The DR-Z400 thread

[bosslady]

Right now my drz is geared 16/39. I need to get new sprockets and chain shortly though any wondering if I should keep that configuration or...? I don't know that my bike will ever see the dirt it only sees the road/track so I don't really know what to do? Will be used for touring a fair bit. I'd like to get it sitting at 100kph quite happily. It can sit at that right now, or maybe about 110kph. Thoughts?

[dino3310]

Right now my drz is geared 16/39. I need to get new sprockets and chain shortly though any wondering if I should keep that configuration or...? I don't know that my bike will ever see the dirt it only sees the road/track so I don't really know what to do? Will be used for touring a fair bit. I'd like to get it sitting at 100kph quite happily. It can sit at that right now, or maybe about 110kph. Thoughts?

PM MXNUT
we could drag race out to about 145 before my XR would get passed him on the 400.
dont know what his gearing was but he was more than capable at highway speeds

[bosslady]

PM MXNUT
we could drag race out to about 145 before my XR would get passed him on the 400.
dont know what his gearing was but he was more than capable at highway speeds

Does he have a drz?

[SVboy]

The standard gearing on a DRZ400sm is about a good as compromise as you are going to get, for what the bike does.

[dino3310]

Does he have a drz?

he used too, he traded to the dark side last year....
but before that the DRZ was his noble ADV steed for a few years

[Alpha Solo]

Yellow plastics have gone.
17ltr Safari Tank in Yellow - $300 + P&P (was $500AUS + customs)
Bash Plate (SW motech or Moose Racing it looks like) $100

[rigley]

Right now my drz is geared 16/39. I need to get new sprockets and chain shortly though any wondering if I should keep that configuration or...? I don't know that my bike will ever see the dirt it only sees the road/track so I don't really know what to do? Will be used for touring a fair bit. I'd like to get it sitting at 100kph quite happily. It can sit at that right now, or maybe about 110kph. Thoughts?

This guy seems to know a thing or two about DRZ's

http://www.paochow.com/DRZguide/DRZgea.php

Hope it helps, six gears would have been the easy answer......

[400sm]

Our DRZs have rightly been criticized for having too close a ratio gearbox for road and trail use.
It seems that the answer to this is easily available for under a $1000!
ACT brand, Wide ratio gears, US$620 + fr + gst.
Has anyone installed these ?

[Padmei]

There was the chap from Chch if i remember correctly that got a Pommy eng outfit to make up a 6 speed box or widen the ratios or something. I believe they were a few grand back then for the box. They would have sold hundreds of thousands more DRZs if they had included a 6th gear

[400sm]

There is a UK, Nova brand, Five
speed, but it is £1050 + fr+ gst, so not much change out of $3000 NZ.

[NordieBoy]

There is a UK, Nova brand, 4 speed, but it is £1050 + fr+ gst, so not much change out of $3000 NZ.

Nova are the guys who made the 6 speed for the kiwi bloke. They are also the ones making the DR650 3rd gear replacement.

[Ocean1]

They would have sold hundreds of thousands more DRZs if they had included a 6th gear

I reckon 5 was fine, they just needed spread out a lot more. Lotsa gears is good for peaky wee engines but there's a good reason the big MX bikes went to 4.

[NordieBoy]

I reckon 5 was fine, they just needed spread out a lot more. Lotsa gears is good for peaky wee engines but there's a good reason the big MX bikes went to 4.

Shit loads of torque and 60hp helps.
The MX bikes are also tapped out around 100kph too. They can get there bloody fast though.

[Ocean1]

Shit loads of torque and 60hp helps.
The MX bikes are also tapped out around 100kph too. They can get there bloody fast though.

And they're tuned for peak HP, not torque spread, so those 4 are still pretty close.

The point is with the torque curve of a modestly tuned big bore trail bike 5 gears is plenty. At least it's plenty for me. In fact I geared my 525 up so it's effectively a 5 speed, never see 6th off road, and bugger all on road.

Maybe it's just me but I find changing gear to see a drop of just a thousand rpm or so all the time tedious, if I want another gear it's because I want a noticeable change in power/traction.

[400sm]

A new rumour suggests that a couple more 400SM's could very well be making an appearance in the HB adv ranks, this year.

[RMOTO]

A new DRZ400 wheel set going for a good price...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=737384827

[400sm]

cheers. Will pass that on.

[Nacnud12]

Hey guys, I have recently purchased a 2001 drz and love it, apart from this week. I was commuting to work each day on it and then last week I had a week off and went down south. Came home and it wouldn't start, it would crank but not start, battery is charged and spark seems ok. Over the last couple of weeks it seems to like the choke more and more? Could this be a fuel blockage?

Any recommendations on well priced bike mechanics in Auckland that could have a look at it for me?

Thanks!

[bart]

Hey guys, I have recently purchased a 2001 drz and love it, apart from this week. I was commuting to work each day on it and then last week I had a week off and went down south. Came home and it wouldn't start, it would crank but not start, battery is charged and spark seems ok. Over the last couple of weeks it seems to like the choke more and more? Could this be a fuel blockage?

Any recommendations on well priced bike mechanics in Auckland that could have a look at it for me?

Thanks!

Undo the bolt on the bottom of the carb. Let a little fuel through. Do it back up. You should find it’ll start quite easily. My DRZ hated stale fuel so I got quite good at this. The bolt can be a bastard to put back in, so undo it until there is only about 1 thread holding, just enough to let some fuel dribble out. It won’t take much.

