XT600E v Honda Dominator - vibration?
 

Greetings Hub,

I'm looking to find out your opinions on XT600E handlebar vibrations.

I've entered the Austin Vince Pyranees navigation event in September and only owning a road bike went out and purchaced a Honda Dominator from ebay. I was rewarded for my efforts by a dropped valve seat after the 230 mile motorway journey home to collect it. I have since found out these engines are prone to do this if overheated. The head is at a machine shop now and repairs are in hand but I have now lost confidence in any engine with RFVC written on the side and am looking for a different bike to replace it with.

I'd really like an XT600E but am concerned about handlebar vibrations as I am prone to getting vibration white finger when riding any bike with a lot of handlebar vibrations. I will be riding from Scotland to Spain and back doing about 3500 miles in 2 weeks so this is a bit of a concern. I really liked the dommie engine as it was so smooth at motorway speeds but had to sell an SR500 some years ago because the vibes were making my hands go numb.

I would really welcome any feedback on the smoothness (or not) of the XT600 bars at prolonged motorway speeds.

Big singles I've ridden before that you may want to compre with are BMW F650, CCM 604 (Rotax), Harley Davidson MT350, SR500, Dominator 650 & FMX650.

I'll hopfully be tracking an XT down in the next few weeks for a test ride but would welcome any input you have.

Many thanks in advance.

Stewart

Jethro,

Of the bikes you mention I have experience with the XT600 (early kick type) and the BMW F650 (about 2003 vintage) .

I think my XT is a great machine but in terms of vibration it would loose out to the BMW every time. No comparison really. That BMW is smooth and fast.

Cheers,
Pawlie

Surely if your sorting the Domi you have enough time to get the faith back. Its as good as any other single for getting miles done. Fill the bars with silicon and get some foam grips to get rid of the vibe

Well why don't you use some foam bars to avoid handle vibrations. It can help you a lot. Have you thought about it?

There are companies in England and Ireland who would take your bike to Spain for less than the fuel cost. Personally, if I only had 2 weeks, I wouldn't want to spend it on the motorways. I don't think any of the singles are made for 100kph+ anyways.
And if you are sorting the Dommie, there is no point in buying another bike with possible hidden problems. Use it and enjoy it!

To Barothi,

Very interested in this, didn't know it existed! Do you have links to these companies?

To Stewart - I have a late XT600E and it vibes a bit but I've never felt it to be a problem. I don't notice any particular issue with riding at motorway speeds. Having said that I've never owned a Beemer (or indeed anything with more than 1 cylinder) so maybe I've just got used to it. If you do go down the XT route (which I can recommend, I love my XT!) then replace the standard bars with Renthals or similar as the standard bars are made of cottage cheese and will bend even at slow speed offs. One of the only weak points of the bike.

Confess, I'd keep the Dommie now you've got it though.

Matt :)

Sorry, the cost is more than what I remembered. Some friends used these guys but they grouped up and paid less that way: Overlanders Motorcycle Holiday Transportation and guided tours, Ireland, UK & Europe

You can read a bit more about it here: Ireland to Spain motorcycle shipping - ::. UKGSer.com .:: or just contact overlanders.

Why don't you give the Domi a 2 chance??

Saludos and good travels!

Hi, first posting by me. I had and early xt600 Tenere and rode it arount Oz many years ago - loved it, and I'd had an xt500 before too. The 500 dropped a valve on me mind...The xt600 got a bit of piston slap when hot and the miles grew but no big deal. I have had 2 Dominators in the UK and never had any issues, both bikes pretty similar really vibration wise - hard to choose, so, keep what you've got is my advice. :cool4:

Never had an issue with vibrations on my XT600E. Renthals are a good idea, they help to dampen any vibrations and are very strong. I recently changed from standard bars to Enduro high desert bars (6.5 inch rise) and they make the originals look puny. Well worth the money, and the renthal blurb claims they absorb vibration. Renthal grips finish the job nicely.

