Drz400e for trail riding events?

[LTPC]

I've currently got a drz400e and am keen to try out some of the big trial events like tusock buster and desert storm. I have a few mates who have done these events but they are all on lighter enduro bikes. Would the drz be able to handle these trials? Not expecting to be the fastest rider but want to be able to keep up with my mates on their bikes (they are all novice to intermediate riders).

[Jimmy]

Absolutely - piece of cake.

[kiwi-on-wheels]

Be prepared for it to knacker you though. Big heavy (in comparison) road bike vs light weight enduro... should be good fun, stick some knobblies on it and trailer it to the event, rather than riding it, cas i'll bet you wont be riding home hahahahaa

[LTPC]

Be prepared for it to knacker you though. Big heavy (in comparison) road bike vs light weight enduro... should be good fun, stick some knobblies on it and trailer it to the event, rather than riding it, cas i'll bet you wont be riding home hahahahaa

Would definitely be trailering it - it's not road registered and only ever ridden off road. Fine with being knackered at the end of it haha. So it's cspable of hitting all trail loops at these events or just the smaller/easier ones?

[kiwi-on-wheels]

I'd say f**k it, go for gold, if you get stuck you get stuck hahaha

[scott411]

they will handle everything just fine, just over 15 years ago people were winning cross countys out right on them, bit heavier than the modern enduro bikes so if you get it stuck it might be a touch harder to get out that thats about it,

on certain rides, they would be more comfortable over a days riding, than a more modern lighter more powerfull enduro bike,

[LTPC]

Great, thats the reassurance I needed.

[takitimu]

Would definitely be trailering it - it's not road registered and only ever ridden off road. Fine with being knackered at the end of it haha. So it's cspable of hitting all trail loops at these events or just the smaller/easier ones?

Easier ones I think, it's a heavy bike, that standard when pushed has a habit of spitting riders off.

I think you're be better looking wr250, you'll enjoy it more, not much lighter, but alot better handling.

Put it this way, I don't know a single rider who had a good experience with a dr400 getting into trail rides.

[leathel]

I ride a DRZ400, yes its heavy.... not nearly as heavy as some of the other older cutters I used to bash trails on


But I blast past lots of people on slippery hills with their "light" bikes, they are a tractor.... torque it up the slippery stuff (OK so most on the light bike I pass can't ride well)

I laugh out loud when I wait for the track to clear with people trying to kick start there bikes on stuff you can hardly stand on..... then I hit the start button and ride off


No its not a "go balls out bike" like the new bikes, I cant hit the rough stuff at the same speed as I can on my brothers 450F but if you are in no hurry, pick you lines and have good quality tires you will get everywhere you need too, I enjoy riding mine especially when wet :P

[scott411]

Easier ones I think, it's a heavy bike, that standard when pushed has a habit of spitting riders off.

I think you're be better looking wr250, you'll enjoy it more, not much lighter, but alot better handling.

Put it this way, I don't know a single rider who had a good experience with a dr400 getting into trail rides.


, i know a number of poeple that love them, , in fact i sold a heap to people that love them on the Mr MC type farm trial rides, and i have ridden them a little bit on that sort of terrain and loved it,

would i take one to a muddy riverhead ride, probably not,

[takitimu]

, i know a number of poeple that love them, , in fact i sold a heap to people that love them on the Mr MC type farm trial rides, and i have ridden them a little bit on that sort of terrain and loved it,

would i take one to a muddy riverhead ride, probably not,

Aye, Mr MC rides, all good. But Wairouru, that's a different kettle of fish & for that I'd prefer something different.

I am also worried a bit by the "but they are all on lighter enduro bikes" comment, if they're pushing it, then the DR will not be so much fun.

Muddy riverhead is kinda what we do up here Scott ;), but even riverhead in the dry I'd not be so keen on a DR, let alone the farm.

[gwynfryn]

Drz's will tractor everywhere . You don't need the latest bike to have fun, go for it. My mate rides a dr350 in Riverhead all the time and sure its a good workout but he only falls behind on the faster sections. Remember its more the rider than the bike , I recall trying and failing to stay with Chris Birch in single trail and he was on a dr650.
Its more fun pushing a bike to its limits anyway, especially when you ride past people with the latest model.

[LTPC]

Easier ones I think, it's a heavy bike, that standard when pushed has a habit of spitting riders off.

I think you're be better looking wr250, you'll enjoy it more, not much lighter, but alot better handling.

Put it this way, I don't know a single rider who had a good experience with a dr400 getting into trail rides.

Are you meaning the wr250r or f? Was a bit worried the 250r wouldn't have the power and the maintsnence of the f isn't ideal.

