Long range DR-Z
 

I'm trying to choose my next bike. I was thinking of a DR-Z 400 with a large tank, pannier rack and either a Corbin or a gel seat. It seems to me that this would be a good bike for off road with hopefully enough comfort on road. The aim would be to get around Australia and perhaps South America. Does anyone have any experience of the reliability and comfort of these bikes?
Thanks,
Ewan.

I have one and it is very reliable.It is also exellant off road, not a motorcross bike, but probably better than any other dual sport in its class. A couple of things to get are case guards since the case covers are thin and break easly. Cheap fix. Also radiator guards are a good thing, I havent got them but should. It comes with a skid plate, but for long hauls in the woods aftermarket is probably better. White brothers makes a direct bolt on. Both IMS and clark make aftermarket fuel tanks up to 4 gal. There is a company on Australia that makes one about 7 gal I believe.

The comfort level is not the best, but I have done 200 mile days on mine. A corbin seat would probably help alot. A friend of mine has done 400 mile days on hers. For more info than you ever wanted to know go to

www.thumpertalk.com and look around the DR-Z forum. Good folks post there and they dont get into flame wars on the DR-Z section. Burned and Bronco are the two resident experts there.

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John

Ewan,

Do you have a source for gel seats in Europe? My better half wants one for her DR650SE and Suzi doesn't sell them in France.

Thanks.

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

Having ridden extensively on both the Suzuki DR-Z400E and the DR350SE, I would vote the DR350SE as the better all-around dual-sport/adventure tourer. The 350 is the most versatile dual-sport, even more so than the KLR650, because it has virtually all the highway ability of the KLR, with far greater off-road ability. The 350 tops out at 88 mph, but it is smoother than the KLR or the DR-Z at that speed, and will cruise comfortably at that top speed. The 350 is a pretty bulletproof air-cooled design, the DR-Z has some vulnerability issues (ridiculously thin magnesium engine/clutch covers) that can be addressed with guards, and also is plagued by cam chain tensioner failures (again not a major issue, but I would take a spare with me on tour). Also, the gear spacing on the DR-Z is narrower, compromising either low ratios for the trail, or high ratios for highway cruising. The suspension on the DR-Z is more up-to-date, but the 350's suspension works well for non-competition speeds. Well, I'm just making the point that the now-discontinued DR350SE is an outstanding bike for dual-sport/adventure touring, and it is worth considering a good low-mileage used DR350SE.

Yes, but fix your engine before setting off: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000062.html

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

Seats modified here: http://www.customseats.co.uk/
Can include 3/8" & 3/4" Gel pads & heating elements. As a guide, fitting thick Gel pads to the front & rear seats on an 1150GS & recovering them is about £200 I believe.

Hi Peter,
I see that Suzuki GB have gel seats for the DR-Z 400 on their site for £150 but there's no reference to DR650seats that I can see. Perhaps they're not available here either?
All the best,
Ewan.

Mike, thanks for taking the time to give a very considered reply. I have ridden both bikes and I agree that the DR350 would, in many ways, be a more practical choice. The reason I would favour a DR-Z 400 is the same reason that I ride bikes in the first place; it's more fun. I think there is a danger that if we try to be too grown up and sensible we could miss what for me is the whole point of travelling by bike. If I can't raise a smile riding a DR 350 without a ton of luggage on it I would rather not guess what it would be like with the usual overland clutter weighing it down.
I'm just trying to have some of the enjoyable silliness but without the breakdowns, num bum and short fuel range.
All the best,
Ewan.

Have a look at www.offtheroad.de for tanks and luggage for the DRZ. They have a massive one too but the 26 litre tank looks good. I have their luggage etc on my Yamaha TT600R so I know it's good.

I have no experience of touring on a DRZ, but can vouch for off-road capability.
I fitted a 17 litre plastic tank (not sure of manufacturer as it was 2nd hand). It coped well with being dropped all day in the dirt. (I didn't need to remove the fan)
Contact me if you require a pic.

Regarding the engines cases: The cheapest protection I found was $47 a pair including postage.
http://home.mindspring.com/~perryg114/index.html Perry on the drz Yahoo site sorted me out.

I bought a CRD bash plate for about £80, very well made. Need to remove it to drain oil though. (could drill a big hole in it I suppose?)

There is a chap who makes and sells a rear rack on e-bay. They sell for about £30.
A Corbin seat is a big improvement on the standard seat I'm told (haven't managed to track one down yet).

A windscreen can be bought on the US e-bay site for $80. Looks a bit odd but should be less drafty.
cheers
simon

What concerns me is how narrow that seat is of the drz. Does the gel seat come slightly wider.

I'm just thinking that if you are going to take this bike say transafrica you want some decent seating under you.

How confortable if the seat on the 400?

This is my conception, for long range traveling and dune riding.

http://www.allegro.pl/show_item.php?item=68718616

The DRZ stock seat isn't that great, and the gel seat is not much better, just lowers the bike a little. Corbin makes a seat for the DR-Z that is wider and more comfortable.

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John

[This message has been edited by ekaphoto (edited 23 October 2005).]

Hi,

You probably bought a bike by now... But if you haven't gone travelling yet, Australia is a good place to fit it with parts. The 28 litre tank is not cheap (AUD650) but one of the best acording to many and B&B Aluminium make great protection parts for just about anything (bashplate, chain guard, radiator guards...) Lastly and this is an open invitation to any open minded bike traveller, if you make it to Melbourne, I have a spare room.

Patrick.