In a big trailie comparison story in the 1990 issue of Motorcyclist, the Yamaha XT600 was described as follows: “After ending up king of the dirt last year, Yamaha’s XT600 turned away from its roots and focused on the street. Electric starting, a swoopy new look and a more accessible seat height make it more attractive to all-surface novitiates who are after a big bore but aren’t up to the height or heft of [other bikes in the comparison].” This example takes the street aspirations one step further with a supermoto conversion.
The “E” in XT600E meant it had an electric starter – there was also a XT600K and I think you can guess what the K stood for. The delineation between E and K started in 1990, when Yamaha gave the model a significant update. Aluminum wheels were replaced with chrome-plated steel, the tachometer was removed, the oil tank was moved, among other things. Basic specifications included 45 horsepower, 35.5 pound-feet of torque, and a top speed of approximately 100 miles per hour. For more on the big XT, check out this review from MCN where they call it a fabulous bike for around town.
This example (VIN: JYA3UYE01LA000754) has 10,454 miles is highly original, the seller has had it for almost 15 years. The sale includes the owner’s manual and tool kit, and it got a service this spring (new intake rubbers, petcock, air filter, and a carb clean).
Find this XT for sale in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin with bidding up to $2,550 here on eBay.