If the problem is happening every day, it may be something more serious.

[Nacnud12]

Thanks for that! All sorted, last owner hadn't ridden it for a while and the carb was full off crud. Good clean out and it's good as new. Has anyone on here done the air box mod? Also after a factory seat if some one wants to get rid of there one.

Thanks!

[nzspokes]

Ok DRZ400 nuts, im looking at a average condition 01 kick start one. Anything to look for on them that can cause trouble?

What kind of money should i offer for it?

[Nacnud12]

Replaced the wheel bearings on the drz in the weekend. All went well and put everything back together.
Now my rear brake feels very weak? Everything looks ok and all lines up as it should be. Any suggestions before bleeding them (I have no idea how to do this ha!) ? Thanks!

[RMOTO]

Replaced the wheel bearings on the drz in the weekend. All went well and put everything back together.
Now my rear brake feels very weak? Everything looks ok and all lines up as it should be. Any suggestions before bleeding them (I have no idea how to do this ha!) ? Thanks!

You quite possibly just got grease on the rotor/brake pads in the process. Spray and wipe with brake cleaner and go for a good ride and they should come back to normal.

If that doesn't fix it, I can offer you $300 for the bike as is ;)

[Nacnud12]

Ah good point, I'll check that out tonight. Thanks! Great website you have there too!

[Nacnud12]

Had a hoon around Wilson's road and the beach on Saturday. Heaps of fun! So glad I got this bike
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/25/81760e7c64dcf2bfef8f9feb08134845.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/25/39457e9cc8c1914130b723d704f35027.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/25/1c5550d43e6d1891bb34c06fdbdc3bde.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/08/25/84a90f41cc416497ae2117ec9783a3b9.jpg

[Team Buffoon]

Hi guys am considering a DRZ400/KLX400 have read loads of online blurb but any pros or cons to buying a Kwaka over the Suzuki? From what I can find they are pretty much identical.
I had a really well set up DR650 which I sold after deciding to play with an R80GS Basic, I like the Beemer but it doesn't entirely do it for me so time for a change. Trying to find something that I can blat around town on, adventure, gravel and trail ride - I think a DRZ/KLX 400 would do the trick. Any thoughts?
The guy I sold my DR to is very selfish and wont sell it back to me! My skillset would not let me trail ride the DR anyway.
And if anyone wants a nice tidy standard R80GS Basic let me know.

[Padmei]

I had a KLX400. There are heaps of DRZs around but very few that are road registerable. Expect to pay another grand for one that is RRed. They are exactly the same bike, made in the same factory but with different colours. As a rule the majority of KLxs are RRed.
You will need a bigger tank as the stock ones are puny. I got a safari 17L. Heaps of grunt but very bloody annoying on the road if you like going above 100Kph.

[Team Buffoon]

Thanks Padmei
I think that if I am trying to find something to fill all my criteria (town, gravel, adventure, trail) for a budget price something will have to give. Have a road bike to rack up speeding fines on after all!

[Ocean1]

The KLX came in just one flavour, The DRZ came in at least three.

I found my KLX to be a bloody good machine for what I did, basically an E model tuned DRZ with road legal bits.

[neels]

There are a reasonable number of road legal DRZ's about, my one is a road legal E spec model.

Not too bad on the road with the gearing I've got, not sure if it's S or SM model gearing but sits at 100k ok, only find it's a bit high geared in really tight trail stuff which isn't too much of a problem as it's not what I mainly use it for.

Main problem with travelling on road is the plank of a seat it's got.

[RMOTO]

A couple of DRZ400 bits and bobs at $1 reserve as a shed clean out for shifting

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=884095578&ed=true

[Oscar]

There are a reasonable number of road legal DRZ's about, my one is a road legal E spec model.

Not too bad on the road with the gearing I've got, not sure if it's S or SM model gearing but sits at 100k ok, only find it's a bit high geared in really tight trail stuff which isn't too much of a problem as it's not what I mainly use it for.

Main problem with travelling on road is the plank of a seat it's got.

S/SM has a metal tank, dif carb, lower HP.

EK = Road legal enduro model.

[neels]

A couple of DRZ400 bits and bobs at $1 reserve as a shed clean out for shifting

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=884095578&ed=true

Is the seat any better than the standard one? Wouldn't be difficult I know....

[Tazz]

Is the seat any better than the standard one? Wouldn't be difficult I know....

http://www.remotemoto.com/articles/corbin-seats/ ;)

If it goes for cheap enough...

[neels]

http://www.remotemoto.com/articles/corbin-seats/ ;)

If it goes for cheap enough...

Not really selling it with that review :lol:

[Tazz]

Not really selling it with that review :lol:

I'd say :laugh: however the other one there says as a cheap pick up it's not bad. If stock is that bad then you can't go wrong.

[leathel]

A couple of pics from a trundle down the west coast on the DRZ.... looking for my Neighbors body. Didn't return from fishing on Easter Monday.... on the off chance he got washed up as the other fisherman that went missing a few days before turned up in the Harbor recently.... and the tides were timed well. Not a fun reason to be riding but its always good to be out there on the coast

This was as far as I could get in the Waikato river so time to turn around

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd316/leathel-one/20150502_142918.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/leathel-one/media/20150502_142918.jpg.html)

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd316/leathel-one/20150502_142914.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/leathel-one/media/20150502_142914.jpg.html)


A big stump

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd316/leathel-one/20150502_142554.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/leathel-one/media/20150502_142554.jpg.html)

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd316/leathel-one/20150502_142652.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/leathel-one/media/20150502_142652.jpg.html)


My Daughter trundled along too

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd316/leathel-one/20150502_142933.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/leathel-one/media/20150502_142933.jpg.html)

A few of these around too but not many were motorized

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd316/leathel-one/20150502_145410.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/leathel-one/media/20150502_145410.jpg.html)

[RMOTO]

Is the seat any better than the standard one? Wouldn't be difficult I know....

