 |
2 Jan 2006
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Sydney NSW Australia
Posts: 20
|
|
|
drz400s or drz650se for dessert riding
I want to do a ride from sydney heading west to gascoyn junction for an "off center rally" in august this year. I want a bike that is light, light and more light. I find the TTR250 excellent for me in the dirt and sand but for this ride and other future off road rides I need something bigger for the distances involved. The return trip will be fast back on bitumen via the nullabor. The TT will be hard pressed to keep up with the other bikes GS1150, Tenere, GS100 etc 5 other riders altogether at this stage.
So, I figure the DR400 would be the lightest option, with a bigger fuel tank, a modified seat, a rack of some sort for carrying basic and minimal gear. I did a trip last year from delhi to istanbul on a F650 PD and was disappointed with the weight and the fuel injection problems. I want this bike to not only be able to do this trip but also to cross russia and mongolia. Will the 400 be the right choice or should i go with the extra hp of the 650 and suffer the extra weight that the extras will cause. Im not an excellent sand rider but the ttr250 makes it seem easy so there in lies my thinking that lighter is definately better.
Comments please.
------------------
neva williams
__________________
Neva Ierace
|
3 Jan 2006
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
|
|
|
I own a DR650SE, but I won't be able to help you much, I'm afraid, cause I've never really been in the dirt with it. It is lighter than a BMW, but heavier than the DRZ, but you already know that.
All I can say is that I don't think either bike can keep up with big bikes on the open road. But then again, if you travel a little slower you will arrive only a few minutes after your friends. So, who cares? You don't have to ride in a convoy, do you?
Have you read the post in the Suzuki Tech forum?
|
3 Jan 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
|
|
|
Lighter is better. Mud, sand or tight stuff.
Remember that you have to carry stuff on the bike so you will need a rack, bags etc. That stuff will reduce the % difference in wieght between the two bikes.
Coming back that way ... well you have speed limits. Will the 400 do say 110 km/h loaded all day?
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
|
3 Jan 2006
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,104
|
|
|
I"ve also been considering a DRZ as a replacement for an old XR600 for "mid level" overlanding (eg UK to West Africa etc) but researching them on the web seems to suggest that they may need a fair bit of preparing.
Problems seem to include loose primary nuts (some from new), leaky water pumps, cam chain adjuster problems, thin side cases that need reinforcing and engine sprocket nuts that need loctite to keep them on. A small battery suggests a retrofit kickstart might be a good idea if you're going somewhere remote
Any DRZ owners want to give hands on insights into whether these are real concerns or just a bunch of isolated problems that you'd be really unlucky to get in any one bike?
|
26 Jun 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: ...
Posts: 36
|
|
|
drz400 my VOTE
First things first, I do not own either of the DRZ’s as of right now. I am currently looking for a DRZ400s for myself as I am selling the XR650R and a F650.
For me I think the DRZ400s is where it is at. So here is my 2 cents:
I feel you can make the DRZ a equivalent light weight Adventure LC4, but in a smaller package. Being in AU you don’t have to worry about the S vrs E as much as we do in the states. I am going with the S over the E. I feel it has many options that are more suited for an adventure-touring bike. The down side of the S over then E is the weight. You need to check out ThumperTalk’s DRZ400 project bike.
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=204
I plan on also adding the kick-start. It is cheaper and lighter than adding an E to bikes, like the XR650R. Also it has been out for a while and there are heaps of aftermarket parts, like a Corbin seat that lowers it an inch or two.
Also you need to try to can pick up a 2002 or later DRZ400
This may or may not help since the question was asked 6 months ago, but i hope it may help someone.
take care
WIESE
|
27 Jun 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Danbury CT USA
Posts: 105
|
|
|
There is no need to add a kickstarter to a DRZ 400, any more than there is to add one to a japanese street bike, or a Toyota for that matter. The battery and starter systems are very strong. Twice I drowned mine in deep water crossings, and pumped out water from the cylinder and exhaust for a couple of minutes, and the battery still showed no sign of fading.
The cam chain tensioners are a weak point though. If your good running DRZ all of a sudden starts knocking like the crank is about to blow out, it is probably the cam chain tensioner. The tensioner mounts to the back of the cylinder with two allen bolts, basically a simple replacement except there is not much room between the air box and the tensioner to fit an allen key.
