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New DRZ 400 s rider
Hello all. Just wanted to introduce my self a little and rave on this site. I've cruised a long time, even before we were "allowed" to us the net and we called phone to phone to each other. And I must say the internatinal mix of users here is the most varied and useful I've ever seen. Many Kudos to the Johnsons, very well done.
Anyways. I own a DRZ400 s and used to (and still ocassionaly) race off road. I love High adventure and travelling. My mind is working over time thinking of all the places and adventures I'd like to go on. Anyways, I noticed the Suzuki section gets very little use. Which I hope will change. My plans for RTW world tripping is to build my bike around the DRZ 400s. So I'll be throwing ideas out there and supporting the idea that this bike would make an excellent Long distance adventure bike. Truthfully, Suzuki makes few bikes I like. But, the DRZ is one of the best designed MOtorcycles for dual purpose. I really like mine. I have a degree in mechanical engineering and have owned several motorcycle and racing companies. I even currently work for a Honda/Suzuki/amaha dealership managing the service department. So I'm hoping I can add a little technical asstiance to the HU community. Any one else using DRZ400s or dirt converted cousins(400e/kick) for long distance adventure riding? If not, what limiting factors have been seen with use around the world. Not being to far out side the US I'm not familar with problems around the world. MOstly curious about most places. But, The UK, Australia, Mexico, Canada(especially, the Yukon) , Alasaka, Brazil, and many places in the US are what I'm really interested in. Good evening everyone. Thanks, Todd Bellew |
Welcome Todd, and thanks! Good to hear you like the site, it's been a lot of work, but worth it. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif
We always welcome expertise, you're most welcome to help out with the Suzuki forum. I don't know of anyone using a DRZ for long distance travel, although that doesn't mean there aren't some out there. The DR650 is more popular, but the DRZ should make a great travel bike. On the even smaller end of the size range, the TS185 is getting a following! See posts in this forum, and the which bike forum. ------------------ Grant Johnson Seek, and ye shall find. ------------------------ One world, Two wheels. www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
Grant,
Thanks for the welcome. After reading through the site I was really impressed with the varied nature of the site. I keep telling all my friends about it and One thing I couldn't believe. In one of the other forums a person mentioned using camels to cross part of the Sahara I believe. A person replied with unbelievably detailed knowledge of where to rent the best camels for desert crossing. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif I was blown away. I noticed the TS185 thread. I'm familiar but, I don't think those are sold new in the States anymore. And if they were they obviously wouldn't be street legal. Not that they couldn't be converted some places, of course. I figured they were still real popular in countries with less restrictions on two strokes. But, I actually love two strokes. Its actually my specialty. I have built and currently still do build two stroke motorcycle race engines mostly for karting and some for MX. Actually have a little site I maintain. www.zenengines.com My company is Zen Engineering but that was taken. Its not as well kept as your site but, I do service the forum there vigilantly. This may be my chance to alter my tuning/engine building mind set. I talked with a friend who said "you know, building a motor for maximum RELIABILTY is every bit as hard and requires a specialzed set of skills as building for PERFORMANCE." Hes right. Thanks again, Todd BEllew [This message has been edited by Todd Bellew (edited 14 June 2003).] [This message has been edited by Todd Bellew (edited 14 June 2003).] |
hi all i should do the intro thing myself,better late than never i say,my name is Jason i am from Geelong,Australia,i have owned three bikes thus far,TT-R250 YAMAHA 96 XTZ660 2000,and currently a YZF600 97,but i am thinking of going back to the dirt real soon,seems there is a bit more adventure off the bituman,i might even get a Suzuki..see Todds got me thinking yellow! i agree,this is a great site and a wealth of info on just about everything,top stuff keep up the good work Grant.
All the best,Jason |
You should definatetly look at the DRZ. Its the first bike I've owned in a long time.
