Purchased this Suzuki a week ago cleaned it and made some adjustments so far but wondering what other people have done as far as changes? :good:
Kurt
I bought the SM version... i rode it one time and then installed..... a real skid plate, case savers,434 Big bore kit, kehin flat slide pumper carb, a set of hotcams, and a MRD exhaust........ Now it rocks the way it should have from the factory :good2:
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/Racerman27410/IMG_1755.jpg)
I also bought a set of dirt rims so i could have some offroad fun with it too....
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/Racerman27410/RFDReadyForDirt004.jpg)
i am seriously thinking about installing a kick start kit on it since it is impossible to push start now and if the battery goes dead i am hosed.
two bikes in one is pretty hard to beat.
KOokaloo!
Wow looks great. I will bet it's too much fun. It sounds like you spent more on mods than I spent for the bike. Mine is a 2001 that was mostly ridden on the street and is in great shape looks like it's two years old. Ordered new bars and levers, tires are next then a new skid plate. Exhaust is a scorpion muffler very loud and I don't think it has a spark arrest-or. This is a must for Utah right now. THANK YOU for showing me what is possible. :good2:
Kurt
Had one, sold it and bought an FJ..... The DRZ was just to tall for me and I found myself using it on the road most of the time. .
As a note when you change oil. Use a new oil plug gasket and for goodness sake please only go to the spec. torque. If you over tighten it you can easily break the case. It is a known hazard........ Out of memory the drain hole is where the case splits and something about the taper. Been awhile. Do a little investigation. I think there is WEB site out there call Thumper.com or something like that with a lot of DRZ info.
movenon thank's for the info I will be careful with the drain plug and check out thumper .com. P.S. not selling the FJ it just keeps getting better. :yahoo:
Kurt
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on July 22, 2012, 06:07:29 PM
Wow looks great. I will bet it's too much fun. It sounds like you spent more on mods than I spent for the bike. Mine is a 2001 that was mostly ridden on the street and is in great shape looks like it's two years old. Ordered new bars and levers, tires are next then a new skid plate. Exhaust is a scorpion muffler very loud and I don't think it has a spark arrest-or. This is a must for Utah right now. THANK YOU for showing me what is possible. :good2:
Kurt
i got a screaming deal on the 2007 SM in 2010, only had 1700 miles on it.... the guy had stored it under a BBQ cover and all the plastics had gotten all scratched up from the cover flapping in the wind. Ididnt mind that since it saved me the trouble of beating the plastics up myself. :i_am_so_happy:
all the mods (including the purchase of the bike) were less than the cost of a new DRZ off the showroom floor and the torque/ throttle response and top end power improvements are worth more than double their money value once you let out the clutch.
it is truely 10 barrels O'monkey fun and makes me feel like a lawbreaker even when i'm being good.
Always tempting me to wheelie/stoppie, jump ditches and ride up and down stairs :biggrin:
KOokaloo!
racerman 27410 Sounds like you got a great deal and your mods make that bike a blast. I have a yamaha WR for serious off road fun bought this for street to dirt and easy trails. Thank You again for the tips and info. :good2:
Kurt
congrats FJ Rider on getting a great bike...I bought a 04' 'S' version with knobbies and love it even though I haven't had chance to ride it near enough...
there are some good DRZ forums...I believe Thumpertalk.com is the one 'movenon' referred about...there is a DRZ400 section on there... http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/17-dr-z-400/ (http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/17-dr-z-400/) ...and also Adventure Rider... http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227340&page=1030 (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227340&page=1030) is great forum
when it comes to mods, 'racerman' has shown you the way...wow! knowing the power they have stock I can only imagine the thrill of riding his...someday when I get off the road and have time I want to do what he has
'racerman', I'm curious on what rack you have?...I'm looking to buy one and I believe I have the same tail bag that you have on yours...I also need a battery, looking at a light weight version..any advice?
