Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Jan 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
need help in lowering 1998 XTZ660 Tenere

Hi folks,
just bought (online)a 1998 XTZ660 Tenere. Beautiful bike. did 600ks around Victoria in 2 days. Dropped twice at low speed. Embarrassing on road! Its too high for me and also too heavy. I'm 5'7, 68kg slim build. Done many adventure/tour in Enfield 350's in India.
I'm planning to travel around AUS in this...possible to India by road.

two thoughts, sell this buy much lower enduro bike,....if any!
or lower the bike to suit my height...and deal with the weight later!

need your advise on this....
Thank you in advance
raj
Picture of XTZ660...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Jan 2014
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,175
Lowering bikes

As I am myself quite small (163cm / about 5'4'' ??) I have the same issue with any travelling/touring/ dual bike.

With all my bikes I starts by the same thing:

1 - Set the rear shock (if adjustable) to medium or even light, it DOES make a significant difference. Unless you are already very heavy and/or carry lots of luggage/pilion....

2 - Find a company to scoop out the seat (Remove ALL foam on the rider side) and insert instead a Gel seat. Many companies offer this service and it is not costly. Cheaper than a corbin seat etc.... Again it makes a big difference. And the gel seat is very comfortable.

3 - If not enough: drop the front forks

4 - Last: fit a lowering link. You will need to cut/adjust the sidestand.

In function of the bikes I have owned over the years, I have done some, or all of those solutions. For my current Versys, I have done all of the above as it is a tall bike.

Cheers.
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Jan 2014
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,325
I have never been thinking aboiut this problem, always getting them higher. But i was thinking what about cutting springs? On round in the back would make a huge difference, and in front you can cut or move up the fork if possible. Maybe it will be a problem in the back if you jump with bike and the spring will not be held with weight down?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Jan 2014
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 75
a set of lowering links will drop the bike down a fair amount - have a search around for 'lowering set', 'lowering links' and 'dogbones'. however, i'm fairly sure that the tenere links changed between the 1998 and earlier models and the newer, 07 onwards models, and that the new model links won't fit on your '98 - make sure that you have the right set for the bike!

as already mentioned, you'll also need to adjust the side stand
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Back in the Garage..regrouping.
Posts: 247
Take off one of your std dog bones, get an engineer to make up a set or two in differing lengths - test them out, loaded - unloaded etc.

You could try 10mm longer links?

We lowered an XT660R but 50mm was the maximum.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: uk
Posts: 217
?

hi have a look at kedo.de they do front and rear kits, lower or higher, you would have to ask if they do for your year of bike ,hope this helps ,steve
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
lowering the height, tenere xtz 660


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mongolian road conditions in May sushi2831 Northern and Central Asia 21 7 Jul 2013 13:19
2013 or 2010 XT660Z Tenere? The Lone Deranger Which Bike? 5 9 May 2013 02:41
New sump guard XTZ660 tenere 08 ktmcal Yamaha Tech 3 5 Mar 2012 10:19

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:08.