When I found this site I couldn't believe all the people from such wide spread places. I work for a Honda Yamaha and Suzuki dealership. So I have a little experience with riding a bunch of different bikes. The ttr250 is actually a very nimble bike I think, If it has suitable power for you it may serve you well. Its built pretty beefy being more off road bike than MX racer. BUt, When I think of Australia I imagine(never been) LONG straight lonely roads between major towns. I could see the fun in that YFZ 600. Thanks, Todd BEllew |
G'day Todd
yeah the TT-R was a great bike,i could not fault it,had a lot of fun on that bike,i priced a new DR650 today and they are a bargain at the moment,a bit soft for my liking but just about the perfect mount for riding around Oz,the YZF is also great fast, comfy,and a real hoot,but some of the goat tracks that pass for roads over here,can make you wish you were on a duelie,and on a roadie you cant just go up that track you past,i love the thing but it's limited to the tar only...oh well the price you pay i spose. Cheers Slugnugget |
Hi Todd!
I just got back from a weeks guided offroad trip from Sweden to Norway on gravel roads and the guide road a DRZ400S. It looked like a nice bike and as far as I can remember the only mod he had made was a bigger tank. However the bike broke down on the fifth day and had to be left in Norway. The problem was that the engine sounded bad. One part of the problem was a broken valve chain tensioner, but after fixing that the problem still remained. I have no idea what had happened to the bike. The bike had been used 15000km or so I think. /Spakur |
The cam chain tensioner problem is pretty well known. They have an updated part and a company makes a manual adjuster that works great.
They should have known. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif It is one of the odd Suzuki problems. All high performance 4 strokes ask a lot of their cam chains. Suzukis has its share of adjuster problems. But, its still a great bike. Thanks, Todd Bellew |
Todd,
How do I check to see if my cam chain tentioner is working correctly? I have a 2003, do they have that problem fixed in this year? Any advice would be appreciated. I am a firm believer in prevenitive maint. ------------------ John "The older I get the better I was" |
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[This message has been edited by MarkHenri (edited 02 November 2003).] |
I'v had my drz 400S for several months now. The standard seat is a bit hard, ok its hard as hell. I replaced the seat with a gel seat from the dealer and recommend this. Haven't done long distance, but have been on the bike all day doing about 120-150 miles in a day including trails, back roads and freeway. On very tight trails the gearing is a bit high, but manageable. I bought a front sprocket one tooth smaller that I can put on. It takes me about 15 min to change them out, and I am not an expert. The sprocket costs about $15.00. Off road the bike does very well. On the highway it does well, although it is not a cruser. I hadent ridden for 15 years, but I jumped on this and had no problems. It is easy to ride and handles better in the curves thaen I thought a duel sport would. It is not a sports bike however. The tank is small, but the bike gets 50mpg consistantly, if not better. I added an IMS 4 gal tank to extend range. It fits very well. If I could do it all over again I would get the DRZ. I highly recommend it. Also one of the high points is low maint. The schedule calls for checking the valves at 15,000 mi. Thats right 15,000 not 1,500. Take care and I hope this helps.
------------------ John |
Hey there. I am wondering how the DRZ does in the power department. I used to own a KLR 650 and I was quite pleased with how much power it had. I see that the DRZ is rated similarly in the power dept (both have 36-38 hp) Does the DRZ feel as powerful or even more powerful than the KLR?
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I have never ridden a KLR, however I have had a DRZ for several months. It seems to have plenty of power. I weigh 230 lbs so it is pulling a pretty good load with me on it. As for the HP department the DRZ is lighter than the KLR. HP alone isnt as important as HP to weight IMHO. As for speed it goes freeway speed with ease. I once had it up to 80 MPh with throttle left. I am sure it would do 100, but if I wanted speed I would get a sports bike. I puled the snorkle and noticed better mid range top end power. Over all I can recommend the DRZ.
------------------ John |
Thanks E! Thats pretty well what I wanted to know. We weigh about the same so your findings should apply to me
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Been gone a while but glad to see the old thread hanging on.