Disregarding the extra weight of the seat, it does provide a wide platform for an airhawk which makes for a very comfy ride. When I used to ride with this seat I could ride 10+ hours no probs. Without an airhawk (or similar seat pad) I find the Corbin seats quite hard and uncomfortable, certianly not as comfortable as the $650 price tag would expect you to believe. To be fair though, it is more comfortable than the stock seat


Not really selling it with that review :lol:

;)

[nigelp]

Right - I have decided to get back into the bike game again after being bikeless for a few years and have my hands on a DRZ400e.

I am wanting to put a larger tank on it and almost thing 15ltrs may be too small. I know the seat is a limiting factor in how long you ride but I will also use as my hunting access machine for the tougher to reach areas so like the idea of decent range.

Any thoughts? I can get an IMS for $450 in NZ

[XF650]

Right - I have decided to get back into the bike game again after being bikeless for a few years and have my hands on a DRZ400e

So far it's got my hands on it (not yours) & it followed me home the long way from Nelson, spawning a runt on route.
Stage one of it's journey complete.

[NordieBoy]

Struan's bike transport strikes again!

[neels]

Biketranz are about to come and take mine away.

When finances allow, what should I buy instead for general adventure type riding?

[timg]

So far it's got my hands on it (not yours) & it followed me home the long way from Nelson, spawning a runt on route.
Stage one of it's journey complete. Adventure scooter? :facepalm: Do TKC80's fit? :innocent:

[XF650]

Adventure scooter? :facepalm: Do TKC80's fit? :innocent:

Scooter not mine. However I do admire those guys who do Brass Monkey on scooters via the gravel routes, especially in the snow.

[nigelp]

So I have finally managed a little bit of riding on my DRZ and just started on the mods. Its a 2001 DRZ400e - the full HP version.
So far I have put on the MCCT (auto one was seized rock solid), 4gal IMS tank and just waiting on new hand guards to arrive. Just getting it ready for Middlemarch trailride next weekend. Probably the only bike there with a wof.
http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc435/Nigel_Perkins/2015-08-16%2014.20.33.jpg (http://s1211.photobucket.com/user/Nigel_Perkins/media/2015-08-16%2014.20.33.jpg.html)

[Scubbo]

anyone have a second hand large tank (16+L) for the drz400E they're looking at offloading?

[400sm]

anyone have a second hand large tank (16+L) for the drz400E they're looking at offloading?

I seem to remember someone. MXNut maybe?

[nigelp]

So I have done Macetown and Nevis over the past month and feel rather vulnerable with my undercarriage's lack of protection. Any ideas who makes the best/cost effective/protective bash plate for the DRZ?

[RMOTO]

So I have done Macetown and Nevis over the past month and feel rather vulnerable with my undercarriage's lack of protection. Any ideas who makes the best/cost effective/protective bash plate for the DRZ?

Hi ya nigelp, there are a number of options as many companies produce them for the DRZ400. One of them is the B&B Engineering Bash Plates (http://www.remotemoto.com/articles/bb-off-road-engineering-bash-plates/), I've used them for years and haven't shifted as they do their job well.

I will however be trying a TMD Plastic Skid Plate (http://tmdesignworks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=325_327_355&products_id=1140) on the next build as they look interesting.

You'll want to get her belly wrapped up as quick as possible, nothing puts a damper on the day like a cracked casing from a rock :crazy:

[Muzz67]

So I have done Macetown and Nevis over the past month and feel rather vulnerable with my undercarriage's lack of protection. Any ideas who makes the best/cost effective/protective bash plate for the DRZ?

GP Custom makes real good ones, sometimes sells on TardMe.
fit perfect, built like a brick shithouse too.

[Muzz67]

Hi ya nigelp, there are a number of options as many companies produce them for the DRZ400. One of them is the B&B Engineering Bash Plates (http://www.remotemoto.com/articles/bb-off-road-engineering-bash-plates/), I've used them for years and haven't shifted as they do their job well.

I will however be trying a TMD Plastic Skid Plate (http://tmdesignworks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=325_327_355&products_id=1140) on the next build as they look interesting.

You'll want to get her belly wrapped up as quick as possible, nothing puts a damper on the day like a cracked casing from a rock :crazy:

You prob dome more k's on a DRZ than anyone ever,,,
What gearing do you use?
Cheers.

[nigelp]

GP Custom makes real good ones, sometimes sells on TardMe.
fit perfect, built like a brick shithouse too.

Yeah I tried them but the owner is off for an indefinite period of time and no ETA unfortunately - they did look good quality!

[RMOTO]

You prob dome more k's on a DRZ than anyone ever,,,
What gearing do you use?
Cheers.

Hi ya Muzz

A few kilometres on the clock now, and a smile with every kilometre racked up :msn-wink:

I’ve tried numerous gearing combinations to find the best compromise for the DRZ400’s shallow gearbox cluster issue. I have settled with 15/44, this is tolerable for extended open road riding at 100 km/h and although off-road the clutch gets a hell of a hard time with being continual feathering in technical terrain, the gearing, albeit quite tall, will allow me to get a fully loaded bike up/down/through any Grade 5 track it's pointed.

