Which DRZ?

[fatneck]

Hey all. I'm moving to Canada soon, and I've decided to buy a DRZ-400 when I get there. I wanted something that wasn't a mental sportsbike, liked the idea of some offroad capability but still something capable of some urban hooliganism. It needs to not be a write-off if it gets dropped (especially with it being winter) and also capable of light commuting duties. The DRZ-400 seemed to tick all the boxes so I started looking into it more. And it can't be too expensive. Oh, and it also has to look cool, naturally.

So the question is - do I buy a DRZ-400SM super moto and try and get hold of some off road wheels (and whatever else is needed to convert it) or do I buy the DRZ-400?? (the offroad one) and get some super moto wheels? I think the gearing is different but that's about it? Or do I get one with half and half tyres (road legal knobblies)? How hard is it to convert from SM to offroad? So many questions!

Any DRZ related answers/help/info would be appreciated - I know there are some people on here that have them. Are they any good? Are there any better alternatives that tick all the boxes? And can someone please buy my GSX-R :-)

Thanks .org!

[Specialone]

I love mine more than breathing, its brilliant.
I too was considering getting some Sm wheels but they are expensive, you would need everything rear sprockets etc.
The speedo would run out as smaller diameter wheel.
Better off with a good adventure tyre which will do both, which im gonna do when i get round to it.
Highly recommend getting one, they are a right blast, mine will just about do 90mph but it is screaming then.

[aarond]

I have the sm, and but motocross wheels. Again love mine but have been using it much more on the motocross track

[the_lone_wolf]

The off-road (S and E) versions also have the smaller front brake, meaning less power on road, but less chance of trashing the rotor off-road

Unless you plan to mud-plug most of the time I'd say get an SM and fit semi-knobblie tyres for the winter

The E version (at least the UK one) has the much improved flatside carb, S and SM make do with the 36mm CV model that's a bit wet in comparison

[Specialone]

The off-road (S and E) versions also have the smaller front brake, meaning less power on road, but less chance of trashing the rotor off-road

Unless you plan to mud-plug most of the time I'd say get an SM and fit semi-knobblie tyres for the winter

The E version (at least the UK one) has the much improved flatside carb, S and SM make do with the 36mm CV model that's a bit wet in comparison
Would my S benefit from this E carb you think?
How much power difference is there between E and S?

[DANINPLYMOUTH]

Yeah the E carb is better, or you can get a 40/41mm cv carb that fits easily. I went the whole hog on mine hotcams on the intake and exhaust, 440 big bore kit, 40mm carb plus exhaust etc used to power wheelie in 3rd a doddle. Was a great bike to blast around on, when I get a bigger shed or garage il be getting another me thinks. There's also a k version though rare now as they were only made for a few years I think which is a kick start model so lighter than the E think that's the 1 I want no battery to get flat

[fatneck]

I think it would be mostly road to start with, and then maybe some mild green laning. And then maybe increase the offroading if I like it. (I've only done one day of off roading before but it was awesome).

Can you fit semi knobblies on 17" wheels though, wouldnt that be a bit plop off road?

[the_lone_wolf]

Would my S benefit from this E carb you think?
How much power difference is there between E and S?

Not much in absolute terms, as a %age increase it's quite a bit - didn't do it myself but plenty of folks on thumpertalk have and were happy with the result. Main difference is in throttle response

I didn't do it to mine, simply because it's better value to buy a faster bike rather than trying to grab every last bhp gain from the DRZ motor - even with every modification known to man and thousands of dollars spent, the most that the ace tuner on TT could get was ~60bhp - my old SMR was putting that out stock, more with the exhaust and it weighed in at ~40kg less

Better to buy a 450exc or something if your lust is for more speed...:cool:

[the_lone_wolf]

Can you fit semi knobblies on 17" wheels though, wouldnt that be a bit plop off road?

You can, the advantage of a full 21" front wheel is that it'll roll over stuff a 17" may get caught in, ruts, roots, etc... But unless you're really hammering off-road you'll do just fine - in the dry you can just about get away with road bike tyres...

[speedplay]

Better to buy a 450exc or something if your lust is for more speed...:cool:


I'd go the KTM route too.
The 400EXC is a better bike all round :)

[Specialone]

If i could get another 10 hp out of mine it would be brilliant, are the 400 ktm's really that much faster in the real world?

[speedplay]

If i could get another 10 hp out of mine it would be brilliant, are the 400 ktm's really that much faster in the real world?


Lighter, faster, better specced and orange ;)

[the_lone_wolf]

If i could get another 10 hp out of mine it would be brilliant, are the 400 ktm's really that much faster in the real world?