The DRZ is a great bike. ONe of the best Suzuki makes. All of Ekaphoto's comment are right on. I didn't have to many problem with the seat however. But the sprocket advice is very good. IF you do a few searches on thumpertalk.com about the cam chain tensioner you see more than you need to read. Generally you can hear a lot of chanion noise when they aren't working properly. Often you just live with the noise. AS far as power. There are a lot of products avialable to make the engine more powerful. The engine is one of the most high tech pieces you'll see on any bike talked about here. SO there are quite a efw parts avialable. Even restricted is produces more than enough power to get itself around even loaded. I've ridden dr650s and felt they barely had more power to offer. The bike can lok a little intimidating becasue of size. And like I said before thats what kept me off it. BUt, you must ride it to belive how well it handles. Even when hustlin it is very controllable. I know, with the stock tires you get a lot of chances to test it. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif Anywasy glad to be back. Thanks, Todd BEllew |
Hi Todd,
Nice to see you back. Was wondering what happend to you. ------------------ John |
I've got a DRZ/S from last August and am very satisfied ..I hate to admit (since a long time a proud XT owner, I'm still "bleeding in blue" :-) ) that is the real heir of XT original concept - a simple, light & compact bike able to perform offroad and on road , concept lost when XT'S and Tenerés fattened and well represented by XT660 ...
The DRZ is capable and a good choice also for long-distance driving, mine has less of 5000 kms , but were made in just 3 weekend rides. A Friend of mine has reached the 40.000 kms - with lots of hard enduro in it w/o problems The pros are : performance, offroad position & handling , practically the same of a specialized Enduro bike like KTM or WRF, good lighting for serious night drive, the cons are : lack of low-end "grunt" (Still a peculiar landmark of XT) more thirsty in fuel than a XT, inferior quality of assembly (respect Jap Yamaha) Need a reinforced rear frame to load it , i've made my own with alu bars |
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. |
I've also been looking at the DRZ as an overlander to replace my ageing XR600. On paper it sounds good - cheap(ish), loads of bits available, modern (although after the XR most things are!), light(ish) etc.
I've been poking around DRZ's at my local dealers and trawling the web to see what owners report and a few reliability / preparation issues (on sites like thumpertalk) seem to come up frequently: Loose primary drive nuts Leaking water pump (DIY fixable with sealant) Cam chain tensioner problems Final drive nut needs industial grade thread lock Fragile engine side cases None of these would put me off and good preparation would sort them all, but any of them could strand you on some remote piste. I was also a bit concerned with the DRZ having a small battery and being electric start only although you can retro fit a kickstart (about $250 from the states if you fit it yourself). The seat does seem to be particularly unsuited to overlanding. I thought the XR seat was hard until I sat on a DRZ. Aquiline tanks would prob be my first choice. I e mailed Alec at coreracing about the 28L before Xmas and got a very helpful reply. Expensive (about £350) but a lot cheaper than the 40L on my XR. On the good side they do seem to have a strong sub frame and I've not come across any reports of cycle part problems like the engine ones above. I'd still like to get some feedback what they're like on a long road run - the atlantic route through Morocco / Western Sahara is a lot of tarmac before you reach the dirt - before I make a final decision but given that the other bikes on my short list include a CRM 250 Honda and a 604 CCM it's probably the front runner. |
Thanks backofbeyond.
