XT600E Rear Shock Upgrade
 

Guys,
UK to South Africa taking in as many dirt tracks as possible, but not riding like an :taz:.

The bike will be carrying soft luggage (spares, tools, cooking, camping equip, limited clothing and possibly an extra 10 liters of fluids....40kg all-in ?), and me clocking in at 80kg.

Bike is in good condition, 4000 miles on the clock from tarmac riding.

- Is the standard XT600E (2002) shock any good ?
- Will it survive the trip ?
- If it all hits the fan, how does one nurse the shock ? - Should I take along spares? - if so, what ?
- If the standard shock its rubbish, are there any after market shocks that can be recommended for the bike ?

http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/Yamaha/X...gon_Monoshock/

?


Thanks

Keep it standard
 

Me and the wife did this trip, in 2007/8 on 2003 XT,s 70,000ks later I still have the original shock on and we are still travelling
We are taking a break at the moment, house sitting for a mate just south of Durban for 3 months
Our route took in as much dirt roads as I could find
I,m 90kg + 6 foot 3inches and I reckon I had another 50kg of soft luggage aswell, I wound the preload up to maximum on the rear shock and put 15w oil in the front forks instead of the 10w recomended.
It is a bit stiff if I ride without luggage but fine loaded.
The Yamaha shock has been great.
Hope this helps
Pete n Brucella

I would just put in a stiffer spring to allow for the heavy luggage....