G'day everyone

[RohaN]

Hello all
Just thought i'd get my first post here out of the way!
thanks for all the fantastic knowledge i've found here so far, its been a great help.
I'm from Sydney & have been racing around on off-road postie-bikes for a few years & riding on the road on a ZZR for a year & a half.

its time to upgrade.

Well i took a few motards for some test rides on the weekend and needless to say the ZZR is getting launched into the sun as soon as possible & i'm keeping my eyes peeled for everything motard! :D

i gotta have one!

soon!

I've ridden a husky 610 SMS & a factory DRZ400 sm as well,
i liked the lightness, handling & smooth gearbox of the 400, but the grunt on a 610 was quite tasty.

what are the pros & cons of building one up over buying someone else's pre-tarded baby? .. other than knowing exactly whats wrong with it... :P

Also, should i be wary of certain models like WRs or XRs as they dont seem as popular? is that mainly becasue of reliability?

Cheers
Rohan

[Flash]

The bike you choose depends on what you are going to use the bike for. If it a pure toy not a commuters a more race orientated bike would be the go and if you looking at this type the only one with a warranty is the SMR450/510. I have one of these.
If you are going to use it more as a commuter then You'd have to look at the KTM LC4, Husky SM610 or the DRZ. they all have 1 year warranty except the Husly which has 2 years.
You can go and modify all the enduro bikes but you will end up spending more than on a race ready SMR which has a 2 year warranty

[RohaN]

ok, well i primarily ride on the weekends for fun & commute probably 2-3 days a week, depending on weather & a whim

i'd like something that could have dirt rims thrown on & taken for a bush bash as well, so i'm thinking a DRZ or a WR 400 at the moment, & not so much a large endro.

[Flash]

Standard the Husky (or KTM) will rip the DRZ off road in suspersion and handling not to mention power. They may feel a little heavy but they will fell better once you gt going. If you only intend to ride in the dirt in summer then you can pretty much do it on road tyres, if you want to do it in winter you may need to look at drit wheels as well. One of the Lurkers here (Steve, some of you know) has done all the dirt riding and MX on his modified DRZ with a slick on the back even in the wet! If you are trying to compete with guys in the bush and they ride knobbies then you have no chance on road tyres except maybe on hard pack in summer.

[Flash]

The wr400 is not the same as a DRZ it's more a competition bike so a lot more maintanance.

[Tom]

KTM is running out 05 model 640's at the moment for ridiculous prices (last i heard you could get one for about $9,000.00 brand new with warranty).

Just based on price you can't go past that deal, let alone the fact thats it's and LC4 KTM.

[Wobbly]

The benefit of building a tard over buying is basically that you can convert to full dirt setup and for individuality.

If you want reliability and lightness, go for the drz. If you want reliability and grunt, go for the Husky 610 or KTM 625/640 (whichever floats your boat). If you want performance and good warranty coverage go for the husky 450/510, but be prepared for some more maintenance. If you like spending a lot of time adjusting valves, go for a crf :lol2: If you want to make up a performance tard that requires a bit of maintenance and WR's float your boat then I reckon 2nd gen 426's are the best buying.

The LC4 deal on at the moment for $9990 is a killer deal if you can find one (none left in vic). I know where you can get a 625SMC for excellent money right now as well, again in vic though.

But right now I'd geat some seat time on as many demos as you can :D

[agent34]

Rohan,

I just bough a new LC4 2005 model and i live down the road at Balgowlah. My bike has a cam, flatslide and the suspension done. You can come and take it for a quick test ride if you like to get the feel, just don't crash it or you own it. I race with the dealer form Highway performance and they have one or two left and they can supply the bike and he is a great guy as well. send a PM.
Actually im selling my old LC4 2003, has 5000klms on it in very good condition.

[RohaN]

Thanks for the info guys,
yeah i dont plan on heaps of dirt adventures on the tard, but the ability would be nice. i usualy get my dirt fix from racing my modified postie bike out in the country
I checked out one of those yammy XTX thinggos yesterday, wasnt impressed. felt far too wide & top heavy- like a road bike in disguise rather than vice versa.
plus the underslung pipes means i'd have to be careful out on dirt.
and it was ugly... :P

Well, looks like building up a DRZ400 is going to be the way to go, (surprise surprise)
they come up for sale here in Syd fairly often & i'm quite happy tinkering with bikes

so
anyone want to buy an incredibly reliable ZZR? :)
urgent sale :P

[Tom]

If you're going to build up from a dirt bike have you considered the XR's?