You raise a few points: 1. Loose primary drive nuts I guess you mean the nut that retains the drive sprocket. A mate had problems with the drive sprocket coming off his Beta Alp 200 (which I believe has a Suzuki motor). I believe he ended up lock wiring it or something. I'll check up and report back. 2. Leaking water pump (DIY fixable with sealant) Worrying. I do carry some instant gasket in my spares kit. 3. Final drive nut needs industial grade thread lock OK. 4. Fragile engine side cases Decent wraparound bash plate. 5.Cam chain tensioner problems Isn't this fixed: Quote:
Isn't the 'Atlantic route' all sealed now (apart from a section at the Western Sahara/RIM border?) [This message has been edited by Ian (edited 25 January 2006).] |
Ian
Primary drive nut - this is inside the clutch cover and retains the gear on the end of the crankshaft that meshes with the clutch basket. Thumpertalk posters report some either coming loose or being loose from new. Not hard to fix / prevent (loctite) before you go but could be serious on the road. I meant the engine sprocket nut when I said final drive nut. Again loctite and a big spanner is the fix but changing sprockets when you hit the dirt becomes more difficult than it is on my current XR (2 6mm bolts) The problem with the side cases seems to be the gear / brake pedals punching a hole through the case when you fall off although Alec from coreracing mentioned they had a stone that missed the skid plate break one. The protectors seem to be "glued" over the top the existing cases. re fuel tanks, I don't know where you're planning to go If its somewhere really out of the way then you may need all 28L but the 40L Acerbis I used on the XR was overkill for UK to Gambia. With the bike loaded up and the tank full the XR was virtually unridable - on the road nevermind the dirt. I only filled it up twice. It was so top heavy that when kickstarting it was luck whether I could hold it up. The extra weight meant that the stand was too long and it balanced close to the topple point. Stopping at roadblocks was amusing - trying to find somewhere to stop where it would stay on the stand. The Atlantic route may well be sealed all the way by now - it was two years ago when I was there and the route from Nouhadibou was under construction. To get as far as the Mauri border any bike would do - French registered campervans were two a penny as far as Dahkla but I don't remember any after the dirt started at the border. It's only at that point that the DRZ would come into it's own. I'm looking at going down there again next winter and one of the remaining concerns I have about the DRZ is that it's a long way to get to the dirt on a 400cc bike. |
Thanks for the info.
A bit off topic, but judging how much fuel to take is always a problem (at least to me). When I went down the Atlantic route I carried fuel in cans inside my panniers and between Nouadhibou and Nouackchott, by my calculations, I used exactly the capacity of my bike's fuel tank - so were the cans redundant? They wouldn't have been had I got lost. Next trip I had some rally side tanks fitted and on the piste I thought I wouldn't need them, I did need them (one station had fuel but no electricity to pump it with, another just didn't have fuel) and on the piste where I thought I would need them I didn't, but that was only because the fuel tanker arrived the day after we did. But the spare fuel came in handy anyway as I had to give some to my riding buddy somewhere near Arlit. My next trip will probably be to Iceland, and my next big trip will probably be trans-Africa, should the 'Hoggar/Lake Chad/Eastern DRC' route become feasible again. In both cases I reckon at least the 28L will be required. That Aqualine tank doesn't look like it'll make the bike too top heavy though. Interesting DRZ thread here: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115345 Let us know if go for the DRZ. Cheers. |
...Why take a DRZ400 to travel on sealed roads? I guess it is possible but IMHO the more unsealed the better.
Patrick. Quote:
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Larger fuel tanks and aftermarket seats have been mentioned above.
Having sold my DRz, I have for sale an Acerbis tank (in blue)and fittings. I think it's 18 litres. A new Corbin seat, blue/silver. As has been mentioned, this bike is excellent for places like Africa. I put in many long days and thoroughly enjoyed it. Plenty fast enough, good fuel consumption and not too heavy. It would have been even better if I'd had the Corbin, so I bought one, then promptly sold the bike! |
Thought I'd join in here as I bought a cosmetically challenged DRZ400S at Xmas. It came with an Ascerbis 16 litre tank in Yellow. Note that the rad fan needs removing to run the Ascerbis tank although I've this is not the case with Clarke or IMS tanks?
Not started spannering on it yet but have bought the following, mnostly via Ebay: Renthal O'ring chain & sprockets. Stainless brake lines front & rear. Stainless wheel spacers F&R. Stainless spacer for the gearbox countershaft. Sit's behind the front sprocket. Standard item rusts, chews up the oil seal & lets oil out - don't forget the O'ring. New wheel bearings & EBC pads all round. Used headlight, mine is cracked. Spare air & oil filters plus plugs. Will buy a Case Saver soon. Waiting on the new battery, unusual size apparently? Looking forward to working on it & riding it soon. Steve |
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Do you still have the seat for sale? If not where did you get it. Thanks simon [This message has been edited by notxxtz (edited 18 February 2006).] |
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I don't know for certain that the tank is Acerbis, but it does fit the S model with the cooling fan. Maybe it's Clarke or IMS then.
