I have been looking to purchase a vintage XT 600 (1984-1989). And I recently found an '86 with 8k on the clock. I would appreciate any advice or comments from past owners on common problems and parts availability.
Looks like all the normal service parts, seals, etc are still available thru dealers like Part Shark, etc. Bigger things like fork tubes may be more challenging. It's a big single and generally bulletproof in most regards. Can be a little cold blooded starting in cold temps, but I'm thinking kick start is nothing new to you and cold weather isn't an issue. (how about taking a moment to add your state location to your profile, hint, hint)
I finally found and purchased this 1984 XT600. There's only 10K on it and it is in great condition. It appears to have been rode mainly as a street bike with very little time in the dirt.
It's a grown up version of my wife's TW 200. I found an '01 with 1,700mi. It had to have been a "camper special". Didn't need any work; even the carbs were clean. And since they still make 'em. parts are easy/cheap.
I had a 84 xt600 for 25 years and now a friend of mine has it. Good reliable bikes. Open the drain on the float bowl every 6 months to keep the carb clean.
Some 84’s had ignition boxes go bad, mine did. They will become hard to start due to not enough spark energy. There use to be a guy in New Zealand that made new boxes that work great and was plug and play.