xt 600e re build

[kito]

i have my xt down to the frame and plan a few mods.i want to fit a new front end .i was thinking of going for white power USD fork with more travel.i was thinking of a new rear shock and making the swing arm about 40-50mm longer to help level the bike and to fit a 18" rim on the back. Does any one have any idea of what grade steel should be used to extend the swing arm ?any advice on good wheel builders ? any one done this mods ? any tips or advice . thanks

[svakak]

If you want 18" wheel, maybe it would be easier to fit pre-1990. XT or Tenere rear fork?

[kito]

are those older swing arms a staight swap ? is any modification needed ? it sounds a better idea than making mine longer .do you know how much longer the old ones are comperd to the 2003 4pt ones.

[david lambeth]

Hi Kito.

Originally Posted by kito

are those older swing arms a staight swap ? is any modification needed ? it sounds a better idea than making mine longer .do you know how much longer the old ones are comperd to the 2003 4pt ones.

The earlier (steel type 3AJ) swingarms that had 18" rear wheels are actually the same length as the 3TB/3AJ arms.
There are basically 4 types of XT600 swingarm.
1) Alloy 34L/43F narrow & drum type - (shorter than later steel arms)
This type includes the original 34L arm that had the snail adjusters on the inside of the arm.
2) Steel 2KF narrow & disc type.
3) Steel 1VJ wide & drum type.
4) Steel 3AJ/3TB/4PT wide & disc type.
'Narrow or Wide' referrs to the width of the front, pivot part of the arm.
Kick only bikes had a narrow output shaft, chainline & frame where the swingarm pivot bolt passes through. It isn't easy to interchange narrow & wide arms.
So...you already have the longest arm available!!
The only 18" tyre you might have problems with are 140/80/18 Michelin Deserts as they're much bigger than any other 140 section tyre.

David Lambeth.

[kito]

thanks for that good info there david .what about making my swingarm longer ? is it a bad idea ?

[patrick2wd]

I did made mine longer....


looking now like:


swing has an extra 90 (ish) mm
will be fitted with an WR450RR fairing....

see: tenere.co.uk

p/s looking for a complete 3TB/ 4PT engine..