Calling all DRZ 400S owners

[letsgofishing]

I'm thinking about perhaps getting a smaller, lighter bike. 250's are too small with not anough power and the 650 class is not that much lighter than my 950. So the 400/450 class would seem to be the ideal combination of weight and power. Unfortunately, there are very few bikes in that category.
It would seem that the DRZ400 is the bike, but I would perhaps look at "dual-sporting" a KLX450R.

I would really appreciate some feedback from DRZ owners on the following subjects:
1. Tar riding - can it cruise comfortably at 120-130kph and what is the top speed?
2. If not, will a change of gearing provide this?
3. How often does the oil and filter and air filter have to be changed?
4. Are parts expensive?
5. I've read some reports about a too-soft front suspension - is this true?
6. Any other comments about the bike or an alternative?

Many thanks,
LGF

[sidetrack]

Will run 120 130 all day long, uphils downhills wind you name it. Top speed 160 kph depending on gearing. Never needed parts except oil filters. Service mine every 3000km, the manual says 6000 km. 2003 and later models have better suspension. Way more power than a 250 which makes about 25 hp, my DRZ is close to 45 hp. Buy a big tank for it and run 15 - 44 gearing for dp riding.

[Poffmuis]

One suggestion I may have, DD recently added a FCR carb, which is great for throttle response and power. The DRZ400E comes standard with the FCR carb and also larger header pipes. Lots of guys have road registered E models, so see if you can find one. E model also has slightly more offroad orientated suspension (which is good if you'll be doin alot of offroad stuff, less good for your kidneys on the tar). But thats just my opinion, I've only had my DRZ for 2 weeks now 

Edit:
As far as parts are concerned I suppose it depends, but body parts are cheap. Basic motox style plastics, easy to replace.
Gearing for the E model is really short sprocketed, I've only done 107km/h top, but as DD said, enough power for 160km/h gearing. The front suspension is amazing IMO, think it has 14 setting damping and 18 setting rebound. I'm actually too scared to adjust it

[letsgofishing]

Thanks very much DD and Newguy.

DD, where did you get your larger tank from, and how much?

[Poffmuis]

Mine is also in the post. 4 options available, google it and find a supplier. IMS, Clarke, Acerbis and Aqualine. I ordered the Aqualine from Aus.

[Poffmuis]

here is the Aqualine

[letsgofishing]

I was wondering about a local supplier - holy cow how much does that tank hold?

[bobnob]

the drz is R4500 more expensive than a dr650se 

the 650 is only 15kg's heavier - why would you want the 400?

[Poffmuis]

I was wondering about a local supplier - holy cow how much does that tank hold?

Thats the biggest one available, 28 liters
Schweeeeeet

[letsgofishing]

the drz is R4500 more expensive than a dr650se 

the 650 is only 15kg's heavier - why would you want the 400?

The DRZ's lighter, has fully adjustable front suspension and a water-cooled motor.
But I agree with the price issue...

[letsgofishing]

I was wondering about a local supplier - holy cow how much does that tank hold?

Thats the biggest one available, 28 liters
Schweeeeeet

Doesn't 26 odd kg's of fuel adversely affectthe handling?

[letsgofishing]

What's the best model year to try and find, I was thinking an '06...

[sidetrack]

Buy as new as possible. There is a 10 year technology gap between the DR and DRZ. The 650 for example has non adjustable toothpick suspension (sorry LS) ride them and the 650 will feel 30 kg heavier. I have a 15 l Clarke tank for sale if you are interested.

[letsgofishing]

Thanks for the info DD.
Will have  to find a bike first before getting the tank from you

[Major Tom]

Got my 2000 DRZ about 4 weeks ago, also as a second bike to play in the technical areas.  It has a larger sprocket, which is great in the veld, and I still manage 120-130kph comfortably (engine-wise).  The bike is very light, so at those speeds it does tend to be affected by turbulence, moving around on the bike etc.  The trip to De Wildt ( http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=11421.0) proved that the bike is exactly what I wanted.  Don't know about the front suspension, but I suppose it depends also on what riding you want to do.  IMO it's better than the KLR's suspension that I had before.

I'm also finding that if I have a short commute into town these days, I leave the GS at home and take the DRZ - brings out the hoolie.

If memeroy serves correctly, I believe Metaljockey was selling one on the forum a week or 3 ago.

That's my 5c worth.

[letsgofishing]

Just realised I've been asking about the "S", but only the "E" is available in SA
What's the difference between the models?

[Runner]

Just realised I've been asking about the "S", but only the "E" is available in SA
What's the difference between the models?

Go look somewhere here or search it,it has been discussed plenty

http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=10810.msg160142#msg160142

[letsgofishing]

From what Ican teel, the "E" has no rear subframe. Is it possible to manufacture/fit some sort of frame so that some lightish soft luggage can be carried on the back?

[Poffmuis]

Have one made, using similar design as:

[letsgofishing]

Thanks Newguy.