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drz400 alternatives?

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G
The Voice of Reason



Joined: 02 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 16:05 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: drz400 alternatives? Reply with quote

Ok, I'm bored and thinking about toys I could buy.

Not normally the sort of thing I'd post, so I'll blame the effects of Tramadol withdrawal.

I've been liking the idea of a DRZ400, but can anyone think of other similar bikes?
There's the CCM R30 and R40, but I'm a bit wary of build quality.

The reasons I like the DR are:

Reliable/low maintenance.

Fairly low (134kg) dry weight.

Electric start (kick start could see my leg snapping, as at the mo it's only held straight with a thin bit of metal).

The bike would be a general day to day bike as well as maybe going for some longer rides, but hopefully being a bit more fun that the FX400 that I've got that needs some work for the MOT.

I had a DR600 in the past which I liked and expect is fairly similar: about the same weight and peak power, but the 400 has the all-important electric start and is going to be a bit revier to I expect.

Of course, if I'm spending a bit of money, I could be tempted by the factory 'SM' version.

For those that don't know; I've got a Husaberg 501E which is a 'proper' competition enduro/supermoto, however not only is it terrible for daily use (150 mile recommended service intervals for supermoto use), but I can't kick it at the moment anyway.

I'll probably end up just riding the FX and getting a silly car instead, or something though.
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Sparks!
Sir Tart-a-lot



Joined: 30 Aug 2003
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PostPosted: 19:21 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

What's wrong with a DRZ ? sounds just what you are after to be honest!

I wouldn't touch an R30.. but the CCM 404 DS isn't too bad, its got a DRZ engine, looks great (CRF450 plastics) and seems to be okay build quality wise from what i've heard... its a DRZ engine so you can't go far wrong there.. and its not a suzuki so + 1000 points Laughing
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G
The Voice of Reason



Joined: 02 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 19:34 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

The later R30s had suzuki engines and were a bit better reliablity wise I believe?

Just idly wondering at the moment - I've liked the look of DRs for a while - but thought I should at least see if there's others out there Smile.
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Dom
World Chat Champion



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PostPosted: 19:48 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm selling my DRZ if you're interested.
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Sparks!
Sir Tart-a-lot



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PostPosted: 19:51 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dom wrote:
I'm selling my DRZ if you're interested.


How come?
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super-duper-moto
Spanner Monkey



Joined: 08 Aug 2007
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PostPosted: 20:44 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

What about the KTM '450 SMR' or '560 SMR'
They look pretty good, or the KTM SMC 625 OR 660 for a bit more power. Im thinking of getting the '450 SMR' myself, if anyones ridden one or knows anything interesting about these bikes please post. Cheers
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Sparks!
Sir Tart-a-lot



Joined: 30 Aug 2003
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PostPosted: 20:50 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

super-duper-moto wrote:
What about the KTM '450 SMR' or '560 SMR'
They look pretty good, or the KTM SMC 625 OR 660 for a bit more power. Im thinking of getting the '450 SMR' myself, if anyones ridden one or knows anything interesting about these bikes please post. Cheers


Mann you're so mis-informed.. you can't compare a 560SMR to a 660 and say the 660 has more power.. the 560SMR is a race bike, so is the 450.. they are highly tuned , high maintenance bikes that need rebuilding fairly often (at up to a grand a time, I know cos I blew one up!)

There is no way I'd reccomend an SMR for "daily" use.. as it'd take a lot of looking after, lots of oil changes and will soon require engine work..

the 660s are better for day to day stuff, light use, fun etc.. but depends on how much "daily" use is..
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super-duper-moto
Spanner Monkey



Joined: 08 Aug 2007
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PostPosted: 21:07 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

What do you recommend in supermoto around 400cc for daily use and a little dirt plus some occasional motorway.
DRZ400SM!?
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colin1
Captain Safety



Joined: 17 Feb 2005
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PostPosted: 21:21 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

wr450
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290147193224&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:middle:uk

ok i admit i dont know if its what u need, but i had a go on one and they are great fun.

bmx on steroids

life is too short for using cars as transport when you could be on a bike
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G
The Voice of Reason



Joined: 02 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 22:41 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

As Sparks said, the fist KTMs mentioned are comp bikes which are pretty similar to my Husaberg. I'd expect to do an oil and filter change after a long ride on it; day on the trails or moderate length ride out. Great fun, but ridiculous for everyday.
The bigger KTMs are listed at around 150kg (though this may well be 'wetter' than the dr), if I remember, which is heavier than I'm looking for; wouldn't mind the option of sticking some knoblies on it and getting muddy when my leg is better, though I do notice that the local KTM place has a very good deal on new 690s - could make an interesting performance-dirt biased touring bike.

Colin:
The WR is also a fair bit higher maintenance and state of tune that I'm looking for. Think something like the minor service at around every 20 hours use.
For muddy stuff, I might as well use my Hussy and I wouldn't want to be using it daily

Ta for the thoughts anyway.
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super-duper-moto
Spanner Monkey



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PostPosted: 23:03 - 10 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Think I'll just stick with the DRZ400SM
Sounds like the best for what I want, generally everyday riding with a little dirt.
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Dom
World Chat Champion



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PostPosted: 10:26 - 11 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sparks! wrote:
Dom wrote:
I'm selling my DRZ if you're interested.


How come?


