This is the misperception most have regards these bikes. In fact they are quite different ... and in major important areas.
I was lucky enough to attend the original DRZ400S press introduction in around 2001 or 2002. The DRZ400Z and DRZ400E had already been out since 1999. Lots different according to Suzuki, who did an hour long tech intro to the new bike, citing all the specific changes made to the new, road legal "S" model. Note: USA model, perhaps EU/OZ bikes are different?

I don't have the Press packet they passed out but off the top of my head:

1. different cylinder head, piston, cam, valve sizes, cam timing, compression ratio.
2. substantially different charging and elec. system. (all DOT electrics)
3. Different Carb : standard CV carb on S vs. Pumper FCR carb on E.
4. Sub frame .. none on E.
5. Pillion additions, and lots of EPA/DOT smog additions to "S" model.
6. suspension. totally different.
7. Internal gearing.

Those are the basic differences, but there are more.

But I DO agree that either one would make a good travel bike and I too prefer E model (owned one) over the S model. But in the end ... if really doing it, I'd take the S model for practical considerations even though the E is MUCH better off road ... and much closer to a CCM if one were comparing them straight up.

Fair call. I was aware of most of those, but tried to point it out relative to the Yammy comparison who share next to no parts. Thanks for clarifying though.

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Tacos Tyring Travels.com

Getting back on the topic of the thread, sales of the GP450 continue, in the UK at least:-
http://www.adventurebikerider.com/fo...at-bolton.html

The earlier thread from ABR (it's a Brit website so naturally they talk about this bike) -- linked earlier in here -- also contains updates about the bike from those who have now put in a few 1000 miles since purchasing these bikes a few months ago.

Apparently, a niche manufacturer can still "make a go of it" in the UK.

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Dave

One shouldn't forget, that CCM is probably sourcing most of it's income from adapting vehicles for military and police use. Only the income from the 450 sales would probably never refinance the development costs.

My own CCM 450 will be back in the garage tomorrow, after some modifications and improvements have been done by the Swedish dealer NCCR. I am now really looking forward to take the bike on the mountain trails in Norway during my upcoming three week vacation, which starts in just a bit more than a week.

I think it will be perfect for Norway

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HansP
All you wanted to know
about riding in Norway

I was able to test the CCM in Italy, I really liked the bike, here is a little video I made about it for my blog (facebook.com/zimiontheloose)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPijA8CJnIs

Very nicely done video and a GREAT review as well!
Thanks for sharing!

What about riding this CCM fully loaded with luggage and all accessories on board? Have you tried the bike off road with full luggage?

I'm sure it's a great trail bike with no load on board but some will be taking the bike on long, extended RTW type rides and probably carrying TOO MUCH stuff.

And what about fast highway cruising (like at 70 mph all day) Can it do it OK?
(vibration? engine revving too high??)

What are your thoughts about the CCM as a long distance travel bike?