Making offers on DRZ's

[LeeDavis]

I started making offers on DRZ's. I like my KLR a lot but have turned back on some rough trail sections recently where I was alone and concerned about the possibility of picking up the 400lb bike if I drop it. From my limited research is seems like all the DRZ "S" models are pretty much the same except for the 2001 year which has an inferior suspension. Any other issues anyone knows about?

I'll take $2500 for my KLR if anyone here is interested. If it goes up on Craigslist I'll ask $2800.

[Bob]

I think they are generally trouble free. But as far as weight is concerned, maybe you should look at some even lighter bikes, like KTM or Husqvarna.

Edit: post the KLR in our Classifieds.

[Broz]

I agree w Bob. I like DRZ but rode w some guys on some very light KTM's in the 250lbs range. And you could pop a wheelie in first 3-4 gears no problem.
Broz

[Broz]

Hey if your interested one of the guys I rode w last weekend is selling his WR250 it's plated (Yamaha). He got a plated WR 450 from someone that owned it in Utah hence had plate and title (typically couldn't get one plated here from what he was saying). He brought both bikes and our mutual friend that had never ridden DS rode 95 miles on the 250 no problem Richland Rd and Old House Gap, kind of impressive for a rookie DS RIDER. I will say he was probably in over his head but way past the point of no return. Maybe lighter is better. let me know if you want his contact info.

[LeeDavis]

Thanks for the tips. A guy accepted my offer for his 2002 DRZ-S in nice shape so I bought it.

I've looked at the 250's a little - the Huskys and KTMs are nice but tend to be pricey and there aren't that many of them around. The Yamaha would probably be more my speed. I'll drive the DRZ for a while then see what's what.

[Broz]

Congrats.

[LeeDavis]

Here's the DRZ on the lift getting ready for fluids replacement so I'll have a maintenance baseline.

[Bob]

It looks like a bumble bee.

From here it looks like it has those Bridgestone OEM tires on it. Commonly known as "Death Wings" lol.

[LeeDavis]

It looks like a bumble bee.

From here it looks like it has those Bridgestone OEM tires on it. Commonly known as "Death Wings" lol.

It's going to get front and rear tubeless tires and the Tubliss conversions before I take it anywhere.

[tireatr]

What about a DRZ 200?

[LeeDavis]

I did some more looking and the low weight dual sport options I found aren't very encouraging. Since I don't do trailering my bike has to perform reasonably well on the highway and that makes issues.

The Yamaha WR250 wet weight is only 23lbs less than the DRZ400 so with the amount of horsepower the Yamaha gives up there isn't much, if anything, to be gained over the DRZ400 depending on what you're talking about. Other Japanese bikes in the 250 dual sport class are worse than the Yamaha relative to either or both horsepower and weight.

To truly lose that last 50lb down to 250lb with good power requires KTM or Husky and these appear to be essentially street legal dirt bikes. They can be licensed but it seems more about not getting arrested on state maintained roads than actual highway capability. With current model prices @ ~$10k, cost is is dear.

Since my ride has to run highway it looks like the best I can do is a "Trail" bike. Jumping ravines and climbing boulders is out. Oh, well...

[Bob]

The DRZ400 can definitely hold its own on the street. I did a 120 mile loop into SC on it when my GS was down for maintenance and it cruised at 70 with no issues and power to spare.

And agreed about trying to hit the 250 lb mark. A friend once bought a Honda CRF230 with the intent of riding up TO the mtns to ride dirt (about 40 mles from his home). Never happened--he sold it. You gotta have that HP for any measure of fun or competence on the highway.

[LeeDavis]

Street cred for the DRZ400 is secure given the popularity of the Supermoto versions. Different wheels and sprockets and you've got yourself a hoon bike.

[Brick]

Now your talking.

Street cred for the DRZ400 is secure given the popularity of the Supermoto versions. Different wheels and sprockets and you've got yourself a hoon bike.

[LeeDavis]

Behold the magnificence! All done with initial DRZ refresh as of this afternoon then a quick check ride on a nice dirt stretch near my house. Motorcycles are fun!

[Bob]

Nice looking machine. How ya like that padded 2x4 for a seat?

If you decide to get an aftermarket, let me know and I'll send you the info on my seat.

[LeeDavis]

The seat's gotta go. My ass was both hurting and numb at the same time after 45 minutes. I've seen recommendations for the Seat Concepts offering and they have a partial DIY option that saves a few bucks. http://seatconcepts.com/products?Itemid=75&option=com_rokecwid&view=ecwid&ecwid_product_id=7268115#!/Suzuki-DRZ-400E-S-SM-and-KLX400-(Standard)-2-0/p/7268114 What did you do?

[Bob]

The seat's gotta go. My ass was both hurting and numb at the same time after 45 minutes. I've seen recommendations for the Seat Concepts offering and they have a partial DIY option that saves a few bucks. http://seatconcepts.com/products?Itemid=75&option=com_rokecwid&view=ecwid&ecwid_product_id=7268115#!/Suzuki-DRZ-400E-S-SM-and-KLX400-(Standard)-2-0/p/7268114 What did you do?

Thats what I did but I ordered the already-assembled seat with a new seat pan. Major improvement. Note: I first tried their "low" seat but it sloped forward badly, which is how they made it lower. Sent it back and got the standard height and it works great. If I had it to do over again, I would also get the vinyl cover that provides non-slippage of the ass. Looks like asphalt, forget what they call it.

Question: if your ass is numb, how could it hurt?

[LeeDavis]

Question: if your ass is numb, how could it hurt?

I think it's a quantum effect.

Seat Concepts Carbon/Gripper seat ordered.