Can a kickstarter be fitted to the new XT600E? I am thinking about upgrading from my old XT500 but having travelled extensively in southern Africa, I have learned the importance of having mechanical backup for those bad-electrics days.
If so, what is involved and will it be expensive?
Thanks!

[This message has been edited by PK (edited 03 October 2000).]

Yep, it can be done, using parts from the French spec XT600K - but it's a bitch of a job, involving an engine strip down and replacing the gear box shaft. I've just had it done by Yamaha UK - the benefits of being a journalist - try a trusted Yam dealer (call Yamaha on 01932 358000) or contact XT specialist David Lambeth in East Sussex, 01892 668280, and he will give you a quote.

Thanks, Dan. It's good to know it can be done at least. I am based in South Africa (also a journalist) so will need to source all the bits locally. Pity Yamaha didn't just build the thing with a kickstarter in the first place.

hi,
you can find a detailed description for this at:http://www.xt600.de/xt_schraubertips...rter/index.htm
unfortunatly the text is in german, we didn't manage up to now to translate it.
but at least you may learn something from the pictures.
to mount a kickstarter is simple, but if you own a model with the cutch lever on the RIGHT side of the engine, there a two problems:
1.you have to drill a 20 mm boring for the kickstartershaft and a 30 mm seat for the sealing.
2. it is not possible to mount the automatic decompession unit, you need to mount an extra hand-lever for this to do it manually (which is quiet simple).
if you need further infomation, contact me: klaus@xt600.de

Thanks, Klaus. One question, though: why does the position of the clutch lever make a difference? (The 2000 model sold in South Africa has the clutch lever on the left, which I suppose is good news.)
Thanks for your help. I did look at your site - good pictures - but I think I will have to get someone to translate for me.