Potential XT owner looking for some insight
 

Hello all. Ran across this forum and at first glance it appears to be pretty resourceful. I've read through several threads already and have found alot of good info.

I'm looking at a couple XT600's this weekend and was wondering how compatable the parts are between the 1990 and 1991? May buy both bikes, 1 running and 1 that needs some TLC. Hope to get the both going good, but if I have parts issues will 1 make a good parts bike if needed?

Thanks in advance for any and all info.

J

Hi there and welcome to the forum.

The '90 and '91 model XT600e are both exactly the same and are known as the 3TB model which ran from 1990 - 1995 so the parts should be completely interchangeable. This was the first model that used the oil in frame design as opposed to the earlier models with a seperate oil tank and is also recognisable by the fact that it uses the exhaust as as a supporting part of the frame.

I am currently rebuilding a 1996 4PT model which is the follow on from the 3TB models that you are looking at but as the '96 model still uses the 3TB engine I have the service and parts manuals for both models (thanks to tedmagnum on this forum for the 4PT ones:thumbup1:) on PDF and would be glad to email you a copy of them if you need them.

Cheers
Lee

as said by elv, XT600E are all similar, pay attention if the older is a 2KF model (you will find on the engine the three letters to identify model) If you find the code 3TB on both, they are OK.
There are also some 3TB without electric start, they have some difference on engine and electrical system, frame is the same.

Hi and welcome.


XT‘s have always had a reputation for reliability. Post 1990 bikes (3TB) are even more reliable since they have a separate oil line that oils the gearbox, making the “fifth gear problem” less likely.

Some model info:
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Sorry cyberzar but thats incorrect, All 3TB models have electric start and use the same engine and electrical system although the early 90's models (upto 94 i think?) have the kick start as well as electric start but that was removed on the later models and they became electric start only.

Also a good place to check for the 3TB code is to lift the seat and look on top of the air intake as this has the 3TB code moulded into it, the letters on the engine dont denote the model as they use the same cylinder heads as the early models mine says 3AJ on the cylinder head!

Thanks for all the info, very helpful.:thumbup1:

Are there any other quirks, or simple mods that are recommended for these bikes (jetting, intake, etc..???)

My normal Dual Sport (Adventure) sled is a 08 KLR 650, which I love. Now I'm trying to get my son an entry level DS to learn on, and me another one for shorter trips and local DS riding. Should be able to get both these bikes for around $1100, and can't wait to tear em down and bring them back to life.

J

Well the '91 runner (as per ad) turned into a '89 Major POS. :censored: not even a parts worthy bike.

Hopefully get to go look at the '90 today. Looked clean from the Pict in the ad, but is noted as a non runner, requires Tune up & Battery... Will see...

J

Don't get your hopes up :) I have seen many bikes on eBay advertised as only needing a quick fettle or a new battery to be fine, strong runners. I always ask myself, if all that stands between a non-runner and a great RTW bike is half an hour of spannering and a few £££/$$$ for a battery, why hasn't the owner done it himself and doubled the asking price? Same with the MoT (annual safety test, not sure what the US equivalent is). "No MoT, but will pass no problem" might just be an elderly owner who can't be bothered and is prepared to take a hit on the price as a result, but it's unlikely.

For the price ($700-$800) I'm expecting a good project bike. If it looks good and no obvious abuse, I will probably be willing to roll the dice.Top end and TLC I can live with, if I get lucky I wont have to dig into the case. Bikes got 26k miles and has been stored for 5+ years (Hopefully it shows).

It will be a starter (DS) bike for my son, so he needs to get a little greese on his hands. You have a way of appreciating it a little more if you put your own time into it.

J