A big thank you for all the replies and words of encouragement. The outcome of this saga has still to be decided. I missed out on a couple of very nice XT's and tesr rode a DRZ400 (great bike but a plank for a seat) before deciding to keep the dominator. I'd found out that it was possible to fit an oil cooler to combat high speed overheating so decided to fit one to give me confidence in the engine not dropping another seat in the future. So the rebuild was going well untill I found out that the frame looks bent at the headstock! The bars were ever so slightly out of line but I thought that the forks were just twisted in the yokes. The original steel bars were straight as an arrow and as Matt quite rightly points out original trail bike bars are all mede of cheese. I (very wrongly) assumed that straight "cheese" bars = no major damage. Well with straight yokes and forks on the headstock looks twisted so for now that's a real show stopper. Everything is fixable and I will get the dommie all sorted out and back on the road but it is going to take time. So new plan is to sell my road bike (XJ600 diversion) and buy either a XT600 or DRZ400 for my trip in september. I will sort out the dommie right but without any time pressures and then next year decide which of the two bikes to keep. Rest assured though the next bike I buy I'll be taking a long time to go over everything with a fine tooth comb before parting with any cash. Assumptions can lead to a great bike hole into which you shovel money.

I'll keep you posted.

cheers

Stewart
(still with a smile on my face)

I love my XT to bits, but I wouldn't want to take it on a long motorway journey. Motorways are for going fast, and XTs aren't fast bikes (but then neither is the Dommie). Taking the XT on a long motorway run would be like off-roading a Fireblade. Possible, but not very satisfactory. Just my opinion. The Sprint is for distances, high speeds and 2-up touring. The XT is for short trips, back roads and solo tours.

As for vibes, I get quite bad CTS (numb fingers/thumbs) from every bike I have owned in the last 10 years, so I can't say what the XT would do to you. But it's no worse than any of the others, if that's any help.

My 2 cents.

I lent a friends XT600 -92 when my Bullet broked down, 2 weeks ago.

We did a trip to Norway (Trollstigen) me and my wife on the back and some packing.

(https://picasaweb.google.com/1173455...gen?feat=email#)

We travelled about 2000 km. Cruise speed about 85km/h.

It worked out very well, not to much vibrations and able to travel a lot bit faster if I had to.

The seat was very comfy both for me and my wife.

/Lasse

Just out of interest OP, I was reading about why so many Dominators die from top end failures, the cause seems to be many factored but some stuff is starting to come to light.
The stock oil pump can start to leak pressure from the body of the pump under certain circumstances.
Old Oil, High speed and an old model pump.
Honda revised the pump several times over the life of the 650 engine and the early RD02 models didn't even have a seal on the pump shaft, they do now.
The RD08 version is even thicker than the RD02 version and pumps more oil
Oil viscosity plays a big part, after 2000mi the oil is thin enough that it can leak out from the pump body.
The suggested fix is to seal the pump body with hylomar so it can't leak.
Also make sure the pump is in good condition inside, rotor lobes good etc.
For high speed riding fit an Oil cooler.
A really good mod I saw was a sightglass made of clear PVC tube installed in the frame to monitor oil level in the frame.
Apparently the first sign of the oil problem is the oil level in the frame dropping.

They also drink oil. I'd say work on the Dommie and keep that, they're a damn good bike when they're right, and better off-road than the F650, just nowhere near as good on it (that's a 21" front wheel for you though)

xt600e vibration
 

A recent purchase, has renthals bars/grips. I also suffer wrsit problems and this vibrates less than my fj1200 roadbike.. Cruise speed 100 klicks. Ever seen an xt600e with a std fj1200 screen on it? I have one now......works a treat
Good luck
My mate and I are going green laning soon, and he has a dommi.
Jon

Hi

I have an XT600e yr2000 14k miles that I have modified for travel.
Most modifications were decided upon from reading other owner's blogs posted here on HU, particularly the one by Touring Ted.

