Drz400

[dmoo1790]

.Also easier to lube chain with it gone..

Really? On all my bikes I've always sprayed lube on the inside bottom chain run. If I want some lube on the outside I just spray it on the rear sprocket. So access to the top chain run has never been an issue for me. YMMV

[Andy67]

Really? On all my bikes I've always sprayed lube on the inside bottom chain run. If I want some lube on the outside I just spray it on the rear sprocket. So access to the top chain run has never been an issue for me. YMMV

True, that was an afterthought, hey do you still have the factory sprockets?

[dmoo1790]

True, that was an afterthought, hey do you still have the factory sprockets?

Yes. Factory front is 14 tooth compared to 15 on it now. 47 rear is standard.

[Oscar]

(sigh)

Chain Lube 101: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...ube/index.html

It covers the use of waxes (bad), WD40 (bad), kerosene (not so good) and cleaning (not to mention how to actually lube your chain).

Or general maintenance:
http://www.dirtrider.com/misc/141_03...n_maintenance/

[Andy67]

(sigh)

Chain Lube 101: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...ube/index.html

It covers the use of waxes (bad), WD40 (bad), kerosene (not so good) and cleaning (not to mention how to actually lube your chain).

Or general maintenance:
http://www.dirtrider.com/misc/141_03...n_maintenance/

Nice, thanks very much Oscar

[Oscar]

Nice, thanks very much Oscar

I'm a bit of a hypocrite, I never remember to lube my chain....

The chain on my 950 lasted 21,000kms.

[Andy67]

I'm a bit of a hypocrite, I never remember to lube my chain....

The chain on my 950 lasted 21,000kms.

You are not alone there Oscar and the info is much appreciated.

[ADVGD]

I have a question gearing a black piece f plastic that is on the left hand side of the bike. It appears to be some sort f chain guard or similar and is positioned from the swing arm to the plastic above. Looks kind of weird. What is its purpose and any harm taking it off?

Also, does any one have any knowledge of where to get a tail tidy for this bike?

Cheers andy

I declutter my bikes, all unnecessary plastics and excess crap is removed. The one you are talking about was on my removal list

Small plate holder here, along with plenty of other goodies to erode your bank account: http://www.procycle.us/bikepages/drz400.html

[Andy67]

I declutter my bikes, all unnecessary plastics and excess crap is removed. The one you are talking about was on my removal list

Small plate holder here, along with plenty of other goodies to erode your bank account: http://www.procycle.us/bikepages/drz400.html

Thanks mate its in the list....damn you...some very nice stuff there. Have you fitted the tail tidy ?

[Andy67]

I declutter my bikes, all unnecessary plastics and excess crap is removed. The one you are talking about was on my removal list

Small plate holder here, along with plenty of other goodies to erode your bank account: http://www.procycle.us/bikepages/drz400.html

Ok done that and it looks better, also removed snorkel from air box and went for a quick spin down the road, she actually lifts under power now. Better.

[ADVGD]

Have you fitted the tail tidy ?

The factory DRZ400 plate holder could be removed, flipped over, and used as a boat for a family of 4, it is ridiculously huge!! Removing the factory one and changing to the one in the link above makes a massive improvement on looks, I fitted one and am happy with it, it is steel so it is not the lightest, but it is a tidy robust unit with a nice LED rear light and good indicators.

[Andy67]

The factory DRZ400 plate holder could be removed, flipped over, and used as a boat for a family of 4, it is ridiculously huge!! Removing the factory one and changing to the one in the link above makes a massive improvement on looks, I fitted one and am happy with it, it is steel so it is not the lightest, but it is a tidy robust unit with a nice LED rear light and good indicators.

How much landed mate and does it have a reflector? I am either going to take to it with a saw or remove it and rent it out to students .... If they put an awning off, it should accommodate 6 or so.

[bart]

How much landed mate and does it have a reflector? I am either going to take to it with a saw or remove it and rent it out to students .... If they put an awning off, it should accommodate 6 or so.

I took to mine with a hacksaw and it came up alright.

[Andy67]

I took to mine with a hacksaw and it came up alright.

Yeah I think hatstand what I'll do, just need to wait for a time when I'm motivated, not drunk or hungover ..... Just had a look at your pics ... You mate have a talent.

[Andy67]

Today I was amping for a ride so decided to check out the sandpit in wood hill. I have struggled with sand so decided this was the perfect place to practise.

Entry is $25 for the day which seems very reasonable. I said to the guy running the place that I was very inexperienced off road so he showed me how to navigate around.

Plenty of other bikes there but more dedicated moto x than the DRZ. I felt like a total noob.

Off I went and fair to say even the beginners route was quite a challenge for me. The advice given was to comit and keep weight towards the back of the bike. Much easier said than done in what is quite tight while the bike is totally doing a low frequencey tank slapper at reasonable speed (for me). I am really glad no one was following.

I also learnt what deep puddles where after going through some shallow ones I hit a beauty doing about 60, holly shit the whole world exploded in a tidal wave that would've gone well over my head as I unwittingly blasted through. That's the last puddle I'll be doing for a while. So glad my visor was down.

Back to the car park, drenched with sweat after what must have been less than 40 minutes. A bit of a rest then off again. More of the same even though I turned left this time. Found myself negotiate ing the deep sand in a track that was more like a snaking trench, I bounced off something and got ALL out of shape and ditched. I lay there for a minute trying to gather my thoughts and get the bike sorted and off again.

Eventually got back to the carpark and was in a similar state. Sat around for a bit taking it all in and decided that was enough for this noob today.

Shot down the gravel road to the beach and actually found getting on much easier than my last attempt, seems deep sand and wide spaces not so sacrey as llast week. I celebrated by doing a decent roost which saw me ditch again on the other side. Noob.

Great fun, but wow totally different from the biking that I've become competant at which is of course on the road.

Such a humbling and rewarding experience today. Can't wait to get out and practise more.