Preping an XT for Africa
 

Hi,

Having looked and ridin quite a few bikes (which was nice!) We have decided to go for XT600's electric ignition for a trip across africa.

Can you post recommended mods that would need to be made to the bike? we are not racing just going to take our time over it!

Many thanks

Jez

which model?
(only bikes with diesel engine don't have electric ignition)

XT600E, petrol 2002 model, petrol.

thx

o.k., sorry for my comment. i know that there is only petrol xt600 (so far, but who knows?). 2002 that's what i wanted to know.

although the xt is not the same as in the good old days up to 1990 she's still capable to cross the sahara i believe. in fact, she has become a little fat and her legs have been shortened but she's still a very relaible bike.
first of all i would recommend to improve suspension. use progessive fork springs and rear shock from öhlins, white power or technoflex/wilbers suspension. of course, expensive but worth of its money especially for travelling.
second, a larger fuel tank is useful. acerbis of italy offers tanks with 22 l capacity. if you want more, it's getting expensive (700 Euro and above).
oil cooler will help to ease engine's live while riding in hot areas.

about equipment, luggage and so on please have a look on the other boards

so far,
klaus

Thanks Klaus,

So not too much needed to be done then, do you think I could get away with the stock suspension? We will not be racing down there taking our time over it?

Who knows when the diesel will be out I am sure that one will appear soon enough I know the british army are developing one turbo diesel and I think it is on a yamaha frame, could be an XT ??? (read an article somewhere)

Cheers,

Jez

Improving the suspensions will make the bike much more rideable on dirt, less fatiguing and also less prone to cracks ...it's the best money you will spend (on ANY bike...) particularly if you will carry the luggage with you it's a MUST ...try the full-loaded bike before starting...

Makes sense, thanks giorgio will do it then cheers,

The most common problem with stock setup on trail bikes is to soft springs when fully loaded. Do as with the front fork, change the rear shock spring with somthing stiffer. Much cheaper, not as god as changing them for fully adjustable, but if money matter.......


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