Drz400 Thread

[the big c word]

Any body going to the cal poly penguins ride tomorrow?

[Canuman]

This has been well covered before, but I had the pleasure of riding my newly rebuilt seat today. I recently ordered the Seat Concepts tall foam in the "fat boy" density. I didn't need the extra height as a general thing, but I have a knee injury that makes riding with a compressed right knee painful. I can nearly flat-foot the bike with the added 1 1/4", and sitting doesn't hurt.

Seat Concepts provides a nice, well-done kit. I borrowed an electric stapler from a friend. I'm sure that I would have had an easier time with an air stapler, but things worked out. If you are using anything less than professional grade stapler, simply make sure that the seat pan is supported against something rigid and the stapler is firmly against the pan. I had quite a few staples that didn't seat the first time, but it's simple to yank them and try again.

I learned (a little late) that the process goes much easier if you heat the pan with a heat gun or hair dryer as you go along.

There is a major difference in comfort, and the off-road ability of the seat isn't compromised. It's still not a big, wide cruiser saddle, but it is a major improvement.

[Muddler]

Excellent feedback. I'm interested to see the appearance of the tall version, any chance of posting a photo?


[BQUOTE=Canuman;18567484]This has been well covered before, but I had the pleasure of riding my newly rebuilt seat today. I recently ordered the Seat Concepts tall foam in the "fat boy" density. I didn't need the extra height as a general thing, but I have a knee injury that makes riding with a compressed right knee painful. I can nearly flat-foot the bike with the added 1 1/4", and sitting doesn't hurt.

Seat Concepts provides a nice, well-done kit. I borrowed an electric stapler from a friend. I'm sure that I would have had an easier time with an air stapler, but things worked out. If you are using anything less than professional grade stapler, simply make sure that the seat pan is supported against something rigid and the stapler is firmly against the pan. I had quite a few staples that didn't seat the first time, but it's simple to yank them and try again.

I learned (a little late) that the process goes much easier if you heat the pan with a heat gun or hair dryer as you go along.

There is a major difference in comfort, and the off-road ability of the seat isn't compromised. It's still not a big, wide cruiser saddle, but it is a major improvement.[/QUOTE]

[59DEN]

Originally Posted by Muddler

I have a DRZ with 28L tank and set up to carry panniers. I weigh 95kg
I'm thinking of upgrading the springs with racetechs off procycle
I'm thinking 0.48 for the front and 5.4 for the back. I only ride at a moderate
pace, no big jumps or anything, so no need to make her too stiff.
Any feedback on likely success with those spring rates?

This is payback Rob for previous digs at me , What does it say above "no big jumps" , now what about a camel.

[Canuman]

Originally Posted by Muddler

Excellent feedback. I'm interested to see the appearance of the tall version, any chance of posting a photo?

You mean like this?

[Muddler]

Originally Posted by Canuman

You mean like this?

Perfect! Thanks for that

[Muddler]

Originally Posted by 59DEN

This is payback Rob for previous digs at me , What does it say above "no big jumps" , now what about a camel.

Ha ha! I think a certain Lexpo may be your partner in crime here.
Good work

[Canuman]

I met with inmate Jackpiner57 on Friday. He's been working on a set of luggage racks for my "E" model, and has completed the welding and fabrication. I'm impressed with his design skills and craftsmanship. The racks are now awaiting paint, and will go for their field trials soon.

Unlike other solutions out there, these racks will mount a variety of luggage. He designed this set to mount my Wolfman expedition dry bags, but the mounting points will work with a variety of other throw-over systems. The top rack includes a mounting point for the Rotopax fuel can mount.

Perhaps their best feature is that they use stock mounting points. Beyond enlarging one hole in the left plastics, no modification to the bike is necessary. This means far less hassle than searching up an "S" subframe, modifying the airbox, and the lot.

Since the system works with the stock "E" subframe, it will be lighter in weight than the "S" subframe and racks.

An added advantage is with the addition of two strap clamps, the rack will keep the rear fender from flopping around, thus ending tail-light breakage.

Pics to follow as soon as the racks leave the paint shop.

[sevenpointsixtwo]

Originally Posted by Canuman

You mean like this?

