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6 Mar 2011
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Pimp my XT600E
Hi,
Recently I bought a XT600e from 2002. As I'm planning to do a cape to caïro trip, I want to pimp my bike. I made up a list of parts I want to install, but I'm not sure which parts are absolutely necessary and which I could live without. Budget is also a major factor...
Things I came up with:
- Acerbis fueltank 20l
- Acerbis handguards
- Bashplate
- Windshield
- Centrestand
- Stainless steel brakelines
- Touratech Zumo 660 gps mount
- Luggage rack
- Alu panniers set
- Tailbag/liner
- 12 volt socket
What do you guys think? Could I delete some of these of my list or should I add some more stuff?
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7 Mar 2011
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Sounds about right although the brake lines are unnecessary unless the originals are high mileage...
Also, on the XT600, heavy metal boxes don't work well... Too heavy and buggers up the handling too much..
I would also consider a slightly stiffer rear spring, stiffening up the front suspension and getting your seat rebuilt to make it wider and more supportive.
Check out the XT600 prep out on my blog page (in my sig) for a few pics of some of the mods you're considering...
Cheers, Ted
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7 Mar 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
Sounds about right although the brake lines are unnecessary unless the originals are high mileage...
Also, on the XT600, heavy metal boxes don't work well... Too heavy and buggers up the handling too much..
I would also consider a slightly stiffer rear spring, stiffening up the front suspension and getting your seat rebuilt to make it wider and more supportive.
Check out the XT600 prep out on my blog page (in my sig) for a few pics of some of the mods you're considering...
Cheers, Ted
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Hi Ted,
Like your blog, I checked it already before. I was thinking bout buying a rack and panniers from metal mule, like you did. Were you not satisfied by them? I would prefer alu paniers for security reasons because i will be travelling alone.
grtz!
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7 Mar 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zjwannie
Hi Ted,
Like your blog, I checked it already before. I was thinking bout buying a rack and panniers from metal mule, like you did. Were you not satisfied by them? I would prefer alu paniers for security reasons because i will be travelling alone.
grtz!
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Save your money !! They are SOOOOO expensive and even more so now. They're just aluminium boxes. Nothing overly special. They are priced for the exclusive GS1200 market... They don't do anything magical ! A set of boxes and a frame will cost as much as your bike.. SERIOUSLY !!
I would still go with soft bags on an XT600. My trip fun factor doubled as soon as I switched luggage systems. Bikes like the XT arent built for all that weight at the rear. Screws the balance and handling up too much imo.
The whole hard vs soft is another debate though.... 
If you are determined to go with hard luggage, just get the cheapest stuff because you can open all of them with a tyre lever or large screw driver let alone a crowbar..
I've got nothing personal against metal mule. I just dont like the complexity of the whole attachment system. There's a lot of hinges, levers and fixings to go wrong and go out of shape in a spill and due to their thickness, they are almost impossible to get back into shape if you do bend them. Add a hinged lid which wont shut if the box isnt totally in shape and you have a faffy system.
Ted
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7 Mar 2011
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Test your brakes, if they work ok don't bother with new lines. No need for the touratech gps mount, the zumo one will be fine. You don't need metal boxes, you'll only fill them with things you don't need and weigh your bike down. Have fun, that bike will be perfect for that trip without breaking sweat.
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7 Mar 2011
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I agree with Touring Ted above - Soft luggage is the way to go.
S/S hard boxes all vastly over-priced & over-rated.
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8 Mar 2011
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Hi
I'm new to the whole XT thing and have only owned my 2000 a few weeks so I am still learning what works best. Just last weekend I fitted a small windsheild and it has transformed the bike. Whilst I spend most of my time chugging along minor roads at speeds up to 50mph, I can now cruise at 70mph in comfort on motorways and fatigue is greatly reduced even at the lower speeds. I tried to get a Spitfire screen like Teds however the company that distributes them, Motrax, has gone bust. I bought an 'Airblade custom' from mandp direct available in clear or tint. £40. If you want to know what it looks like, look at Ted's spitfire screen, it is identical and I suspect made in the same factory.
Cheers
Charlie
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8 Mar 2011
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Don't know why those little characters came up in my post!
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8 Mar 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by charlie malone
Don't know why those little characters came up in my post!
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"chu*g" is the shortcut for one of the smilies !! 
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8 Mar 2011
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Mine has Renthal bars which I find too narrow and flat when I stand on the pegs, so today I ordered dome Renthal Dakar high bars. To these I will add a pair of Bark Busters and because I ride through winter possibly a pair of heated grips.
It already has the Acerbis large tank which I feel is desirable over the standard.
I have ordered a sw motech rear rack to which I will probably fix a large peli case (I don't like the height of conventional top boxes). I will use this in conjunction with a large waterproof roll bag strapped to the pillion; and once I fabricate something to sheild the exhaust, a pair of cheap throw over panniers.
I have a pair of touratech zega pannier boxes gathering dust in my attic. Should I come across a suitable used rack to mount them on the XT I may use them from time to time, otherwise the boxes will be going on ebay.
If someone can tell me how to post a picture on this site, I will get one on after the mods have been done.
I have thought about a sw motech centre stand as well. Are these any good Ted? Does the side stand have to come off?
Charlie
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8 Mar 2011
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After months of doubt about going for soft vs hard luggage, I think you guys finally pulled me over. I'm not going to spend that amount of money in something that can't convince experienced riders. I'll start looking for a light rack in combination of some soft sidebags (andy strapz looks sweet).
Thanks guys!
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8 Mar 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by charlie malone
I have thought about a sw motech centre stand as well. Are these any good Ted? Does the side stand have to come off?
Charlie
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Yeah, I rate them. They aren't the most stable of stands but makes rear wheel removal, chain oiling, luggage packing etc etc much easier. To make the stand REALLY stable, take a strap, rope, tie down etc and take it around the stand and around the front of the bike so it physically CANT flip up.
Money well spent I think...
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9 Mar 2011
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Ted,
If you fit the centre stand does the side stand have to be removed or can you retain it and have the choice of which stand to use?
Charlie
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9 Mar 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by charlie malone
Ted,
If you fit the centre stand does the side stand have to be removed or can you retain it and have the choice of which stand to use?
Charlie
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The side stand is unaffected !! The fitting has nothing to do with the side stand....
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