Looking at another DRZ400e in San Miguel

[Tetge]

In my opinion the overall condition of the bike and your estimation of how honest the current owner appears to be are more important than how it sounds. My DR-Z has such terrible noises that I can no longer start it up and leave on a ride until after I put my ear plugs in. It sounds as if there is a pounding in the bottom end. But, I always ride it hard, hitting the rev limiter now and then, by accident, and I figure if it blows up, I'll just have to replace it with a nice hopped up big bore engine that I can gear a little bit higher and still have some extra snort as well. Meanwhile, it has rolled over 8000 miles with nary a service other than a few oil and filter changes. And, believe me when I say that I have flogged the shit out of that little single since the mugs that Brakelate introduced me to, and also Brakelate himself, all ride at a hot pace compared to me, so I have ridden every straight section at full throttle in lower gears to try to keep up. The only time that the engine gets to settle down at all is after they inevitably drop me. But, even then, the DR-Z is so short geared that it is always turning 5-6000 RPM, minimum.

So, if the bike runs well, and appears to be clean, and has no oil leaks, etc., buy the sucker. Not that it matters, since you will discover that it is 90% rider and 10% bike, and, even though the early DR-Z's were lighter and more powerful, they still are not on a par with the expensive European stuff. But, they are considerably more reliable and durable.

But, be aware that if Brakelate came to visit you and he rode your old bike, you'd have no chance even though you were on the lighter more powerful ride and even though you were riding on your own turf.

[jhwalker]

"But, be aware that if Brakelate came to visit you and he rode your old bike, you'd have no chance even though you were on the lighter more powerful ride and even though you were riding on your own turf." Oh, I'd have plenty of chance to do what I am doing these days -- riding to have fun and come back in one piece. At 71 and especially after that big wreck 3 years ago that I have never recovered from, the thought of getting into a "what the hell is going to happen now" zone trying to keep up with someone is NOT in the picture.

An earlier owner had the bug. The bike has a lot of goodies. I plan to buy it but plan to wait until I return from SoCal for our golf charity event. This is a small area and I think that I AM the buyer.







"

[Brakelate]

Have Mike listen to the vids. He would know any strange noises right off, as many as he has torn down and ridden.

Mine makes all sorts of odd mechanical noises as well, but keeps singing along. Just rolled over 10k a week or two ago rolling into Kanab UT for lunch, chasing a Thunderstorm. 120 of miles fighting strong winds, periods of heavy rain and all while singing along at an indicated 70 mph there and back. Happy as a clam after lubing the chain and giving it a very rare adjustment.

*And I have done NONE of the "Mandatory" Loc-Tite fixes, am running a "Completely Incorrect" jetting / carb combo (According to the Pro Tuner - my bike shouldn't even RUN! Lol) well, and you all know how hard that little motor works, running along wide open under every condition imaginable.


Of course for my sidewalk dining experience, I had to "Hog" (no pun intended) the 'Harley Only" Parking spots. Of course in this weather, there were none to be seen all day.

[jhwalker]

How the hell do you get your leg over that box? I took off the 3 inch tall little cloth bag I had on the S...

Mike, take a listen, por favor.

[Brakelate]

I ride "SideSaddle".

[jhwalker]

When did you grow the beard?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MO2TuANZcs

[mikedbike2002]

How the hell do you get your leg over that box? I took off the 3 inch tall little cloth bag I had on the S...

Mike, take a listen, por favor.

How do I get my leg over the box? Very carefully!!

[jhwalker]

Try this http://youtu.be/yd-ZlkFUF_E

Mike -- does it sound to you like the cam chain tensioner? gracias

[jhwalker]

Here are some bad pictures of the bike.

The front light is blinding -- I turned it on in a dark garage.

[Brakelate]

Wow! That does look nice! Good add-on's for it's intended use, with the big skid plate, radiator guards, etc. Looks super clean... even some bling added with the Billet looking gas cap!



So, is it in your garage?


OH, and... Baaa Haaa Haaaa!