I've had both a 400 and a 650 and both were awesome. I have a car for commuting though, so the kick start doesn't bother me. The XR's need bugger all maintenance and with minor derestriction mods are just as fast as a DRZ or an LC4.

Bonus is that XR's are significantly cheaper than DRZ's and KTMs.

Just a thought.

Everyone else here hates hondas, based on CRF performance from what i hear, but from my experience the XR's are reliable, equal in power (after derestriction), and usually lighter than the suzuki or KTM equivalents.




I'm waiting for the obligatory bashing by the DRZ & KTM owners club now.

:axe:

[Wobbly]

The big XR is a good bike, my only reservation about them is their size (big bikes) and kickstarting, but then I commute around on mine a lot. But they have a big, lazy engine that cranks out good hp and are as reliable as bricks.

I think antti found his for about 5 grand or thereabouts...

[Flash]

If I had no cash and wanted a reliable motard I'd look at a XR400 over every thing. But the 400 is heavier than a 450 and the 650 is heavier than a 610. very reliable though!

[Tom]

Definately, the XR is only meant to be the cheaper option, not the better option.

When compared to the 2 other bikes being spoken about here (DRZ400 & KTM640) the XR's will offer virtually the same performance in power and weight (i actually think it's lighter than those 2), just without a few of the bells and whistles like USD's, magic button, digital instruments etc.

If i were commuting, then i wouldn't get an XR, but for a blast on the dirt and twisties on weekends only, it's definately a cheaper toy that's just as much fun.

I think i might be a bit biased since mine is a long way from standard and i may be forgetting what it was like i stock trim.

[Tom]

By the way, i had a look at the KTM shop on Princes highway on Tuesday.

They have about 6 of the 05 640's left on the runout deal, but they said they sold 5 last week so you'd have to be quick.

Was investigating getting a superduke till they tiold me insurance would be $2,000 to $2,500 a year for me.

[Flash]

How often would you ride the super duke mate?

[sprint666]

Cant go past the DRZ-E dont touch the factory motard version, road one and it was underpowered, the reasoning behind this I hve found out is-
Smaller carby and Different cam.
Also they have a metal fuel tank. and you have to run a 320mm disc on the dirt bike rim you purchase from somewhere else as the caliper bracket is part of the fork.

They look nice but for what you could buy a second hand DRZ-E for, and mod it, it would be cheaper.

But those KTM prices I know what i would be doing!!!

[Wobbly]

Don't forget they also have a thicker base gasket which lowers the compression ratio......

[Wobbly]

Was investigating getting a superduke till they tiold me insurance would be $2,000 to $2,500 a year for me.
What, do you like getting in police chases do you? :lol:

[RohaN]

so the price of those KTMs, is that on road or just the bike?

hrrm. Xr could be an option....
air cooled tho...i cant afford a new spanker.

are they bastards to start if not jetted well?
can you get electric starters on them as an aftermarket?

My housemate and i share a regestered Postiebike, its kickstart & has been an absolute pig to start latley now its getting colder...
I have a car as well (for all those times when i need to actualy move something other than my own ass), so reliabilty isnt absolute, i have transport but it would be nice to own something that just works whenyou want it to.

[Wobbly]

Kick starting a big single is generally pretty easy once you work out the knack of it ... number of throttle pumps combined with finding tdc etc ... electric start kits are available but are generally hideously expensive, such as about a grand U.S. or thereabouts...

[Tom]

Forget about retro fitting electric start, it costs a fortune.

Kick starting is easy once you find the magic technique for the bike. Mine starts 2nd kick when cold (never first kick, i think it needs to prime with fuel or something) and first kick when warm.

If you've got $10,000 buy the KTM or DRZ, If you've got $7,000 buy an XR and convert it.

If you've got $20,000 buy a superduke and get chased by the police (best idea i've heard in a long time Neil)

These are of course just personal preferences though. Everyone likes what they like and as long as you buy a motard we'll all think it's a top bike.

