I've just won a 2003 SK3 DRZ400S on Ebay. Following advice, its the later model with the better suspension and uprated cam chain tensioner (it's brown).

Im planning on a Safari 28L tank, case guards and maybe a luggage rack...

Anything else I should know about on these ???

Thanks.

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www.touringted.com

Check out The DRZ Chronicles: Your guide to everything for the Suzuki DRZ-400 and Leisur Trail for stuff...

Brilliant site that... Thanks

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www.touringted.com

DRZ400 section at ThumperTalk forum also has loads of knowledge, but when reading through it first time you may get impression that you must loctite every bolt and only use synthetic Silkolene 15W-50 full esther oil and change it after 1000 miles max, otherwise your bike will soon self-terminate.

I have a few pics of my bike with some touring mods. I like especially front fender extension.

Also, check foot brake and gear change levers and file off rough corners, these will go though side cases very easily. Also factory handlebar is very soft and will bend very easily.

My advice is that you probably need to do less than you think. It also depends on what you are planning to do on it too?

If it's long distance travelling, make sure you are comfortable on the bike for extended periods. This may need higher bars, or a different seat, etc.

I'd also suggest guards for engine/radiator/hands. And a well thought out luggage setup.

Other than that, get out on it as much as possible and see what you think needs to be changed.

Ben

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Vladivostok - Denmark 2008... Finished.
Denmark - South Africa 2010-2011... Finished.

Ditto on the higher bars. Don't know how different the DRz400s are to the DR650SE but the high Renthal bars made a world of difference to mine. I took it out totally stock for a 500km ride one day in Australia and my back (and arse!) was killing me by the end of the day, so much so, I considered selling it.

Then I put on a Corbin seat, the high bars, a cheap windscreen and a 20L clear tank, all of which made a massive difference. After that, 12hr days were a breeze.

I did struggle with luggage capacity though (had Andy Strapz soft bags and a large Ortlieb) and ended up piling extra things on top of the Ortlieb so I'd maybe look at a decent sized rear rack to give you a little extra capacity if needed.

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Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

#1 On your list: Sell the DRZ and buy an XT



Only kidding - everyone I know changed the seats - apparently they're uncomfortable.

And Mollydog has one - he should know all its ins and outs. (his is very shiny and clean though)

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I would buy some straps, softbags and a sportsbag, chuck them on the back and use your left over money on your trip!

It's a philosophy I follow too but im talking more about minor techical issues that can be a £5 or 5 minute job here, or a £500 job in the African wilderness that could leave me stranded

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www.touringted.com

Nothing much that you wouldn't do to any other bike.

Important
Cam-chain tensioner needs to be the later "dark brown" coloured one. Some people fit manual ones but I found it gave me something else to worry about so opted for the later auto.

Good bash-plate. I like the CRD one; it uses existing fixing holes and offers some protection to the waterpump.

Case guards left and right. When you glue them on, don't squeeze all the silicone out. A few mm of silicone between the case and the guard allows for some serious bashing.

Take everything off that swivels or spins and grease it up. Suzuki don't seem to use any from new.

Bar risers that are up and forward allow you to get some of your weight over the front. If you are ragging about, slide the forks up inside the yokes to sharpen up the steering a bit. Back to standard for flat-out on gravel / sand.

Have fun