Modifications are.

Paris Dakar High bars
Hand Guards
Spitfire Screen
Acerbis long range fuel tank
Sheepskin seat pad
(not sure it works but reminds me of Wales when I'm away from home)
Motec rear rack
48l top box
Throw-over Fabric Panniers (expanding)
Excel 18" rear rim
Avon Distanzia tyres
Heavy Duty custom bash plate
Arrow exhaust
Aux power socket

In all other ways, the bike is standard apart from things like miss matched indicators and mirrors which I have changed after having a lie down now and again on the off road bits of my travels.

Previously I have owned a BSA C15, BMW R65, KTM 640, VSrom 1000, Pan European, Harleys Sportster, Honda CBR600, BMW 1150 and some other stuff.

My Bike travels have been restricted to mainland Europe and a couple of Spanish and Greek Islands.

I don't wish to suggest that the XT is any better than any other model for any particular use but I find it perfectly suited to the riding I do and I am perfectly satisfied with its performance, including motorway use. I use the XT as my day to day transport year round, when not in use it lives outside under a cover. I have no mechanical training but I find that I can easily undertake all the maintenance myself.
The bike is fantastically reliable, always starts and has never broken down.
My XT doesn't have any vibration through the handlebars although there is a bit through the pegs at about 3500rpm, just before I hit my motorway cruising speed at 75mph which equates to 4000rpm. I could probably eliminate this by fitting pegs with rubber inserts but I spend a lot of time standing when riding round back lanes and like the feeling of security I get from the serrated ones I have fitted.
The fuel economy ranges from 60-65mpg although last weekend when fully loaded with me, wife and camping gear returning from Devon up the M5 at 75-80mph, fuel economy was down to mid 50s. I have never run out of fuel so I am not sure what the tank range is, but I have managed 280 miles before refueling.
Many people are surprised that I use the XT two up and usually immediately ask how does my wife cope with the discomfort. The answer is, she doesn't find it uncomfortable. I just make sure I stop about every hour and a half, something I did on all my other bikes. I am usually the one who needs to stop first as I am on the narrowest part of the seat. I should point out that both she and I are lightweights, chunkier people might suffer with lack of space.
Regarding the XT/Fireblade-Motorway/Offroad comparison.
I have never owned a Fireblade but I have used a CBR600 for touring. I know some travelers have done some really audacious stuff on the most unlikely bikes, but keeping it real, I would say that my CBR had no real off road capability other than to ride across the grass to my pitch on a campsite, or to gingerly ride along a forest or military gravel road; whereas the XT will negotiate these roads at respectable speeds, cope with tracks, trails and depending on tyres mild off roading as well. Additionally it has carried me all over the UK on the motorway network at (and above) the speed limit. Last year I went to North Yorkshire during the blizzards to be measured for Alberg Hoggs . Fearful of the roads closing I loaded my bike with bivvy bag, gonk bag, cooker and grub and set off. Swansea-Richmond and then down to Oxford for a stop over with my brother, 515 miles in a day.
Regarding posting your bike to Spain and flying down. If you are short of time I guess this is an option. I rode down from LeHavre via Lourdes, and Zaragosa to Alicante last year and then back via Barcelona, the Ardeche, Vichy and Paris, two up. A fantastic trip.

My advice, if you can, make time.

Re bike choice, I always go on what I own at the time.

If you find yourself in South Wales, you are welcome to have a go of my bike.

Charlie

Hi again.

just after posting I hopped aboard the XT to meet up with my wife for lunch. This necessitated 70 miles of motorway riding and afforded me some time to further reflect on this issue.

But first of all I would like to correct myself on a couple of things.

