Looking into getting a DR-Z 400SM

[konrad565]

Is there any reason I shouldn't get one?

I'm looking for a circa road legal 33BHP supermoto bike, for about £3k (or less). I really like the look of them and have heard good reviews but if anyone knows of a better option or just reasons why I shouldn't get one, all opinions would be good.
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Haven't got a bike yet, but in the process of rectifying this terrible bikeless situation.

[G]

I always suggest the CCM404e (see my 'review' in Show & Tell for why). The CCM644, Husky TE610, TE410, KTM SMC625 are also worth considering.
You'd have to get them restricted, but then you'd also have a bit more go when you got them derestricted.

I was quite tempted by the DRZ-SM for a while, but ended up deciding it was too much money for too little specs. Engine is a bit underpowered and suspension isn't as good as the European bikes - whether you'll notice the suspension is another matter though, not like I really make full use of my CCM WP stuff on the road.

Doesn't mean you won't find one a fine bike, though .

[JBurrows88]

The suspension is a definite drop compared to most 'similar' bikes...



I've got the 02 S version with supermotard wheels And its a lot of fun. However the speedo over reads (sometimes by upto 20mph ) and the bike is not liking the restriction. (but i think this might be something else causing this)
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Dave
XJR400 Kenney Roberts Paint Job

[JBurrows88]

So.... Yes they are good bikes. But if you are looking for a 400cc supermoto for around 2.5k....

Go for the CCM 404DS (with SM wheels, of course). Better suspension and build quality seems to be a bit better.


Is the CCM a Suzuki engine? Wish i could have afforded one
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Dave
XJR400 Kenney Roberts Paint Job

[G]

CCM uses the DRZ-e model engine, which has a little bit more power than the S/SM engine.

I got mine for £2k.

Not so sure on build quality - it is british, after all ... but seems to generally be 'ok' at least.

[JBurrows88]

The Drz seems pretty good. Apart from the standard exhaust which tbh seems pretty crap (reminds me of a painted scaffolding pole)!


I'm having problems with my new one already. Every time i open the throttle the bike accelerates but it seems to be struggling. (i turn the throttle and it doesn't want to move it creeps up in bursts of power, almost like its been restricted by something!) I just cleaned and re'oiled the filter, then it started happening! lol. I'm totally stumped.

Also, Sometimes when i pull in the clutch (coming up to a junction), the bike will cut out... The front forks are way too hard; Someone has adjusted them to the hardest setting for some reason? i paid £1800 for it, then the reasonably priced resatrictor (£150)
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Dave
XJR400 Kenney Roberts Paint Job

[G]

My CCM carb was setup wrong and had a similar kinda effect - badly bogging at lower revs. This was down to the needle being way out.
The CCM uses the same carb as the E model DRZ, but I think as standard the S model may have a different one?
Was the bike rejetted for the restricter? Though, it shouldn't make much difference on a DRZ-S really.

My CCM would also cut out at times due to this. However that could just be a case of the idle speed - should be about 1600 according to the DRZ manual I think, which is quite high - I reckon mine's running ok lower than this at the mo, though.

[JBurrows88]

i was thinking it was the carb// Air/fuel mixture. But if it is... Its abit out of my league!

I might call round a couple of people i know (one actually raced the drz Sm on hill climb races and the other one goes trailing on one!)

I'll trick em to come over and let em ride on it, come back and tell me something is wrong. lol. Easier than asking them too, they will want something
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Dave
XJR400 Kenney Roberts Paint Job

[G]

I'm far from an expert on myself, so what I did was took it apart and compare what I had to 'reccomend' settings that others had posted. Turned out that the needle was set way off, so set that to what others used and it ran much better.

[MarJay]

[G]

Yep. Not so much difference on Wide Open Throttle, but a lot better when partially open. Is actually a bit better on WOT, oddly, as the neelde should have less effect then I believe.