DR-Z400 experiences?
Discussion
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?
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?
Great service intervals for the DRZ. There are supposedly a good few mods available to release a few extra hp too.
They can be a little heavy but they can be great off road providing you're a good rider.
A friend of mine used his for big trips down to Spain to ride off road and did the road sections there and back from the UK so 40miles of road works shouldn't be too taxing
Seems a good buy for the money in my eyes
They can be a little heavy but they can be great off road providing you're a good rider.
A friend of mine used his for big trips down to Spain to ride off road and did the road sections there and back from the UK so 40miles of road works shouldn't be too taxing
Seems a good buy for the money in my eyes
Esceptico said:
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?
Easy trails, no problem. My friend had one, he was very pleased with it. I had a KTM 525 EXC and we rode a lot of trails over a couple of years. It wasn’t as fast, or as light, as the KTM.. but it wasn’t really the bikes holding either of us back. If you think you will want to upgrade, then maybe you are better off buying something more ultimately capable at the start, but for simple adventures a DRZ is great.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?
TBM (when it was still going) ran one as a long term test. They had quite a few niggles with it, the main was not starting when it was hot, which I believe is/was a common problem.
I'm sure they are fine on the trails, but really they're a 25 year old bike underneath. £4500 doesn't sound a lot for a new bike, but not such a bargain if you want to get rid in 6 month, because they are a bit crap.
I'm sure they are fine on the trails, but really they're a 25 year old bike underneath. £4500 doesn't sound a lot for a new bike, but not such a bargain if you want to get rid in 6 month, because they are a bit crap.
xstian said:
TBM (when it was still going) ran one as a long term test. They had quite a few niggles with it, the main was not starting when it was hot, which I believe is/was a common problem.
I'm sure they are fine on the trails, but really they're a 25 year old bike underneath. £4500 doesn't sound a lot for a new bike, but not such a bargain if you want to get rid in 6 month, because they are a bit crap.
Not starting from hot is a common issue, if the valves haven't been regularly checked and shimmed.I'm sure they are fine on the trails, but really they're a 25 year old bike underneath. £4500 doesn't sound a lot for a new bike, but not such a bargain if you want to get rid in 6 month, because they are a bit crap.
Few niggles that need sorting, change the drive sprocket spacer for a stainless steel version, standard rusts if used off road, and then cuts into the sprocket seal, resulting in the engine oil being dumped, not good, but easily fixed.
Camchain tensioner needs replacing with a manual version, cheap to do.
E version has more compression due to different gaskets, better cams and a flatside Carb, compared to the S model.
There are big bore kits out there, but best to only go 4mm above standard otherwise head gasket issues
And there are long throw cranks available, I've a plus 4mm hot rods version in my ccm 404 (drz engine) which gives 462cc,
They were a popular bike for a reason, looked after they are very reliable, not the most powerful, but sometimes less is more off road.
Weight is the big thing, especially picking them up after the umpteenth time dropping it, E also has a plastic tank which prevents damaging it compared to the steel version on the S.
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.
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.
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!)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.
I’m having a test ride today of the SM version. Will see how that goes.
Esceptico said:
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.
SM is equipped with the lower powered S engine, you might be disappointed with the power (or maybe not) I’m having a test ride today of the SM version. Will see how that goes.
Esceptico said:
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!)
Maybe this is a good time to learn? A KTM 4T would be light and super capable off road and not need masses of maintenance. Change the oil and do the valve clearances and you'll only need a garage for big jobs every year(ish) depending on how much you use itGassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff