DR-Z400 experiences?

[Esceptico]

Here in NZ they still sell the DR-Z400E as a new bike. Is £4500.

I believe there are so reasonable off road riding here in NZ. A lot of people use non road legal off road bikes, which would be an option but I don’t really have space for a trailer and bike.
Is the DR-Z400E capable enough off road (I’ve not really done any off road so would be looking at easy trails)? Tracks are about 40 mins north of where I live. Riding there and back doing to be a pain?

[Esceptico]

poo at Paul's said:

They're a great all round green laner / trail bike, as others say, lots more oil in them, so service intervals are better, plus the motor is geared more to the less stressed end of the market, so pistons last a long time etc.

BUT, and it is a bit of a big but, riding one then getting on a more race inspired machine eg, WR450, CR450 X .the husky and ktm etc, shows just how "old school" the DRZ is.
A pukka enduro bike is a real treat to ride, they are so capable, so much sharper, some of the best bikes out there to ride.
The DRZ is not in the same marketplace of course. and whilst 4.5k is great as a startign point, reckon on another 500 to get it protected, and built to be more robust, so at 5k, it may be worth looking at a low hours full on enduro 450, with the trick kit already on it...? Just an idea, brilliant to ride, but yes, you need to be better on the spanners.

This is a key point - I’m hopeless with the spanners, which is a big reason why the DRZ appeals. I am a bit concerned about the weight (assuming I will need to pick it up when I fall off!)

I’m having a test ride today of the SM version. Will see how that goes.

[Esceptico]

rigga said:

SM is equipped with the lower powered S engine, you might be disappointed with the power (or maybe not)

Think either will feel rather underpowered compared to my main bike. No option as SM only demo available.