Oil-burning TT600RE for Africa trip?
 

Hi all,

I'm considering buying a 2004 TT600RE with 11k engine miles for an Africa trip. The only thing is that it's burning a pint of gas every 400 miles on the highway, which has me concerned.

But, I tell myself, that figure doesn't sound too bad when put in perspective (~14 liters of oil burned in the 12,000 miles from Tangier to CT). And probably much less, since I won't be traveling at highway speeds for most of that.

Is the engine likely to survive for another 12k miles without a major engine servicing? (new piston, rings, and rebore?) Would like to avoid that as I'm not very mechanically inclined and the cost of having a mechanic do it would be a lot (800 euros+?).

Will this bike make it to Cape Town? Should I just pay to get it fixed upfront?

Thanks!

Why would you even consider going on such a tortuous trip of 12000 miles with a less than perfect engine. You are asking for disaster.... and a much more expensive repair enroute. My 2 cents... :funmeterno:

Thanks for your input. My focus is on maximizing the expected value of miles I can ride per dollar I put into it.

Is it currently unlikely that this bike will make it a long distance, and will reboring the engine / replacing piston and rings make it significantly more likely to reach CT? (Will the repair take it from 50% likely to 90%? Or from 85% to 90%?)

I've heard others indicate that it would be no problem to start with the current amount of oil burn, and indeed some who have started an Africa trip with a bike that burns comparable amounts of oil. I'm no expert, but it still is a bit disconcerting to be going through that amount of oil. Repairing it is expensive, but compared to the cost of the entire trip might not be too big of an expense, so I'm still considering it.

Also I would not be shipping this bike home; I'd try to sell in South Africa or en route, but I'm not counting on that. Another reason I'm reluctant to put a lot of money into it.

I realize this perspective ("how far til the wheels fall off?") is discomforting, since we generally put so much care into our bikes. And I am leaning towards fixing it (just feels wrong to not do so), but the expense is hard to justify unless it's very unlikely to survive long.

I also consider that for the cost of the engine repair, I can buy a 125 in west Africa.

Still weighing the benefits... Would be great to get some more perspectives.

Are you even able to source that amont of oil during your trip, in remote places ect?

It can be done, but I think I would look for another bike.... Is the seller firm on the price? Perhaps you could talk him down a few hundred, to make a rebuild easier to swallow...

If this is your only option, just do it.

I would go with the brand new 125 that you identify as an option.

But, there are loads of unknown factors in your questions here (no one herein has seen this bike or knows anything about its history); surely you can get the compression check done and get professional opinion on the problem(s) with the TTR:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...what-can-82965

I've read that decent oil is pretty easy to find, especially at Total gas stations in French speaking countries. It wouldn't be top-of-the-line synthetic oil, but should do. I'd carry a quart or two at a time if I don't get the rebuild.

Yes, at this point another bike looks like a good idea. It's too bad because this bike seems to be a good choice in every other way, and the bike market I'm looking in (Ireland) doesn't have too many options. Perhaps a Transalp or F650GS.

Will reach out to the buyer today on price. Thanks for your input.

Have a read of this thread - there aren't many posts in there.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...too-used-82961

It was common, years ago, to disconnect a bike speedo cable so that the recorded mileage was incorrect. Being polite, this was fraud, but it happened anyway.

Somewhere back in the HUBB there are threads about what to look for when buying a used motorcycle (if not found herein, there is plenty on the web on this theme).
Caveat Emptor.

Thanks, there are a lot of good points in that thread. If I get that bike I'll plan on a significant engine servicing.

Regarding the 125, that's probably the best and cheapest way to get the job done. That said, I guess it's not entirely a question of practicality. Would be nice to roll out on a somewhat bad-ass bike, even if that comes at a cost :)

Oil burning answer
 

Dear Oil burner,

You said its burning a pint of "gas" every 4oo miles. I recommend you patent the design : ) But I suppose you meant oil?

I did an Africa trip of 6000 Around SA, to Malawi and back. Burned exactly 300 ml, on a bike with 40 000 km on the clock. I think yours needs TLC.

Though 12 litters is not much, the logistics is a pain and the risk of running low that will damage the crank - main bearing, which is costly to repair and not likely to be done in a backyard.

You don't need to re-bore the engine. Most likely, it ran hot some time and the oil rings lost their tension. Now you consume oil. 90% chance, all you need is a new set of rings / gaskets.

I would not do a long journey on an oil burner (unless its a two stroke :)

Haha, a patent application has been submitted.

Thanks, that is encouraging news (that it's probably "just" the rings). They and the cylinder are being inspected now.


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Fix it.. It's not that expensive a job.

Rings £60
gaskets £50
Hone £20

Assuming you do it yourself. Or about 5-6 hours work for a garage.

You can get a non OEM piston with piston and wrist pin, for the same money as a set of rings from Yamaha.

I bought one Elektronik, Autos, Mode, Sammlerstücke, Gutscheine und mehr Online-Shopping | eBay search for "xt600 kolben" Dont know how much shipping will set you back tho.

I'd definatly get a new piston and get a bore/hone job while inthere.

Thanks Ted and Jens for your your replies. A mechanic is taking the engine apart as we speak. Great to know about the aftermarket piston kits. Just checked and they are indeed available for about 80 pounds. Seems like the way to go in terms of price as well as speed (the shop said ordering the OEM rings alone could take weeks).


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You rarely need a piston and wrist pin unless it's severely worn or you've had a melt down or a snapped ring.

When I do rebuilds, I always measure them and I can't remember the last time I found one out of spec.

If you want to be 100% and don't have measuring equipment then by all means swap them.

Unfortunately the cylinder is scored so has to be rebored. FYI this costs about 320 euros for the OEM parts including gasket kit, and a good 6-7 hours of labor... Not cheap, but a cost I budgeted for. The valves are fine.


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