didn't mean to highjack your thread FJ rider...it's all about Dizzers (DRZs) anyway :good2:
this is the rack i bought for the rear
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-DRZ400S-SM-Dual-Sport-UTILITY-rack-DRZ-400-/271009896563?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f1972d873 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-DRZ400S-SM-Dual-Sport-UTILITY-rack-DRZ-400-/271009896563?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f1972d873)
i also got a set of these so i can throw my soft bags on for some dual sport camping.... they also work pretty good as handholds when dragging the DRZ off of a huge wild grapevine growing sideways across the hill i'm trying to ride across.
http://www.happy-trail.com/Suzuki-DRZ400S/OSR-Original%20Side-Racks-DRZ400S.aspx (http://www.happy-trail.com/Suzuki-DRZ400S/OSR-Original%20Side-Racks-DRZ400S.aspx)
i actually put in a larger battery..... it's a big battery kit that eddie Sisneros put together (he is the big cheese guru in the thumpertalk DRZ section) Although there are some lithium batterys that are much lighter weight i'm not sure they hold up under offroad use that well.
http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/550831-sisneros-speed-works-super-start-kit/ (http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/550831-sisneros-speed-works-super-start-kit/)
KOokaloo! :good2:
your tail bag looks like a Cortech?...with that rack @ 9" x 11" I'm curious on how good it does covering bag base width?...I guess a thin piece of wood or plastic shaped to the bottom of bag would be helpful if there was a side sagging problem, I thought I would need to do that with another rack I almost bought
1st change I need to do is the seat, with me at 5'8" the stock one is too tall & a pain in the a**...have you changed yours?...seems everybody has different favorites but I'm considering a Corbin as I need to lower it as much as I can...putting a foot down in the woods is hard for me to do from that high of a perch
I'm familiar with Eddie, he's THE guru no doubt and I saw his kit...I'm hesitant on the lithium battery also but want one and keep trying to gain enough opinions of them to make a decision...as a freind said 'I need to quit f***g around and buy something' as mine went totally dead and I need a ride / fix!
thanks for all the advice!
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on July 22, 2012, 10:40:14 AM
Purchased this Suzuki a week ago cleaned it and made some adjustments so far but wondering what other people have done as far as changes? :good:
Kurt
Okay mine is the DR650 for longer (high speed) black surfaces between National Parks.
I tilted the headlight surround forward and created a flat shelf in front of the speedo for a first aid kit, added a home made screen (160klm/hr is max), hid a spare tube under the headlight, Gold valve emulators and increased spring weight up front, Knobby tyres rated for high speed (including front and back tyre clamps), air pressure of 22 in the front (so won`t bend rims in the big hits) & 20 in the rear, Ohlims rear shock (most DR`s are too soft), rear home made rack, jimmy button handlebars, and bar risers (to feel the bike on steep, steep rocky hills while on the pegs), air cell cushion for long trips, GPS & CB radio mounts, bash plate, stronger knuckle guards and spare shorai battery included in extensive tool and camping kit.
DR`s are virtually indestructible and unbelievably reliable. (Mine is surprisingly quicker in the twisties than the FJ - below 120klm/hr) and sensationally pulls off long power slides in the flat dirt but ya gotta sit well back in loose Sand and plenty of throttle- would consider a steering damper but they`re a bit pricey. I`ve dropped mine at dirt speed between 80 & 100klms/hr at least 6 times, below that speed on another dozen occasions, slid it down 2 steep embankments (cliffs) & drowned it totally, once. Can`t see me ever selling her.