[RohaN]

Ok.

I went and rode a DRZ400e in dirt trim last night & it was a bit rough, as in it was dirty and had scratched plastics.
it also had air-box mods & a pipe.
its owner is a mechanic & it seemed to be running really well, so it would need Fresh plastics, tard wheels, rubber & brakes

on the other hand, there's a WR400 for sale that i'm going to see on monday,
its already been tarded & looks mighty fine,
see the ad here:
http://www.bikesales.com.au/as/search/sd.do?recIndex=1&modelID=1532&makeID=83&page=0&selectedModelIndex=64&y=16&selectedMakeIndex=64&previousResultPerPage=20&currentPage=1&x=82

now, my brain is saying GET THE DRZ, whereas my eyes are saying GET THE WR

i know the WR is gonna have more squirt & its owner is an apprentice motorcycle mechanic so its been looked after, but to all those WR owners out there, just how harsh is the maintanance on these things? am i gonna have to replace 5 titanium valves every 5000ks?
I'm happy to do some tinkering and minor work, but total head rebuild & rings is a little beyond me.
It looks so good & will go so well, & its already been pimped out, but... but... i know its gonna be a nightmare.

So straight up, no shit, what am i realisticaly looking at money, frequency & time wise for maintaining a high compression WR?

[Tom]

Damn!!! that WR has about $5,000 worth of mods on it!

Stuff the DRZ, get the WR!

The money you save on all those mods can be spent on maintenance for the next 5 years.

[jakestein]

I own a wr450 with 15000km all done on the street and I have given it a hard life.

I know of two wr250's one with 17000km and the other over 35000km on original top end 8)

Oil can be stretched to 750km, I normaly do that, the oil change including fliter change aswell.

I say go for that bike it looks great, and has some $$$$$ parts on it :D

Thats my bike to the Left.

I belive the wr motor can last aslong as any DRZ motor

[Flash]

Look at it from a point of maintance you do need to change the oil more often on the wr but if you had to go for a enduro based bike you couldn't go past a Husky (I have 23000km's on my motor) or the Yamaha I would'nt nock the yamaha in a blind fit, infact it would be a very close second to the Husky in my eyes (New and a warranty!)
I don't like the way the DRZ's are set up so I wouldn't get one but they are a good bike.
By the way there is no way a WR will last as long as a DRZ theyre to different.

[RohaN]

Jakestien, have you redone the top end on your WR? checked the valve clearances or anything? or is that 15000 kays with just oil changes?

[sprint666]

Mate take it from me and 77 we both have DRZ's that WR400 is great, and all the hard work is done, Go the WR I know I would.

Not knocking my DRZ though!!!!

[RohaN]

Well my housemate (Motard Mike on here) just went & saw the WR.
It belongs to the apprentace at the bike mechanics he gos to.

it was owned by the head mechanic before the apprentice
looks absolutly incredible by all accounts, except the tyres are shagged.
Mike spoke to the head mechanic who's bike it was previously
It turns out the head mechanic there sold it to the apprentice about 2 months ago.
now its up for sale again.
... susupect...?
Mike asked about motards in general & if there were any good ones out here & the head mechanic didnt mention the WR untill he was prompted. then he just said "yeah, its up for sale. again"
Mike said there was something odd, as the head mechanic who built the thing didnt say "buy this!" or even mention that it was a good deal.
apparently he definatly gave off the vibe that there was something awry without actualy saying so.

what i'm thinking is the mechanic couldnt say "dont buy this, its fucked" becasue he has to work with the apprentice & wouldnt want to screw him over, but he also couldnt say "get this, its awesome" becasue it probably isnt true....

so its either gonna be
A) it could be fine & i'd miss a giant bargain.
or
B) it looks fantastic but needs $2000 worth of engine work that neither of them are going to tell me about. & i cant afford

shit!

[jakestein]

Haha knew that drz coment would get a reaction ;) Apples to oranges,farm bike to race bike..

Had the valves checked about 40km ago for the 2nd time other then the 1st service.So 15000km and they needed slight adjustment.

No topend rebuild but I am planning it before december. estimate about 22000km by then :)

WR's are a way better motor then the husky warranty or not I love my Yamaha.

Take the bike for a spin, or ask to get it looked at by another shop!

