to look at, no offence!
I would appreciate any responses as I'm sure there are some bikes out there with nobody to give them the trip they deserve, or even the 2nd trip and am particularly looking for an XT600E.

2) Any spares out there for the same bike as above that are unused/unwanted from trips? Cables, levers, sprockets, PANNIERS, Acerbis fuel tank? gaskets, inner tubes, etc?
Again, cash buyer and will pay postage.

Your help is appreciated as I'm loathed to give a dealer 2 grand and have to start from scratch, again!

Many thanks

Geoff

geoffshing@hotmail.com

__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'

Hi.
With the upmost respect.
What about an XR650L?

1, It's a honda.
2, It's mostly the same as an XR 600
3, Engine still in production (FMX 650).
4, Dominator engine is the same (and the SLR 650).
5, Many XR parts (and jap off road) swap over.
6, Shit loads of extra's on the market.

Yep, import only in the UK, Tall, but god damn sexy!
And it's a Honda!

(please note that any opinions do not represent a sane person)

TBM magazine seem to have a steady (if small) flow of XRL's in their ad section.

But!!! I know what it's like when you gotta have a certain thing! It's Fry's Turkish delight with me (full of eastern promise don't y know)!! Go figure!

Dave.

P.S.
If you are lookin at long range tyres try MEFO ME99's

Hey Geoff,

Check out this dealer in Harrow, Middlesex, as they have a selection of enduro bikes in good nick

www.fctrott.co.uk/trailbikes

Disco

Thanks for the link to the site, I've just emailed him for an upto date stock list.
I was looking for an XT600E as they're such a good bike, easy to work on and I know my way around it having had one before. There are many good bikes out there and hopefully I'm going to see a few but as it's such a long trip then having something you know helps, PLUS the guy I may be going with has an XT600E also, so cuts down on the spares problem etc
Do I stick to what I know or branch out and get the DR800 that I like as it looks soooo good! Aaaaargh!!!!! Sleepless nights are ahead methinks!?!?!?!

__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'

Hi mate,

I'd stick with the XT600 personally. Having ridden mine on a couple of trips, I wouldn't swap it for any other bike in the world for adv-touring. They are comfy, simple, very reliable, very crash proof (believe me, I know!). Says it all really.

One thing I would say though. Are you sure you want a bike that someone has taken on another trip? Personally I would go for a bike that has been used at weekends on the smooth roads of Western Europe. I have a theory that 'adventure miles' are at least twice as hard (if not much more) on a bike as 'normal' miles. Rough roads, poor quality petrol/oil, dusty conditions, the minor shunts that are part of third world riding, overloading with luggage. They all take their toll on a bike.
Sure, you might get a bike with big tank, bashplate etc. included, but none of that stuff is hard to find or fit. Just something to think about.

Whatever you get, best of luck!

Matt

__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

Good point Matt, but it does depend on who the owner was. When I got back from my big trip I stripped the whole thing and it was as good as new (actually better as it had a Mad Dog Motorcycles wiring loom instead of a Ducati one and better bouncy bits). Shame it got torched, ouch the painfull memories.... I then bought a newer one, lower mileage, needs hours and hours of work spending on it to get it good, and a lot of money to get it useable for an overland trip.

I see your idea of whether to get an 'unused' or 'toured' bike against a stock bike and start from scratch and it may sound strange but I've thought backwards on this one.
A stock bike, say a second hand '03, XT, 8,000 miles in the trader is going for 2 grand and that's with nothing on it, so by the time I've bought a sump guard, acerbis tank, screen, handguards, handlebar risers, uprated shock/spring, centre stand and the panniers with rack $$$$!!, then that's another 1000+ pounds not to mention any extras that may be added, progressive springs, and electric atatchments. So your looking at 3-4 grand on a good day.
If however I obtain a 'used' bike and if the heavens shine on me that morning, it may have been already kitted out, then the price of a rebuild will be much cheaper and most done by myself, ie, engine service, bearings (steering and wheels), sprockets, chain, clutch plates and the like. Plastics and incidentals aren't a worry as the bike will look prety knackered after the first month anyhow and most of the guys that do go on 'tours' look after their bikes as a matter of course as they need them to get home, by saying most I'm not daft enough to take a bike on just a ... "yeah mate!, new oil and full service by myself every week pal..!"
They do say, "pay cheap.. pay twice!" (who are 'they' anyhow?) but I'd rather have that saved grand in my pocket for the day the bike does break or in the bank for when I'm home or even to extend my trip.

Does this sound reasonable or daft? your thoughts and ideas

__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'

spot on Geoff, most bikes that get kitted up the owner loses a considerable sum on the extras when they sell (as I am finding out at the moment, an 800 quid bike with a grands worth of upgrades is worth maybe 950...). At the end of the day the only really crucial part is the crankshaft and cylinder, if you are a profficient mechanic, which it sounds like you are, reconditioning the top end and replacing some bearings should see you fine. A snapped frame would be an obvious no-buy!

Yep, this is a good point. The second hand value of upgrades is virtually nil, but the new cost of them is astronomical when compared to the cost of the bike itself!
I suppose it depends on how much you are planning to spend all up, and what proportion of that is going to be kit. It also depends on how mechanically capable you are and how much work you want to do to the bike prior to leaving.
And you are right that overlanders probably take more care of their bikes than ordinary riders. Added to that, like you say, most bikes look pretty shabby after a couple of months of overlanding. This will substantially reduce the second hand value (I'd guess) while the actual mechanicals of the bike might still be in very good nick.

I would say a lot depends on what type of trip an ex-overlander has been used on. A bike that has been on extended desert piste bashing trips will have suffered a lot of abuse, whereas a bike that has done the mostly tarmac trip from Europe to India, say, might be a lot less worn out.

I guess I'm saying that it's just as well to be as wary buying an overlander as much as you would be buying an everyday punter's bike, only for different reasons. The owner of an overlander might have looked after his bike better, and be less likely to rip you off (I'd hope!) but his bike might have spent months battering itself to death on rough roads all over the world.

Henry's right that stuff can be put right again, but you'd want to be sure that either a) it's been done already, or b) you know what needs done and can do it yourself at a reasonable cost.

Matt

__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

What are you selling..?

__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'

a 1994 Cagiva Elefant 750, 1984 Cagiva Elefant 650 (might keep this one though), a 1968 Triumph TR25W, a 1989 Yamaha FZR 600 (just fully rebuilt, all powder coated in black, all new black plastics, full stainless exhaust, braided hoses etc - no expense spared) and an S reg (04?) Hyosung Aquila 250 (long story).

Guys, Thanks for your time, advice and help. I got a bike at a great price and in great nick from down near Sellafield, so it even doesn't need petrol, just 'Glo-power'! Tee hee hee!
It's an XT600E, 2003 model and perfect for the RTW.

Thanks again.

Geoff

P.s, GRANT... best website buddy, thanks!

__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'