Cheap Stator
 

I was wondering if any one has had experience with the cheap Chinese stators and regulators for the DRZ400. I checked on the cost of a stator in Australia $800.00 I want it as a spare but $800.00 is a lot for a spare? What kind of life are people getting out of there stators?
I have replaced my DRZ400e radiators with Chinese ones so far I am very happy with the quality and the bike is running cooler which is a good thing in Cairns Australia.
Many thanks
Nick

No personal experience, but here in the USA, there is an aftermarket stator that is popular with the DRZ400 riders. Google RickyStator. They are in California, but may sell in Oz.

Bought a Chinese one for a KLR650. First one supplied was dud, but replacement has been find for 20,000km. Based on this I wouldn't rely on buying one and carrying it as a spare unless I had tested it first (not that I would carry one as a spare, they don't fail that regularly)

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The alternator stator is a known weak point in the DRZ400. The good news is there is a separate coil that runs the ignition, so if you can turn the engine over, it will run, even if the alternator isn't working. You just won't have any lights. Many riders in the USA install a kickstarter as a backup, parts cost about $200 in the USA.

Nothing is likely to match longevity/quality of OEM Denso Stator.
What year is your DRZe? ... how many Km ?

Read up on DRZ forums, try to determine when these fail and how common failure is. I personally never heard of a DRZ stator failing but I only had my E model for 3 years and did only off road, so relatively few miles, easy duty.

What typically ruins a stator is HEAT, specifically HOT OIL. So the fact your bike is running cooler is good (doubt it's your Chinese radiators making the difference) Regular oil changes will help Stator survive longer, that and using quality Synthetic oil. Maybe consider FANS on your radiators?

Ricky Stator (from owner reports I've heard), is hit and miss among hundreds of KLR650 riders who have replaced failed stators on that bike, where stock stators DO commonly fail.

I would check in with KLR community, see if any more recent alternative companies exist for DRZ stators. I'm sure if they make one for the KLR, then they probably do a DRZ one as well. Buy the best one you can find ... or buy a used OEM one off EBay.

Here is what I would if you're really worried: (I would not be)

Buy the "Chinese" stator (how much is it?) ... or whatever. Install it on your DRZ, but carry your known good original OEM Denso Stator on board with you as a spare. (they are quite small)

I'd be more concerned with cam chain tensioner on that bike and the cam chain itself. Also, engine side covers very soft. (E model uses magnesium) I would also use Radiator braces ... I bent my Rads twice in crashes ... luckily they never leaked. Had originals straitened for $35 USD. (Myler's in Utah)

Good luck, safe travels! If stator fails, unplug head and tail light and hope that small batt can run ignition. Recharge batt at end of each day. Bump starting in sand or soft dirt is a PITA. bier