Pasta farts
I'm currently looking at purchasing one of the above bikes. Around 2004-2005 ish. Can anyone give me anything that I should be looking out for on these bikes when checking them over?
Are there any random servicing requirements that I should check for?
Hardcore Biker
From what I've heard, these are one of the most reliable bikes around. Supposedly 'bullet-proof' engine.
I guess just check out the usual things as per any 2nd hand machine?
As it's road legal, it possibly hasn't had a huge amount of time off-road?
An over-active right wrist...
Have a look at the overall condition of the fork bottoms, the rims, swing arm - should give an indication of the amount of off rd use - not too much of a worry though. Check the air filter and ask about the maintenance intervals - esp oil and filter change. I do mine every 1000km to keep her sweet on the insides.
What mileage on the bike? get valve clearances checked (esp intake valves) depending - should be ok generally - they're not very needy.
Check which carb youre getting and ask if any jetting changes (eg if new exhaust put on or something. Ideally youll be getting the FCR rather than the less exhilarating Mikuni which the SMs and I think the 06 onwards E's come with (might be wrong there). Also see if any mods done to the airbox top to open her up. Commonly known as the 3x3 mod to help her breathe.
Other than that go hard - great bike. got 13k nearly on mine without missing a beat!
PM for any other q's or advice if you need to! I have a pdf workshop manual here too if you'd like it on CD.
There are two kinds of adventurers: those who go truly hoping to find adventure and those who go secretly hoping they won't. We should come home from our adventures having faced their perils and uncertainties, endured their discomfort and beaten the odds, with a sly acknowledgment and revitalised solidarity of character.
Not so crazy ....
The DRZ's are pretty bulletproof, just check the basics, condition of chain/sprockets, tyres, air filter, any obvious body damage from dropsies, is there any play in wheel bearings or steering head bearings notchy?
How many km's on it, how much is he asking....tell him he's dreamin! Offer him less
L-Plate Rider
Just had a special price come through on DR-Z400EK7SL.I would do one for $7800.00 inc gst + ORC.So that should make S/Hand ones a bit better buying.
Pasta farts
Heh, haven't got a specific one in mind. But looking to pay around the $6k mark. Which should get me a good cond '05 model. As far as i'm aware they've all got the FCR carb? (where as you say the SM is strangled by the mikuni). I'll check it anyway.
I've heard some SM owners getting terrible fuel economy after doing the airbox mod and the pipe, is this common with teh E?
An over-active right wrist...
oh shit yes! haha. on stock tank I get about 16km/L. I run the FCR, custom header and barkin loud yoshi pipe with an open airbox and I'm like a schoolboy with the right wrist. Very responsive but thirsty. I did the DB1k on it and carried a 10L jerrycan on the rear rack as I only have a stock 9 or 10L tank. Never sucked it dry but hit reserve at around 135-150km depending on the terrain.
It's definitely not a sunday tourer, it's made to have fun on!
Also I run it on 95 or 98. Makes a real difference in response.
Had mine listed a month or so ago but pulled it to do the DB1k and don't think I'll sell it now - real happy with them as a bike.
There are two kinds of adventurers: those who go truly hoping to find adventure and those who go secretly hoping they won't. We should come home from our adventures having faced their perils and uncertainties, endured their discomfort and beaten the odds, with a sly acknowledgment and revitalised solidarity of character.
brat
Mines a stock K6. Full horsepower version, but road legal. Gravel road riding I hit reserve between 165 and 175 km, running on 95 octane. I haven't bothered with mods, as if I want to go faster, I'll buy another bike. Can't see the point in throwing money at it when it goes pretty good anyway.
Only complaint is that it doesn't like long constant throttle riding. On long trips, I pull the clutch and give it a few blips on the throttle every few minutes.
Bloody good bike though (if you don't want an armchair).
Forum whore
And the KLX 400 is the same bike just green.
There were a few on trademe in Aucks not long back alla round your price range with low km's.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-197475268.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-196480333.htm
but this listing takes the prize....he's lost the tank key and hasn't filled the tank in 2 1/2 years but it still has gas in it.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-197131261.htm
The range on a standard tank on these bikes is something you need to be aware of and calculate for. I must get a bigger tank.
Pasta farts
I didn't know that. Ooo. is it completely the same (bar the colour and name :P)? Same carb? They do seem to be in the price range i'm after...Originally Posted by Mystic13
An over-active right wrist...
Shit, that is a pretty good price on the rd legal one! I'd be seriously looking at that! Mine was also a k5 with about 4k on the clock when I got it. Mate in town just got himself a KLX version too - no issues, great bikes, the same bike etc etc.
There are two kinds of adventurers: those who go truly hoping to find adventure and those who go secretly hoping they won't. We should come home from our adventures having faced their perils and uncertainties, endured their discomfort and beaten the odds, with a sly acknowledgment and revitalised solidarity of character.
Pasta farts
It is yeah. Plus it's also in my town! Hrm, better get my current bike sold then.
Hardcore Biker
Great bikes - I love mine.
do watch out for any unusually loud knocking sounds from the lower engine, some say these are a characteristic of the bike, others say it is the big end going etc... (see thumpertalk drz400 section)
Forum whore
Yep, completely the same. I think the Kawasaki even comes with a made by Suzuki badge from memory.
Good luck with the sale and hunt for one.
Registered User
I got better fuel economy after pipe, airbox and needle mod, on my SM.
Currently 26km/L in touring mode.
Average 190km to reserve on std 10.5L tank.
Good choice, by the way.
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