[LTPC]

My other option is to sell the drz and go for something else. I like the wr250r but I worry it's lacking in power for a lot of rides. I also like the yamah wrf bikes but I can't afford new and a lot of the second hand bikes have a lot of hours/kms on them for a high performance enduro.

[takitimu]

Are you meaning the wr250r or f? Was a bit worried the 250r wouldn't have the power and the maintsnence of the f isn't ideal.

250f :), the r is more adventure ride stuff, dr be better that the 250r.

I was on a ride with a 250r a few weeks back, was bored to 290 with a custom pipe, went well, but that's alot of effort.

The 250f is still not light, but Yamaha motors are solid as and just a nice bike for trail rides. Just my take :).

[takitimu]

My other option is to sell the drz and go for something else. I like the wr250r but I worry it's lacking in power for a lot of rides. I also like the yamah wrf bikes but I can't afford new and a lot of the second hand bikes have a lot of hours/kms on them for a high performance enduro.

My bad, I need to stop skim reading, thought you were looking at buying the dr. If you've got the dr, keep it, you'll know quick enough if you like it.

Sort the sag and suspension to stock settings, maybe add a couple of clicks compression, ride it and enjoy :).

Scotty will have the inside running on setup, sure he's got good tips.

Then pop to the sandpit and do say convict track, that'll pretty much make your mind up, if you like it, she's a keeper.

You're right on the wr250f prices, better to hang into the dr, plan the next bike and pick it up when timing is right.

[pipe]

My other option is to sell the drz and go for something else. I like the wr250r but I worry it's lacking in power for a lot of rides. I also like the yamah wrf bikes but I can't afford new and a lot of the second hand bikes have a lot of hours/kms on them for a high performance enduro.
Went from a DRZ400 to WR250R they are a great trail bike.Standard they are not great but strip the rubbish off and do the std mods u get a great trail bike. Easy to ride in the tough stuff with the weight down low. Low maintenance 5K oil changes 24k valve check if u do it by the book. Plenty of power for trail rides.
KDX200 would be another option if u dont like the DRZ.

[LTPC]

Went from a DRZ400 to WR250R they are a great trail bike.Standard they are not great but strip the rubbish off and do the std mods u get a great trail bike. Easy to ride in the tough stuff with the weight down low. Low maintenance 5K oil changes 24k valve check if u do it by the book. Plenty of power for trail rides.
KDX200 would be another option if u dont like the DRZ.

Whats the WR250R like in the sand and does it climb well?

[pipe]

Whats the WR250R like in the sand and does it climb well?
The WR is like any 250 in sand just give it heaps and you will be fine the same goes with hill climbs. It comes down to the rider and tyres more then the bike.
Bring your DRZ out to the Waikaretu trail ride hopefully the big sand dune will be included and watch how many struggle to get up on late model MX/enduro bikes.
Do a few rides on your DRZ and see how you find it then if u dont like it look at a 250(4) or 200(2).
Do have a go at setting the suspension up on the DRZ as per what Takitimu posted.

[Jay GTI]

I've spent a bit of time on a DRZ400, it's a perfectly capable trail bike that can be plenty of fun, the engine is near perfect for guys who aren't trying to set the lap record, enough grunt to enjoy, without it trying to pull your arms out of the sockets. However, the suspension is way too soft for when you want to turn the wick up and if you're like me, the wrong side of 100kg, any airtime that is over about 1m off the ground, expect a VERY hard landing. The biggest issue I found with the DR is the weight, fine when you're upright, but 3 or 4 drops in a row and that 140+kg will have you seeing stars when you try and pick it up, especially if you're halfway up a snotty climb. Capable, but if you start trying to keep up with your faster mates, you'll find the limits very quickly.

Your other option ,a WR250F, isn't the highly tuned race bike you might think and having also spent time on one of those, probably the most fun I've ever had on a dirt bike. Easy power, forgiving handling and unburstable Yamaha build quality. Doesn't need the high maintenance levels of a enduro race bike, just look after it a bit and it will be fine. Again the suspenders are a bit soft for us heavier folk, but not near as much of an issue as the DRs. When my daughter is old enough to ride, I'll buy one to follow her around on.

[leathel]

get out on some trail rides and see how you go.... The bike can do it but keeping u with your mates will depend on how well they ride, I have no show keeping up with my brother on his bike as he floats across the rough ground

Will you feel fresh after a ride... no, I did 110K's on mine today and being the first ride in almost a year (big ride anyway) I will feel some muscles in the morning.... and that is without dropping it

I did feel envious of the little KTM 200 beside me.... so light and nimble :P