(http://)
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on July 22, 2012, 10:40:14 AM
Purchased this Suzuki a week ago cleaned it and made some adjustments so far but wondering what other people have done as far as changes? :good:
Kurt
I had to retrain mine not to eat branches. If ya just hit 4th gear round a bend on a damp clay road, the brakes aren`t real helpful when there`s a tree down.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/3/630_24_07_12_7_05_55.jpeg)
Sometimes all you can do is lighten the front end and gas it. Glad it turned out well. Ordered new bars, levers and grips. Tires are next. :good2:
Kurt
BSI Thank's for the advise I need to take some pictures of this bike to post. I was so surprised when my friend said he was going to sell it. Then he said I could have it for $1800 dollars. Everyone else $2400. Could not pass it up. A lot things going on there probably just new tires for now and figure it out over the winter also this gives me some time with the bike to figure out what I need/want. :good2:
Kurt
Racerman 27410 Thank's again for the info. This will help a lot when I start making changes. Too cool. :good2:
Kurt
Quote from: BSI on July 24, 2012, 12:39:21 AM
I'm hesitant on the lithium battery also but want one and keep trying to gain enough opinions of them to make a decision...as a freind said 'I need to quit f***g around and buy something' as mine went totally dead and I need a ride / fix!
Shorai has two options of batteries for the DRZ. I looked them up this morning and you have the standard application @ $114.95 or the larger capacity for $159.95
Suzuki-2004-DRZ400 E/S (http://www.shoraipower.com/s-339837-DRZ400-ES.aspx)
I am a Shorai dealer and can get them overnight and head your way.
Shoot me an email if you are interested.
Randy - RPM
Quote from: BSI on July 24, 2012, 12:39:21 AM
your tail bag looks like a Cortech?...with that rack @ 9" x 11" I'm curious on how good it does covering bag base width?...I guess a thin piece of wood or plastic shaped to the bottom of bag would be helpful if there was a side sagging problem, I thought I would need to do that with another rack I almost bought
1st change I need to do is the seat, with me at 5'8" the stock one is too tall & a pain in the a**...have you changed yours?...seems everybody has different favorites but I'm considering a Corbin as I need to lower it as much as I can...putting a foot down in the woods is hard for me to do from that high of a perch
I'm familiar with Eddie, he's THE guru no doubt and I saw his kit...I'm hesitant on the lithium battery also but want one and keep trying to gain enough opinions of them to make a decision...as a freind said 'I need to quit f***g around and buy something' as mine went totally dead and I need a ride / fix!
thanks for all the advice!
it is a cortech bag and the rack works fine.... its a little narrow but totally functional
I was lucky my SM came with a corbin already installed....it does help a lot for we short legged people but its hard as a rock and you wont ever forget it.... that being said i will take sitting on a wide flat rock over sitting on a 2x4 butt wedge any day of the week!
A friend of mine got a lithium battery and whie they are super light weight it didnt survive long at all.... i dont think they like the trail work.
i would also recommend some radiator guards...... there is nothing like being left stranded on a trail because of something that was preventable.
Guards with turkey baster coolant resevoir mod.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/Racerman27410/IMG_1669.jpg)
KOokaloo!
Quoteauthor=racerrad8 link=topic=7132.msg63398#msg63398 date=1343144052]
Shorai has two options of batteries for the DRZ. I looked them up this morning and you have the standard application @ $114.95 or the larger capacity for $159.95
Suzuki-2004-DRZ400 E/S (http://www.shoraipower.com/s-339837-DRZ400-ES.aspx)
I am a Shorai dealer and can get them overnight and head your way.
Shoot me an email if you are interested.
Randy - RPM
I'm using a Shorai battery in my CRF230 and have about 12 hours of beating the trails this summer and have had no issues with it. I find it works well, it's feather light, and turns the bike over well. I've no kickstart on this bike so it had better work!!
Quote from: The General on July 24, 2012, 07:38:06 AMOkay mine is the DR650 for longer (high speed) black surfaces between National Parks.
