Beschreibung
Welcome to the sale of my 1986 Yamaha XT600z Tenere (1VJ Model).
The bike is on the road and ready to ride with no known major faults, the V5c present and in my name, and a current valid MOT until mid-September (Done less than 50 miles since last test so should fly through another). I bought the bike from a friend on a bit of a whim around a year ago, but with a few other bikes to play with I just haven’t had time to enjoy it, so its time for it to go to a new home. On with the details;
The bike was manufactured in 1986 and sold new abroad, then imported and correctly registered in the UK in 1999. As an import the speedometer reads in KM not miles, and is showing 22k, though I have no way of verifying this. The engine is not original, having been replaced with the earlier (and some say punchier) XT550 engine. I’m assuming this was done before the bike was imported as the number and capacity on the V5c are correct to the motor. Other than this change, and the lack stickers and graphics on the bodywork, the bike appears completely standard, even retaining the rare and sought after front disc and handlebar guards.
The engine starts easily on the kicker and runs extremely well and quietly, with no nasty noises and no smoke from the standard exhaust, even from cold. Once off choke (It doesn’t need much) and warm it ticks over and performs without fault, nice and strong through the rev range, all the gears and clutch are tip top too. Drive chain and sprockets have plenty of life in them too. It’s not had an oil change in my ownership, but I’ve maybe ridden only 50 miles.
Chassis wise everything is in good order, both brakes perform well with no dragging or pulsing, suspension both ends is smooth and comfortable with no visible leaks and it holds the road very well. Tyres have plenty of wear left in them, but I’d probably replace them with something more modern if I was keeping the bike.
All the lights and other electrics work as they should, though as the bike hasn’t done much work in the last few years I’d probably replace the battery myself, though its showing no real issues. Speedo works fine, though the rev counter isn’t working (Not that you really need it) and I haven’t investigated this. All lights and mirrors appear to be standard items.
Bodywork is all there and original, although lacking the factory stickers, nothing appears broken or missing, and the seat is in good condition with no splits or tears. The tank has a small ding in the left side (see pics), and the inside appears clean and rust free. The bike obviously shows a fair bit of wear as its 35 years old and never been restored, but there’s nothing that needs serious attention, and everything is there if you wanted to restore it.
All in all this is a nice old XT that has many happy miles in it yet, and with prices for restored ones sky rocketing this is a good way into a useable bike for less than the price of a new moped. If it had the original 600 engine I’d be asking a lot more for it, though in real world terms there’s no difference in performance with the 550 and it certainly doesn’t bother me. It would be a great basis for restoration or even a special if thats what you fancied, personally I’d just ride and enjoy it.
I think I’ve priced the bike realistically, and accept payment by good old fashioned cash or by bank transfer (Bike will be released once funds clear). No PayPal on this item. I am open to sensible offers, but one word silly offers will be ignored. I’m not looking to PX, just a cash sale. I may be able to help with delivery (Once the bike is paid in full), and I recommend you come and view in person before buying. I’ve been as honest as I can with the description so as not to waste anyone’s time or mine. The bike is sold as seen with current MOT and no warranty implied or given.
Thanks for reading, please get in touch with any questions.
Ratty ;)