The magnesium engine case covers are very thin and break easily, so guards for those and the radiators, as well as the radiator hoses, are highly recommended.
|
7 Aug 2006
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 73
|
|
|
DRZ400 rocks!
Agree with above, the DRZ400 is a great bike, with relatively simple upgrades:
- bigger tank (Clarke)
- case covers (Thumpertalk)
- loctite on engine sprocket
- radiator cover (Thumpertalk)
- possibly cam chain tensioner (I installed it, not sure if necessary on newer bikes)
- hard luggage (Happy Trails are pretty sturdy)
- consider wider aftermarket seat (Bill Mayer - expensive but good)
- here in the U.S. jetting and 3x3 airbox mod
- smaller rear sprocket (41T)
- long distance tires (Avon Distanzia)
You will have a bike that can handle pretty much any overland trip.
Did 10,000 miles on mine, one set of tires, chain and sprockets. Rode through Mongolia and Siberia. The bike can handle cheap gas, gravel, sand, desert, russian highways. Pack light and take advantage of the light weight of the DRZ. Still good enough to cruise at 80 mph.
Great bike IMHO. Never rode the DR650, though. But it is older, heavier, worse power to weight ratio. Just my 2c.
|
10 Aug 2006
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 42
|
|
Hi Neva, a good local source of info can be found at DBW http://www.dirtbikeworld.net
On the up grade side IMO go the DR 400, with the end of the XR line in aus and the GS650 not really as off road enginered,
As for it keeping up all day i dont think with the right gearing there should be to much of an issue, you could always take a spare front and or rear sproket for the really funky off road bits, although I have a road gear set up on the ttr and had very little trouble on fraser island with all the camping gear etc..
Sounds like a brill trip, have fun..
|
10 Aug 2006
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 138
|
|
i didn't read what everybody said but i would go for a drz400s and put in the carby , camshaft and ignitionunit of the drz400e. that way you got the better subframe (s-type) and electric wireing and less compression (for poor fuel). and the better carb (fcr) hotter cameshaft and the ignition that makes the power GOOOO
this way you got stock parts and a bike with a good set up.  than you can start to ad other things that are needed for specific tasks rally/rtw/commuting
__________________
I’m not afraid to go fast, it’s the crash and burn part that sucks. 
|
14 Dec 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Teresopolis, RJ - Brazil
Posts: 1
|
|
|
RALLY / Touring preparation of DRz
Hi, Im Santiago;
Im owner of a DRz 400e, and looking for get some preparation of this bike for similar to rally tours...
Iputed in my bike allready a IMS fuel tank of 4.0 gallon... but now Im feeling that need a Fairing similar as KTM... I have an 640 Adventure.... and fairing... mean a big diference for off road touring.... Ok If some body has an idea.. please....
|
14 Dec 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Slovenia
Posts: 43
|
|
|
I would go for the DR650. A fully prepared DRZ for long trips will be just a little better on the sand than the DR, but will be a lot worse on the pavement. If your mate will be riding a GS1150, you will be with the DR650 way ahead on the sand and off-road, no problem for that.
Life is always a compromise, and DR650 is for me a better compromise for off-on road touring. It is bullet proof, light in his category, cheap, good off road, less maintenace.
|
3 Jan 2009
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
|
|
|
If going for a DRZ of any sort, don't forget to replace the standard mild steel wheel & front sprocket spacers with stainless versions. The spacer behind the sprocket is the more important of the lot as it can corrode, chewing up the oilseal in the process leading to the bike dumping its oil. 10 minute job with right tools & a new tab washer.
Bigger tanks - the Acerbis tanks don't allow room for the radiator fan whilst I believe that the IMS / Clarke tanks do - worth taking in to account if planning to ride in sand / mud etc as the bike will get hot, no point in cooking the engine......
If you're worried about stock cam chain tensioners, manual versions are available although the later Suzuki items are better than the early versions.
If you're short in the leg, Talon supply lowering links for the rear. I also fitted 'bar risers to my g/f's DRZ to lift the 'bars up to allow the forks to be pushed up through the yokes to level the bike out.
Decent bashplate that protects the waterpump etc.
|
3 Jan 2009
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Pickford
If you're worried about stock cam chain tensioners, manual versions are available although the later Suzuki items are better than the early versions.
|
I originally fitted the manual CCT but found it a worry and a bit of fannying around to adjust. I have since fitted the later model automatic version and have had no problems. I think the early(crap) ones are silver and the better/later ones are a gunmetal colour but check.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