Cheers

[Night Falcon]

Hi ya Muzz

A few kilometres on the clock now, and a smile with every kilometre racked up :msn-wink:

I’ve tried numerous gearing combinations to find the best compromise for the DRZ400’s shallow gearbox cluster issue. I have settled with 15/44, this is tolerable for extended open road riding at 100 km/h and although off-road the clutch gets a hell of a hard time with being continual feathering in technical terrain, the gearing, albeit quite tall, will allow me to get a fully loaded bike up/down/through any Grade 5 track it's pointed.

Cheers

Gearing is so important isn't it! and like everything else in DS/adventure riding you have to try and find the right compromise. I'm looking for a bit more top end on my 530 but realize that's gonna loose some bottom. currently running 14/45 but will go to 15/45. wonder if a recluse would help the low end stalling Im expecting or go the cheaper option of upskilling my clutch control. The Clake clutch lever is getting great reviews so maybe I might get one......RRRR motorbikes, do you ever stop spending on em :scratch:

[Muzz67]

Hi ya Muzz

A few kilometres on the clock now, and a smile with every kilometre racked up :msn-wink:

I’ve tried numerous gearing combinations to find the best compromise for the DRZ400’s shallow gearbox cluster issue. I have settled with 15/44, this is tolerable for extended open road riding at 100 km/h and although off-road the clutch gets a hell of a hard time with being continual feathering in technical terrain, the gearing, albeit quite tall, will allow me to get a fully loaded bike up/down/through any Grade 5 track it's pointed.

Cheers

Have 15/43,, seems as good a compromise as any.
apparently someone has figured out how to modify a 3rd gear to provide an overdrive 5th.
might be worth a look next time it's in bits......

[merv]

Having spent an early life on XR Hondas I couldn't believe manufacturers producing bikes with the shallow gearbox cluster issue as RMOTO calls it. Way back in 2004 I looked at buying KTM EXC 250 or 350, the DRZ400 and on specs they had the same issue, so I settled on the WR250F which even though it was a 5 speed it had quite a good gear ratio spread but still nothing like the old Honda XR250.

Now I see the latest WR250F has a six speed box, but bugger me the first gear ratio is the same as mine and the sixth gear is the same ratio as mine's fifth gear WTF. They could have made it with a taller top gear to make the bike better for cruising between trickier bits of riding but no they just made it a closer ratio set of gears.

[kiwi-on-wheels]

heh, i just bought an SM...

2016, brand spanking new
its awesome

[nigelp]

Anyone want a SDG tall seat for the DRZ before I put it on trademe? I ordered the normal height and got sent a tall.

[Addo007]

Anyone want a SDG tall seat for the DRZ before I put it on trademe? I ordered the normal height and got sent a tall.


How much you looking for it?

[nigelp]

How much you looking for it?

Put it on trademe for no reserve so highest bidder gets it!

[Addo007]

Right - I have decided to get back into the bike game again after being bikeless for a few years and have my hands on a DRZ400e.

I am wanting to put a larger tank on it and almost thing 15ltrs may be too small. I know the seat is a limiting factor in how long you ride but I will also use as my hunting access machine for the tougher to reach areas so like the idea of decent range.

Any thoughts? I can get an IMS for $450 in NZ



Where can you get a IMS for $450 from if you don't mind me asking? Thanks

[nigelp]

Where can you get a IMS for $450 from if you don't mind me asking? Thanks

Just sent you a PM

[Addo007]

Just sent you a PM


Thanks mate, I can't send a PM on this site yet it would seem but I received yours, appreciate the info.

[Scubbo]

drz managed a 800km trip north over easter

http://gnear.net/drzkai.jpg

[kiwi-on-wheels]

Bought a tail tidy, should be here in the next few days. Rejetting kit is waiting for post breakin service. Tt case saver plates installed, as well as some gold anodized levers to match colour scheme.

Turns out I won the auction for the sdg seat, so will be transferring the cash tomorrow :-)
Got my eyes on a couple of exhaust options, so should be able to pull the trigger on one of those before the end of the week.

Maaaaany mods waiting for post break in service, so next couple of weeks I shall be clocking up some kms to get it done yussss

[Addo007]

Decided to go for the IMS 15 litre tank, fitted really easily looks good and feels really solid. On a side note I put an ad on the for sales section for the sweet cheeks seat thing you can see in the photo. If anyone is interested in one I have extras so PM me, I can confirm these work bloody well, no more sore ass after an hour.

[Tazz]

Are those bottles just sitting in there or are they secured with some strap we can't see?

[Addo007]

Decided to go for the IMS 15 litre tank, fitted really easily looks good and feels really solid. On a side note I put an ad on the for sales section for the sweet cheeks seat thing you can see in the photo. If anyone is interested in one I have extras so PM me, I can confirm these work bloody well, no more sore ass after an hour.


The whole cover itself will be attached to the frame from the 4 corners, it has loops so it can be tied on. The right size bottles around the 2 litre mark fit snuggly into the pouches, from the net I have seen guys use msr fuel bottles wrapped in foam padding to hold them secure, this has the added bonus of carrying extra fuel for an emergency. In the photos I have just sat it on the bike with 1.5l bottles purely so people can see how it works. I'm still playing around with the best combo, the best thing is most options can be done for free and customised to the person/ bike. Bottles can be filled with water, or left empty so there is more give etc.

