Ending Soon – 1991 Yamaha XT600E Supermoto

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This XT sold for $3,545 after 16 bids on eBay in Columbia, Maryland.


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 has just 3,000 miles and it’s said to be “super clean”. Listed modifications include Excel supermoto wheels with Michelin street rubber and LED turn signals – but the seller says “what you see in the pictures is what you get”, and I also see a couple of race stands, aftermarket front disk brake guard, Cycra hand guards, and EVO handlebars. I think this would be an incredibly fun runabout, and I even find the 80s styling charming – but I do think that Yamaha’s paint guys may have taken a little too much inspiration from the Solo Jazz cup design on this livery…

Find this XT Sumo for sale in Columbia, Maryland with bidding up to $3,545