Thats funny about the 400s. I don't believe the XTZ660 comes to the states. Which is unfortunate. I think it makes it hard for world travellers that might want to bring their bikes to the US. The bike seems pretty popular, but are virtually non existant in the states. Since bikes aren't imported, parts are rare if available at all. Plenty of quads come that use that engine, I believe. Isn't the Raptor 660 the same engine?

The other point I didn't make is ability to carry gear. Some bikes are better suited to having panniers and such attached. If your not travelling with a crew you need to bring your own stuff. Bikes like the 400 s and xtz (I assume) are built with stronger frames to with stand long range use. The YZ for example has every component desined to be light as possible. The designers didn't think about having a bunch of extra weight on the rear sub frame. Thats one thing the OZ test lacked IMO . As a race bike they proved its worth. But, they had a support crew.And if your headed all the way to belize, your going to need some of your own gear.

The DRZ comes with several key differences. I believe it actually has stiffer springs than the e/kick to compensate for the extra street gear. BUt, since its soft to begin with and you add gear and only add a one step stiffer spring, its still soft. People usually do add stiffer springs.

The other is the s model uses a taller base gasket than the E/kick giving the S model a lower compression ratio. This is so people could use 87 octane at the pump. So that makes it great for using lower grade gas ie. Mexico and south. PLus, the lower compression allows the engine to not be under as much strain. Lower compression engines tends to last longer, save maybe diesels . The down side to lower compression is less power. BUt, the engine makes plenty with stock compression. Also, theoretically, less compression is less efficient than higher compression. BUt, the difference in actual mileage is probably imperceptable. Also, at very high elevation the difference may be noticeable.

The S also uses a smaller CV carb instead of the FCR carb. It is slower, but the vaccuum operated slide gives it some self adjusting capabilites through altitude changes. A very nice ability for a long range traveller.

The cush drive I mentioned before. It flat reduces fatigue from rider and bike.

Also, since the S is already street legal. You'll need to be street legal of course. Theres no need to have to convert and re title. You Documentation is as simple as it can be.
Being only a 400 its better on gas than bigger bikes. Fuel economy is huge consideration when your trying to strecth to a fuel stop. You don't want to worry especially with a thirsty 600 cc plus beast drinking gas. And it still has plenty of power for a reasonably skilled rider. Since the goal is only really to get there, a lot of power isn't always needed. Yeah if you like wheeling and jumping and roosting every where, it could be under powered especially loaded.

Well I'll put down my Suzuki Horn now. In some circles Suzukis aren't considered highly, I know. BUt, Every manufacturer gets one right now and again. This is one of Suzukis very right bikes.


Thanks,
TOdd BEllew


[This message has been edited by Todd Bellew (edited 25 June 2003).]

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Thank You,
Todd Bellew

If you really want a Suzuki, consider the DR650. It rides as easy as a 400 and doesn't drink much, the only disadvantage is that it has no low rpm torque compared to an XTZ660. But hey, what has?

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

G'day all

FredXTZ Yamaha stopped the XTZ over here in 2001,i am pretty sure mine was exactly the same spec as your 97 model probably only a color change(mine was green)
i agree that the Suzuki is better suited to longer time in the saddle than the wr400/450
and as far as taking gear enduros are gonna be limited,but i like the DRZ 400, i am actually thinking of trading my YZF600 in on one and getting back to the dirt,they are fast and reliable,they have done very well in the Australian Safari,a bit of hot water and compressed air and you can get another litre or two from the plastic tanks,would make a great bike for those hard to get places,and a fair bit easier to pick up than my old 660 and no bloody fairings($$$$)
Cheers Slugnugget

XTZ660 fairings? I know a french guy who lost/destroyed all of them in the first few days of the Raid de l'Amitié in Morocco. The bike didn't even look bad without them!

