The E is a dirt bike !! Higher compression so won't run as well on poor fuel. Also pathetic lighting, no indicators, smaller/weaker subframe (I think)..

Makes more power with its agressive cam and FCR pumper carb but also will use more fuel.

If you want to blast through the dunes it could be a lot of fun, if you want to overland too, i'd go with the S....

They have the same suspension.

I asked this question a while ago, when I had an E and a S:
Does a S CDI unit work on an E bike? - ThumperTalk

Chris

Ahhh, The S and SM will be the same then as they run the same ignition safety set up.

In theory :)

I'm wondering whether to take a spare reg/rect & coil with me to Capetown.

It seems the stator winding give up over 20,000 miles which is my only concern at the moment.

The three flavours of drz are all interchangeable and for buying seconds you're best off with the SM, mostly because the engine is less worn (especially if it hasn't had any mods done to it), secondly the wheels and inverted forks would happily buy you a set of dirt wheels and showa fork and help you get more kit for the bike. S & SM has stronger subframe over the E, more economical carb, and better electrics (over the E).

Chris the gearing on the SM is the opposite to the E, it's designed for higher top speeds over lower end torque, Ed was close but wrong: 15/41, I tried the 39 rear (for faster speeds) and found very little difference, I'm currently running a 42 rear.