paulmbowers 236 Posted February 5, 2014 What year is considered the "best year" for the DRZ 400? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted February 5, 2014 you are NOT seriously considering one of those turds are you? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wintyfresh 46 Posted February 5, 2014 It depends a bit on the model. In 2002 the S model got a suspension upgrade (the E already had it), in 2003 they got revised cam chain tensioner. In 04 I think the California E models lost the FCR carb, and everywhere in 07. In ~08 they went from a cotter pin to a locknut on the rear axle (but the cost to upgrade is less than a fast food combo). Not sure what else if anything changed besides a few cosmetic tweaks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Afry 1 Posted February 5, 2014 The correct answer would be the 1998-99 Dr350 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted February 5, 2014 03 has the marginally better suspension If you can get one with the FCR carb and the think base gasket, you will really appreciate the power boost. I hear mixed reviews about the edelbrock carb GET the springs done by George... HUGE difference thumpertalk is your on-line friend... specifically Eddie Sisneros, if you can deal with his directness on answering questions. He is running a business that seems to cater to the DRZ crowds (as well as others)... Thumpertalk case savers are the first order of business... MCCT, grinding the foot levers, red lok-tite Forrest at Wheeling has all the answers for upgrade details- levers, brakes If you are serious, you are welcome to join me for a small bike ride around Lark on Sunday; I'll bring my KLR and stay off the really tough trails Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Goofy Footer 539 Posted February 5, 2014 E model with the backup kicker. Hands down. I'd Neverrr be caught riding a flat magnet black S model with orangutan bars and childish superhero stickers! E model has: No junk street legal wiring No heavy speedometer No passenger pegs Grease nipples for the swingarm Rim locks Kickstarter with manual decompression lever Higher compression Revvier cams Higher redline FCR carb DRZ parts are easy to come by. 4 gallon ims tank, hid/led headlight (bike is dc, does not need stator mod), George Spinali suspension and you're ready to rock. Unabiker radiator guards, case savers and skidplate for protection. Wide ratio gears are available. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 887 Posted February 5, 2014 Plated E model is the only way I'd ever go for a DRZ. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Goofy Footer 539 Posted February 5, 2014 Plated E model is the only way I'd ever go for a DRZ. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted February 5, 2014 I've never ridden an E version, nor an FCR version, nor a bored out version... so I don't know what I'm missing I really think you (Paul) will be completely underwhelmed with the power delivery these things make... and the top heavy nature of the bike... and the sucky suspension Which is why I am offering mine to ride on familiar terrain; it's when you will really see the shortcomings of the bike (understanding I like mine a lot) The WR was SO much faster and well composed through rough stuff, that it wasn't even funny; connecting the corners on the WR was like being shot from a cannon; the DRZ is like being squeezed from a tube (if I may paraphrase HST) goofy- my superman logo got torn off in an altercation with a boulder... but I understand what your saying Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 887 Posted February 5, 2014 If you're not afraid of kick starting a bike, the K is probably the best handling DRZ400 out there since it's considerably lighter. Throw a Rekluse on it and don't look back. Difficult to find one, even more difficult to find a plated one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wintyfresh 46 Posted February 5, 2014 E model with the backup kicker. Hands down. That's the DRZ400K. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted February 5, 2014 E model with the backup kicker. Hands down. That's the DRZ400K. no... the K is kick only E has the Electric starter with Kickstarter back up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 887 Posted February 5, 2014 no... the K is kick only E has the Electric starter with Kickstarter back up The E never came factory with a kickstarter. It can be added to the E or S model. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wintyfresh 46 Posted February 5, 2014 E has the Electric starter with Kickstarter back up I'll be damned, I don't think I've ever seen the kickstarter on an E before. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted February 5, 2014 E has the Electric starter with Kickstarter back up I'll be damned, I don't think I've ever seen the kickstarter on an E before. right. You have to add it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Goofy Footer 539 Posted February 5, 2014 E model with the backup kicker. Hands down. That's the DRZ400K. 400K was kickstart only, the lightest DRZ. Desertrunner and Wildwood have them in our club My 400E has both electric start and factory kickstarter. Baldbeemer's old one was the same way. I see them often enough on CL. I've seen E's without kickstarters. I'm happy I have mine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Desertrunner 0 Posted February 5, 2014 Yep, kickstart only here. It's an easy bike to start and I'm young, so I don't mind. 249lb dry, so nearly 50lbs lighter than the S and reasonably peppy with the cams, FCR, and higher compression. Honestly, it reminds me of the older WRs with a little less power and a bit less suspension capability. If I had to replace it, I don't think I'd even consider the S model just because of the amount of money and work it would require to be comparable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Covered in Dust 163 Posted February 5, 2014 This one looks pretty nice. https://sandiego.cra...4320797573.html CiD Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Afry 1 Posted February 6, 2014 But this one is PLATED http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/mcy/4320258498.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hodnettjj 0 Posted February 6, 2014 This one looks pretty nice. https://sandiego.cra...4320797573.html CiD "never been licensed in California" **Red Light** Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
