hi everyone, leaving for overland africa in 8 weeks and i need to source an uprated rear spring for my XT 600E 3AJ 2000 model

front fork springs you can buy everywhere, but rear springs are just non exsistant, had loads of people tell me where i can "definately buy one mate" but when you ring its the same answer "no, we dont sell those"

i cant afford an ohlins/wp rear damper so im begging for a contact for a supplier from somebody has actually bought one!

would really appreciate any help

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bigger is always better.

Meaning that you can directly and easily order from for instance KEDO, www.kedo.com or so.
I can vouch for KEDO, they sell springs without the damper, they mail things and they are pretty fast too. You can phone them too, they have at least one person that speaks English.

If yoy are realy pressed for time, order one with Technoflex in Holland, and on your way to Africa just drop by in their workshop and they will fit it for you.

BTW, the Technoflex stuff is the same stuff as the Wilbers that's being sold by Kedo.

Good luck!
Auke

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Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com

Hey mate, some info that might help..... if needed I have the measurements of a standard 3AJ Shock.

There are TWO Tenere shocks on ebay for around £50 if you fancy taking the chance; Remember the standard unit CANNOT be rebuilt (god I hope I'm wrong !! if so please let me know).

Please also let us know what you decide....

Hagon £300 -made to your requirements
Hagon in the UK
http://www.hagon-shocks.co.uk/HagMono.htm

Technoflex €400 - €700
Thank you for your interest in Technoflex. Technoflex builds schocks since 1989 and besides of that we have more than 40 years of
experience in the field of shock absorbers. The shocks of Technoflex are ALL CUSTOM MADE. This means that we build shocks that are adjusted
to your weight and drivingstyle.
For your bike the XT 600Z 1989 we have 3 different models but for your
Rear:
1- Standard emulsion: The shocks is adjustable on the rebound adjuster ring with 50 clicks to achieve the precise adjustment over an extremely wide range. € 462,00 incl. 19% VAT
2- Advanced remote reservoir (low speed): This shock comes with the abillity to regulate the compression in low speed. compression damping has 35 clicks of adjustment on low speed.
This allows more comfort because the bike can be adjusted for different roads. € 678,00 incl. 19% VAT
3-Advanced remote reservoir (high/low speed): This shock comes with the abillity to regulate the compression in both high and low speed. compression damping has 35 clicks of adjustment on both high
and low speed. This allows more comfort because the bike can be adjusted for different roads. € 737,00 incl. 19% VAT.
I hope you have enough information, but if you need any additional information please don't hesistate to contact me.
I am looking forward hearing from you soon.
Kind regards, Hans-Dieter Fischer Sales & Marketing Director
Technoflex Suspension B.V.
Graafschap Hornelaan 161c
6001 AC Weert

Tel: +31 (0)495 457180
Fax: +31 (0)495 539273
E:hans-dieter@technoflex.nl

Auke, Have you brought just springs before ? I'm looking at building up my own shock and any spring lengths or rate information would be a great help...

Many thanks in advance

Matt

No, I did never. But my transafrica story is as follows: I had the original one rebuilt (yes you can). It lasted till Aswan after abt 6000 kms of African roads. Then the damping was gone.
Then, I had a Techoflex flown in to Khartoum.
I was advised to rebuilt the old one, and thought it a good idea not wanting to spend the money on a real one although there's a lot of advice on this forum of doing just that.
So my advice is, go for wp or technoflex or so. Yes, it is expensive, but just imagine having your stock breaking down on you and the hassle of replacing / repairing.
Second best is to install a stiffer spring, this will reduce damper rod movement and thus increases life of the damper.

What I know about spring rates is what I know from technoflex, no I do not get paid by them.
Standard spring length on their shocks is 185 mm. Then, they have spring designations equalling the load on the rear wheel. If your weight is 85 kg, they install a 85 kg spring in your shock. You will be travelling with (lots of) luggage, for me they installed a spring with 115 kg designation.

More advice: take the minimum amount of stuff, reduce the kilo's, you'll reduce load on the bike, wear, fatigue, and increase riding fun, remember you're 8 hours per day on the bike, so that should as well be the priority regarding selection of items to take. Leave your piano at home!

Good travels!
Auke

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Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com

K-Tech in the UK are meant to be very good for springs !! I know of a few people who have used them.

They are very helpful and you can send them your shock and well as your requirements and they will do all the brain work for you.

They even custom make springs.

http://www.k-tech.uk.com/

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www.touringted.com.

try falcon shock absorbers 01929 554 545
they will bring it back to new at a fraction and will also get a heavier spring if needed

Hi DeeBee.

The standard spring rate for most XT600 models is between 480-520 Lb/inch.
I can supply from stock, springs at 500, 550 & 600 Lb/inch rates.

550 Lb/inch normally does the job on a loaded overland bike with an average to heavy rider. Nutritional over-achievers may need a 600!

David L.