Adventure riding on a DR-Z400?

**lmonsanto** · #1 26 Mar 2005

Hi all,

I'm looking for the lightest and most maneuverable bike for riding in Mexico and further south. My first trip will be from El Paso to the Copper Canyon with MotoAdverture. I have a lot to learn and I figure a MotoAdventure trip would be a good place to learn.

The obvious bike to take would be a 650 thumper like a F650GS or KLR650. However, I used to own a KLR650 and it was way too big and heavy for me off road.

I rarely ride over 65 or 70 MPH on the road so going fast is not a big issue for me. I don't plan to camp out so I won't be carrying much gear. I'm a total convert to carrying the bare minimum while traveling.

Happy Trails make a rack and side cases for the DR-Z400 and it's possible to fit larger gas tanks. I'm sure Corbin could take the seat pan and give me back a comfortable saddle.

So, for all you with experience riding in Latin America, does riding a lightly loaded DR-Z400 at no more than 65-70 MPH make sense in the real world?

Thanka!
Lynn

**JamesCo** · #2 26 Mar 2005

If weight & manoeuverability are critical, consider getting soft luggage instead of alu panniers. The DRZ looks like a fantastic bike - it's what I would choose for an off-road oriented trip (I ride one past the elephants in my daydreams of Africa

) Seems like you're making sense.

Good luck,
James

[This message has been edited by JamesCo (edited 26 March 2005).]

**Simon Kennedy** · #3 27 Mar 2005

An excellent choice I reckon. I found Central America one of the slower areas of the world: a modern 400 will be plenty, plenty of power.

You don't need a big tank, just a plastic jerrycan for occasional use. You are trying to keep the weight down right, otherwise there's no point having a smaller bike.

Ditto for the luggage system: soft luggage will do, especially if you are travelling with others.

The point of metal boxes is the illusion of security. AT best they are tamper proof, not secure.

Have fun

Simon