| Author | Message | ||
     Scottydo |
Hey guys, new to the forum here. I know the XT model has different suspension than the X (sporting 1.5" less travel). Does anyone know if it's possible to lift an XT using the stock suspension so it has the full 6.5" of travel of the X? Thanks in advance, Scott | ||
| Froggy |
Yes, just swap in the XB12X forks, rear shock, and kickstand. the 06/07 forks will drop right in your trees, but if you want to go to the 08+ setup with the tighter turning radius you will need to get 08+ XB12X trees too. (Message edited by froggy on October 27, 2013) | ||
| Ratbuell |
What Froggy means to say is...no, there is no way to "stretch" an XT suspension. You have to swap in X components which, as he noted, will bolt right in. | ||
| Scottydo |
Right on, that's what I figured. Thanks guys. I am in the enviable position of having a low mileage XT fall in to my lap. I plan to use it for some touring including mild offroad and I thought it would be a good idea to try and get that extra bit of travel. An X would be better but the XT will have to do. Thankfully a family member works for a Harley dealer so there may be easy access to old stock, etc. lying around. Thanks again! | ||
| Froggy |
Honestly both bikes are about the same off road, the biggest limit is the tire selection more than anything. The extra ground clearance is nice and longer travel will soak up bumps better, but honestly it isn't any better off road than my 1125CR just due to the weight and tires. It will be fine for mild off roading, as long as you don't hit any sand, mud, or any loose surfaces. | ||
| Scottydo |
I know the Ulysses will never be very capable off-road but I'll be riding some logging roads and unpaved sections. Like you said, the extra clearance and plushness would make things a bit more comfortable. I was planning to get a pair of Continental TKC 80's as they come in the correct sizes and are supposed to be quite good. I guess the bottom line is that for the gentle off-roading I would be doing, having an appropriate tire tread is probably more important than the extra bit of suspension travel and ground clearance. Thanks for the prompt and helpful replies! (Message edited by scottydo on October 28, 2013) | ||
| Arry |
Scottydo, as long as you're on gravel, you don't need a very aggressive tread. Pirelli Scorpion Trail are a good compromise, if you're occasionally on gravel. They're still very good on pavement. Street treads work pretty good on gravel and dry packed dirt, but are susceptible to punctures. What tires do you have on now? | ||
| Pos90 |
Scotty, If your set on getting a pair of TKC80's I have a used set (approx. 500 miles) for sale. I can send you some pictures tonight if your interested. | ||
| Jstav2012 |
I have a used X shock with about 14K miles that I'd let go of. | ||
| Uly_man |
"I plan to use it for some touring including mild off road and I thought it would be a good idea to try and get that extra bit of travel. An X would be better but the XT will have to do". The X is a road bike and has a VAST amount of ground/cornering clearance. The XT is the same bike but 1.5 inches lower. You will not notice this much on or off (basic stuff) the road, the suspension is just as good/plush with enough "travel" for most situations. The XT was made for those of a "shorter leg" and is much the same as a X bike but more "tourer" based than the "ADV" style of the X. If it was me I would run the bike a while before spending big money on it as I think you will find it is fine. Scorps, and the like, will be fine for a bit of "off road" work but long runs on something like the TKC80s may end up like this as they are more "off road" than on road rubber and is the nature of "knobby" rubber used "on road". You, of course, will need to fit what is right for you.  | ||
| Teeps |
Post an ad in the wanted section for suspension swap. | ||
| Scottydo |
I think it's probably a good idea to run the bike as is for a while before I decide to make any drastic changes/investments. I may find it's just fine for what I want to do. If time goes by and I want to make some changes, I'll definitely look into posting an ad for a swap. It sounds like the TKC 80 probably is overkill for what I'd be doing, I should probably look into others as well. I've heard the Distanzia, MT60, and Scorpion Trail mentioned, does anyone have any experience with these or other recommendations? Looking for a predominantly highway tire that can take some light off-roading and is quite puncture resistant. | ||
| Rcf2 |
Try the Pirelli Scorpion Trail, they show a good compromise on what you want to do and cost per mile. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Or the D616. Rooster tails in the dirt, draggin pegs on pavement. Great all-around tire IMO. | ||
| Biffdotorg |
Plenty of us have run the Scorpion Trail and love it on road for sure. I have put mine down a few fire roads and gravel with no issue. The limiting factor is my skills off tar! None of these will save your butt in loose sand, so I tend to go out after a few days of rain where I know there will be sand. That way I know I can handle it. It would be fun to try the TKC tires, but I know on my XT, I would have no fender up front as they won't fit without removing it, and there is no beak on an XT. Run it as is to start out. Go Scorpion Trails on your next tire purchase and you may be very happy with it. Good luck! | ||
| Uly_man |
"I've heard the Distanzia, MT60, and Scorpion Trail mentioned, does anyone have any experience with these or other recommendations? Looking for a predominantly highway tire that can take some light off-roading and is quite puncture resistant". I had Distanzia rubber on a XTZ 750 and found them great wet or dry on the road but never tried them off road. (Message edited by uly_man on October 30, 2013) | ||
| Tootal |
X suspension, 08'X triple trees and XB9 primary swap! What the heck, it's only money!!  Now go climb a mountain!  I've done a lot with the Trails and love them. The Dunlop 616 is better off road but won't last as long on the road. Both great choices. I don't have experience with the Distanzia's | ||
| Buewulf |
Toss up for me between the D616 and the Distanzia. Distanzia costs a good bit more and doesn't last quite as long, but they look friggin awesome on the bike. I think they actually improve the handling manners on road slightly (or maybe just feels that way because the rear is a 160), but I suspect they probably aren't as sticky near the limit. Off-road, they don't hookup much better if at all than the D616 despite the Distanzia's chunky tread pattern. The D616 is probably the best wet weather tire I've ever had on any bike, and it is very good on dry pavement too. You can find them dirt cheap sometimes, and they'll surprise you with how much traction is available (relatively - remember, we're talking street tires here) when the road loosens up. Plus they come in OEM sizes. MT60 - lasted me 1300 miles. No, that's not a typo - 1300 miles. There was a lot of gravel miles on that tire, but that is still no excuse for that kind of wear. There was no noticeable difference off-road from the D616, and the MT60 is an inferior road handling tire at that. I don't have any experience with the Trails. | ||
| Scottydo |
Sounds like I can't go too wrong picking between the D616, Scorpion Trail, or Distanzia. I'll see what is cheapest and choose accordingly haha. Thanks a lot for the helpful feedback guys. | ||
| Zac4mac |
A "series of events" found me broke and with a bald, flat Scorp sync back tire. A friend gave me a wheel off an 09 XB12R with a Pilot Road 3 that had ~1k miles. So far I'm impressed, a little slip turning on gravel but not bad. Great tire for free... now to see how long it lasts. Zack |
