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XT600 - Head stem welding - Issue? XT600 - Head stem welding - Issue?
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Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
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  #1  
Old 14 Jan 2018
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XT600 - Head stem welding - Issue?
Hi folks,

Need the brains trust opinions.

Looking to buy a 1996 XT600 with 31k on the clock. Seller seems genuine. Bike is knocked around but rides well and seems to run well. Needs a bit of maintenance, but im thinking its a good way to learn the bike.

The head stem is my main concern. As you will see from the attached picture, the bike looks like it has had some work done to the head stem. Currrent owner reports it was done before he bought it. Not sure if it was cracked and re-welded, or it has been reinforced. First time with an XT600 and seeking some advice (even if its to 'walk away right now').

Thanks,
Matt
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XT600 - Head stem welding - Issue?-img_6980.jpg  

XT600 - Head stem welding - Issue?-gc4615407524304870352.jpg  

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  #2  
Old 14 Jan 2018
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XT`s do not need reinforcement around the headstock (trust me i know) so therefore it must be cracked from accident damage, and that has to be the worst bodge ive seen in years.

It's worth 800 bucks at best (parts) not $2200, walk away brother.

Mezo.
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  #3  
Old 14 Jan 2018
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Im really struggling to see what the wanted to accomplish. It doesnt look any strnger, just more messy.
I've seen people weld stuff to the front of the tube, to add rallytowers, fairings ect, but nothing like this.

Make sure you go over the bike fully, so theres not any other surprises.
I wouldnt nesscesarily walk away, but the price should match the condition of the bike.

I would be temped to clean up that mess, and see whats underthere if you buy it. Have a friend do a better job if it really needs welding. Bike needs to be cheap.
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  #4  
Old 14 Jan 2018
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Thanks Mezo. I think you're right, time to walk away. The repair (or whatever it is), is just not very confidence inspiring and who knows what else the repair is hiding. Found what looks like a much better condition bike up in Tenterfield (and its cheaper). Just trying to work out how to get it to Canberra.

Jens, I initially thought the same thing about something being welded on to the front of the tube. But your right, noting the quality of the welds, it seems unlikely.

I was tempted to not 'judge a book by its cover', but I don't really have the equipment to do major repairs in the event I get in over my head. Plus I currently have a 1972 Honda CL350 in parts, and really don't need another project haha!
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Old 15 Jan 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgrath86 View Post
Hi folks,

Need the brains trust opinions.

Looking to buy a 1996 XT600 with 31k on the clock. Seller seems genuine. Bike is knocked around but rides well and seems to run well. Needs a bit of maintenance, but im thinking its a good way to learn the bike.

The head stem is my main concern. As you will see from the attached picture, the bike looks like it has had some work done to the head stem. Currrent owner reports it was done before he bought it. Not sure if it was cracked and re-welded, or it has been reinforced. First time with an XT600 and seeking some advice (even if its to 'walk away right now').

Thanks,
Matt
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  #6  
Old 30 Jan 2018
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Thanks for all your help folks. Always nice to close to the loop on threads, so id like to introduce my new bike, a 2000 Yamaha XT600. Paid $2000AUD, plus another $1000AUD to get it on the road. Not that it needed anything, the extra money is just in freight and rego etc. PO seemed like a nice bloke and to be honest, I think its a steal. Done just under 40000kms, new tyres, new battery. No major damage. Hopefully im not eating my words in a month, but im pretty happy with it.
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XT600 - Head stem welding - Issue?-img_7003.jpg  

XT600 - Head stem welding - Issue?-img_7002.jpg  

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  #7  
Old 30 Jan 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgrath86 View Post
Thanks for all your help folks. Always nice to close to the loop on threads, so id like to introduce my new bike, a 2000 Yamaha XT600. Paid $2000AUD, plus another $1000AUD to get it on the road. Not that it needed anything, the extra money is just in freight and rego etc. PO seemed like a nice bloke and to be honest, I think its a steal. Done just under 40000kms, new tyres, new battery. No major damage. Hopefully im not eating my words in a month, but im pretty happy with it.
I like the ventura luggage system that you have on that bike: I have used it for some years, swopping the bags between different bikes just by purchasing new "L" brackets.
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Old 30 Jan 2018
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congrats, super looking bike! price is quite aligned to what you'd pay around here in italy for an xt, so good deal.
i can spot the rear brake tube is sort of dangling, needs to be fixed well to the swingarm.
i would remove that luggage frame immediately, in case of a crash the chances that the vertical part will hit your spine seem huge, a totally unnecessary risk. after i saw what back injury a stupid top case caused to a friend, i'm really against anything sticking upwards like that.
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  #9  
Old 30 Jan 2018
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Is that a 3TB engine fitted?

I noticed the rubberplug in the sidecase for the kickstarter, and no clutch on the right side.
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  #10  
Old 2 Feb 2018
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Walkabout if you happen to be in Australia and you know someone who wants one, ive actually decided to take 'turboguzzi's advice and remove it. Wasnt purely from the comments regarding injuries, but it makes a good point. Once I start doing longer distances I plan to go side panniers and a rear flat rack.

Jens, I dont think so. The engine numbers match the VIN and it says 3WR. Does that right sound right?

Took the bike to get registered this week. Got rejected on not having a rear red reflector. Had a win though. Made a new one out of a reflector and black plastic paint scraper. Ill post a photo soon
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  #11  
Old 2 Feb 2018
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The 3WR model sounds right.
The newer 4PT model with the clutch cable on the right was never introduced to Australia (or New Zealand).

Bob
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Old 2 Feb 2018
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I would bet my last £20 that's an accident repair.

That is a bad fabrication job. Messy. I wouldn't trust that bike.

What else has been bodged badly on it.

It better be REALLY cheap or just walk away.
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Old 4 Feb 2018
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Awesome, we dont have the 3Wr here, cool combination with the never plastic, and beeing able to fit a kicker to it.
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  #14  
Old 4 Feb 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgrath86 View Post
Walkabout if you happen to be in Australia and you know someone who wants one,
Sell it in New Zealand - it was manufactured there.

https://www.ventura-bike.com/about-us
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  #15  
Old 6 Feb 2018
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Ventura Rack
I would be interested if it is still available. Please check your PM and let me know. Thanks. Cheers.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgrath86 View Post
Walkabout if you happen to be in Australia and you know someone who wants one, ive actually decided to take 'turboguzzi's advice and remove it. Wasnt purely from the comments regarding injuries, but it makes a good point. Once I start doing longer distances I plan to go side panniers and a rear flat rack.

Jens, I dont think so. The engine numbers match the VIN and it says 3WR. Does that right sound right?

Took the bike to get registered this week. Got rejected on not having a rear red reflector. Had a win though. Made a new one out of a reflector and black plastic paint scraper. Ill post a photo soon
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