Changing my drz400sm to an adventure bike

**twisty** · 10th November 2009, 23:04

I bought my Sm for comuting to work but found it wanting. So after much thought i decided to adventure it, ding. I have changed the exhaust to a cycleworks one (awsome sound), and have got Maidstone Yamaha to change the tyres to Dunlope D606's 17in front and rear ( plus rim locks). Also open up the air box and rejet.

I'm going to see how this goes and maybe install a auto clutch and bigger fuel tank.

**Eddieb** · 11th November 2009, 09:05

I hate to sound negative but if you are intending to use it as an adventure bike you were probably better to spend the money on a big tank first.

As many have shown the DRZ-400 has more than enough go already for gravel/off road work and opening the airbox just allows more opportunity for water to get into the carb if you are doing river crossings, however it's only got a tiny tank and you'll likely find your rides restricted by the tank range.

And I'll really get flayed alive for this one by the masses, but more noise is mostly just more wank factor than anything else. While the bike may be more exciting to ride it's not going to get you any further up that steep hill or through that bog.

**Taz** · 11th November 2009, 09:08

Originally Posted by Eddieb

I hate to sound negative

You sound negative Eddie.

A range of 200km is acceptable and a 4L gas can is cheap and easy to strap to the rear rack.

**Waihou Thumper** · 11th November 2009, 09:22

Originally Posted by Anthrax

You sound negative Eddie.

A range of 200km is acceptable and a 4L gas can is cheap and easy to strap to the rear rack.

What happens to a fuel can strapped to the rear of the bike....Nearly caused an explosion and melted it and it ended up being left behind for rubbish...
I tend to agree with Eddie on this one, having a bigger fuel tank gives you that range and makes it more enjoyable to carry some clothes and stuff...

I think it would be the first thing to consider anyway...
Isn't that why you got your big tank for the Katie? Wasn't for looks aye....

**Taz** · 11th November 2009, 09:24

Originally Posted by NZKTM

What happens to a fuel can strapped to the rear of the bike....Nearly caused an explosion and melted it and it ended up being left behind for rubbish...

Yeah but in the fuel cans defense some can't strap stuff on for $hit eh?

Mine stayed on the KTM for the whole trip.

**Waihou Thumper** · 11th November 2009, 09:28

Originally Posted by Anthrax

Yeah but in the fuel cans defense some can't strap stuff on for $hit eh?

Mine stayed on the KTM for the whole trip.

I saw the damage to it and the DR needed that gas...

Maybe he wasn't a boy scout but me thinks it was the ride the day before that maybe loosened them nice tight knots...Blame it on Clint and his backroad touring to Rangitaikei...

**Transalper** · 11th November 2009, 09:57

Great that you've seen the light.

I'd have thought Bash Plate first, then big tank, 21" front wheel, hand guards etc etc.
Keep it quiet and waterproof so as not to be so noticeable by grumpy farmers, less disturbing to stock and able to cross rivers without swallowing water.

**marks** · 11th November 2009, 10:56

noisy bikes are cool

I like noisy bikes

fuck everyone else - take the baffle out

be warned that while jetting kits definitely give your bike more poke they normally decrease the fuel range by at least 25% and this may be a problem with your stock tank.

you would also be amazed at how much more confidence inspiring a skinny 21" front is verses a fat motard 17" - although a d606 is about the best front you can put on the 17" for bite.

look forward to seeing you out there - I'll be on the slightly noisy klr

also - you don't need and auto clutch but they are bloody handy things to have - I love mine (I have 2)

**Eddieb** · 11th November 2009, 11:33

Originally Posted by marks

noisy bikes are cool

I like noisy bikes

fuck everyone else - take the baffle out

be warned that while jetting kits definitely give your bike more poke they normally decrease the fuel range by at least 25% and this may be a problem with your stock tank.

you would also be amazed at how much more confidence inspiring a skinny 21" front is verses a fat motard 17" - although a d606 is about the best front you can put on the 17" for bite.

look forward to seeing you out there - I'll be on the slightly noisy klr

also - you don't need and auto clutch but they are bloody handy things to have - I love mine (I have 2)

hook and line, now where's that bloody sinker....?

There's noisy and then there's ear splittingly 'I can hear a KLR passing a car 2km's in front of me even though I can't see it' loud.

It does have a nice rumble at lower revs though.

**bart** · 11th November 2009, 16:21

Just buy my bike.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=244967891

It's already got the grunty carb, 21 inch wheel etc.

**bart** · 11th November 2009, 16:24

Originally Posted by Eddieb

hook and line, now where's that bloody sinker....?

There's noisy and then there's ear splittingly 'I can hear a KLR passing a car 2km's in front of me even though I can't see it' loud.

It does have a nice rumble at lower revs though.

Funny.....I've spent a lot of time following that KLR, and haven't found it that noisy. Better get my ears tested.

The sheep and cattle in the paddocks do tend to look like the wake of a ship as he passes though.