xt550

[beachbum]

Just become the owner of an xt550 nice standard bike not bad condition couple of things that need sorting the exhaust is quite rusty but not blowing and the fork seals were weeping when i first saw it but they seem to have stopped now. there is still oil in the forks, i want to make a few sensible upgrades as i intend on taking it off road any suggestions?

[loppadus]

Hi, thats a coincidence as i picked up a cheap xt 350 last week  (see pic)  .

The first thing id change if i were you would be the bars & then add some brush guards and maybe change the fork oil & seals. Also maybe changing the gearing depending on the sort of offroading your going to be doing. Maybe  Add a little tool bag on the rear fender.Get a spare split link and clutch cable...etc etc I could think of quite a few more things but  As i say, it depends on the kind of offroading you will be doing 

[angustoyou]

Good advice there.       First purchase should be the brushguards I reckon.  Certainly useful if you drop it as often as I do!

I'd definately allways carry a toolbag with split link and chain tool, solderless nipples, pliers with cable cutters, rather than full cables.  The usual selection of spanners and sockets, tyre levers and a front tube, a mountainbike pump, some duct tape (wrap it around your bars, or a frame tube), plenty of cable ties, some nuts bolts and washers, and get some breakdown cover.  Then enjoy!  

[beachbum]

Cheers ,have fitted some brush guards, tool pouch, it went in for its mot retest yesterday and failed as the tyre fitter had put the front on back to front ,i have fitted distanzias as i wanted something with a bit of ability on road, dont know how they will work on dirt but i dont intend intend getting to carried away as i havnt ridden off road in 20 years, has anyone tried them on dirt?

[lazybones51]

Not tried distanzias but tried tyres very similar, one word of warning, they don't grip in mud or anything slightly wet and sloppy   . so try and stick to dry trails, other wise I hope you have long legs