[Addo007]

Are those bottles just sitting in there or are they secured with some strap we can't see?

The whole cover itself will be attached to the frame from the 4 corners, it has loops so it can be tied on. The right size bottles around the 2 litre mark fit snuggly into the pouches, from the net I have seen guys use msr fuel bottles wrapped in foam padding to hold them secure, this has the added bonus of carrying extra fuel for an emergency. In the photos I have just sat it on the bike with 1.5l bottles purely so people can see how it works. I'm still playing around with the best combo, the best thing is most options can be done for free and customised to the person/ bike. Bottles can be filled with water, or left empty so there is more give etc.

[Addo007]

I know this is probably a well discussed topic but I struggled to find anything on this site. I have 2 sets of rims and tyres for my drz, one with knobblys for trail rides and another currently with Pirelli scorpion road tyres, probably 80% road 20% off road at best. When the pirelli's need changing what is the best option for a more 50/50 tyre, possibly 60% road use. Looking for longevity on the road but still grippy enough to handle dirt roads and light off road that I don't need the knobblys for.

[RMOTO]

I know this is probably a well discussed topic but I struggled to find anything on this site. I have 2 sets of rims and tyres for my drz, one with knobblys for trail rides and another currently with Pirelli scorpion road tyres, probably 80% road 20% off road at best. When the pirelli's need changing what is the best option for a more 50/50 tyre, possibly 60% road use. Looking for longevity on the road but still grippy enough to handle dirt roads and light off road that I don't need the knobblys for.

Try this link Addo007: Tyre Reviewer (http://www.remotemoto.com/tyres/?wheel=rear&metric=km) The filter at the top of the page is set to "Rear Tyres" and "Best Longevity" which shows tyres in order of best longevity. You may also find the "best price per kilometer" filter interesting to find out how many kilometers you get per cent. The price difference between tyres is quite surprising.

Tyres are a very personal topic, but for the DRZ400, I always go for the more off road side of the scale. Although you get less longevity, when you hit the off road sections you have far more control, capability, but moreover... fun. Additionally, you may find you spend less time picking up your bike from road oriented tyres that wash out when pushed just that little bit too far when riding off road ;)

[Addo007]

Try this link Addo007: Tyre Reviewer (http://www.remotemoto.com/tyres/?wheel=rear&metric=km) The filter at the top of the page is set to "Rear Tyres" and "Best Longevity" which shows tyres in order of best longevity. You may also find the "best price per kilometer" filter interesting to find out how many kilometers you get per cent. The price difference between tyres is quite surprising.

Tyres are a very personal topic, but for the DRZ400, I always go for the more off road side of the scale. Although you get less longevity, when you hit the off road sections you have far more control, capability, but moreover... fun. Additionally, you may find you spend less time picking up your bike from road oriented tyres that wash out when pushed just that little bit too far when riding off road ;)

Thanks mate, that is an awesome website, im still working my way through it all. Very handy info about all the tyres too, im thinking the Heidenau's may be worth a crack.

[Scubbo]

it's fun throwing money at an old broad ;-]

http://gnear.net/IMG_2426.JPG

[RMOTO]

Looking good mate, perfectly timed for the upcoming summer :niceone:

[Scubbo]

thank's mate, it's the last summer i'll have, baby due in march :eek:

[Addo007]

Does anyone here have a front fender brace they would sell? Or know a nz company that stocks them? I had a fender bag with tube and tyre irons that fell off and was lost recently which I think was due to the bouncing up and down of the fender, I am in the process of replacing the lost items but would like to prevent this happening again. I see pro cycle stock one for $29us but add at least the same for shipping, convert to nzd and it seems a lot of money for what it is. Has anyone fabricated one themselves?

[Meekey_Mouse]

Hey all!

Some of you may remember me, most probably won't :laugh: I used to live in NZ 7-8 years ago and was on KB a lot.

My boyfriend and I are looking at going to NZ in Jan/Feb next year and buying 2 x bikes to tour around. I currently have a 2009 DRZ400e here and would love to buy similar for the tour (means we can bring parts/goodies with us to bolt on straight away).

Question is... What would you expect to pay for a fully road reg'd DRZ in NZ? I'm not fussed on SM/S/E or year as long as it has been well looked after and is reliable.

Cheers :) Jaz

[jafar]

Hey all!

Some of you may remember me, most probably won't :laugh: I used to live in NZ 7-8 years ago and was on KB a lot.

My boyfriend and I are looking at going to NZ in Jan/Feb next year and buying 2 x bikes to tour around. I currently have a 2009 DRZ400e here and would love to buy similar for the tour (means we can bring parts/goodies with us to bolt on straight away).

Question is... What would you expect to pay for a fully road reg'd DRZ in NZ? I'm not fussed on SM/S/E or year as long as it has been well looked after and is reliable.

Cheers :) Jaz

Todays Trademe :cool:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/CategoryAttributeSearchResults.aspx?search=1&cid=1255&sidebar=1&39=Dual+purpose&40=Suzuki&153=&9=400&9=650&13=0&13=0&24=0&24=0&51=0&51=0&searchRegion=100&listingtype=0&sidebarSearch_keypresses=0&sidebarSearch_suggested=0

[Meekey_Mouse]

Todays Trademe :cool:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/CategoryAttributeSearchResults.aspx?search=1&cid=1255&sidebar=1&39=Dual+purpose&40=Suzuki&153=&9=400&9=650&13=0&13=0&24=0&24=0&51=0&51=0&searchRegion=100&listingtype=0&sidebarSearch_keypresses=0&sidebarSearch_suggested=0

Cheers... Have been watching Trademe... But I know we're not in summer prices, so figured I'd ask people in NZ what kind of prices they go for as road reg'd 400's seem harder to come by over there :doh:

[Scubbo]

they will dry up pretty quick from what i've seen! people start paying crazy money for even ragged old 200's that are street legal by February

[Dave89]

Anyone got a Drz400 seat they can part with ?