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

I bought a drz 400 about a month ago and love it. The power is unbeliveable for a 400. I was looking at the KLR 650 but a motorcycle mechanic that did not sell bikes recommened the suzuki. I weigh 230 lbs and it goes 65 mph easy. I hadnt ridden for about 15 years before getting this and it handles easy. I did get an IMS tank that increased capasity from 2.5 gal to 4.2 gal. I just put it on so I don't know how far I can go before having to go to reserve. So far I have 120 miles.

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John

The handling on the 400 is almost hard to believe isn't it. I stayed off one for a long time and said its way to big and heavy. After I rode one I was hooked. I think the key to it is that the bike has its weight distributed exactly right. Its not a small heavy bike.

I can really see the benefit of the bigger engine bikes. But, I still haven't seen one in a cahssis that makes me feel like I could ride easier than a lighter less powered machine. The DR650 and XR650 just feel like it takes more energy to ride than less, like the power is suppose to be.

BUt, when your trying to carry serious gear I can see using a 650.

For example here in the states you are never far from a hotel or restaurant. You could criss cross the country with little more than clothes and e supplies. And atm card of course.

I guess its all back to there is no one bike for every person for every type of riding.
Fun talking about it though.

Thanks,
Todd BEllew

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Thank You,
Todd Bellew

If you intend doing as much off road as possible on this journey, then get something with electric start, I believe XR650's are kickstart only? I rode a DR-Z400 recently, the seat was torture and put me off buying one for Spain next year.

Steve

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My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com

Steve,

I bought a DRZ-400 a couple of months ago. I agree about the seat. I invested in the gel seat and it makes a world of diffrence if you want to retink the DRZ. Also The IMS tank is a great add on and really extendes the range.

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John

[This message has been edited by ekaphoto (edited 22 July 2003).]

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John

[QUOTE]Originally posted by FredXTZ:
[B]If you really want a Suzuki, consider the DR650. It rides as easy as a 400 and doesn't drink much, the only disadvantage is that it has no low rpm torque compared to an XTZ660. But hey, what has?

Hi Fred,
there is a real bike that is king of overland traveling: KTM Adventure 640. It is able to do everything that Tenere can, even much better, especially offroad. Handling is perfect, much better than 660, engine is stronger, fuel tank is big enough, susspension is much better, and it is equiped with both kick/electro starting! Also, additional CDI unit allows runing on very poor gasoline, and once you mountain CDI on your bike, there is no enough poor gasoline for a bike! The bike is big, able to carry huge amount of equipment, but is also light, around 155 kg dry weight. Only variable fuel consumption in offroad conditions and "comfort" are some disadvantages
Regards,
AnteK

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AnteK

I've never seen one without problems yet!
It's a nice bike on paper and on photos, but it's no good in the real world.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by FredXTZ:
[B]I've never seen one without problems yet!
It's a nice bike on paper and on photos, but it's no good in the real world.

Hi Fred,
describe why is not good in a real world?
What kind of problems? I have met several travelers on Adventure, no one think about riding anything else but HIM My personal expirience of driving Adventure is much better than driving XTZ 660, except comfort!
Regards,
AnteK

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AnteK

hi guys
this post is old but reliable
i had been riding a nice drz with the ims tnak, and so on for two rides on pistes in morocco and crossing Spain .
Mostly tracks, around 1000 plus 700 some hard parts and some tough days D
Do I want to change ? of course
DO I have to ? of course not
But waht will I choose ?
a big adv bike ? no
a single of 600 or more ? no
a lighter bike, with FI, LC and maybe 6 gears.
SO the WRF will do teh job , i have found plenty of stories on the web
oil can wait over 3000 k, NOT the filter .. of course
or the SWM 500 but too young to be sure
I dont like ktm , that is the point
ANd Yam' s are really good bikes , i ride a XT all around Africa in 80', use a tdm for 4 years, ride a TR1 stone-made, and so
T>hen some SUZ as well

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"In a car you're always in a compartment, and because you're used to it you don't realize that through that car window everything you see is just more TV." R. Pirsig

Suzuki is now offering a RMX450Z as their answer to the WRF's . That bike will be a great DS option as well , so now 2 really good 450's for those not wanting a KTM/Husqvarna/Husaberg (but they are really good as well).