I still have both the tank & seat for sale. If anyone's interested, they can e-mail me, oldbaldrick'at'aol.com |
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I have heard that the IMS tank does not fit on with the fan on. I read that AFTER I put my IMS tank on mine WITH the fan in place. Also know of two others that got theirs on with fan in place. It is a little tight, but can be done. I have had mine since 2003 with no problems. Enjoy your new ride. </font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE> When I get round to working on mine, I may try refitting the fan ust to see what the issue is? Will let you know. |
Aussie Jase
G'day, I just joined the site as I'm researching the market for a dual purpose Bike. The biggest question is what to compromise on.
I think you guys would probably enjoy reading this thread from Thumpertalk http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/sho...7&page=1&pp=10 I'd really like a twin cylinder machine, having owned several big singles over the years, but there's nothing on the market light enough to handle OK in the rough stuff, and all those big, wide expensive fairings are definately going to get trashed sooner or later. Thinking of a KLR650 and beefing up the suspension & front brake. Or a DRZ400 with a better seat and larger tank. Do you know of anyone who's put a small frame mounted fairing on a DRZ400 and maybe a lower, fork mounted, front fender. |
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Been a while
It's cool to see this old thread still hanging around. Kinda strange it pops up since I recently have started keeping up on the site again.
I don't have the DRZ anymore, or do I have the 1967 Honda Scrambler I had after it any more. It's been long eough I've been through a few bikes. Currently I have no Bike. :( But, that will change over the summer. For what I like to ride I'm thinking about adding a street conversion kit to the electric start Yamaha WR250/450 for dual purpose/ Motard. I'm a ex MX/off road racer and am decidely a dirt rider. So really can only see my self riding bikes that I know can go over some of the stuff I know is out there off road. Of course, its the stuff you don't know(or see) that hurts. lol I'm still sort of home bound and would rather figure I'd get more just local use with this. My long term goals/dreams is to maybe tour some of lower Mexico and the Baja. Not much major over land stuff. Probably not Africa or even South America. Some parts of Canada seem cool to ride and the American Southwest Utah colorado NEveda. For the type of riding I'm talking about I still think the DRZ is a great bike for that. Stretching out across a desert at 80 mph for hours on end with the kitchen sink, maybe not. Although dig the kitchen sink you can do pretty good if the road is less than "ideal". I think if you plan well and pack light, you can do all kinds of great adventures around home. You won't be inclined if you have a huge giant bike that only makes sense to ride if your going to lay down 3000 miles and live on it for 3 months. The DRZ can be ready to go for short trips easily(lack of acc) and isn't as tiring. As far as the reliabilty goes. This motorcycle has seen all kinds of racing. From off road to Super motard. Ridden by pros, and let me tell you, Pros know how to wear a bike out. I'm sure these have been ridden in Baja 1000's .Thats like 10000 miles for what normal people can do. Deal with the few well known issues and rip. And like the one fellow said it's easy to work on. The beauty is that it' a pretty high tech engine but, being a dual purpose and a single cylinder it elnds it self to being very easy to work on with simple tools. Even the major stuff. Getting parts is one thing being able to actually fix it is another. Anyways good to be back. Lets hope I get back on the road(trail really) soon. |
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I own a drz400s and they are great bikes. The only minuses are tall seat height and uncomfortable seat. A Renazco lowered seat takes care of both of those problems. The DRZ400 will wax a KLR or a dr650 to its top speed. their is no comparison on that but the 650's feel better on the highway (I feel fine on my drz though). The DRZ is a good bike but I actually want to trade up for a KTM 450 or 500 which are Great bikes! I do short (under 1000 mile) trips and mostly offroad so the lighter the bike the better. Ktm also makes the 690 which is very light for its size. It all comes down to what you like to do. I find the smaller enduros (drz400,ktm450exc and 500, husaberg,etc..) will still go down the highway as fast as you want to go but still have the ability to go up any single track trail or other that you feel like hitting. I have been out with guys on 650's (bmw & klr) that could not go on the trails that the rest of us hit. In fact the only time they felt comfortable was on the roads. They should have just brought their Harleys :rofl: Also in Mondo Enduro those guys went around the world taking the longest land route possible on dr350's the drz400's predecessor. |
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