[Tom]

Everyone is so worried about valve tolerances, just buy an XR and you'll never have to worry again. Takes about an hour to check and adjust your clearances. Gotta love adjustable rockers.

[Wobbly]

Screw and locknut adjustment is the biz :up:

Actually, shims aren't that bad unless you have a bike that requires you to remove the cams to replace the buckets and shims. Like DRZ's do. :evil:

[Sibbo]

How do you remove the shim/bucket without removing the cams? Do some engines have rockers with shim/bucket?

[Wobbly]

Yep, must do

[RohaN]

Well that WR was nice, went well, had an ANGRY engine, heaps of punch & massive crackles & backfires under comp braking, super anti-social exhaust & almost bald tyres.
Not what i'm after, it didnt even have a key. i'd wanna park it out front work, & having something that nice, just sitting outside where someone could just kickstart it... that'd drive me nuts. :shock:

Gonna go make an offer on a DRZ400e with acerbis pipe & air-box mods tonight if it hasnt already sold meethinks.
its in dirt trim, so looks like i'll be building one up afterall :D
aww yeah
cant wait

[Tom]

Do your research on what converting a dirt bike to motard will cost though, cause costs vary depending on what you want the bike to do.

For example, putting on a 320mm disc and caliper relocator bracket will cost $300 - $400, but going full motard brake setup can cost $1000 - $2,000 (4 pot caliper, disc, master cylinder and braided line, etc)

Just letting you know so you don't end up making my mistake where i bought the dirt bike for $5,000 (bargain) and then spent another $7,000 on mods. Could have bought a second hand Berg or Husky for what i've spent so far.


P.S. my bike didn't come with a key either, i got an ignition off a TTR250 from the wreckers for $20 and wired it into the kill switch myself.

[Wobbly]

At least you got the bike just the way you like it though ;)

[RohaN]

Yep, it know its gonna cost me more than if i just bought a pre-tarded bike, i did my research on all the mod costs & decided that i'd like having a bike that i can constantly improve & piss money away on :P
*cough*
i mean customised by me, even though its gonna hurt the wallet.
the DRZ400E was the way to go, Reliable, nice to ride, & plenty of options for it.
I put a deposit on one last night.

:D

its already got a pipe, & UFO headlight. its been a trailbike all its life, was owned by a (car) mechanic bike enthusiast is basically in need of some fresh plastics and half a days worth of cleaning.

i get it on the weekend in dirt trim, & i'm investigating the different avenues of tard bits now.

its begun :twisted:

[Flash]

WR's are a way better motor then the husky warranty or not I love my Yamaha.



Yeah right that's why Huskies make more power and have won a shit load more championships :finga:

[jakestein]

Spose Steffen Merriman(Sp?) and his wr haven't spanked a few husky's :D

Does your husky have more power then my bike? :-k

[SMC690]

Here's your wheels RohaN. :)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Supermotard-wheels-Takasago-Excel-Talon-Suzuki-Motard_W0QQitemZ120003686006QQihZ002QQcategoryZ352 32QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Flash]

Spose Steffen Merriman(Sp?) and his wr haven't spanked a few husky's :D

Does your husky have more power then my bike? :-k

Ahh Stefan merriman would spank anyone on any bikeHe used to ride for Husky)! and yes my Husky does have more power than yours :D

[jakestein]

Spose Steffen Merriman(Sp?) and his wr haven't spanked a few husky's :D

Does your husky have more power then my bike? :-k

Ahh Stefan merriman would spank anyone on any bikeHe used to ride for Husky)! and yes my Husky does have more power than yours :D

I was suggesting it might just be rider not bike ;)

Another one to my list for a duel at the drags :lol:

Like you have said before 'my bikes had some work done to it' haha

(all fun)

[Flash]

I'm just kidding any how mate I have no idea how fast it is! But I wont have it for too much longer anyhow.

[jakestein]

I'm just kidding any how mate I have no idea how fast it is! But I wont have it for too much longer anyhow.

I am in the same boat, had a phone call offering the right money for my bike :cry: but overseas will be just as much fun :twisted:

[Flash]

Whare you heading?

[jakestein]

Probaly Canada-US-Mexico then Asia in that order(subject to change).

Planning on leaving just after March next year.