Another RTW DRZ Prep
Several years ago my wife and I decided to do a long trip. We have chosen to ride two DRZ 400s because of their versatility, simplicity and blendability. We have been picking away at the modifications and decided it was time to document the changes. My wife is 5'4", so our first task was to lower her bike. It was not a modification for the faint of heart because it meant chopping the frame in several places to achieve maximum lowering of the seat height. I calculated it out, drafted the parts on my CAD program, ordered aluminum and machined them. I sliced and diced the frame, welded the new pieces in and the subframe was lowered 1.5 inches.
A set of lowering links brought the frame down another inch plus. I sent the forks to Factory Connection to be dialed in for her weight including fuel, panniers, frame and gear. While there, they lowered the forks another inch. After all of these modifications, the bike is still very good travel but is about 4 inches lower allowing her toes to touch the ground. I will be adding more modifications as I go.
(Right now I am working on new panniers and their frames!)
Darrin & Melissa
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