I tilted the headlight surround forward and created a flat shelf in front of the speedo for a first aid kit, added a home made screen (160klm/hr is max), hid a spare tube under the headlight, Gold valve emulators and increased spring weight up front, Knobby tyres rated for high speed (including front and back tyre clamps), air pressure of 22 in the front (so won`t bend rims in the big hits) & 20 in the rear, Ohlims rear shock (most DR`s are too soft), rear home made rack, jimmy button handlebars, and bar risers (to feel the bike on steep, steep rocky hills while on the pegs), air cell cushion for long trips, GPS & CB radio mounts, bash plate, stronger knuckle guards and spare shorai battery included in extensive tool and camping kit.
DR`s are virtually indestructible and unbelievably reliable. (Mine is surprisingly quicker in the twisties than the FJ - below 120klm/hr) and sensationally pulls off long power slides in the flat dirt but ya gotta sit well back in loose Sand and plenty of throttle- would consider a steering damper but they`re a bit pricey. I`ve dropped mine at dirt speed between 80 & 100klms/hr at least 6 times, below that speed on another dozen occasions, slid it down 2 steep embankments (cliffs) & drowned it totally, once. Can`t see me ever selling her.
Hey General, late last year picked up an 07 DR650. Love it and have been riding the crap out of it. 6,000 mile since first of the year. I've done similar upgrades to what you mention above. When my battery needs replacing I'm going with a Shorai Lithium. And I'd like a slightly bigger tank at some point. Just recently put on a 39mm FCR pumper off a Yam YFZ quad and a muffler off an 02 GSXR 1000. Low end grunt is off the charts.
I ride pretty often with some DRZ400 guys and they are really nice bikes. They have an edge in the woods, but I travel more comfortably. That doesn't stop 'em though. I rode 350 miles one day up to the mountains a couple weekends ago with a DRZ400.. Spent most of the day splashing through creeks and climbing hills and then rode 70mph for hours on the way home and drz didn't seem to mind that part at all. He does have a Corbin seat on it.
Next week I'm off for a 3 day camp/ride to W.Va. (with my hammock, Frank!)
No doubt about`m Frank, I`ve even had the misses on tha back a couple of times and it just keeps chuggin along. Had a long range safari tank in the shed for 2 years now for a bucket listed Simpson dessert trip, but so far never found the need for it. (might swap it for a steering damper). Also impressed with the Kwaka KLR 650 as a really good all rounder - but ya might as well buy spare plastics up front to ensure ya don`t bork at real challenges. + it`ll then be tidy for when ya sell it. Both are valueformoney bikes.
(If ya look up FUN in tha webster dictionary I betcha there`s a pic of an FJ and a DR)
Danny,
I knew you would take to hammock camping!
its the shiznit!
where ya going in Wva>?
KOokaloo!
Frank
Going up to Dolly Sods, ride the gravel etc.. Then down to Lake Moomaw in Va. Then I'm not sure.. either come home or one more night out. Maybe down by the river at Calvins.
I do really like the hammock. More comfortable than a pad and easier to carry.
Quote from: racerrad8 on July 24, 2012, 10:34:12 AM
Quote from: BSI on July 24, 2012, 12:39:21 AM
I'm hesitant on the lithium battery also but want one and keep trying to gain enough opinions of them to make a decision...as a freind said 'I need to quit f***g around and buy something' as mine went totally dead and I need a ride / fix!
Shorai has two options of batteries for the DRZ. I looked them up this morning and you have the standard application @ $114.95 or the larger capacity for $159.95
Suzuki-2004-DRZ400 E/S (http://www.shoraipower.com/s-339837-DRZ400-ES.aspx)
I am a Shorai dealer and can get them overnight and head your way.
Shoot me an email if you are interested.
Randy - RPM
thanks for battery info Randy...I know you would not represent & sell Shorai if the product hadn't proven itself but I'm curious how long you have used Shorai?..why you choose to sell it over the competitors?...I'm overdue on getting some FJ stuff from you too, will do that soon...your help's much appreciated....Louie
Quote from: racerman_27410 on July 24, 2012, 11:12:31 AM
Quote from: BSI on July 24, 2012, 12:39:21 AM
your tail bag looks like a Cortech?...with that rack @ 9" x 11" I'm curious on how good it does covering bag base width?...I guess a thin piece of wood or plastic shaped to the bottom of bag would be helpful if there was a side sagging problem, I thought I would need to do that with another rack I almost bought
1st change I need to do is the seat, with me at 5'8" the stock one is too tall & a pain in the a**...have you changed yours?...seems everybody has different favorites but I'm considering a Corbin as I need to lower it as much as I can...putting a foot down in the woods is hard for me to do from that high of a perch
I'm familiar with Eddie, he's THE guru no doubt and I saw his kit...I'm hesitant on the lithium battery also but want one and keep trying to gain enough opinions of them to make a decision...as a freind said 'I need to quit f***g around and buy something' as mine went totally dead and I need a ride / fix!
thanks for all the advice!
it is a cortech bag and the rack works fine.... its a little narrow but totally functional
I was lucky my SM came with a corbin already installed....it does help a lot for we short legged people but its hard as a rock and you wont ever forget it.... that being said i will take sitting on a wide flat rock over sitting on a 2x4 butt wedge any day of the week!
A friend of mine got a lithium battery and whie they are super light weight it didnt survive long at all.... i dont think they like the trail work.
i would also recommend some radiator guards...... there is nothing like being left stranded on a trail because of something that was preventable.
Guards with turkey baster coolant resevoir mod.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/Racerman27410/IMG_1669.jpg)
KOokaloo!
thanks for info Frank...imagining the extra fun you'll have with your throttle has got me wanting a FCR 39mm pumper once again...any buying advice?...do you need a designed kit or is buying a stray used unit easy enough to get to fit and work properly? (when of course it's tuned/jetted correctly)....what brand radiator protector did you use?..thanks
My shorai battery was sized to fit the fj and also th DR. The supplier includes sponge packing to adjust to the different battery holders. It`s usually my floater in the tool box on long trips - but right now in fj2 due to a battery fault on the road. I`ll soon buy a cheaper battery for the FJ2 and the Shorai (with it`s fantastic shelf life) will become the floater again. (and weighs only 1kg approx). - works for me.
Quote from: BSI on July 26, 2012, 02:30:28 AM
thanks for info Frank...imagining the extra fun you'll have with your throttle has got me wanting a FCR 39mm pumper once again...any buying advice?...do you need a designed kit or is buying a stray used unit easy enough to get to fit and work properly? (when of course it's tuned/jetted correctly)....what brand radiator protector did you use?..thanks
I got the pumper carb kit from thumpertalk along with the radiator guards and case savers..... it was pretty much all plug and play.
spend the extra coin and get the easy adjust mixture needle (it has a T handle on it) i have found the pumper to be sensitive to altitude changes and a small tweak can make a huge difference.
KOokaloo!
Frank
Quote from: BSI on July 26, 2012, 12:57:30 AM
thanks for battery info Randy...I know you would not represent & sell Shorai if the product hadn't proven itself but I'm curious how long you have used Shorai?..why you choose to sell it over the competitors?...I'm overdue on getting some FJ stuff from you too, will do that soon...your help's much appreciated....Louie
Actually, I have only been a Shorai dealer since earlier this year. They were recommended to me by a buddy that is a dealer in So-Cal and makes Indian M/C parts.
I than did some research and talked to Shorai. They are about 90 miles from me and drove over to see me an what I was doing. They answered all of my questions and I feel comfortable working with them. I have sold over 20 batteries to date and not one issue or complaint, only praise.
At this point, I have not used one in either of my bikes yet as they both have just over a year old AGM batteries that I installed. Once they die...The Shorai will be going in.
They are light & powerful and so far my experience has been 100% positive.
Randy - RPM
Randy,
Good to know you're a Shorai dealer. I'll be contacting you next time I need a battery. I currently have two Shorais. One in my Tiger and anther in my KTM. They work as advertised.