Workshop

I am going to service my 03 XT600E and had 4 questions I am hoping somebody will be able to help with.

My bike has done just over 5000 miles, when should the spark plug be replaced and is it worth paying the extra for an Iridium plug?

I have found a site selling the correct oil and air filter but the oil is hard to come by, must be an unusual type. SAE 20/40 W SE or SF.

Brake pads, what does sintered mean? Again is it worth the extra £?

My battery is fine but if I need to charge it can/should I used the same one that I use for my car?

It might help if you told us what your bike was?

In a nutshell your manual (if u dont have one look online) will tell you when to change your spark plugs. I would take a guess and say 5k miles is a little early. Normally it's 8k+ miles.

Try the following websites:

www.bikebitzuk.co.uk

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/Default.aspx?

they sell service packs that include oil. Or try ebay.

Your brake pads will depend on your bike and how you ride it. Generally buy the best you can afford. Brakes arnt what you want to skimp on!

Yes you can use your car battery charger. A 12v battery is a 12v battery. Just dont overcharge it if your charger does not have a automatic cut of for when battery is full.

Thanks for the reply.

I should have mentioned it is an 03 XT600E, I don't think I can edit the original post now.

I have ordered an owners manual from Ebay and have access to one online. I printed out page 3-1 Periodic inspection and adjustment where it tells when to change the oil, oil filter and air filter but no mention of the spark plug.

I will buy a spare one anyway. Standard NGK or Iridium?

I will try the links you provided for oil, all the other online spares sites dont have the recommended SAE 20/40 W. The manual says not to use synthetic. Would it harm the engine if I used EXL 10/40 petroleum based engine oil?

I read up on what sintered is and how they manufacture them. It seems for race bikes the performance is better but I am worried that they might be so good I will keep locking up the rear wheel. Sintered are only a couple of £ more so I am not trying to save money. Might be best to go with the standard.

if its the rear brake mate just get the cheapo ones, you really dont need sintered on the rear

I would be suprised that there is no mention of spark plug inspection? If the XT600 comes with Iridium plugs they will last alot longer so you might not see anything for changing but should have inspection. My friend has them as standard in his Hond CBR 600RR and he does not need to change them for 30k miles!

Personally l just use standard NGK plugs in my ZX6R and change them once every 12k miles and never have any problems.

I cant comment on the grade of oil, l dont know much about your model. But yes dont use synthetic oil if it's not recommeneded, it might cause clutch to slip.

If it the rear brake then yep cheap ones or ok. Front brakes use HH. There great.

Thanks for the replies.

No mention in the owners manual. In the workshop manual it explains removal and inspection. Replacement if damaged but not specific mileage.

I know on my car I don't need to change them for 30k miles.

I'll just inspect it and have a spare NGK handy.

I have been into so many places asking for SAE 20/40 and just get a blank look.

As you say the manual says not use semi synthetic as it can cause clutch slip.

So if anyone has a  suggestions for an alternative I would be grateful?

NGK sparks for your bike probably nly cost a coupleof quid each anyway mate - get them out and have a look, measure the gap if all is fine then leave them in, if they are corroded or dirty etc then change them

as for the oil:

http://www.getgeared.co.uk/PROCYCLE_Advanced_Mineral_Engine_Oil_4_Stroke_SAE_20W-40

that any good?

and as for getting a blank look - you must have gone to halfords, i get blank looks whenever I ask about anything that isn't windscreen wipers or chavvy alloys. My local halfrauds doesnt even stock motorcyle oil ffs, they will pimp out your corsa though with a whole manner of chrome, playboy and LED accessories if you pay them nicely.

get yer arse down a yammy dealer with a servicing dept if not: one would hope they would have access to that kind of oil .

Be prepared to pay with your soul though

Lol, I hear ya regarding Halfords. I always used to get my car servicing parts from there until I found out the Ford parts were less expensive from a Ford dealer.

 Yes that is the oil I am looking for, thanks a lot. I googled it many times but that never came up before.

 Someone kindly e-mailed me the XT600E parts list yesterday, I need 2 rear grab bars or "STAY 1" 3TB-2164F-01 but googling brings up no UK stockists of XT600E parts.

Nearest one I found is in NL.

No specific Yamaha dealer in my area (Exeter),  a couple of shops, mostly road bikes and dealing with all makes.

Fowlers in bristol are the nuts - will be able to order the part in and post it to you:

http://www.fowlers.co.uk/parts/

They have had some wierd parts that I have asked for in stock so they can certainly at least order your parts for you.

if not then I think speed and bridge bikes in exeter have service depts so will prob be able to order in, imight be pricey though.

Thanks a lot Donny.

I'll save the fowlers link in case I need it in the future.

You are right, Bridge bikes can order Yamaha parts in too.