Does anyone know of some good sources of info on the various years and models of this bike? I need to know what the differences are including how the Enduro version makes an extra 10bhp?
Hey Et. Let me know what you find, I’m considering getting one too.
Might be worth PM’ing Jay, Et.
He has one lurking in the wings somewhere;)
I’m starting to get my head around DRZ’s now. There are essentially 3 types: the E (Enduro), the S and the more recent SM (supermoto). The E is much more off-road biased with no indicators (or even brake light!), but has a claimed extra 10bhp over the others. The extra bhp on the E is achieved through a variety of mods including a different exhaust, higher compression and a different (Keihin) carb. The exhaust and carb mods can be made to the S or SM, and together with aftermarket cams will get similar power figures to the E. The higher compression on the E can be a problem if you plan to take it to areas that don’t provide higher octane fuels (not a problem with UK fuels) i.e. which is exactly what I have in mind for it in the Himalayas. The other problem is that it is carb’d which is tricky when doing high altitude changes as you would in the Himalayas (again this isn’t a problem in the UK). I’m not sure about the SM, but the other models come in both electric and kickstart, and you can get a kickstart kit to fit the electric (a good idea if you will be riding remotely or fitting electrical accesories). They Enduro version is slightly lighter than the S/SM too, although all of them are very light bikes.
Overall, there are very few people that have anything bad to say about any of the DRZ’s. In fact it seems to be a bit of a landmark bike that has developed an almost cult following - there are some very tricked out DRZ’s out there. The nearest competition for this bike would be the WR Yams which I haven’t had chance to look into properly yet.
Are the main differences between the S and SM that the SM had road tyres. Are the rims the same?
I think the SM has smaller 17" wheels with road tyres, and the S has larger off-road wheels (pretty sure about the front being larger, not 100% sure on the rear wheel).
If you are only going to use it on the road and have the cash a later model SM is probably best, but if you want to spend a bit less, or want to do a bit of green laning too, go for a S and just get an extra set of wheels for the road (lots of them are being sold with 2 sets of wheels).
Hi, this may be of some help
http://www.leisuretrail.co.uk/Home.htm
click on the DRZ tab at the top of the page and it explains the difference in the models. The enduro version, or E model is no longer in production from what Ive been told ( a friend was trying to replace a stolen one last year)
also try this
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/DRZ400-Euro/
a good source of info, theres always someone that has the answer for your DRZ question!.
Personally I have had a modified S model for the last 3 years and use it mainly for green laning on the odd off road track/fun day.
I have the E model camshafts fitted and its been dyno-jetted, also has a large capacity fuel tank (which would be good for any long distance travels).
I have seen the SM model fitted with off road wheels ( the SM has upside down forks as standard) but you need to do a few mods ie brake disc mount etc to fit the larger wheels on.Also the speedo ratio would be out slightly.
Loads or spares are easily available (ebay, leisure trail etc)
Hope this helps a bit
Chers Stu
Ps Great bike, but dont expect to be beating KTM,s or Wr,s
Thanks.
I’m starting to lean toward the S version myself now. The compression on the E is too high to run dodgy 87 octane fuel, and the E’s carb doesn’t cope with big altitude changes as well as the CV carb on the S does.
How many litres is your tank and where did you get it from?
The tank came on the bike when I bought it, they do come up on Ebay sometimes (about 16lts). I think Acerbis and Clarke make them ( Im sure there are other manufacturers too.
There is also a company called Touratech who do alot of adventure sport stuff.More for other models but worth a look if only for ideas.
You can also buy auxillary tanks that fit on the rear fender.Depends how far away from fuel you are gonna be.
One thing from you previuos post re kickstarts, I dont think they do come as standard (mine doesnt have one or any of the guys I ride with)
Sounds like some trip you are planning, I did a 6 month trip away a few years ago,but that was on a Yamaha TDM850 and only went as far as the Greek Islands.But would do it all again tomorrow (dont think the wife would be as keen though!!)
Also you may want to try the TRF website and also TBM Magazine have a forum with loads of info
Here is what the bike will be used for - http://www.raid-de-himalaya.com/2006/choice.htm (the 2009 xtreme event, bikes can’t do the adventure trail).
It looks like the longest stage is about 350km. The raid starts at 3000ft and goes upto 17500ft, and after day 2 doesn’t go below 10000ft. This makes estimating fuel consumption a little tricky, but a 17L tank with altitude jetting should see us through.