Anything to look out for on an old-ish (1986) TT600, kickstart model? I believe the one I'm looking at has done 32000km.

Can an electric start be fitted, or a large tank, like from a Tenere or even bigger, say 45L?

Any other gotchas in using this for overlanding? Good choice? I notice Chris Scott recommends the TT600E electric start model rather than the kickstart version.

if you are looking for something to travel, you better try to get an old ténéré!
it's much easier to improve the suspension of a ténéré than to fit electric-start/big tank on a tt.
electric starter can be fit, but needs lots of modifications in wiring / ignition system.
tank: see other topic below.
gear-ratio of tt is different from xt.
tt has no rubber-buffers in the rear hub.
klaus@xt600.de http://www.xt600.de

Thanks for your reply.

You recommend the Ténéré. I suppose you mean the pre-89 kickstart only model?

Some people (Karim of Karim's desert biking disasters, for example) have complained that there's not enough power to keep it out of a dune, unlike a KTM or TT which are more highly tuned and lighter.

And that they are v. difficult to get hold of in the UK - see other thread for this.

But when I search Autotrader I get a couple of hits every time. Are these all dogs, or just XT600s with a Ténéré tank and badges?

ténéré 83-85 is kick-start only, 86-87 has both kick- and electric-start, 88-90 only electric-start.
of course you cannot compare a ktm with a xt, there are 15 years of development between.
the tt has not more power than the (old) xt since the engine is the same. the difference is the ratio of the gearbox. but if you fit other sprocket etc. on a xt you can realize a shorter (and therefore more powerful) ratio.
the weight of a 83-85 ténéré is not much more than the weight of a tt with big tank.
so it depends what you want to do: if it's only dune-surfing a ktm or tt is better of course but if it is travelling i would prefer a ténéré, it's a good compromise.
remember, there is always a limit, even for a ktm. it's a matter of mental attitude, even harleys have managed to cross the sahara ;-)

The problem with (air cooled) Tenere's is that they're getting a bit old. The problem is finding a decent one. I doubt the Tenere's you see are disguised plain old XT600s, as I believe the differences between the two extend to rather more than the tank and decals. Certainly the later (nineties)XT600E is a different motorcycle (eg different size rear wheel). That said, they've still go a similar engine, so why not Tenereise a later XT600E as Chris Scott describes in AMH 3?

I've just replaced my Tenere with a KTM (LC4) and certainly, the Tenere motor was softer with more low down grunt (good in soft sand). The LC4 motor will still get you there but you have to rev it a bit more and be able to control it as you tend to get there faster (don't ask how I know).

This is probably a bit off-topic, but a KTM is an outside possibility.

There are two current models, the Adventure R (154kg, US price $8098) and the Dual Sport LC4 (138.8kg, US price $6998).

I assume any bike used for overlanding will have to be modified, including the Adventure, which still needs luggage and the tank is too small (I would want 40L+). What is the difference, and is it worth it? What did you get?

Thanks for the info about different Ténéré models by the way Klaus.

The only other place I found the specs was your website and unfortunately I can't read German. Babelfish did a spectacularly comical translation.

I will probably go for an '86 Ténéré if I can get a good one in the UK.

The Teneré and XT until 1992 (those whitout elecrtic starter) have practically the same frame and engine, difference with TT ,are gear ratio and (important! ) frame dimension : TT's are more nervous and less stable - and it get worse with load ! , I got a 1990 XT model 2KF , done canada and USA with a custom-made 28 litre tank - it's -unfortunately- the "last good one" the electric starter models are heavier, frame and suspensions were underrated, and offroad handling is more difficult.

KTM Adventure R is the overlander "dream bike" , light, powerful , protective, standard tank is 30 litres plus optional sidetanks of 15 more litres ... very good ...but not with the reliability level of an XT or an XR :-(((( and just this write-off a good bike form the list :-((

Slightly off topic, but having just replaced my Tenere with an Adventure, I'd be interested to hear in just what respect it is less reliable than an XR or XT, mainly so I can take steps to ensure my next trip isn't compromised.

Cheers,

Ian

From what I understand the KTM bikes are just more highly stressed and therefore need more frequent fettling (oil & filter changes for example) rather than being unreliable per se.

hi john,
i aggree with everything what giorgio said above.
in my opinion the best xt is a 86/87 ténéré but with a 3TB / DJ02 engine (xt600 1990-2000).
it combines the better frame, suspension, airfilter, exhaust pipe with the better (advanced) engine, ignition system of the late xts.
if you can manage to get a 1VJ i would recommend several modifications. you may contact me directly then (klaus@xt600.de)

Thanks, haven't heard about this before, is the 3TB engine etc that much better? What are the advantages?

Thanks, haven't heard about this before, is the 3TB engine etc that much better? What are the advantages?

If you are looking for an old Tenere then you may find project bikes in Notts can help, I bought 1985 Tenere from him, it is an Itian import with 26000 km on the clock very clean just needed a little TLC and a service and I was away. I paid £800.00 for mine but that did not include reg and tax if you want his number email me.

John:
advantages of newer xt-engines:
-better cooling of cylinder (since '88, cylinder-code 3AJ)
-different gear-ratio (you know the problem with the 5th gear in older xts)
-different piston, slipper-type (since '96?, i'm not sure)
-better gear-box lubrication (separat oil-pipe)
-advanced ignition-system: dcdi-unit, more powerful ignition coil, but a lot of modifications in 1vj-wiring are necessary

to change the engine is simple work, to change the ignition system is a bit tricky because of the wiring.
but you can use as well the 1vj ignition if you mount the 1vj-generator (rotor/stator)