I was wondering about any suggestions or recommended upgrades for the rear suspension on an XT600E. Mine's a 1990, and the stock suspension is leaving something to be desired in terms of preload and travel (namely when riding fully-loaded with ali panniers).

-I have heard that a 550lb. spring is available from David Lambeth, are there any opinions on this?
-Does anyone know if a shock from another bike would fit (Kawasaki KLR or some dirtbike)? Spending $600-$800 on an Ohlins or WP shock is somewhat out too.

My main concern is the suspension preload and stiffness. If anyone had any advice regarding raising the rear of the bike as well (to get a few more cm of ground clearance, and prevent the bike from high-siding off its kickstand) that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Micah

Hey, If you search this forum you will find a wealth of information and (different) opinions regarding this question. For front preload, the standard front forks have a spacer positioned on top of the spring to provide some preload, so the cheapest option for the front is to have this out and get down to your local fabricator and have them cut some tube a little longer, about 2cm extra should be fine and will cost of a few pennies, or nothing at all For rear preload, just wind up the reload adjuster on the stock item. That's the cheapest option and it works, you will be able to do what you want. There are ofc many more expensive options, e.g. Hyperpro provide replacement springs for both front and back at a reasonable price.

Has anyone ever made a spacer for the rear spring to increase preload? I've got the adjuster cranked up almost to the max. I have full access to a machine shop, so I can make the spacer.

I guess mostly what I need is to raise the bike, the rear shock is decently strong, but it just doesn't sit high enough. Has anyone ever made raising links for it?

How much luggage will you take? Are you keeping the stock front suspension?

Usually two 35 liter aluminum boxes fully loaded, myself (180lbs or 81kg with gear), a medium-size topcase, and maybe a drybag.

I may get progressive front springs in the future, with maybe a little heavier oil (15W or so). But right now the front does OK, it's mainly the rear that I'm worried about.

Here's a good example of how the bike sits fully loaded, the KLR on the right has raising links and 420lb. Progressive rear suspension.

I'm currently welding my own luggage rack. It will carry two 20 litre metal jerrycans (5kg each) and the largest Givi Monokey top box (the one that has enough space for 2 helmets). 75 kg myself, so total will be little over 150 kg, not up to 200 kg.
WP rear suspension and stock front suspension.
I guess I'll be ok then?