I thought I'd revive this thread as I'm considering a DRZ400S as an overlander and have a few questions.

1. Fuel Tank: two options are the Aqualine (available at http://www.coreracing.co.uk/) or the Acerbis. Do these tanks fit the 'Dual Sport' DRZ? Does the Acerbis tank come in yellow? Is a pump required for either and if so what does fitting it involve?

2. Rear shock absorber: Any known bugs with this?

3. Battery. I recall that on a friend's DR350, the battery is mounted behind one of the rear side panels i.e. quite close to the rear wheel. Is it the same on the DRZ? Of concern as to me it seems vulnerable in this position, and my favoured means of luggage is throwover panniers without a rack (I travel very light).

4. Wheels. What make are the rims? I'd consider replacing the spokes for heavy duty items but in my experience DID rims are adequate.

5. All day cruising. Whilst I guess one advantage a 400 (over a 600/640/650) is the lack of weight and consequent ease of handling off sealed roads. The flipside to this is of course long days on the tarmac can be tiring on a smaller bike. What sort of cruising speeds are tolerable on the DRZ (for both the motor and rider)?

6. Economy: Any figures available for on/off tarmac, (lightly) loaded up fuel consumption? If possible please say so if you reply in miles per US gallon (as opposed to Imperial allon).

7. Seat. I'm considering either the Corbin or the Suzuki gel seat. Do they work with the Acerbis tank?

8. Any other known bugs?

Thanks.