Early vs Late X Country.

[modman]

I've done a search and found a lot of the differences between the early and later X Country's. I've probably missed it, but the rear suspension travel on the 2009 is a bit less than the earlier ones. Is this down to a different shock absorber or just a different setting? I've got myself a Yellow 2009 model and if anything it's slightly too low now (Even for a short arse like me) so I am looking at giving it more ground clearance and suspension travel.

Also I keep seeing people changing the standard wheels to 21 and 19 inch from Talon (I mean, for when I go around the world, we've all read Walter, Terry etc blogs ). I hear good things about the SM Pro (Also cheaper than the Excel A60s) does anyone know roughly how much this costs to get them made up, or can they be bought off the shelf with the correct hubs? I believe Talon do this, but I don't want to bother them as at this stage I am just curious.

If anyone has any X Country bits to sell then let me know I'm about to go shopping for a big screen, hand guards, bash plate, rear pannier frames etc. and would prefer to buy second hand if possible.

 

[Losttheplot]

I've done a search and found a lot of the differences between the early and later X Country's. I've probably missed it, but the rear suspension travel on the 2009 is a bit less than the earlier ones. Is this down to a different shock absorber or just a different setting? I've got myself a Yellow 2009 model and if anything it's slightly too low now (Even for a short arse like me) so I am looking at giving it more ground clearance and suspension travel.

Also I keep seeing people changing the standard wheels to 21 and 19 inch from Talon (I mean, for when I go around the world, we've all read Walter, Terry etc blogs ). I hear good things about the SM Pro (Also cheaper than the Excel A60s) does anyone know roughly how much this costs to get them made up, or can they be bought off the shelf with the correct hubs? I believe Talon do this, but I don't want to bother them as at this stage I am just curious.

If anyone has any X Country bits to sell then let me know I'm about to go shopping for a big screen, hand guards, bash plate, rear pannier frames etc. and would prefer to buy second hand if possible.

Wheels. talon do not do a "standard" rear hub for the Xcountry. They can adapt a hub from a 990 ktm to fit, but your looking at around £700 just for the rear wheel, and even then that particular hub has a lot of bad press over on the ktm forum. There maybe an option of an Aprilia SVX rear hub for more sensible money, but this doesn't have a cush drive.

Maybe a better idea to get your current hub laced to a new rim. IIRC the SM pro rims work out about the same price and standard Excel rims, and go for an 18" rear instead of 19", this should give you better tyre choice and a smoother ride.

As far as the front wheel goes, have a good think about any changes you might make to the front suspension. If the Xcountry front end i anything like my xchallenge was, it'll be shite. If you intend changing fork legs or doing a front end swop, planning a hub that will suit the forks you intend to use, will make things a little easier.

I can't answer on the rear shock. My XChallenge had an air shock fitted as standard, which has been changed for a hyperpro unit. This has done over 8000 miles of hard riding now with no issues at all (provided i exclude the part where i forgot to have the external hydraulic preloader fitted to the shock on initial order).

HTH

 

[modman]

Thanks for the info, I meant 18 inch not 19 inch rear, sorry. As for the front suspension, it opens up a whole can of worms for me and I wouldn't know where to start but it's something to keep in mind. It's more to get better ground clearance and more tyre options. Just going through the motions of having a new bike and want to do all sorts to it

 

[Ash]

Second hand parts, are as rare as hens teeth.......

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Second hand parts, are as rare as hens teeth.......

I have a full set of hen's teeth, but alas no XCountry parts

If I change the rear suspension it will be Hyperpro I reckon

 

[modman]

I have a full set of hen's teeth, but alas no XCountry parts

If I change the rear suspension it will be Hyperpro I reckon

Been reading about the Hyperpro, but £1k on an all sing all dancing unit is a lot of money. I wonder if one of the standard £400 HyperPro's would be adequate for a novice like me. Are they height adjustable do you know and do they put the bike back up to 2007 suspension travel specs? I guess they must be able to as the blurb says they're all custom built.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hyperpro-...pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item2a3c729bcf

 

[coyotedave]

The rear shock is a weak part but it does have a good bit of adjustment and will cope with most things thrown at it, Luggage, tail pack, camping kit and tho odd off roading.

If you still want to change the unit have a search on't web and see if you can find someone who can rebuild the standard shock to suit your requirements. I think there is someone in the Keithley area who does them.


Cheers Dave.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

The rear shock is a weak part but it does have a good bit of adjustment and will cope with most things thrown at it, Luggage, tail pack, camping kit and tho odd off roading.

If you still want to change the unit have a search on't web and see if you can find someone who can rebuild the standard shock to suit your requirements. I think there is someone in the Keithley area who does them.


Cheers Dave.

Firefox in Keighley quoted me £200, for a revalve and an uprated KTech spring