2006 DRZ400E(s)

[jhwalker]

A riding buddy down here, in his mid-70s, had a physical problem and has decided to sell his 2 identical 2006 DRZ400Es.
They are immaculate. This guy had a bike shop for years and really enjoys making things perfect.

Anyway, I am considering buying them, and then figure out what to do next. It would be nice to have them in the garage for visitors. Probably keep my DRZ400S for the street rides. They are perfect, very low mileage -- he keeps them here but he is in Texas most of the time where he keeps other bikes. But they ARE 7-8 years old.

So I'm trying to figure out a fair offer for the two. Any thoughts?

[Brakelate]

Well, considering who owns them, the potential that they are one off built factory bikes, or contain bits thereof, then add in your unique location, who would know.

Too many unique variables to simply throw out a "fair market value" on something like that.

Is he asking crazy money, or does he just consider them "hardware" at this point?

Start at $2k a piece and see how he reacts. But, that may be insanely overpaying for a generic, stock bike down in your neck of the woods, or the deal of a century, based on the availability of similar bikes, the unique nature and history of the machines, and who's name is on the title. Then again, there is some solid value in knowing that they have been maintained, cared for, and ridden by someone who knows how to treat a bike. Plus, you have ridden at least one, or know how strong they are, so it is not like you are just thumbing through the paper and rolling the dice on some complete random unknown. Still, hard to say.

[jhwalker]

Well, considering who owns them, the potential that they are one off built factory bikes, or contain bits thereof, then add in your unique location, who would know.

Too many unique variables to simply throw out a "fair market value" on something like that.

Is he asking crazy money, or does he just consider them "hardware" at this point?

Start at $2k a piece and see how he reacts. But, that may be insanely overpaying for a generic, stock bike down in your neck of the woods, or the deal of a century, based on the availability of similar bikes, the unique nature and history of the machines, and who's name is on the title. Then again, there is some solid value in knowing that they have been maintained, cared for, and ridden by someone who knows how to treat a bike. Plus, you have ridden at least one, or know how strong they are, so it is not like you are just thumbing through the paper and rolling the dice on some complete random unknown. Still, hard to say.

These might be the only 2 cherry bikes in Mexico. The riders "consume" the bikes here. Then get a new one.
They are both sweet. Have ridden both. Can't tell the difference and both look showroom. Both came from a dealer about 40 miles from here. He has only done little things like fix the kick-stand kill engine "feature", the rejetting, the air intake opening. He wanted to have two totally reliable bikes so when someone visited here during the few months he is here they could ride, but few visited (kinda sad) and the ones that did found the talcum over rock or the gumbo snot hard to deal with, and for sure if someone went down on this surface he never rode again. So I think they are just cherry. I am trying to find out what a new E sells for now. He just spent $1000 getting them registered, plated, ect, so I suspect he will try to recoup some of that. My edge is that life is good with my S, I just WANT an E, and if getting one, might as well get both. We had 8 people visit this year and a couple of them could ride but I only had one motorcycle. Having the 3 available would have allowed for some more fun. This guy is a great guy, but he does NOT need the money. He just finished restoring a '60s 650 Triumph Bonnie and decided to not bring it down and have to sweat some bandito deciding that HE wanted the bike. Actually, as he hits this over age 70 phase, and is having some issues physically, I get the sense they might be pulling back from here. Have been here off and on for 15 years, have a great casa, but you need to be ready to deal with stuff here. His last surgery took some steam out of him.
I will suggest $4K for both and the E specific tools that he has made. This has been a good year for us with no giant expenditures, so Terri basically said "just do it and don't talk about it". (once again the wonderful wife...). Even me sitting here taking pain meds and other meds for the appendix removal got the "you'll be fine soon" reaction.
Terri told his wife yesterday that she was sure I would want them if the price was reasonable -- probably shocked them. I will post if there is any progress.

[Tetge]

4K for both sounds like a steal. New DR-Z's have become $6-7K OTD, and, in truth, some feel that the older bikes were much better. You have ridden both, so, you are in a better position to compare them. Of course, old is old, but, the condition is also a factor. And, it also depends upon the market for such things where you are. You can always check KBB.com for used bike prices and also CycleTrader and get some idea of what the bikes are worth.

[mikedbike2002]

The 2006E model does not have the 39mm carb, better cams nor the thin base gasket. I have a 2006 E motor in my DRZ . But I put the good stuff in it. Stock is the same 36 hp motor they all have. Very early E has the better cams & carb & gasket.