[Scubbo]

I got a couple spare :innocent:

http://images.younghouselove.com/2011/04/ConBuild-Cut-Wood-Stack.jpg

[Night Falcon]

I got a couple spare :innocent:



who knew.....KTM seats fit the DRZ

[flashg]

who knew.....KTM seats fit the DRZ
I think you'll find they fit my Beta and WR as well..... Who'da thought ?

[JATZ]

Pannier racks ? Anybody got any info on what works and what doesn't ?
Looking at attaching my Mosko bags to some racks, possibly Andy straps jobbies as I can source them locally.

[Muzz67]

Pannier racks ? Anybody got any info on what works and what doesn't ?
Looking at attaching my Mosko bags to some racks, possibly Andy straps jobbies as I can source them locally.

Some have a subframe with a decent rear loop, others just a stub either side to hold the sidecovers etc.

[Meekey_Mouse]

I've been told NZ is similar to Canada in the way that if a DRZ was bought from the dealer as a dirt bike, it can never be registered for the life of the bike... Is this correct?

In Aus any DRZ can be reg'd as long as it's not a write off and it meets RWC (Road Worthy Cert.) which is essentially indicators, mirrors, lights etc

Cheers

[jafar]

I've been told NZ is similar to Canada in the way that if a DRZ was bought from the dealer as a dirt bike, it can never be registered for the life of the bike... Is this correct?

In Aus any DRZ can be reg'd as long as it's not a write off and it meets RWC (Road Worthy Cert.) which is essentially indicators, mirrors, lights etc

Cheers

Your right, in NZ they sold a dirt only & a road legal version of the DRZ 400. IIRC the dirt version cannot be registered for the road.

[Scubbo]

these days they only sell the E (dirt) version, fully plated, so its win win. the old DRZ400S was shit.

[Meekey_Mouse]

Your right, in NZ they sold a dirt only & a road legal version of the DRZ 400. IIRC the dirt version cannot be registered for the road.


these days they only sell the E (dirt) version, fully plated, so its win win. the old DRZ400S was shit.

Cheers for the answers guys... So if they are now selling the fully plated ones, what year did that change?

[Scubbo]

think 2014 you could get the E plated new, definitely been the last 2 years and also the first few years of release (2000~2004?)

[neels]

think 2014 you could get the E plated new, definitely been the last 2 years and also the first few years of release (2000~2004?)
2000 definitely yes, I had a 2000 road legal E model.

[Ocean1]

think 2014 you could get the E plated new, definitely been the last 2 years and also the first few years of release (2000~2004?)

The KLX400 was effectively a plated E right from the start.

[MXNUT]

They have sold a road legal version of the DRZ400E for every year in NZ since 2000 up to the current year.

It is just that some are sold as road legal with all the compliance certs and some were sold as off road only.

You will not get the compliance certs from Suzuki NZ for the off road models so this makes them nearly impossible to register.

[Meekey_Mouse]

Cheers for all the info guys :2thumbsup

[400sm]

I've been told NZ is similar to Canada in the way that if a DRZ was bought from the dealer as a dirt bike, it can never be registered for the life of the bike... Is this correct?

In Aus any DRZ can be reg'd as long as it's not a write off and it meets RWC (Road Worthy Cert.) which is essentially indicators, mirrors, lights etc

Cheers

In 2005 I bought a new dirt only DR-Z 250 and made it road legal.
Added a switch-block, indicators, brake light actuators, a mirror and a rear reflector.
It is/was possible....you just have to talk to the right people.

The right people at the time was: Craig Guy.
You can find him nowadays at: Bike Worx, Napier.

[Dave89]

I got a couple spare :innocent:

http://images.younghouselove.com/2011/04/ConBuild-Cut-Wood-Stack.jpg

Thats Better

[RMOTO]

Brand new DRZ400 21/18 wheelset for sale:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1241953081&ed=true

[JATZ]

Ever been out riding and thought... Man I wish I'd brought some lunch ? Or... I wish I didn't have this big heavy bag on my back, cramping my style ? If so, then Boy have I got a deal for you :D

I have here a rear rack with a cool bag attached. Big enough to take a sizeable snack and a few other bits n pieces. It has a place to bolt your factory tool kit as well (the one in the pic will be staying with me)
Comes complete with all mounting hardware, but no instructions. Although lets face it... If you cant figure it out you probably shouldn't be in charge of any sort of tools:oi-grr: or a bike. All zips work perfectly and there's no rips or tears anywhere. I don't know if it's waterproof as I haven't riden in the rain with it. All this can be yours for less than the cost of getting one sent from over seas and running the gauntlet of customs and N.Z. post.
If it sounds like the sort of thing your after flick me a P.M. and we'll haggle :yes:

[Woodman]

Ever been out riding and thought... Man I wish I'd brought some lunch ? Or... I wish I didn't have this big heavy bag on my back, cramping my style ? If so, then Boy have I got a deal for you :D

I have here a rear rack with a cool bag attached. Big enough to take a sizeable snack and a few other bits n pieces. It has a place to bolt your factory tool kit as well (the one in the pic will be staying with me)
Comes complete with all mounting hardware, but no instructions. Although lets face it... If you cant figure it out you probably shouldn't be in charge of any sort of tools:oi-grr: or a bike. All zips work perfectly and there's no rips or tears anywhere. I don't know if it's waterproof as I haven't riden in the rain with it. All this can be yours for less than the cost of getting one sent from over seas and running the gauntlet of customs and N.Z. post.
If it sounds like the sort of thing your after flick me a P.M. and we'll haggle :yes:

So what are you using for a rack now?

