Xt 350
 

I Asked about this bike once before. Been thinking about a trip in about one year, and im not really concerned about a bike if I have to get another. But I do have this 350xt 1986. it hasnt been going in a couple years, but did go when parked. Honestly, I would take it on a trip to africa because of its simplicity, however, because of its age and so on, I would really just want to completely rebuild the engine. However, after contacting yamaha , they advised me that after 10 years old they have little info on a bike, and that if I wanted to see if the parts for the engine were still available, i would have to go in the yamaha site, get every part number for the engine that I want, and send the list to them, and they will see what is available. She said that some of the parts may not be available anymore. Would this even be worth doing? I know I can get a new KLR 650 for just over 7 grand on the road.

Well considering I can still get parts for my 86 Tenere(some from Japan)I don't think you'll have much problems with a bike that was still in production till the early/mid 90s.

xt350\tt350
 

XT 350 is very similar in the engine to TT350. Similar I mean they have a different electrical: XT 12v, TT 6v, but except this they r the same. If you want to rebuild, bearings are surely available (also not from yamaha, it's cheaper), and for the rest all internal parts of the motor are still available.

How many kms on the clock? if around 40k and no strange noises around, probably it's enough a timing chain replacement will be enough.

I am not sure of the km right now....I think it was somewhere up around the 35000 mark, but could be mistaken. Its crammed up in the shed for a few years now. the rubber around the carbs were broken, and A part of the actual base I think was cranked off where one of the side covers bolted on. Well, I was thinking next year of going to africa, I would really want to feel confident the bike is like brand new..thats why I was thinking of rebuilding completely all engine components. Maybe only keep a few of the origanal parts. And probably other parts on the bike as well. I should probably make up a list just to see the cost. It might cost a small fortune too. Ive heard of people making the route going about 15 000 miles...or 23000 km, I would really want the bike working like new.

i would save myself headache and time
 

i would just look at a yam wr250r- the new kid on the block. dont think any other bike compares in terms of service,ability.
might need a few upgrades in terms of tank and seat.
solo travelling off piste or road. unless u want to carry a ton of luggage should suffice fer a rtw trip.
am thinking of using this fer my outback trip after reading reviews and comparing other 650 trailes.
do not confuse this with the wr250f.
this has valve check intervals of 40k kms and 24months warranty.

Thanks.
 

ahh, i will check into it. I might send in a parts list and see if i can get a manual, which they said might be difficult. I am curious about what an engine job would cost. Any have experience with this? What was your cost?