[jhwalker]

Thanks for the input. It is NOT a seller's market down here, but the seller has disappeared the moment. I suspect that he is trying to get an offer before he talks to me about taking both. Like I said before, I have ridden both and they feel perfect for my geezer-style off-roading down here. Tires have been replaced recently. I'm not sure I would HAVE to do anything, but we will see. I was promised one of the two, me saying I would take both "conditionally" might have have stirred the pot??? Or he may have stuff to take care of and knowing he will have an offer might have let him focus on those things. I don't want him to think this is important to me. But I WANT one of these two E's at the minimum.

[Brakelate]

Very cool. Sounds like things are moving forward. I was not sure if they were a pair that came from the factory as some deal relating to his son's connections, or if they were special built, one offs or just rolled off the floor down there. Still, a good, clean set of scooters with a known history have solid value. And it would be nice to have spares.

If I had the money, I would have already picked up a couple spare bikes, quads, or better yet, side by sides for when folks (if they ever do - I think we are in the same boat) come to visit. It is always nice to have some for everyone to play on. Having just ONE toy for one's self isn't enough. Especially when people are coming in from out of town, or as with the boy's friends', their families can't afford it, or aren't into the action. I almost bought a spare little motorcycle just for such a purpose, but backed away, as I know the PITA it is to store, maintain and repair stuff that gets used by people passing through, then tossed in the corner and ignored.

In the coming season, I may figure out some "work program" for the young man that hangs out with my son, to pay off a smaller, lower end quad or bike or something. It would be good for him, and my son and give me peace of mind knowing that he has a "partner" when heading out down a trail, even for an after school little ride.

Plus, when I am feeling good, it is fun to watch, tinker and encourage. When I am not feeling so well, I get grumpy, pissed they beat stuff up and won't or don't know how to repair it or pay for it themselves. But, I try to make the good out weigh the bad. I know how quickly youth slips past us all.

[jhwalker]

Very cool. Sounds like things are moving forward. I was not sure if they were a pair that came from the factory as some deal relating to his son's connections, or if they were special built, one offs or just rolled off the floor down there. Still, a good, clean set of scooters with a known history have solid value. And it would be nice to have spares.

If I had the money, I would have already picked up a couple spare bikes, quads, or better yet, side by sides for when folks (if they ever do - I think we are in the same boat) come to visit. It is always nice to have some for everyone to play on. Having just ONE toy for one's self isn't enough. Especially when people are coming in from out of town, or as with the boy's friends', their families can't afford it, or aren't into the action. I almost bought a spare little motorcycle just for such a purpose, but backed away, as I know the PITA it is to store, maintain and repair stuff that gets used by people passing through, then tossed in the corner and ignored.

In the coming season, I may figure out some "work program" for the young man that hangs out with my son, to pay off a smaller, lower end quad or bike or something. It would be good for him, and my son and give me peace of mind knowing that he has a "partner" when heading out down a trail, even for an after school little ride.

Plus, when I am feeling good, it is fun to watch, tinker and encourage. When I am not feeling so well, I get grumpy, pissed they beat stuff up and won't or don't know how to repair it or pay for it themselves. But, I try to make the good out weigh the bad. I know how quickly youth slips past us all.

All so true. I could have used a spare right now except for the appendectomy, because right now Ryan is out on my S screwing around...

[Tetge]

The 2006E model does not have the 39mm carb, better cams nor the thin base gasket. I have a 2006 E motor in my DRZ . But I put the good stuff in it. Stock is the same 36 hp motor they all have. Very early E has the better cams & carb & gasket.

I made a post to correct Mike on this, but, it never posted. Only the 2006 California models were crippled. All the rest of the 2006 E's still had the 39mm carb, and, I assume, also, the other power enhancements. So, the two bikes for sale may well still be the non-California models.

[jhwalker]

The 2006E model does not have the 39mm carb, better cams nor the thin base gasket. I have a 2006 E motor in my DRZ . But I put the good stuff in it. Stock is the same 36 hp motor they all have. Very early E has the better cams & carb & gasket.

I made a post to correct Mike on this, but, it never posted. Only the 2006 California models were crippled. All the rest of the 2006 E's still had the 39mm carb, and, I assume, also, the other power enhancements. So, the two bikes for sale may well still be the non-California models.

I will check. Hard to imagine Suzuki bringing Cali models to Central Mexico, but who knows