The DR-Z400 thread

**bart** · 15th November 2009, 17:38

OK, the DRZ is cluttering up my shed (well it's actualy in my workshop, so I can't even get to the work bench). I want to get rid of it before I start butchering parts off it for the DR650. I wonder if the whole front end will bolt up to the 650. Hmmmmm

Anyway, it's all yours for $5700. What a bargain.

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

And NO, I won't trade.

**NordieBoy** · 16th November 2009, 06:45

Originally Posted by bart

I want to get rid of it before I start butchering parts off it for the DR650. I wonder if the whole front end will bolt up to the 650. Hmmmmm

Rear shock too...

**bart** · 16th November 2009, 16:03

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

Rear shock too...

I haven't noticed too many problems with the rear. The front could do with some sorting though. This will be a little project for next year.

**NordieBoy** · 16th November 2009, 18:05

Originally Posted by bart

I haven't noticed too many problems with the rear. The front could do with some sorting though. This will be a little project for next year.

But once you've done the front......

**bart** · 16th November 2009, 22:43

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

But once you've done the front......

True....

I think with the suspension sorted, the DR won't be a bad machine.

It's certainly heavier than the DRZ, but once you get up over the bars and give it shit, it's very rewarding in the gravel. The back end just snakes around everywhere (in a controlled kind of way)

.

The DR650 is just as quick, but perhaps not quite so forgiving when you have one of those 'HOLY SHIT' moments.

The other noticable thing about the 650 is that everything is big and clunky. Things are certainly more refined on the 400. Hard to explain, but it's just the overall feel.

The 650 seems better behaved around town, starts easier, and runs better when cold, but not quite as nimble when flicking it around the streets.

If the Mrs wasn't at me for having too many toys, I'd keep both.

**Tony W** · 8th February 2012, 22:15

Hi Adventurers,

I have had my DR-Z400SMK5 since new.

I have covered 55,000 trouble free km now.

I adjusted 1 'tappet' 0.1mm at 40,000km and changed the sparkplug while I was in the general area.

Nothing has gone wrong with the bike.

It handles perfectly, goes like a rocket, and averages 26km/L and is fun to ride. (30km/L Hiway)

It has a copious carrying capacity.

It has always got me home.

Is this normal ?

Is this bike too boring ?

Do we actually need a DR-Z 400 thread ?

Should I be thinking of buying a DR650 to add a little drama to my monoTony ?
The 650 seems to be afflicted with endless problems of many varieties.
Everyone seems to love them.

I feel I am missing out

Does anybody wanna do swapsies, so I can have something to do at nights ? ( other than changing its colour scheme every couple of years )

Please help.

**NordieBoy** · 8th February 2012, 23:06

Originally Posted by Tony W

It handles perfectly, goes like a rocket, and averages 26km/L and is fun to ride. (30km/L Hiway).

Don't let Padmei see those numbers, he'll just get depressed again.

**timmehpwr** · 9th February 2012, 11:29

I think its all gearing.. with 14t front and 47t rear my 2000 DRZ400E at its worst has seen 10km/l when sitting at 110kph for a short highway sprint and then trail riding and then 110kph short highway sprint home again..

then with 15t front and 47t rear I can get around 20km/l adventure riding/sitting at 110kph for long trips

15t front is pretty good compromise but you need to work the clutch a whole lot more hill climbing, unless you get a run up

they are great bikes, my only gripe is with the hard seat

**SVboy** · 9th February 2012, 11:54

Quite simply-awesome bikes! I hace done nothing to mine except regular maintainence. Going to change the fork oil and lube the steering stem bearings soon-but again-just because I care! What will we do when SMs are no longer available!!

**Tony W** · 9th February 2012, 13:27

Originally Posted by SVboy

Quite simply-awesome bikes! I hace done nothing to mine except regular maintainence. Going to change the fork oil and lube the steering stem bearings soon-but again-just because I care! What will we do when SMs are no longer available!!

I guess we'll just keep ours forever

**Tony W** · 9th February 2012, 13:32

Originally Posted by timmehpwr

I think its all gearing.. with 14t front and 47t rear my 2000 DRZ400E at its worst has seen 10km/l when sitting at 110kph for a short highway sprint and then trail riding and then 110kph short highway sprint home again..

then with 15t front and 47t rear I can get around 20km/l adventure riding/sitting at 110kph for long trips

15t front is pretty good compromise but you need to work the clutch a whole lot more hill climbing, unless you get a run up

they are great bikes, my only gripe is with the hard seat

Yeah I run a 15T & 43T on 18'' rear. ...(no good for trail of course...)
Suggest you do the same to avoid the Buzz.

THE SEAT: Can't help you there...
I lerv mine, no complaints. Definitely nicer than a KTM 950 ADV I once rode !

**MXNUT** · 14th April 2012, 14:39

The DRZ is finally for sale.

Add Here

Would like to keep it as its been the best bike ive ever owned, but i cant ride them all

**dino3310** · 14th April 2012, 21:27

@ MXNUT
jeez mate if i new you wanted a bigger sized thumper i would have accepted a swap for the XR

**rigley** · 19th April 2012, 16:02

Hi Guys,

I hope I'm not gate crashing here, I'm after a few parts for my 2002 DRZ400E:

At 6'1" I find the riding position standing up to be difficult to say the least, I have fitted some 30mm risers, which have helped, though I still feel I could do with more height and less hanging over the bars, any ideas on some suitable bars etc that might do the trick?

The bike is the off road version, with no high beam, anyone converted one before to make it road legal and has anyone got the parts they might want to sell, switch etc.

Cheers