Don't know about the 400cc bikes, but on a track the 450SMR was renowned for being almost as quick as the 560 (different story on the road where the 560 could stretch it's legs)

The KTMs are a totally different animal to the DRZ, for a start the DRZ is almost 50kg heavier, so imagine riding with the girlfriend (obviously not wife;)) on the back all the time. That, and the fact that the engines are racing engines mean that overall the bikes just feel more involving and exciting

Not that the DRZ isn't good for what it is, unkillable reliability and 4000m service intervals are a godsend after the ones on the 560, but at the end of the day the DRZ is a ten year old motor in a heavy bike

[fatneck]

So the best compromise then:

DRZ-400 SM with a spare set of 17" semi knobblies for mild off-roading.

And how hard would it be to put a 21" on the front and an 18" (or whatever it is) on the back for full off-roading?

I'm not worried about my off-roading skills outgrowing the DRZ; if and when that ever happens I'll have a rethink.

Cheers for all the replies people! Are there any models/years I should avoid? Is newer always better?

[the_lone_wolf]

I reckon an SM will see you through just about everything except motorway miles, excellent urban terroriser and green laner with semi knobblies on, something like Dunlop Mutants

Fitting 21/18" wheels shouldn't be much of a hassle, I think it's a straight swap but check the 21" spokes will clear the brake calliper on the SM and that you get the right size rotor

The basic design hasn't changed for donkeys years, and they're pretty bombproof, buy the newest/lowest mileage you can afford but no need to by this year's model

[Tim in Belgium]

How much is a decentish one in the UK these days?

[fatneck]

Ok, I'm sold on that idea, DRZ-400SM with spare set of semi knobblies. Loads of videos on youtube of SMs going off-road.

And an 'urban terroriser' to boot. It's a win win situation!

[DANINPLYMOUTH]

Doesnt the sm have a lot less travel in the front forks?
Ended up with a cheap g-force can on mine and it was absolutely mental.
As others have said ktms are lighter and more nimble but if you had to do much road riding to get to the green lanes would probaly blow, I think on big singles there's a very definite line between power and reliability. Not that I know much and could be wrong as I haven't looked at offroad bikes for about 8 years.
Still waiting for 660ish single sportsbike

[speedplay]

Dan, ktm these days are pretty bomb proof on terms of the engine.
I've used both 2 and 4 stroke engines for hare and hounds as well as green laning with no problems.

[aarond]

get across to thumper talk there is a drz section

[aarond]

im running e wheels on my sm just now but with the sm brakes...

i really want to get a big bore kit just now i need just a bit more power.

only problem so far with the sm on the track is when jumping about 5ft in air on landing can bottom out, stock suspension but revalving front and back would sort this.

[Fizzy Fish]

Given that you're using it mainly on road, it sounds like the SM would be the better version to get. It's pretty easy to convert for occasional off road use, and you will be grateful for the better braking and proper road tyre handling on a day-to-day basis. Plus they look MUCH cooler :cool:

I've got an SM which I love to bits on the road, and have taken off road a few times. It's been a while though (baby on the way doesn't help!) but IIRC the mods that I made were:


Got a second hand set of 'S' wheels. When I was looking there seemed to be more of these for sale than SM rims, and they were cheaper too. You may be able to get them with knobblies already fitted, but will need to fit SM discs as the S has different brakes.



I believe the standard gearing for the S and SM is pretty similar (3 teeth difference on the rear), so you should be able to run the same chain. Worth double-checking with another source on this point though, as I can't get to my spare wheels at the mo to check. I know I don't change my chain when I switch wheels anyway, which makes the switch pretty straightforward. Note that the E gearing is different again, and is probably too much of a difference to switch to using the same chain.



You will also need to soften your suspension and loosen the levers slightly before riding off road, so that they turn on the bars rather than snap if you drop the bike.



I also fitted a decent bash plate, rad guard and engine case covers. All of these are pretty cheap mods, and save the water pump, radiator and engine from crash damage.

Hope that helps and enjoy the bike!

[speedplay]

It's been a while though (baby on the way doesn't help!)


Eyup Fizz..

I only thought the other day I hadn't seen you on here for a bit.

Congratulations :)

[Owenski]

Taken from responces to me recently posting a very similar question on the drzuk.org site.

Your between a rock and a hardplace with which model to go for.
They each have they're positives and negatives depending on what your asking of the machine.
I'd base my choice on whatever turns up within your budget because your going to end up spending extra money on mods either way.
Personally i went for the SM because i mainly ride on roads with just a handfull of off-road days per year, for which i have a set of S wheels with SM discs and knobblies on.
I also commute, so the knobblies come in handy when theres really bad weather.

and

As for choices, the cheaper option is the S, but an E would be worth a few hundred more, as it will save you a few hundred in the long run, if you tune it.
Personally I think the SM is the better option all round, as the OEM wheels fit either way round, whatever you buy, courtesy of the same hub.
Plenty of sets out there, of either, so really you have the right idea for havng the best of both worlds.

