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27 Jan 2002
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Contributing Member
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: MINNESOTA US
Posts: 37
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DRZ400s
Just wondering if anyone has any info on making the 2002 Suzuki DRZ400s into a full touring rig? Wondering if a 400 is too small an engine for highway running and if the rear frame would need to be beefed-up for hard luggage etc.? I would like to have the full suspension adjustability the bike offers but am not sure if I would have to change too much on the rest of the bike to make it a worthwhile project. Thanks in advance for your input.
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27 Jan 2002
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HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
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you're gonna be the first...
No, I don't think it's too small - so long as you don't treat it like an 1100 and run it at 80mph all day. Take one for a ride and see what it's comfortable cruise speed is. Ask the dealer's opinion. Maybe he has a demo or last years used you could take out for a run. It will be buzzy, definitely revving at extra-legal speeds, but at legal speeds should be ok.
Perhaps you need to gear it up a tooth or two. The KLR650 for instance comes geared too low for highway, but one more tooth on the front makes a big difference.
I would definitely not plan on using it as a mainly highway bike, but as a bike you could ride a long way on backroads and gravel/dirt roads, with occasional highway jaunts.
For around the world, I think it would be great, assuming you like the backroads. That's where all the good stuff is anyway.
All bikes need the rear subframe beefed-up for full luggage, especially for backroads use. If it's steel, and you can see a clear method to beef it up, go for it. OTOH, it may be hugely difficult because it's too tight a fit everywhere to add braces or support tubes. You may even have to make a new one, which isn't quite as difficult as it sounds - maybe. Some subframes are very simple, and a competent welder could make you a stronger one in an afternoon, complete with great brackets for luggage.
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Grant Johnson
Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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27 Jan 2002
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posts: 222
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Steve,
I think the first thing you'd want is a comfier seat if you're going to be spending a lot of time on the highway. Even bikes (like my XR650L) with seats much wider and softer are notoriously uncomfortable after only an hour or two in the saddle. Unfortunately, putting on a wider seat might radically change the narrow feel of the bike when you're standing up in off-road situations, as it may push your knees out and force you to ride with your feet on the edge of your footpegs. I'm not certain though - this is what people report when putting Corbin seats on XR's.
Please let us know what you discover.
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Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
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Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
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Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
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Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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