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Turning a DRZ400E into a DRZ400S Turning a DRZ400E into a DRZ400S
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Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 13 Mar 2013
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Location: London
Posts: 44
Turning a DRZ400E into a DRZ400S
I recently bought a DRZ400E to do a trip from London to India, crossing Turkey-Iran-Pakistan.

The bike was second hand of course, a 2001 model, only 2.5K miles on the clock, mint condition and with stunning extras as Excell rings, talon hubs, FMF full exhaust, gel seat, ASV levers, Ohlins shocks and fork springs! I never saw another like this. Lucky me I found it!

The problem is, the rear subframe is very weak, made for enduro not to fit a rack and luggage, so, I bought a DRZ400S subframe on ebay to fit on it. Haven't done yet, but the subframe already arrived.
I need the turning light too, I though about re-wiring the bike with the S model wires, but I think it will be too risky, so I will create the turning light system "manually" using some relays and the S version left switch.

Once its done, my E version will be more S!

But... the E carburator, which seems to be much more powerful than the S version. I think that is great to already have it. My question is, how can I adjust it to manage all kinds of petrol I will find along my journey? Any tips?

Thank you guys!

Joas
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  #2  
Old 13 Mar 2013
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 37
HI Joas,

I am not sure if the UK model E is different to the Australian E so cannot give detailed information, but we are using standard Australian E models to travel on. I did have a look at an S model and the rear subframe looked the same! Our Es certainly come with all the road gear - indicators etc.

We decided not to make major changes, just suspension upgrades, bigger tank, racks & panniers. i have had mine for 7 years as an off roader and it is impossible to kill (famous last words perhaps).

We have kept the load light and low as much as possible and the bikes seem to run OK on various fuel grades. We can let you know as we get further into our travels.

Cheers,
Ro
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  #3  
Old 13 Mar 2013
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: London
Posts: 44
Hey Ro!

Lucky you man, your E version comes complete! My one has no turning lights, no mirrors, almost no rear subframe, very off-road where you don't need non of this! Probable is much more light than your E australian model.
Anyway, I will do all the adaptations to make it more S and get the road to India!

I'm glad you have your one for such long time without problems. Any tips? A member called *Touring Ted* told me to do the following things:

"Loctite the stator and pick-up bolts.
Fit 'case savers' to the engine cases (cases are cheese)
Change oil every 2-3000 miles and check it OFTEN. It only takes 1900cc.

There is a lot of stuff you can do for "uncorking".
Removing the PAIR valve, removing the carb solenoid.
You can also jet and fit a Scorpion exhaust for more BHP."


What do you think Ro?
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  #4  
Old 13 Mar 2013
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Location: Wirral, England.
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Why not just buy a cheap, old and battered S model for about £1000 and take all the stuff off it you need.

Make one great bike out of two..

It would probably be cheaper and you'd end up with loads of spares for trip or to sell on.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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  #5  
Old 15 Mar 2013
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Join Date: May 2012
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DRZ400e
Hi
I have the DRZ400e and I have been wondering if I should get the DRZ400s for overseas traveling. The petrol is a slight worry the e has a compression ratio of 12 to 1 and the S is 11 to 1. I think the you can change the gasket on the e to have the same compression of the S. I don't know how much difference that makes in the real world. I think the E has a different cam and the FCR carby.
I get about 4.7 lt per 100k out of my DRZ400e which I do not think is that good my DL 650 gives better fuel economy (only just). I would be interested to know what the fuel economy people are getting on the DRZ400s.
I contacted a Hubb member Seb he took a DRZ400e all over the place Africa I think and he had know issues with the fuel.
Good luck with the bike I like them I put Dirt Bagz on mine I like them and the cost is good.
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