[rictus01]

the engine of the DRZ-E, a better carb, better suspension, and hand built in this country

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1979/67/122/621884134/n621884134_1567929_7046.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs024.snc1/3110_72039599134_621884134_1777423_46847_n.jpg

Cheers Mark.

[Fizzy Fish]

Eyup Fizz..

I only thought the other day I hadn't seen you on here for a bit.

Congratulations :)

Cheers! :D

[Specialone]

The CCM's have better suspension??
The showa suspension is superb imo, but i havent rode a ccm so cant really comment.

[Amplimator]

The CCM's have WP setup similar to KTM's. The 404's are a very nice bike, reliability of the DRZ's but a lot lighter and better sussies.

[fatneck]

Cheers Fizzy, good stuff there. Got any photos you'd like to share with the group?

(The bike not the new arrival!) :-)

[rictus01]

The CCM's have better suspension??
The showa suspension is superb imo, but i havent rode a ccm so cant really comment.

It's more a case of a lack of comparison I'd guess, my brother had an 07 DRZ-SM and back to back the CCM has more power/topend/torque and as said topline WP suspension all round as well as pretty good brembos, the CCM will do about 110mph and pull all the way there, it's a bit of a bitch to work on at times as it's all crammed into a smaller (and lighter) package than the DRZ, but if you can find one a 404ds (comes with both sets of wheels) is a nice balance between the performace and usability criteria.

Cheers Mark.

[Owenski]

much like this...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CCM-404E-Supermoto-and-Enduro-2005-/320614715505?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item4aa6205071

[speedplay]

much like this...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CCM-404E-Supermoto-and-Enduro-2005-/320614715505?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item4aa6205071



Paging Skip.....

[Skip]

Paging Skip.....
Would love it but its out of my budget :(

[speedplay]

Would love it but its out of my budget :(


Pikey.



Thats 2 for the price of one!

[Skip]

I know, I know! :rolleyes:

On a plus note - I have some motocross boots now :D

[speedplay]

On a plus note - I have some motocross boots now :D



Oh, that makes all the difference....:rolleyes:


that ones even close for you to go look at....

[Skip]

Hey times are hard you know! :p

One step at a time...

[Amplimator]

much like this...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CCM-404E-Supermoto-and-Enduro-2005-/320614715505?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item4aa6205071

Good buy that, all the fun ya'll ever need in one package. Room to knock a coupla hundred quid off this time of the year too (esp if you go to view and wave cash about) ;)

[Fizzy Fish]

Cheers Fizzy, good stuff there. Got any photos you'd like to share with the group?

(The bike not the new arrival!) :-)

This is as I picked it up, with yummy scrummy Yoshi pipe

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i32/nessessary/e278_11.jpg

This is with off-road mods, but in road trim, as I usually have it. As well as the things mentioned previously, I've also fitted a longer range fuel tank (for exploring the Pyrenees :) ), proper handguards, and the red thing around the can is to protect it from drops. The crash mushrooms originally on the bike got taken off PDQ after I found out the hard way that they get stuck in the sides of ruts off road!

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i32/nessessary/IMG_2288.jpg

And finally wearing its off-road boots, awaiting transfer to Salisbury Plain. It's the only pic I have of the bike where it isn't too muddy to see the S rims! Works fine, but I definitely prefer the look and feel of the SM set up on the road.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i32/nessessary/IMG_2195.jpg

[fatneck]

That looks awesome! If I was planning on staying here I'd be hassling you to sell it as you clearly can't use it in your current condition :-)

How much fuel does the extended tank hold compared to the normal one? And does the extended tank make the bike feel any different when its full?

[Owenski]

Fizz what year is that? and have you done anything to the frame, or is it factory standard?

[Fizzy Fish]

That looks awesome! If I was planning on staying here I'd be hassling you to sell it as you clearly can't use it in your current condition :-)

How much fuel does the extended tank hold compared to the normal one? And does the extended tank make the bike feel any different when its full?

haha - NO! I'm clinging onto that bike for dear life as I know if it goes there might not be another one for a while. And I can't wait to get back out on it in Spring, once I've found some kind soul to babysit for a bit :D

The tank is a 15L Clarke one, while the standard is 10L, so it does make quite a difference to tank range. Haven't noticed any particular problems with the extra weight. The only thing is that it's harder to reach the choke while you're riding the bike, as the tank drops down further at the sides. Still possible, though make sure you have it nailed before you run the bike onto reserve for the first time on a dual carriageway! :-dd

Fizz what year is that? and have you done anything to the frame, or is it factory standard?

The bike's a 2005 model, and frame is standard

[Owenski]

You had the seat remoulded?

[Fizzy Fish]

You had the seat remoulded?

Not the main one that I use for the road, though I have a spare which has had the foam cut out a bit for off-roading - the bigger wheels make it harder for my ickle legs to touch the ground otherwise!