So, DRZ400. Whatcha think?

[rick78]

Hi guys

I'm thinking of buying a road legal one of these for various reasons... but how do you think it would fair on a three/four week tour of the North and South Island?

They seem reasonably priced, simply made, easy to repair/service, plentiful etc. etc.

I've always wanted to spend weeks travelling around a country (and where else better than NZ, particularly since I'm still "fresh off the boat!")... would this be a good bike to use?

It would certainly be better suited to the metal roads compared to my Falco!

Thanks
R.

[bart]

The DRZ400 is a great bike, but slightly more oriented towards offroad. Close ratio gearbox is the biggest problem. I could never get my thing geared right for the majority of situations. They're a bit 'buzzy' on the road too, and you'll need to modify the seat. Are you looking at the 'E' model or the 'SM' (super motard)? There is a big difference.

I went to a DR650 when I started doing longer road miles. It's heaps better for the road and gravel, and will still get most places offroad (with a little care).

If doing more touring type stuff, have a ride on a KLR650. These are real good out of the box for big miles. Heavy compared, but they already come with most of the goodies.

For short trips and fanging around, the DRZ is great.

[cave weta]

I had an DRz 400E about 4 years ago with a Pro circuit muffler - it was noisy but it would pull 160 klicks and it was easy to ride on B roads and in town - thirsty if you cane em and a tingley seat though. I would like to try an SM for size - the new model looks cool.

[dino3310]

you could spend a bit of coin getting her set up for the long haul, theres the odd DR650 around like this all ready to tour on http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-439957513.htm

[timmehpwr]

I've had a DRZ400E for six months now and ridden a couple of 400~KM days on it... the only gripe I have with mine is the hard seat! Even with rolled up carpet underlay taped to it my ass gets sore.

Gearing is fine once you find the best compromise for you.. I'm currently running 15t front 47t rear which lets me sit at 110kph nicely. Combined with a 28litre Safari tank I can get almost 500km's with that gearing. When I had the stock 14t front I could only get 300km to the 28l tank.

I think if I was going to be doing mostly road or gravel touring I would look for something else, one of those big beemers perhaps ;) I ride mostly offroad with the occasional highway sprint so the DRZ400E is the perfect bike for me.

[Padmei]

I've got one but use it only for short offroady stuff. I've had a KLR & would get one of those or a DR650 for a tour. The buzziness of the drz does my head in & the seat is a bit thin to tour on. To do one up for adventuring etc would cost an extra grand or so.

[rick78]

thanks for the replies guys, appreciate it

i'm new to the adv/dual purpose bikes but the way i see it to really enjoy any country by bike you need to do some gravel!

i'll take a look at the dr650 thread now... looks kinda big!

[PirateJafa]

The DRZ400's do the South Island just fine!

http://imgur.com/a/sUWbx#4

Admittedly that was on a SM, but I can't imagine that a E would fare any worse. And that SM will be doing the SI's gravel next summer on some 17" adventure tyres too.

[Squiggles]

Admittedly that was on a SM, but I can't imagine that a E would fare any worse. And that SM will be doing the SI's gravel next summer on some 17" adventure tyres too.

The only annoyance being the fuel range but I would have had the same on the 650 without the IMS tank :yes: