How do I ride my DRZ 400 properly?

[Irn-Bru]

My biking history hasn't be great, started with a scooter, then a DTR 125 so I'm still a bit new to this cornering thing After watch a few videos with people on supermotos its made me realise I can't ride mine for sh!t Made worse today when my dad was cornering faster than me on his P-reg Kawazaki KLE 500. I don't really feel confident but saying that, I've only ridden 300 miles on the bike so far... should I just be patient and just practise on country roads?
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[That_Hornet]

Only 300 miles, I only started feeling really confident on my corners after 2000miles, Granted the 1st 2k miles was in the winter.

But i found theres a surprising amount of grip you get from the road. Even in the wet


Just take your time, it will soon come.

[chris-red]

Calm down, and don;'t try to hard just in enjoy it, I have been riding nearly 5 years and have done loads of miles but old man can still woop me through the bends and I have a better handling bike, he is also partually cripped and often struggles to get out of the chair. The fact is his 30+ years on bikes counts for a hell of a lot!
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[G]

Worth working out a nice little route and getting just a little quicker each time.

Even trying some 'roundabout surfing' may give you the confidence to take roads in the real world faster too.

Do make sure you only get a little faster each time and you should be fine - suddenly going way past your current experience obviously is asking for trouble.

[drzsta]

sorry but i don't really understand? this comes with time riding

cornering on a drz is very easy, you have a commanding postion and wide renthal fat bars

You wont slide that baby out, Honestly i road an DRZ through last winter, and even in wet condition she was steady as a rock,

just remember always look ahead to the end of the turn.
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Current Bikes - BMW S1000RR ‘17 & KTM 690 SMC-R ‘12

[Sparks!]

Do some trail riding on supermoto wheels.. the lanes are pretty dry now, I rode some yesterday and went ridiculously fast because it was rather easy compared to this winters riding... but for a noob, it'll teach you a lot and get you used to what the DRZ can do... improves road riding quite a bit I think. Oh, and it's fun of course
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Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes

[G]

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Are you sitting on the bike correctly?

You should be sitting in the dip of the seat with your balls almost on the tank. Raise your elbos slightly so they sort of stick out. These give you better weight distribution over the front and leverage on the bars, which goes to help turning a lot.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Irn-Bru]

Hmm I don't think I usually sit that far forwards Another thing I need to get used to is the engine braking on this bike, it's pretty rough some times...

Cheers for the advice lads Summer needs to hurry up!
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Also remember it's about getting the weight transferred on to the front wheel. So using short, sharp, heavy braking is better to squash the front tyre in to the ground. Check your tyre pressures too, they should be around mid 20's (cant remember exactly what) but most people put them up to road bike style mid 30's when they shouldnt.

The DRZ engine also needs to be revved a lot mroe than you'd expect for a single cyl 4-stroke.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[drzsta]

[Irn-Bru]

Well, since getting a new rear tyre thinks are getting noticeably better. I ride and drive the same route to work so I can compare easily... feel a lot better knowing the tyre is new and isn't full of holes and plugs like the old one. Even managed my first power wheelie today, didn't last long because the road was wet and I crapped myself a bit, but whatever. Barely done 1000 miles on this bike yet. Not exactly a cruiser either to be honest, the tank is tiny and it feels like a 125 still when you're sitting at 70, but what can you expect from a single cylinder bike. Unlike a 125 (not including 2 smoker 125s in case anyone gets smart ) however it will accelerate from 70 to 100 which is helpful
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[drzsta]

well done mate, new rubber gives a big confidence boost - (aslong as you remember to scrub it in )
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Current Bikes - BMW S1000RR ‘17 & KTM 690 SMC-R ‘12