Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 May 2012
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
Yamaha XJ600/900 Diversion Enduro Conversion?

I'm on the lookout for a bike that will eat up the miles but still not mind going down the odd green lane or two.
I was looking at the geometry of the Yam XJ and thought if it was jacked up a bit on the front and rear with suitable rubber fitted it could be a contender.
These bikes are known for being fairly bullet proof and are dirt cheap so is it worth a punt?

Has anyone done a conversion already? I'd love to see some photos if they have.
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
What are the tyre sizes?

I've just switched but for the last 8 years I've been using a Hinckley Bonneville. A bike this shape worked for Ted Simon in 1973, so why not today when there is more tarmac. The key though is tyres (and I aren't saying this because I'm selling some ). GS style semi-knobblies means that if you wake up to rain halfway down that forest track in Finland you might be late for dinner at the next place, while semi-slick road tyres mean cooking moss on the petrol stove and praying for sun.

The other downside is the damage you can do. Over the years I've bought 3 pairs of silencers and at least one pair of indicators. Again, not sure how the Divi will land, but if you can buy the obvious bits from people who want to turn petrol into noise faster, all the better.

This treatment does trash the bike. I sold to a dealer who'll scrap it and knew the value, so I have no bad feelings. If breaking the frame would do more than ruin your trip you will be better off slowing down on the road sections and knowing the lanes won't break it.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 May 2012
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
Tyre sizes are not my main concern. Front end may be changed for a more off road set up so it will come with a suitable rim anyway.
Dropping the bike is a hazard we all have to endure from time to time but Diversions are often fitted with engine guards and if there's panniers on the back I'd be hard pressed to damage anything of great significance. Lever guards might be a good addition?

Jacking the bike up is my main concern as it may mess the geometry up to a point where it's unrideable - it might even improve...
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 May 2012
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
Anything is possible just seen a R1 scrambler

Yamaha R1 offroad - YouTube
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tenere Tom View Post
Tyre sizes are not my main concern. Front end may be changed for a more off road set up so it will come with a suitable rim anyway.
Dropping the bike is a hazard we all have to endure from time to time but Diversions are often fitted with engine guards and if there's panniers on the back I'd be hard pressed to damage anything of great significance. Lever guards might be a good addition?
.
Jacking the bike up is my main concern as it may mess the geometry up to a point where it's unrideable - it might even improve...
I've dropped a XJ900 Divy on the left side (no luggage was fitted at the tme), at slow speed onto tarmac , and it broke the indicator on that side + some damage to the plastic side panel - gaffer tape got me home a few weeks later, of course.

Nice to see them under consideration, and discussion - great engines, but I can't see why you would want extra ground clearance; the front forks are soft and it used to be said that progressive springs are une bonne idee.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 May 2012
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
I'm just playing with ideas with the,suspension height, if a bit of clearance is needed then it needs looking at.
If the chassis is up to it it could be a good RTW budget bike?
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tenere Tom View Post
I'm on the lookout for a bike that will eat up the miles but still not mind going down the odd green lane or two.
I do understand, but the original point was as above.
My XJ900 did that routinely; so it all depends what you have in mind to be a "green lane".

Also, RTW is completely undefined, even in the HUBB; only you know what you have in mind for your bike.
(well, actually, there are definitions but they tend to be related to setting world records - just leaves me cold!!).

Actually I have been toying with the idea of getting another XJ900; for load lugging on the highway, incl a pillion, they are hard to beat. The FJR is vastly over-priced in comparison, but it is the spiritual successor to the big Diversion.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 23 May 2012
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
When I said green lane I was not meaning mud plugging or jumps just 'not tarmac'
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 23 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Derby, UK
Posts: 119
The 600 Diversion is actually on pretty tall and bouncy suspension to begin with. I only rode one once, but it was around a load of narrow Exmoor lanes full of potholes. I'd have thought it would be OK with gravel road type stuff.

The downside is they weigh as much as a small moon.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 23 May 2012
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
Well, I found a cheap (£400) Diversion 600 that had just been taken in by my local bike shop.
It needs a few minor repairs doing (fork seal needs sorting and exhaust blowing a little) before I can get an MOT on it but I can't grumble for the money can I?

It will be home later this week so I guess I'm going to be busy spannering at the weekend.
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 27 May 2012
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
Looks like someone on here has had a similar idea to me...

__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Brazil
Posts: 134
Take a look on this topic on ADVrider.
Converted to dual-sport? POST PICS!! - ADVrider
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 554
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tenere Tom View Post
Looks like someone on here has had a similar idea to me...

Instantly remembered that XJ900. It was made by Ronnie Skårner and he contributed to Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook writing about that conversion. You can find more info googling his name. I found it really impressive.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 May 2012
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
Quote:
Originally Posted by estebangc View Post
Instantly remembered that XJ900. It was made by Ronnie Skårner and he contributed to Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook writing about that conversion. You can find more info googling his name. I found it really impressive.
It's a shame all the photos have gone, I'd loved to have seen them
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Yamaha XT 600 personalization Zergman Yamaha Tech 179 30 Jun 2020 23:50

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:35.