No-one local to ride off road with and no means of transporting the thing anywhere else. Plus I fancy a road bike again and a little 4x4's looking pretty tempting too.
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Sparks!
Sir Tart-a-lot



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PostPosted: 11:54 - 11 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dom wrote:
No-one local to ride off road with and no means of transporting the thing anywhere else. Plus I fancy a road bike again and a little 4x4's looking pretty tempting too.


Shame, I've been trying for ages to get another off roader (road legal) made a mistake with the KTM.. too expensive for the use I want.. but I am looking to get something cheaper purely for off road.. like a XR250... maybe you should sell the DRZ and get a road bike and a cheaper off roader... I've soon learnt that I just try to get something for stunting and off roading.. I need to just buy something for OFF ROADING not some expensive supermoto to do wheelies on, when I got a CBR stunt bike Laughing I've got a grand in savings so maybe sometime soon.. who knows .. got a lot on at the minute... Wouldnt mind a TTR250 or a XR250.

won't you have the same problems with a small 4x4? jordan doesnt drive em any more does he? I don't know for sure anyways.
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element
World Chat Champion



Joined: 23 Jan 2006
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PostPosted: 12:44 - 11 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

wr200!! 2 stroke FTW Thumbs Up My mate has a drz400e for off-roading and he is getting something smaller (a 2-stroke) because the drz is just too lumpy and you cant get the most out of it off-road whereas with a 200/250 2t you can... Lightweight, flickable, powerbands etc Mr. Green

tt-r's are ok but the starter motors go and they take alot of components with them (google on it!). Plus its a 4t. Another mate of mine rides an XR 250 and is happy with it. air cooled too so they are easy to work with and less to go wrong on the trails Thumbs Up not so good on the road Thumbs Down and kickstart only I belive Shocked

lol and ANOTHER mate has a dr 350 and he absolutely loved that bike till he had his accident. Rides an 05 wr250f with rekluse and steering damper (his left arm dont work) and i think he prefers his old dr350!
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G
The Voice of Reason



Joined: 02 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 13:38 - 11 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sparks etc; rather than look for a specific model, why not just keep an eye out for a decent cheap and lightish off road style bike and get the best value one you see or whatever.

I found my DR600 was ok for off road (should be similar weight to a DRZ-s); that and the KLR can be picked up from around £500 for an ok one if you're lucky.
There's often good deals on pre 2000 2 strokes. My 87 KTM 350 2 stroke enduro was fine on the trails and set me back £350 with a load of spares.
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djr
World Chat Champion



Joined: 09 Nov 2003
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PostPosted: 18:36 - 11 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

G wrote:
though I do notice that the local KTM place has a very good deal on new 690s - could make an interesting performance-dirt biased touring bike.


That the one in bracknell Smile ?... must get off my arse one weekend and go down to them and have a look around Smile.
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Dom
World Chat Champion



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PostPosted: 19:01 - 11 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sparks! wrote:
Dom wrote:
No-one local to ride off road with and no means of transporting the thing anywhere else. Plus I fancy a road bike again and a little 4x4's looking pretty tempting too.


Shame, I've been trying for ages to get another off roader (road legal) made a mistake with the KTM.. too expensive for the use I want.. but I am looking to get something cheaper purely for off road.. like a XR250... maybe you should sell the DRZ and get a road bike and a cheaper off roader... I've soon learnt that I just try to get something for stunting and off roading.. I need to just buy something for OFF ROADING not some expensive supermoto to do wheelies on, when I got a CBR stunt bike Laughing I've got a grand in savings so maybe sometime soon.. who knows .. got a lot on at the minute... Wouldnt mind a TTR250 or a XR250.

won't you have the same problems with a small 4x4? jordan doesnt drive em any more does he? I don't know for sure anyways.


Buy my DRZ? Wink I put a deposit down on a Hornet this arvo so I'm definitely going to shift it ASAP. A guy's coming for a look next weekend in fact, so fingers crossed.

As far as the 4x4's concerned, it's not really the same problem. I'll use it to get to some nice mountain biking spots and for the occasional bit of dirt stuff, other than that it will just be nice to have a cage from time to time. Once the small matter of passing the test is out the way that is. Confused
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G
The Voice of Reason



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PostPosted: 21:01 - 19 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cheers for the thoughts all.
I ended up getting a CCM 404 E with both sets of wheels - price is reasonable compared to others around.
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Rampage
Borekit Bruiser



Joined: 24 Jul 2007
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PostPosted: 09:08 - 22 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

So have you got it home now ?

Got any more pics ?

Love the dash, sorta retro night rider stylee. Very Happy
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G
The Voice of Reason



Joined: 02 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 09:19 - 22 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yep got it home and ridden around a little.

I haven't taken any more pics.

I'm still undecided on the rather retro dash. Tempted to stick my Veypor on, so I can get a tacho too.
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Bendy
Mrs Sensible



Joined: 10 Jun 2002
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PostPosted: 09:22 - 22 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Have you hit 88 yet? Cool
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 14:50 - 22 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bendy wrote:
Have you hit 88 yet? Cool


Where we're going, we don't need... roads!
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G
The Voice of Reason



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PostPosted: 18:00 - 22 Aug 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I went through the 88mph barrier today!
Unfortunately I didn't go back in time to the beginning of the year; so I could leave a message for myself to thoroughly check over my brakes again on Saturday evening at Lydden Razz.

Hit an indicated 95 and it still had some more to go, but I'm not so happy on filtering when you're near the top speed and not going much faster than the cars around.
Probably gone up a bit if I'd ducked down more and not head a mx lid/crutches sticking out.
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