A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

charliext1vj
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Joined: Sun Mar 29, 2015 11:12 am
What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: 2 XT600s -1VJ, BSA Bantam Trail, CRF1000, BSA B25 if I can find all the bits!
Previously Owned Bikes: too many to list - XT600s, cr500, KTM 990 Adv, VFR800, RDs, DTs
Location: Bath, UK

Re: A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

Post by charliext1vj »

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firestarter_phil
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Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2025 6:53 pm
What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: 1988 XT600Z 3AJ - White / Red
Honda Fireblade 2009
Honda Fireblade 2017
ZX10R 2016

Re: A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

Post by firestarter_phil »

Thanks - that makes sense now I look at it.

Just had a go at moving but becasue my one is an aftermarket one, with the extra cooling fins on it it won't fit in that gap between the battery box and the rear mudguard.

I will get hold of an OEM and fit it in there. Might leave the aftermarket one as a 'backup' in case the rectifier becomes a 'rectum frier' and overheats. Something I have had happen before!

Appreciate the image and guidance.
firestarter_phil
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What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: 1988 XT600Z 3AJ - White / Red
Honda Fireblade 2009
Honda Fireblade 2017
ZX10R 2016

Re: A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

Post by firestarter_phil »

A quick update.

Have now done 300 miles over the past couple of weeks with a few bolt tightens after each journey, but nothing untoward to report.

Have drained the oil, changed the filter again and refilled with new oil so now get some more rides in to get used to it.

Did 60 miles off-road today with the two other 3AJs that are doing Morocco this coming spring and despite the horrific weather we had a great ride out.

url=https://postimg.cc/622GJJ73]Image[/url]

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AndyL
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What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: Yamaha XTZ600 Tenere (3AJ)
Location: South West

Re: A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

Post by AndyL »

Looking really good Phil....Thanks for your tips and advice. My Engine is with the engine builder and I asked him aswell to... ''have a quick look at the top end''. Hoping for a progress update at the end of this week.
firestarter_phil
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What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: 1988 XT600Z 3AJ - White / Red
Honda Fireblade 2009
Honda Fireblade 2017
ZX10R 2016

Re: A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

Post by firestarter_phil »

So, tomorrow is the start of Sandraiders Morocco and the bike is done and ready.

A massive thanks to everyone for their contributions.


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Will provide some updates during the trip
donnybach
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Tenere 700
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Location: Cardiff, UK

Re: A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

Post by donnybach »

Good luck. :tenere:
firestarter_phil
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Honda Fireblade 2009
Honda Fireblade 2017
ZX10R 2016

Re: A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

Post by firestarter_phil »

Hi there everyone,

Sorry I didn’t get a chance to post during the week. It was a pretty intense schedule which they set for us this year at Sandraiders and we were doing over 300km days every day!

What can I say - the absolute best and toughest experience of my life!! I recommend to anyone to do this.

How did the bike do?

It performed without fault. Literally not one issue from the very start to finish and we put it through to incredible challenging dune, fesh fesh and mountain rock sections and at now point did it miss a beat.
I couldn’t be prouder of the bike and the way it handled everything out in front of it.

Is it heavier than the XRs? Yes! Does it have less power? Yes! Do either of those things make it any less capable? NO!!!!

I highly recommend this event to anyone on here and my build list is 100% bang on


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Missinglink
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What Bike or Bikes Do You Own?: Tenere 55W .... T7 and too many others
Location: Scotland

Re: A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

Post by Missinglink »

Was a great tour....
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Barryn
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Re: A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

Post by Barryn »

Great job, super pictures of what looks to be a fantastic event.

Glad you and the bike are back in one piece. 👍🏻👍🏻
James0541
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Re: A 3AJ Rebuild getting ready for Sandraiders 2026

Post by James0541 »

Fantastic, well done.
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