It's been many many years that I am living with a 1994 XT600E. Yes, it kills me to start it in cold weather, and I hate it that it does not have a kickstart.
But after years of practice I developed the technique and muscles to get it running. And once it runs, it takes me anywhere without any major trouble. Easy to fix anywhere on the road and I can find original and/or compatible parts if necessary. Consuming 0,5 lt. of oil in approx.1000km is another issue but I take it like old American cars that you add oil, but not change.
As a result XT600 is really an indestructible, reliable bike. You can make it reborn anytime you want and I believe that it is not the bike, but parts really matter. Punctures and wears on tyres, broken chains, leaking hoses, damaged circuits, blown fuses, rusted connections are the things we are struggling with more than this or that bike.
Best wishes and good rides
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