The DR-Z400 thread

**Alpha Solo** · 6th September 2009, 09:43

Swapped the motard wheels and discs and fitted the wheels from my E - no issues what so ever. Rode all day yesterday - DRZ's are great!!!

**Squiggles** · 16th September 2009, 17:57

This is a good deal: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=240494254
Just checked it out for the mrs, unfortunately doesnt suit her needs but if i was looking for a drz i'd be bidding.

**Buddha#81:Me** · 1st October 2009, 09:11

this may have been covered? when I brought the DRZ it was hard to start (been sitting for 5-6 months). we stripped and cleaned the carb new plug and reset the valve clearance (tight inlet).

I've been thrashing it as a motard for 4 meetings (2.5 hours of hard work) and a couple of trail rides, it looks like the valve clearance has done its thing again, it wont start off the starter but will push or roller start with effort.

Is the DRZ prone for stretching valves when pushed hard and if its time to replace them (if nothing else for piece of mind) what brand from where and the biggie how much?

Any feedback is appreciated.

**Oscar** · 1st October 2009, 09:27

Originally Posted by Buddha#81

this may have been covered? when I brought the DRZ it was hard to start (been sitting for 5-6 months). we stripped and cleaned the carb new plug and reset the valve clearance (tight inlet).

I've been thrashing it as a motard for 4 meetings (2.5 hours of hard work) and a couple of trail rides, it looks like the valve clearance has done its thing again, it wont start off the starter but will push or roller start with effort.

Is the DRZ prone for stretching valves when pushed hard and if its time to replace them (if nothing else for piece of mind) what brand from where and the biggie how much?

Any feedback is appreciated.

I dunno about the valve or nuthin', but they are bitches to start when they've been sitting around...

**bart** · 1st October 2009, 19:05

I've often had to drain the carb after its been sitting for over a week. Fresh gas and she fires up first pop.

Big fist full of throttle, and then fire it up full choke sometimes works.

**drz hoffy** · 6th October 2009, 17:06

Hi everyone
2006 DRZ400e
I did it broke the alternator side cover, stopped to take a photo of the snow we were riding on and slipped and the bike fell on the gear lever leaving a big hole in the cover OUCH, so my question is does anyone know where to get the case cover protectors i read so much about in New Zealand or Australia, bit late now i know LOL
Cheers
Hoffy

**NordieBoy** · 6th October 2009, 17:52

Originally Posted by drz hoffy

Hi everyone
2006 DRZ400e
I did it broke the alternator side cover, stopped to take a photo of the snow we were riding on and slipped and the bike fell on the gear lever leaving a big hole in the cover OUCH, so my question is does anyone know where to get the case cover protectors i read so much about in New Zealand or Australia, bit late now i know LOL
Cheers
Hoffy

These are good ones.

http://www.motorcycleproducts.org/En...rds/drz400.htm

**drz hoffy** · 6th October 2009, 18:32

Cheers for that so no one in nz then ??? they seem to be pretty well priced too

**CrazyFrog** · 8th October 2009, 06:59

These guys have good case savers too.

http://shop.thumpertalk.com/product_p/bp_cfc_case.htm

I bought mine recently, got 3 sets sent over and sold them to other DRZ riders to make shipping cost more reasonable. The US dollar is good for us buyers at the moment so just do it.
They look great and just stick em on with high temp RTV silicon.

**buggsubique** · 10th October 2009, 18:50

Never got to doing mine before I sold - didn't need anyway, but there seems to be rebuild kits on sale based out of Napier. I'm a mechanical noob so I'd be sending my engine away for a complete top end at around the 20-25k mark, but the other option depending on your budget and hours on the bike etc might just be to order in the one piece valves to replace stock two piece units. springs at same time. dunno much about seats or anything. rings as well while you're at it I spose and so do the piston as welldepending on hours / miles on the motor. since youve gone that far keep inspecting oil for fragments that might suggest a bottom end before that goes...which may happen with the sort of high rev stuff it sounds like you're doing. WHat model drz? E or SM? something about the SM being lower compression...dunno bout that but if it's just a gasket difference then that would be worth it too.

**Oscar** · 11th October 2009, 18:25

I've still got a brand new DRZ Twin Air Filter and a Haynes Manual that I don't need.
Make me an offer...

**Buddha#81:Me** · 17th October 2009, 12:29

Originally Posted by Buddha#81

this may have been covered? when I brought the DRZ it was hard to start (been sitting for 5-6 months). we stripped and cleaned the carb new plug and reset the valve clearance (tight inlet).

I've been thrashing it as a motard for 4 meetings (2.5 hours of hard work) and a couple of trail rides, it looks like the valve clearance has done its thing again, it wont start off the starter but will push or roller start with effort.

Is the DRZ prone for stretching valves when pushed hard and if its time to replace them (if nothing else for piece of mind) what brand from where and the biggie how much?

Any feedback is appreciated.

after reserching the above I was torn between new valves (bike shop) and oter good sites basicly said the these thing just dont do valves, I've shimed the inlets (exhaust were in spec) and reassembeled and hit the starter.....shes a goodin.

next time, if there is one for piece of mind it will get two valves which will be $200 ish in parts but for now it was a $6 fix!

**carver** · 21st October 2009, 20:08

Originally Posted by MXNUT

Pre 2003 models had problems with the automatic cam chain tensioner failing and doing a lot of engine damage.
It is an easy fix to fit a manual tensioner if you do it before the original fails

Even thrashing it hard the worst i ever got was 140 km to a tank. I have now changed the gearing to what the S model runs ( 15/41 ) and get between 160 - 190 kms per tank and its not quite so buzzy on the road.

Now that i am used to the seat / plank i can handle about 400 kms in a day

All Quite correct

pussies, i got 80 km to reserve!

**Woody2** · 2nd November 2009, 20:22

Originally Posted by CrazyFrog

These guys have good case savers too.

http://shop.thumpertalk.com/product_p/bp_cfc_case.htm

I bought mine recently, got 3 sets sent over and sold them to other DRZ riders to make shipping cost more reasonable. The US dollar is good for us buyers at the moment so just do it.
They look great and just stick em on with high temp RTV silicon.

Nice info CF, have just ordered three from here as well, one for my bike where a previous owner has done a bodge repair and I will sell the other two to recover shipping costs as well,
Cheers DW.