DRZ-SM to DRZ-S conversion

[Slimie]

More for curiosity than anything else as I'm skint at the mo' but does anyone have any idea what would be involved in converting a SuperMoto Suzuki DRZ into a dirtworthy DRZ?

There seem to be a lot of the former for sale just now.

Just by looking at pictures on Bike Trader I can see that the SM version has USD forks, but aren't they s'posed to be better (assuming that the travel/spring rate/damping is comparable?). Tyres are an obvious thing, too!!

On an other tack, are there any other trail bikes of around 400cc that are low maintenance, like the Suzuki, rather than the high strung enduro machines from KTM and the like??

TIA

-Simon

[Krtek]

Originally Posted by Slimie

are there any other trail bikes of around 400cc that are low maintenance, like the Suzuki, rather than the high strung enduro machines from KTM and the like??

To state the obvious:
XR400.

[Kymmy]

No idea about your DRZ, but we're seriously thinking about taking a Cagiva Supercity 125 and shoving in it a lot larger engine complete with highered suspension and better running gear.

For those that don't know the supercity it's a 125 supermoto, has a lot of Ducati parts, the upside down forks are well oversized for the bike and the frame are massize due to the watercooled mito engine (33bhp on a 125??????)

We're thinking of a 4stroke 400-500cc transplant, higher suspension and a taller rubber, should make a good greenlaner, light but powerful and possibly a good seller for raidXtreme.

Kymmy

[russh]

Originally Posted by Slimie

More for curiosity than anything else as I'm skint at the mo' but does anyone have any idea what would be involved in converting a SuperMoto Suzuki DRZ into a dirtworthy DRZ?

There seem to be a lot of the former for sale just now.

Just by looking at pictures on Bike Trader I can see that the SM version has USD forks, but aren't they s'posed to be better (assuming that the travel/spring rate/damping is comparable?). Tyres are an obvious thing, too!!

On an other tack, are there any other trail bikes of around 400cc that are low maintenance, like the Suzuki, rather than the high strung enduro machines from KTM and the like??

TIA

-Simon

I guess you would want to change the two 17" wheels to a 21" front wheel and preferably an 18" rear (to stop the front being to high). I know the SM has a different rear swinging arm to the S and E so not to sure / don't know if the larger rear wheel would fit easily?? The front brake disc on the SM is a larger diameter so it may be a case of getting new rims laced onto the existing hubs.

I guess the spring rates are quite a bit firmer on the SM too.

and with any DRz you will need a cast iron backside as they hold the Guiness world record for the most uncomfortable seat...maybe.

If you do buy a DRz400S, 2003 onwards are the best as from then on they fitted the E's superior suspension.

Great bikes though

Russ

[Slimie]

Cheers, Russ.

Didn't know about the swinging arm, but as the former owner of a DR350 I'm well aware of the so called "seat"

-Simon