Yes ..it's advisable to reinforce the rear subframe of TTR for loading baggage (but also un XTE ..) I solved this on my old XT's and Teneres by connecting the pegs with the rack using 2 aluminium bars of 25 x 10 mm. section.

The TTR has a true 12v electric system with battery , altough the generator and battery are smaller and less powerful than XTE (but there isn't E-start) , I think that will be no problem in connecting a GPS.

but , the best way to decide which is best for you is to try either bikes ...

Just a question, is it possible to buy an old XT frame and fitting a new engine and gearbox? If so, what old XT would be compantible? Would a Yamaha dealer do this?

this is the best you can do.
it combines the better frame/suspension/weight of the 'old' xt's with the improved engine of newer xt's.
but you have to use the frame of an e-start tenere (1VJ or 3AJ). e-start engines don't fit very well in kick-start frames.
and yes, a good yamaha dealer can do it.
it's a question of money.
regards
klaus

...I'd rather take a XT600 2KF and fix an Acerbis 30 litres tank ...the E-start is really more a necessity in tight enduro tracks than on voyages ...

You say "It´s a question of money"
Is it that expensive? How much is a new XT engine? Does it take a lot of work on the frame to fit it? A suspension rebuild on an old XT and the new engine are a lot better match than the new XT and should last at least as long, but what about the gearbox? I´ve read old XT can get quite delicate in this matter, am i right or can a new Gearbox be fitted along the new engine? I´m really getting into this since an old xt, particularly with a bad engine can get really cheap, and I think that, as long as all the parts and work to get it "new and better" with new quality parts doesn´t get more expensive than a new XT, it is a pretty good deal. And you also get a lot cooler bike!
I think i will talk to a Yamaha dealer on this one next week to see what they tell me, although i don´t know when i´ll be able to afford it.
PS: during what years were the bikes ellegible for this "mutation" produced?

[This message has been edited by Pedro Rocha (edited 25 February 2003).]

Pedro, in Belgium and Italy there are XTZ660's for sale at about Euro 1200,--
Stop looking at the 600's. Once you've ridden a 660 you don't want anything else.


------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

don't know about prices in portugal.
engine includes gearbox.
gearbox trouble results mainly from wrong treatment. see previous postings.
regards
klaus

Will a new engine on an 1987 XT have overheating problems and is fitting a kickstarter to a new engine on a 1987 XT easier than on a new one?