The DR/DRZ Thread

[TwoSmokeDS]

Well, right now, I'm compare DRZ 400 SM to a DR 650 SE. (The 400 S is too tall for me as a daily commuter.) I've owned a KLR 650, so I know what 70 mph on a single feels like. It had some vibration on the foot peg at 70; otherwise, pretty comfy. But I've never been on a 400.

I've read one can ride the 650 at 70 mph all day long. I've read one cannot wait to
get off of the 400 after 50 miles at same speed because "engine sounds like it's about to explode." I think the issue is the 400's gear are too close together--meaning if you gear for highway, you have no low gear power for offroad; and if you gear for offroad, you have the engine screaming on the highway. So the 650 might be a better fit for me. But then I remember how heavy my KLR was, and I don't really know if I want to go that route again.

What I'm trying to avoid is buying a powerful DS and end up trailering it everywhere because the highway ride is too unpleasant.

[The Bruce]

I've taken a few LONG rides on my 400s and have no problem running 65 for hours at a time. I think the ones complaining about vibes are comparing to a Concours 14 or a Goldwing.

from the phone

[MotoTex]

As for gearing, the SM sprockets should be set up much better for highway speeds.

There's also an outfit making a wide-ratio gear set for those inclined toward more useful application of the power band. I think the company name is ACT. If you are up to splitting the cases. There's a good thread about it on TT's DRZ forum.

The Seat Concepts cover and foam replacement can make a world of difference for comfort at a good price point. ADVrider folks get free shipping.

[neoxaero]

Heres my DR650:




Mods:
Engine:
10.5:1 compression piston, web 223 cam, ported head with 36mm intake valves/32mm exhaust valves and an FCR 41mm motorcross carb(jetted a little lean but AF1 will be taking care of that for me in a couple weeks), K&N Air filter, FMF Power Bomb w/ Q4 can
Suspension & Brakes:
Excel Takasago Rims on stock hubs, EBC 320mm front brake rotor, EBC HH pads front and rear, billet fork brace, race tech progressive fork springs, race tech rear spring (8.3kg/mm)
Other Stuff:
Pro Tapers, KTM mirrors, CRF rear fender, 400sm taillight, All black plastics/tank/frame, Acerbis SM front fender, Generic headlight, shorty kickstand, IMS SS pegs

I'm not sure what else I should modify on this thing. I'm thinking it needs a big bore kit.

[Mudclod]

That's one bad boy, beautiful! Thanks for the images.

[mlp911]

me and hellwig both just purchased drz400's and have been trying to put as many miles on them as we can preparing for our big bend trip next month. so far i love this bike offroad. we have been playing with gearing for the trails and we both have 13/47 now. seems great offroad but sucks on the slab. ive ran 14/44 on the slab and it wasnt too bad but not great offroad. not sure you can be perfect for both, some compromise will have to be made.

[Hellwig]

Originally Posted by mlp911

me and hellwig both just purchased drz400's and have been trying to put as many miles on them as we can preparing for our big bend trip next month. so far i love this bike offroad. we have been playing with gearing for the trails and we both have 13/47 now. seems great offroad but sucks on the slab. ive ran 14/44 on the slab and it wasnt too bad but not great offroad. not sure you can be perfect for both, some compromise will have to be made.

You need to build us a 6 or 7 speed transmission MLP! THEN IT WOULD BE THE PERFECT COUNTRY AND WESTERN SONG, er um bike!

[bigdon55]

Is there any difference in the alternator output between a DRZ 400 s and a DRZ400 e?

[bronco78]

Originally Posted by bigdon55

Is there any difference in the alternator output between a DRZ 400 s and a DRZ400 e?

No, same parts, same set up.
Only the DRZ400 (ie the kicker) has a different (smaller) output stator.

[bigdon55]

Originally Posted by bronco78

No, same parts, same set up.
Only the DRZ400 (ie the kicker) has a different (smaller) output stator.

OK Cool, Thanks.

[TwoSmokeDS]

Originally Posted by Hellwig

You need to build us a 6 or 7 speed transmission MLP! THEN IT WOULD BE THE PERFECT COUNTRY AND WESTERN SONG, er um bike!

I rather it be spread out over 4 or 5. 6 or 7 would be too much shifting for me. Call me lazy.

[TwoSmokeDS]

How does the 17" wheel SM ride compare to the S for rocky mountain trails?

I looking for a DRZ400-SM to do all the gnarly Big Bend dirt roads. Bad idea?

[bronco78]

Originally Posted by TwoSmokeDS

How does the 17" wheel SM ride compare to the S for rocky mountain trails?

Originally Posted by TwoSmokeDS

I looking for a DRZ400-SM to do all the gnarly Big Bend dirt roads. Bad idea?

Neither the wheel size, clearance, nor suspension will make that a fun ride.
Doable? well sure, folks have been riding primitive motorcycle off road for a lot of years.

[humanrace]

Originally Posted by TwoSmokeDS

How does the 17" wheel SM ride compare to the S for rocky mountain trails?

I looking for a DRZ400-SM to do all the gnarly Big Bend dirt roads. Bad idea?

My wife and I have been riding our SM two up in Colorado, Utah and Arizona for 4 years. We've done Engineers, Cinnamon, Black Bear, Moki Dugway, Devils Punch Bowl, Sublime Point, and many others without a problem. With that being said, I have wished for an S model on several occasions. The biggest problem with the SM is availability of suitable tires for offroad.

[TwoSmokeDS]

You mean, the S have better suspension than the SM?

I thought I read that the SM has better RMZ suspensions.

[bronco78]

Originally Posted by TwoSmokeDS

You mean, the S have better suspension than the SM?

I thought I read that the SM has better RMZ suspensions.

The E and S use 49mm conventional Showa forks... sprung and valved for the riders weight and use they are an excellent off road fork, that no one short of a very fast, top of class, might have been a pro, A rider will ever out ride.

The SM use a 47mm upside down Showa fork, that is "like" what is generally found on a RM or RMZ.. But sprung, and valved differently and internally shorter than the dirt forks.

Off road, I would take a set of 49mm conventional Showa forks over the 47mm upside down Showas found on an SM..... Though they will work just fine for most riding a user is likely to do on a SM bike off road..

[humanrace]

Originally Posted by bronco78

The E and S use 49mm conventional Showa forks... sprung and valved for the riders weight and use they are an excellent off road fork, that no one short of a very fast, top of class, might have been a pro, A rider will ever out ride.

The SM use a 47mm upside down Showa fork, that is "like" what is generally found on a RM or RMZ.. But sprung, and valved differently and internally shorter than the dirt forks.

Off road, I would take a set of 49mm conventional Showa forks over the 47mm upside down Showas found on an SM..... Though they will work just fine for most riding a user is likely to do on a SM bike off road..

What he said ^^^^^

Going to ride mostly single track, get an S. Highways and Jeep roads, get and SM or an S. Mostly highways with some dirt roads thrown in, get the SM.

[mlp911]

just put new race tech springs front and rear on my Z. cant wait to try it out. just in case anyones been afraid to tackle this project, its not that bad of a job. did mine in about 2 hours. make sure you have a manual around just in case you hit a roadblock.

[TwoSmokeDS]

What if I ride 90% highway but 10% really gnarly single track?

[bronco78]

Originally Posted by TwoSmokeDS

What if I ride 90% highway but 10% really gnarly single track?

E with a plate.

Or an S like mine was.