DRZ 400S Service

[Robster]

... Well, as a self-confessed spannerphobe, you'll forgive me for a spot of blowing my own trumpet.

Today I've had my first "proper" look over the DRZ. Been riding it to and from work for the last week so I'm fairly certain there's no major issues.

Today I fitted handguards, changed the air filter, changed the spark plug for an Iridium plug (sheeeeeet what an immediately noticeable difference) which was a tank-off job, and changed the oil and oil filter. As I went, I replaced the majority of the fixings for Stainless allen bolts, and gave everything a good "lubing" as the bike has stood for a while before I got it.

All sounds like nothing to the accomplished self-servicer I'm sure, but for me it's quite an achievement, and half of the reason for a second "winter bike", so that I can learn as I go along.

Brake pads are fine as they are, but the calipers look like they could do with a good once or twice over as they stand testament to the bikes recent inactivity. Caliper servicing always seems like a bit of a black art to me...any tips?

Same goes for the throttle tube....doesn't seem to snap back shut quite as quick as it should. The grips are slightly tatty anyway so replacing those seems like a good time to sort that out. I've lubed up the carb end of the throttle assembly while I had the tank off for the plug and it's already a wee bit better but just not quite perfect...any "how-to's" on this subject?

Other than that, it's fecking great...and all too easy to wheelie!

Allegedly

[phil w]

Im a self confessed crap mechanic also. There was an excellant write up how to in TBM in Aprils issue. No anyone with copies of it

[will]

Hi Robster make sure handguard isn't binding on throttle tube

[Noel]

Welldone for having a go, I like people that will have a go its not that hard once you know your way around and if you ever get a problem on the trail you may be able to sort it roadside.
Buy a cable oiler a few £'s of ebay and a can of teflon based lube (GT I think is what I use) and lube the cables if they are routed correctly.

[Robster]

It's all working a treat just now.

Bit the bullet the other week and whipped the throttle tube off, cleaned the gunk out from under it, oiled the cables, re-assembled and Robert's my mothers brother...one nicely snapping throttle! Hurrah!

I also fitted a manual cam chain tensioner which has cured the worrying rattle I was getting around 45mph.

I picked up a brand new, still in the packaging rear rack off Ebay for £20 and, although intended for a slightly newer SM model, with a small amount of brute force it fits perfectly and lined up with the holes on the rear sub-frame. Handy to have at least a little carrying capacity.

Strangely now my only remaining problem is that the tyre valves seems to be siezed up...I cant get air in or out or check the pressures! I've dropped a few drops of oil into the valve so will leave that a few days to spin about in there and see if it eases up...otherwise I'll have to replace the tubes I guess.

Really enjoying the little bike though I must say

[Lutin]

Re the tyre valves - these can be replaced as they simply screw out. You can buy the correct tool for a couple of quid, like this -

http://www.pclairtechnology.com/Prod...?ProductId=100

But some tyre pressure gauges have caps on that have the tool moulded into them.

You can pick up new valves from any tyre fitters. If you're lucky, like I was, they wouldn't take any money for them. I 'spose they get them by the crate load so it wasn't worth the hassle.

Hope that helps.

[Robster]

Ahh cool, nice one.

I did have a few of those little Valve-cap tools as they come with bottles of "Slime" that I used to use on my AT. I wasn't sure whether tyre valves were pretty much Universal so I'll give that a go then.

In fact I might just buy some Slime and get the tool free. Marvellous

[Lutin]

Glad to help.

And good for you on the servicing front, it's not that scary as you have found out.

[Robster]

I'm a bit more inclined to have a go on the DRZ as I know that if I get stuck mid-job that at least I can get the GS out to get to and from work while I sort the other out!

It's obviously also infinitely simpler in terms of technology than the GS so there's not all that many bits to play with – 3 bolts and 2 screws for example and the tank comes off...with the side fairings attached! All good stuff, great experience to have "just-in-case" whilst touring and a good feeling when it all works once it's back together!

[stanbloke]

I'm a bit more inclined to have a go on the DRZ as I know that if I get stuck mid-job that at least I can get the GS out to get to and from work while I sort the other out!

It's obviously also infinitely simpler in terms of technology than the GS so there's not all that many bits to play with – 3 bolts and 2 screws for example and the tank comes off...with the side fairings attached! All good stuff, great experience to have "just-in-case" whilst touring and a good feeling when it all works once it's back together!

You'll be asking for spanners for christmas next .

Brake calipers; dont forget to clean them thorughly and a "smear" of copper ease on the backs of the pads and rubber grease around the seals..