I chose an XT600E
 

Just to let you guys know I settled on an XT600E a 1997 model , which isn't so bad as AFAIK the design didn't change until they ceased production in 2005 when it became the XT660.

Its already got a big 25 litre tank

Renthal bars

Acerbis hand guards + lever protectors

Skid/bash plate

Alloy wheels.

I just need to uprate the suspension probably maybe

Overhaul the brakes

Change the exhaust for a freer flowing one and to save weight.


Does anybody have any suggestions for the following:


Suspension
A lockable fuel cap (its an acerbis plastic tank
Exhaust that doesn't need a rejet


Thanks

Hello Kennichi,
XT660E is a good motorcycle in Brazil :thumbup1:
Yesterday, me XT660R, my friend XT660E and another friend XLX350 did a hard off-road near our city, passing rivers, going to places without roads, in hard montains.
All the bikes went so good, without problems.

acerbis locking cap
 

hi acerbis do a locking cap see ebay ad 370109115624 steve

The Arrow Paris-Dakar exhaust is stainless steel throughout. I had a Produro exhaust, which is steel inside and rots like a carcass in the sun. The Arrow flows very well, and i matched it with a foam air filter.

I have the locking fuel cap by Acerbis: does what it says on the box. I'm getting a new Ohlins for my XT600E. I have an uprated spring on the Yamaha shock that has 200 miles on it, all on the highway...if you're interested. The spring is rated to take full luggage, so is fine for overlanding. I just got sucked into the adjustability of the Ohlins.

PM me if interested, and good luck

Mike

Hey I have a locking acerbis feul cap I think !
:scooter: yours for £12 inc the postage. pm me and I will get back to you

Check out my website

Touring Ted

I have a page about preparing the XT600E for such a voyage.

Maybe something in there will help you out.

Yup I've followed your bike prep bar the exhaust and the screen and the sheep skin and centre stand , and luggage (I'm bringing one lockable top box and minimal soft luggage on the sides).

However quick question since you stuck a 23l acerbis tank on the bike erm the fuel taps at the bottom what is reserve normal and off on the fuel taps? , I remember the guy who sold it me fiddled with it slightly before following me home on it and I forgot to ask what he did with it.

If I remember correctly, I think I used to get about 200 miles before I turned the taps onto reserve. Sometimes I just left it on reserve and filled up every 100-150 miles.

I got about 230 miles before I was running on fumes but others report much better mpgs.

It depends on the fuel (In Brazil I got 350 miles from a tank due to the ethanol) and your riding style. In Argentina, the roads were sometimes so boring id cruise at 70-75mph which killed the economy.

Your best just strapping a jerry can on the back and ride your bike packed up until you run out ! :thumbup1:

Hello Ted,
Where are you now?

hey there !!

I'm came back to England last year.. My money ran out :(

I am working and saving for another trip now.. I sold my XT in Colombia and now I have an Africa Twin ...

How are you my friend ???

I could be wrong, but I think Kennichi is asking about the taps, Ted. I now have this bike and it's still going strong on the Caribe coast of Colombia.

Had me perplexed for a while, but taps vertical both sides, and right back/left forward for reserve.

I too get about 230 miles before switching to reserve.

Puts a smile on my face to her that shes still going strong... Shes a good girl :smartass:

Anyway, how are you Mick ?? Still in the same apartment ?

Very good Ted,
If you come to Brazil again, don't forget to visit us OK?
I'm very good too, planning my trip do Atacama's Desert, Paso Sico, Paso San Francisco, and all route near this places, like Quebrada de Humahuaca, Iruya, Ruta 40, Abra del Acay, etc...
Take care and keep in touch... :thumbup1::thumbup1: