My xtx was a bit of a pig. It's taken some work before even thinking there had been any advancement at all in handling since my last XT600 in 1989.

The vibes were still coming through the handlebars with the magura fat bar but the handguards seem to have almost removed and vibes. Mirrors are still useless but hey...

The seat is a cow. It needs something. I think riding position has a lot to do with it, kinda at that point between wanting to straighten or hunch back, neither seems comfortable after an hour or two. I re-covered mine and bought a sheepskin. It's comfortable for a bit longer but i'm thinking its more the seat angle change. My old Xt i'd do regular 850klm trips home in one go and don't recall a problem. Maybe it was thicker and just easier t9o slide back and forward on (or stay back further.. or something). I'll probably build it up under the cover next, was going to put in longer dogbones but the seat might benefit from that inch or so.

Perhaps the sitting height is lower, does seem to handle a lot better through bends and more stable. X wheels probably help but generally a better tight road bike. Also very stable and sweet running wise at highway speeds. Iv'e been using a 14tht front sprocket lately. Still cruises fine on 100-120k but more responsive in each gear and just 'easier' around town.. a little bit better off road, slow. Kev's mods (at least) almost mandatory imo. Pre-mods, pre-tweaks, the handling around traffic was dangerous!


I still have no remorse though.. one of those bikes that's 'almost' there and the jury is out but i've got a few tweaks and a small bank balance left ; )

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XTX 09