rims

[Trichelia]

Hi All,
Can anyone tell me if it is necessary to upgrade the standard rims on the xt600e (2002 model) if one is planning a fair bit of off road travelling ?

Is it possible to just change the spokes as an alternative ?

I pack light generally when on foot but am not sure how this will convert to packing the bike.

Thanks

[*Touring Ted*]

Totally unnecessary !!

The chromed steels ones are more durable, easy to repair and more likely to bend than crack if you have an accident.

They will be more than strong enough for the job. Spokes are fine too. Just make sure you keep them at the correct tension.

The only benefit of swapping them is a slight weight saving. You could also put an 18" rear rim on making offroad rubber choice easier.

Spoke tension is more important than posh rims and spokes anyday !

[Tenere Tom]

On the early XT600's (84-85) the rear rims can give cause for concern around the spoke holes as they tend to develope hairline cracks.

There were 2 different makes - D.I.D. which I have seen crack and Tagasako which don't and seem to be better.

[Trichelia]

Thanks for that info.

T.Ted....why would I want to get a 18" rear rim, how would it benefit me ? In your experience, would one actually have to buy a tyre on route (Africa) and therefore it be easier to acquire ? - in addition to the spares carried on the bike.

If I were to get the larger size, would you suggest an excel rim or another chromed steel ? Or different spokes ?

Wrt spoke tension, how is this done ? - is there a specific torque or is it less scientific....ie: the sound given off with a tap ?

Thanks a bunch.

[*Touring Ted*]

Originally Posted by Trichelia

Thanks for that info.

T.Ted....why would I want to get a 18" rear rim, how would it benefit me ? In your experience, would one actually have to buy a tyre on route (Africa) and therefore it be easier to acquire ? - in addition to the spares carried on the bike.

If I were to get the larger size, would you suggest an excel rim or another chromed steel ? Or different spokes ?

Wrt spoke tension, how is this done ? - is there a specific torque or is it less scientific....ie: the sound given off with a tap ?

Thanks a bunch.

Spoke tension ... Just check they're all tight and have the same spring to them. Any lose ones obviously need tightening up.

18"... The majority of offroad bikes run an 18" rear wheel so 18" tyres are usually more readily available in countries where they have 18" wheeled bikes. Even more so in Africa (so I hear).

It really depends where you are going and what tyres you are using. You aren't going to be able to ride the length of Africa on one set of tyres.

As I said though, keep the stock wheels, check the spoke tension and save the money to go on Safari