[JATZ]

So what are you using for a rack now?
I know a guy who knows a guy who's working on knocking something together :msn-wink:
It should be good enough to do the job

[neil.]

Hi all, i'm sure this has probably been asked before, but has anybody done any real long distance on their drz? Say 4000km around the south island?

Are they a viable alternative to a dr650/klr650 for a light person, or just too buzzy and uncomfortable for that sort of thing?

Cheers.

[Ocean1]

Hi all, i'm sure this has probably been asked before, but has anybody done any real long distance on their drz? Say 4000km around the south island?

Are they a viable alternative to a dr650/klr650 for a light person, or just too buzzy and uncomfortable for that sort of thing?

Cheers.

I did a couple of trips the length of the North Island, does that count?

I did go to the trouble of changing the front sprocket for one of those trips, can't remember how many teeths but it was up one over standard.

I found with the standard gearing it had a sweet spot just under 100k where it wasn't too buzzy, the taller sprocket helped lift that a bit.

They do let you get a little dirtier, if you get that chance, and with minimal care they're almost bulletproof. Also, if it's the bike you've got then it'll do, y'know?

[neels]

Did a few long days on my DRZ, other than the seat being a plank no real dramas.

As far as I know gearing was standard or pretty close, would sit happily at 100k with the revs at a reasonable number (had an aftermarket hour/rpm meter), still very usable off road or on gravel.

Would be better with a decent seat or a sheepskin on the factory one, but performance wise no issues. Only a 5 speed box which should be a bit limiting, but having said that on one ride the gear lever fell off, obviously top gear works ok as I didn't notice until I went to stop at the end, so plenty of torque to keep you going.

[neil.]

Hmm, I don't actually have one, but now that i have sold my ninja 250, i need to find something to buy, and i'm not sure i want to deal with the weight of the 650's offroad.

Obviously one would need a larger fuel tank

I have ridden a few KLR650's but only on the road, found them not bad to ride, but jeez they are not light.!

[MXNUT]

Did 25 000 km`s on mine in both islands. 4000 KM trip 1 year down to the Dusty and back.

You will defo need to change the gearing though. I went up 1 tooth on the front countershaft sprocket.

Helps keep it a bit less buzzy at 100 Km/h and helps with the economy.

You get used to the seat, have a break every 3 hours or so when you have to gas up.

Keep up the maintenance and they are pretty bullet proof.

[neil.]

I kinda assumed i would have to change the front sprocket on anything i get.

now i just have to find one to have a go on

whats it like to get hold of the larger fuel tanks in NZ?

[neels]

whats it like to get hold of the larger fuel tanks in NZ?
This might help you with almost anything you're considering doing to a DRZ400.....

http://www.remotemoto.com/

[Muzz67]

make sure you get the FCR carb model, big performance advantage over the 'S'(?) model.
Didn;t find the seat too much of a problem, how-ever the 5speed box could be a bit of a pain for on/off road riding.
sprockets can be changed to allow relatively easy 100kph cruising but then its too high for tricky slow speed stuff without serious clutch slippage.

other than that, they're a bloody good, reliable bike with few issues. Google 'loktite fixes' to make them bulletproof.

[JATZ]

I did about 9000k's on mine last month in Oz, seemed to go alright :yes:
15t front sprocket/43t rear MOX sprocket(cush drive sprocket). Does a little over 6000rpm @ 100k's and good for 90% of the riding your likely to do
Seat concepts seat, get just the foam and cover (stay away from the gripper cover), its good for 500k+ days
Safari 28l tank, probably overkill for N.Z. but it bolts straight on and is good for 550k's
The RemoteMoto screen worked a treat, if its in your budget get one.
Like Muzz said... Get the E model (fcr carb) and you can't really go wrong

[neil.]

Damn that's a big fuel tank, i'd be happy with something that would get me 300 -350km

[Scubbo]

only 8K for the E still at colemans --- :innocent:

[400sm]

Damn that's a big fuel tank, i'd be happy with something that would get me 300 -350km

I recommend a CLARKE 15 Litre tank you can get from JUST TANKS in USA.
Gearing-wise you will need at least 15:43 sprockets for cruisability.
Seat-wise, l have done 75,000 kms on mine with no problems.

Tony W

[SVboy]

I recommend a CLARKE 15 Litre tank you can get from JUST TANKS in USA.
Gearing-wise you will need at least 15:43 sprockets for cruisability.
Seat-wise, l have done 75,000 kms on mine with no problems.

Tony W

That was a big trip!

[400sm]

That was a big trip!
Yes!
It started 12 years ago ;-)

[400sm]

I am wondering if people that complain about seat comfort are possibly sitting on the wrong part of the seat.
The "correct" position is 3/4 of the way towards the rear of the seat.
I have seen ex road bike riders, newbies and girls sitting right up on the tank in my time. That is not a comfy position...the seat is very narrow.
An experienced rider uses this position only for tight cornering.

