without getting tarred, feathered, drawn and quartered by the SSS - it seems like the DRZ's are not as reliable as I thought

N[]va - is there really a big difference in reliability between a 400 or a properly done 420 / 450? Especially since you're rebuilding the whole thing...
Remember it is not a laid back 650 single but a little higher strung. If it is properly looked after and oil checked religously (which takes only 1 minute of your day) then the motor is super reliable.
According to all noteworthy sources a properly done 450+ will not suffer any reliability issues.
Guess so.
Fucks me off though as then it wasnt done properly before i got it. Bike had a wash/inspect once a week since I got it. Tire pressure twice a week, chain twice a week, two oil changes in under 2000 km's etc etc etc. I look after it.
As it is atm Going the 400 route will be faster and easier going the 440 kit will take longer and needs to have things imported.
Cost doesnt sounds like it will be to much of a diff on the 400 or the 440, cost and time aside sureley a 400 vs a 440 will be, assuming they are both looked after, more long lasting?