Long distance xt660z rear shock?

[Rfothy]

Are the standard shocks bad for long ditance travel on and off road, crossing places like the 'stans' and south america with their poor roads?

Or does the wilbers and ohlins rear shocks make a good investment with regards to reliability.


Im asking as I have bought a tenere and wonder if the extra £400-£800 investment is needed?

Thanks
Rob

[mollydog]

Rob,
I would track down specific XT660 Tenere owner's forums and ask this question there. I'm sure there are a few forums for your bike and owners with experience in upgrading suspension.

Yamaha use mid level KYB (Kayaba) shocks on your bike. Generally not bad at all and pretty reliable in terms of NOT blowing out a seal ... but may be under sprung and under damped for loaded up, long distance travel or off road travel.

Most overlanders on just about any type bike re-do or upgrade their suspension, at least going with a heavier spring to handle increased load and harsher conditions.

Typical KYB standard shocks lack good rebound damping control, so you could either have your stock KYB rebuilt and upgraded (yes, it can be) ... or make the investment in an Ohlins or Wilber's, both excellent products.

I'm sure the guys on local Tenere forums will have more answers and experience on this.

I have Ohlins on both my DR650 and 1050 Triumph Tiger. Very expensive but GREAT performance ON and OFF road in rugged conditions. No blown seals/leaks on my DR650 Ohlins shock in 50,000 miles ... much off road in Baja. As always, YMMV.

Good luck!

[*Touring Ted*]

A guy called Dazzer did a TWO-UP Round the world on what I believe is the standard rear shock.

However, he had it fitted with a stronger spring and maybe improved.

He used Firefox Racing | Motorbike Sales, Suspensions and Engine Servicing, Keighley If I remember correctly.

[Rfothy]

Thanks chaps, Ill look into those options!

[Chrispy]

I did two up as far as Moscow last year, then on my own to Magadan via Mongolia all on the standard shock. It's fine just go with it.

I did change the front spring though for some progressive ones.

The money might be better spent on a steering damper?? Helps a lot in the loose stuff.

Chris

[Rfothy]

I was thinking it should be ok. If it fails or anything (hopefully wont) I could then replace it....

[*Touring Ted*]

Originally Posted by Rfothy

I was thinking it should be ok. If it fails or anything (hopefully wont) I could then replace it....

Many people have a misconception that if a shock "fails" it's game over.

You're only totally screwed if it actually snaps. And unless you ride an overpriced piece of sh*t BMW, that will NEVER EVER happen.

When a shock fails, it's 99% just the oil seals so you lose your damping. You can still ride but it will be a bit bouncy.

If you have all this gimmicky electronically adjustable suspension (just don't get me started on that), it can potentially lock like a hard tail which would make any rough roads almost unbearable..

With the XTZ shock, you'll be able to continue your journey.

[mollydog]

All true, and believe it or not there are HUMANS in the world out there capable of cracking into that KYB and rebuilding it! Takes a bit of knowhow and new seals, but not Rocket Science either.

In less developed countries they actually FIX things rather than buying NEW!

Some guys are good, others not, so if you have a prob, find the best guy you can and give it a shot!

.... But ... if your Tenere is already HIGH MILEAGE ... I would consider doing a "freshen up" on your shock before you go. Maybe WATCH when they do it? ... then get a set of seals and stuff for it to take with you? Just a thought. (oh, and carry a set of fork seals along as well ... leaky fork seals are a PITA!)

[THUMPTHUMPTHUMP]

how would a 660 rear shock fit on a xt600? THUMPTHUMP

[Rfothy]

I asked David Lambeth if I could swap out my xt600e wilbers uprated shock and put it in the 660 tenere, but it doesnt fit apparently. So no.