[Scubbo]

balls on tank thats where the bike handles best however --- but nah its no good even on the wider part, the main issue is the vibrations in the seat at highway speed, if you keep it under ~80kph can go all day no worries -- cheap seat pads and stuff made it fine for me however.

[Ocean1]

balls on tank thats where the bike handles best however --- but nah its no good even on the wider part, the main issue is the vibrations in the seat at highway speed, if you keep it under ~80kph can go all day no worries -- cheap tank pads and stuff made it fine for me however.

Yep, more than most dirt bikes that's what I found. Get a bit lazy and sit too far back and the front tends to wash out.

The seat I found to be a pain, if I hadn't ridden for a while. Couple of decent rides and it was fine.

[400sm]

balls on tank thats where the bike handles best however --- but nah its no good even on the wider part, the main issue is the vibrations in the seat at highway speed, if you keep it under ~80kph can go all day no worries -- cheap seat pads and stuff made it fine for me however.
.
.
If l could only ride at 80 kmh, l would stay at home :-)

What front and rear chainwheel (usa!) teeth ratio do you run.
I find the DRZ engine cruises well when geared to run 5500 rpm at 100kmh.
This still lets it cruise comfy at 120 ...and well beyond! ;-)

[Scubbo]

I ran 15/47 or "adv" gearing top speed was ~140kph and would get there almost instantly and hit the limiter --- still a tall first gear for tight single track though but thats another of the achillies of the DRZ the close ratio gearbox with super high 1st and super low 5th --- if they just changed that or even just 5th! the bike would probably sell 20% more -- the engine pulls hard (atleast on the E it does) it could run much higher gearing if you were on road only but then the lightness and flighty front end would become a bit much over 150~

how can you tell the revs? no engine tacho on the things?

[neels]

I ran 15/47 or "adv" gearing top speed was ~140kph and would get there almost instantly and hit the limiter --- still a tall first gear for tight single track though but thats another of the achillies of the DRZ the close ratio gearbox with super high 1st and super low 5th --- if they just changed that or even just 5th! the bike would probably sell 20% more -- the engine pulls hard (atleast on the E it does) it could run much higher gearing if you were on road only but then the lightness and flighty front end would become a bit much over 150~

how can you tell the revs? no engine tacho on the things?
From memory my E was geared about the same as that, happy to sit at 100kph (just) but a little bit tall for tight stuff. Not so much of an issue for the SM without the off road use.

I stuck a cheap hour meter/tacho on mine to keep track of oil changes, interval in the book was in hours but that's not on the instruments either, tacho was a bonus.

https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7GGHNNHT/title/torpedo7-hour-tach-meter

[Brainflex]

Nova Racing do a wide ratio gearbox for the 2000-2013 DRZ,

http://www.novaracing.co.uk/ProductSuzukiDRZ400WideRatioGearbox20002013.html

[Muzz67]

and apparently it is possible to modify a pair of 3rd gears to provide an overdrive 5th,
which would be my preferred option, with a low 1st to 4th then a fairly high 5th.

[Scubbo]

this is all true, but expensive for a cheap bike ^_@ --- suzuki should just re-ratio the gearbox making it wide as the engine is more than capable of pulling more up top and it needs a crawling gear down bottom -- they might well do this with fuel injection and ABS to try shoehorn it into euro4

[400sm]

I ran 15/47 or "adv" gearing top speed

how can you tell the revs? no engine tacho on the things?

I use cheap digical rev counters off aliexpress....less than $15
I run 15:39...dont do single track much....just gravel and tar roads.

[Black Knight]

I have a bike similar to a DRZ400 (grey import) that I plan on doing a bit of touring on this summer-it currently has a small screen on it that causes a lot of wind buffeting in the helmet area,in fact the bike is better off without it-can anyone recommend a screen that would give me better wind protection for touring.Thanks

[NordieBoy]

I have a bike similar to a DRZ400 (grey import) that I plan on doing a bit of touring on this summer-it currently has a small screen on it that causes a lot of wind buffeting in the helmet area,in fact the bike is better off without it-can anyone recommend a screen that would give me better wind protection for touring.Thankshttp://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/forums/topic/dr650-6-windscreen/
http://sports.nelson.geek.nz/motorsport/mybikes/TT350/20110507%20Screening/index.html


I find the gap at the bottom lets enough air flow behind the screen that it really reduces the buffeting.
It may be worthwhile trying it with yours to see if it makes a difference.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171107/7527f03947efcb8f6861ccf431f75784.jpg

[Black Knight]

Thanks Fran for the info-I was really after a screen that attaches to the bars,or,as this bike has the headlight on ears,attaches to the headlight(or both)
That DIY one looks interesting as it gives me some size indications to work with.

[FlangMasterJ]

Those with the S/SM model, who has done the FCR39 carb upgrade? Worthwhile you reckon?

[Scubbo]

yes very much worth it

[FlangMasterJ]

yes very much worth it

Mates, is the FCR39 carb a straight swap with the Mikuni one or is there other parts needed for the conversion?

[Muzz67]

Mates, is the FCR39 carb a straight swap with the Mikuni one or is there other parts needed for the conversion?
List of requirements on this page....
https://thumpertalk.com/shop/DRZ400S-SM-FCR-MX-39mm-Conversion-Kit-p2006766611.html