About The 600

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• Brakes
  Sintered brake pads and braided hoses improve braking dramatically, especially on single-disc models
  
  
• Chain oiling
  Scottoiler is acknowledged to be the best chain oiler, but it is a bit expensive. The Loobman manual oiler is a cheaper (£17) alternative, and seems to be quite easy to use (if a bit tricky to fit). www.loobman.com
  
  
• Clutch
  Clutch rattle at tickover is common, and difficult to get rid of. Not really a worry, as most seem to do it. Also, you may get a jolt when engaging first gear from cold. Pull in the clutch and rev the engine (gently) before trying 1st gear.
  
  
• Engine
  Vibration around 4000-4500rpm is normal. Can be improved by careful valve clearance adjustment and carb balancing.
  
  
• Fuel consumption
  Most models can get 45-55miles per gallon. The older models (1992,3) do less, as does the XJ600N.
  
  
• Fuel tap
  The petrol (gas) tap is vacuum operated on these bikes - there is no "OFF" position. The normal position is with the arrow pointing down (fully clockwise), reserve with the arrow pointing up (fully anti-clockwise). The mid position is "Prime". This is only normally used to prime the carbs after the petrol tank or carbs have been disconnected, but can also help to start the engine if the bike has been stood for quite a while.
  
  
  
• Oil leak
  Oil dripping from breather pipe connected to air box (only on 96-98 models with oil cooler). There is a £10 fix kit available for this. Further details on this problem are in the Tech Info section.
  
  
  
• Starting problems
  If you have no response from the starter on your Divvy, note that corrosion around the starter relay (under the RH side panel) is a fairly common problem, especially on the 600N. It seems that moisture gets trapped in this area. Also check that battery connections are tight and corrosion free, as loose connections could leave you with ignition lights working , but not enough power for the starter to work.
  
  
• Tyres
  Bridgestone BT45 tyres seem to be the most popular all-round choice, although a lot of people also like the Macadams. See the "Tech Info" section for details of tyre pressures and other tyre fitments.
  
  
  
• Alternative Shock Absorber Options:
  diversionclub.proboards.com/thread/18625/alternative-shock-98-divvy
  
  
• Valve clearances
  
  The part number of the valve tool is 90890-04125. Available from Fowler's in Bristol for about £18. Make sure you quote the part number.
  
  Fowlers Motorcycles
  2-12 Bath Rd
  Bristol, BS4 3DR
  0117 977 0466