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Is this a bad idea? Newbie has a dream (Yamaha related) Is this a bad idea? Newbie has a dream (Yamaha related)
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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 17 May 2015
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Is this a bad idea? Newbie has a dream (Yamaha related)
Hi guys,

I have a dream . I want to do a some long term overland travel e.g. Europe to Mongolia or Middle East or Africa.
The thing is: I never rode a bike, I don't even have a license yet. I am planning to get a bike next spring. Due to limited budget I came up with the idea to buy a "old" bike e.g. from the XT600 Series or if I am lucky I get a cheaper used XT660 and then get me some tools and learn if things break down (BEFORE THE BIG TRIP!). It's learning the hard way but I like it and I think I'll learn the most. So how bad an idea is it to get an older Yamaha from the 90s? I heard they are mechanically simple and reliable. I'd start with weekend trips in Europe.
I have some experience with overland travel in Asia in a Landcruiser and I am good with mechanics.

My initial idea is to save now till next spring and then get the bike and license (can't get it earlier due to burocratic reasons) and then maybe start a big trip in Summer/Autumn (I haven't thought this fully through yet, worstcase I postpone it)

What do you guys think?

greetings from a fellow world traveler, just came to a rest after 1 year constant travel (already planning more hehe..)

edit: I am German Citizien
Last edited by pdanjou; 21 May 2015 at 10:27.
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  #2  
Old 17 May 2015
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Hi pdanjou and welcome,
Not a bad idea, I have travelled on older bikes which have been overhauled and had no more or even less problems than newer ones. The XT600 is a trusted workhorse which in good condition is well up to the task, although take your time and buy the best you can even if it means paying a bit more than you want to.
Also consider Honda XL/XR 600/650 singles, Kawasaki KLR650 and BMW F650 the latter of which seem to go for very little money with plentiful second hand spares and good back up from the likes of Motorworks and BMW dealers themselves, shameless plug for CW motorcycles in Dorchester here. Don't rule out something smaller such as a 400 or even a 250, they are all up to it, the benefit of an older bike will also be a cheaper carnet if you head to Africa or some parts of Asia.
You might like to tell us where you are, some answers to FAQs depend on nationality and residency.
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  #3  
Old 17 May 2015
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Follow your dreams!
Go for it, read as much as you can on your choice of bike, XR 650's and DR 650's are good too! Warm protective clothing, helmet, boots and gloves, Gore-Tex is awesome! Learn how to service and repair it, fix punctures, chains, sprockets, suspension, luggage / panniers, lighting, tyre choice, fuel range, bike set up ect, ect. Get the tools and spares you will need to maintain it while on the road, health insurance and get plenty of practice on dirt roads, maybe even lessons.


You'll find it all here and more. Good luck.
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  #4  
Old 17 May 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mark manley View Post
Don't rule out something smaller such as a 400 or even a 250, they are all up to it, the benefit of an older bike .
I did not rule them out but all I ever find is about the Tenere or other bigger bikes. The Kawasaki is not as common in Europe IIRC and the BMW is more expensive, even though I might check for that again on older bikes. Actually the XT600/660 might be too big and heavy for me. I am only 173cm and lightweight. The Yamaha WR250R looks nice too but too new for cheap used bikes + the XT600 are known and I got tons of material on them.
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  #5  
Old 17 May 2015
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Its a great idea. I can agree with all the others have said. One of the best things I did was do my bike licence.

As for the XT600, a great choice IMHO, I have one and think its great.

There are some pics of my bike on his thread

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub.../xt-600e-76823

All the best it what you decide to do

Wayne
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  #6  
Old 18 May 2015
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+ learn on the road
And don't worry too much about learning in advance... . once on the road you'll be surprized about inspiration you find to fix things you wouldn't think of at home... .

If it's really about traveling, big bike or adventure bike are optional in my opinion. There are cheap to buy and ride honda CB's yamaha XJ's/YBR's, ... in different engine sizes that will get you everywhere in europe and around.
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  #7  
Old 19 May 2015
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Thanks for the positive messages. Now I have a year to prepare and can't wait to start :O
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  #8  
Old 21 May 2015
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Hi,

you can visit http://www.xt600.de (german) and their forum for informations.
There is also an active forum.

Another option is to buy a really really cheap xt600 and rebuild it yourself till next spring. This might not be cheaper than buying a good one, but you will for shure know your bike then. of course this need time.

Martin
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  #9  
Old 22 May 2015
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Originally Posted by Maddin View Post
Another option is to buy a really really cheap xt600 and rebuild it yourself till next spring. This might not be cheaper than buying a good one, but you will for shure know your bike then. of course this need time.

Martin
What is a really really cheap one? I was thinking about someting about 2500Eur. I found several for that price from the 90s with around 20-30k km. That seemed reasonable to me.
I don't think it will be in option though due to lacking ways of transportation and no workshop or garage
Last edited by pdanjou; 22 May 2015 at 13:10.
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Old 22 May 2015
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Hi,

It's a great idea for for it

I just got back from S.America and did 32,000k. I got my license and flew out in Feb 2014. No mechanical skills whatsoever! I learnt a lot. It was an epic trip. I bought a XR250 and it was a great bike. I think my dream tourer would be the same bike but with a 400cc engine and a 20lt tank, so maybe a DR400 then?
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  #11  
Old 22 May 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pdanjou View Post
What is a really really cheap one? I was thinking about someting about 2500Eur. I found several for that price from the 90s with around 20-30k km. That seemed reasonable to me.
I don't think it will be in option though due to lacking ways of transportation and no workshop or garage
Hi,

many many years ago i bought a 1986 XT600 for about 200 DM ! that would be cheap, but it was a lot of work.

For 2,500€ you should get a fine XT600. Problem is to find that good one, which was, for example, overhauled and in good condition.
Not that, which looks nice but the engine is finished.

Maybe you have someone near you, who is into the Xt600s and can help you look at bike.

DR400 is also a nice bike, but there are not many of them here.
A modern DR400 with new engine and maybe 40HP would be so nice
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  #12  
Old 22 May 2015
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Well I also like the WR250R but its too new, so no cheap used bikes.
I will ask in the German and Czech XT600 forums if someone is selling + I am studying the workshop manual and reading online about what needs to be checked when bought. I know low km doesn't mean anything.

I'd totally buy an old one and fix it up but I don't have a garage/workshop :/ that makes it rather difficult

@ridetheworld: Sounds awesome, I wanna do the same
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  #13  
Old 22 May 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maddin View Post
Hi,

many many years ago i bought a 1986 XT600 for about 200 DM ! that would be cheap, but it was a lot of work.

For 2,500€ you should get a fine XT600. Problem is to find that good one, which was, for example, overhauled and in good condition.
Not that, which looks nice but the engine is finished.

Maybe you have someone near you, who is into the Xt600s and can help you look at bike.

DR400 is also a nice bike, but there are not many of them here.
A modern DR400 with new engine and maybe 40HP would be so nice
That would be a DRZ400S, then....
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  #14  
Old 22 May 2015
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Take a look at The 97-03 TT600R which can also be had for around 2500 EUR. Its basically an XT with much better fully adjustable suspension, kick-start, larger carbs and lighter overall weight.
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  #15  
Old 23 May 2015
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Thanks for the info, the TT600R certainly looks interesting. I'd need something lighter and adjustable. Maybe I go for that bike, there is certainly a lot of parts avaiable too and the motor is the same as XT600.
Last edited by pdanjou; 23 May 2015 at 10:24.
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