1. Cruising at 75mph is 4250 rpm not 4000

2. The XT does have vibrations through the handlebars.

Regarding my initial response to the subject of vibrations, what I should have stated is that the XT vibrates from the moment you start it to the moment you switch it off. It vibrates through the handlebars, seat and pegs. All the points that you make contact with the bike. however I do not find these vibrations a problem, they don't cause the vibration white finger you talk about or any other particular discomfort. As previously mentioned the only intrusive vibes are the ones that occur through the pegs at 3000-4000 revs in top gear. I guess I have ridden so many miles on the XT that I have become accustomed to the vibes to such a point I ignore them.

The XT, like so many other singles, is cheap to buy and run; easy to work on, robust, full of character and a versatile machine for travel. It does however like all bikes have limitations and undesirable features, one of which is vibes. For me they aren't a problem, but if you do suffer with this problem, you may want to add a pot or two or three.

I love the fact that the XT is such a bargain basement, no frills, happy shopper type of adventure bike. Old Skool Cool as a friend calls it. Another believes its ' all the bike you need'.
Never ridden a Dommie but I guess they're just as Rock n Roll as XTs.

What should you do? XT, Dommie, BMW? Post the bike or ride?

Whenever I can't decide on which way to go I ask myself 'What would Clint Eastwood do in these circumstances?' I'll tell you. He'd chuck some throw over panniers on the Dommie, strap a 5 litre fuel can to the pillion and just take off.

All the best

Charlie

Charlie, you sound like a man after my own heart. My XT is my daily workhorse, too. The days are rare that I don't fire it up and go somewhere, rain, shine or snow - if not to work, then shopping trips, pub meets, but all generally short-haul stuff.

I'm in awe of your 500+ mile days. I have to say that's not my experience. I am bigger built than you (6 ft, 15 st) and while the seat is pretty good, especially by trailbike standards, I find the riding position kills my back after a while. I know I can do up to 100 miles in one journey, and perhaps 200 in a day, but after that I am hanging my feet off the rear pegs, standing up, swinging my feet out, the lot. Any longer tours I have done have always been on bigger, more tour-oriented bikes.

I made my comment about motorways because that's my experience with an 18-year-old, 30k mile example. It will cruise happily at 60/65 all day, but 70 is a strain and 75 seems like cruelty. Perhaps the motor on mine is tired, but I find motorway stretches only just bearable. (Mind you, I find motorways at 120+ boring, too - that's in the nature of motorways.) Mine gets 52-53 mpg average (it gets ridden fairly hard most of the time) so I can't match your economy either.

I get tingly hands some days (and not others) - sometimes after 5 miles, sometimes after 50. A quick shake-out and a few fist crunches keeps it in check, but I don't blame the bike. I have had just the same on every bike I have owned in the last 10 years, so it's just me (carpal tunnel syndrome, both hands). All single-cylinder bikes vibrate to some extent, but to me that is part of the character and doesn't bother me. I've never heard of anyone getting VWF (vibration-induced white finger) from a motorcycle - chainsaws and road drills, yes, but never a bike. It's a very serious condition, and thankfully rare.

Like you, I think the XT is about the best do-it-all bike ever made. If I could only have one bike to last me the rest of my life, it would be my XT.

I think we have met, either at an XT event or at a talk, or maybe both, sometime last year.

Charlie

The XT500/Thumper Club meet at Baskerville Hall? I've been there the last 3 years. I don't have a 500, but they tolerate me :)

That'll be it.

Charlie

And thats exactly what I did................

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8...cd2afb2708.jpg

Apologies for the very late reply.......

The answer to the age old question which bike? is whatever you have in the shed right now. If it's capable of doing the journey then just fix up what you've got and go and use it. All too easy though to get a bit panicky (like I did) when your departure date is looming and the bike looks like this.............

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8...c21a92ecde.jpg


Did 3100 miles in 11 days including 200+ miles offroad doing The VINCE and never had a problem. Sure it's still a bit of a reluctant starter sometimes because the worn out carb needs rebuilt and there are loads of things about it that could be better but it's mine, it's a bit different and it always does what's asked of it so why change.

A big thanks to all those who replied and kept me sane while the bike was strewn across the garage floor in a thousand pieces.