What rear rack do you have on there right now? I've been looking for a decent one for the E model, and that looks pretty burly.

[Canuman]

Originally Posted by sevenpointsixtwo

What rear rack do you have on there right now? I've been looking for a decent one for the E model, and that looks pretty burly.

That's a Nomadic rack, which is available through Seat Concepts here: http://www.seatconcepts.com/products...roduct=8231410

It's not bad for day trips, is light weight, and mounts easily. It is fairly small for anything larger than rain gear and a water bottle. I find it difficult to strap anything to it securely. Although they claim a 9" x 11" platform area, it's actually 9" x 7" useful. I don't want to shit on my brothers, it's a nicely finished piece and a good value.

The TATrack platform is quite a lot larger (16.5" wide x 14.25 deep,) offers a Rotopax mount, and will protect the rear turn signals. I wish I had it yesterday in the woods. I had to order new turn signals last night. . . It does not add appreciably to the width of the bike. It just clears the muffler and the battery case when mounted.

Overall weight on the TATrack is going to be greater, but I don't think the difference will be huge.

Tom is jigged up and ready to produce these. His vendor thread here: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=667912

And for those whom it makes a difference to, Tom is an experienced welder/fabricator working here in the US to feed his family. The powder coating on his racks is done by a local firm. This is a hand-made, USA product.

[Goofy Footer]

Originally Posted by Canuman

I met with inmate Jackpiner57 on Friday. He's been working on a set of luggage racks for my "E" model, and has completed the welding and fabrication. I'm impressed with his design skills and craftsmanship. The racks are now awaiting paint, and will go for their field trials soon.

Unlike other solutions out there, these racks will mount a variety of luggage. He designed this set to mount my Wolfman expedition dry bags, but the mounting points will work with a variety of other throw-over systems. The top rack includes a mounting point for the Rotopax fuel can mount.

Perhaps their best feature is that they use stock mounting points. Beyond enlarging one hole in the left plastics, no modification to the bike is necessary. This means far less hassle than searching up an "S" subframe, modifying the airbox, and the lot.

Since the system works with the stock "E" subframe, it will be lighter in weight than the "S" subframe and racks.

An added advantage is with the addition of two strap clamps, the rack will keep the rear fender from flopping around, thus ending tail-light breakage.

Pics to follow as soon as the racks leave the paint shop.

Hey Canuman, I have an E model and had the Nomadic Rack, Justin is local to San Diego. It worked well. I eventually swapped to an S subframe because I bent my E badly in a crash haha. The S only required me to cut my rear fender and build a maybe a 1.5-2" bracket to bolt the pipe onto the frame. I didn't mod the airbox in any way.

But, best of luck with the E racks, I'm quite interested to see how they turn out. Post some action pics when you're done.

[Goofy Footer]

Originally Posted by 59DEN

This is payback Rob for previous digs at me , What does it say above "no big jumps" , now what about a camel.

DRZ jump pics are sweet! Good work.

[toadl]

I just wanted to show off what I've been working on the last two weeks. I've never done any machining but a machinist at work gave me some advice but didn't want to stay after hours to help me. I'm quit proud of the results after going on a 150 mile ride today. The ride started out with some Harley riders, but I soon got bored and after lunch an emergency happened at home and I had to leave.

[GlennR]

Originally Posted by toadl

I just wanted to show off what I've been working on the last two weeks. I've never done any machining but a machinist at work gave me some advice but didn't want to stay after hours to help me. I'm quit proud of the results after going on a 150 mile ride today. The ride started out with some Harley riders, but I soon got bored and after lunch an emergency happened at home and I had to leave.

Sweet! What wheels did you use? Where you able to keep the cush drive on the rear? I'm just now starting on a set of SV650 wheels for my WR450. I've ordered the wheels, cush hub, & rotors. Still working on figuring out the bearings & spacers. Did you have any issues getting the bearings to fit the axle? On mine the rear axle is 22mm and the bearings don't come in that ID, seems like reducing sleeves would be available, but I haven't found any yet. I'll call the bearing suppliers tomorrow and see what to do.

Wish I had free access to a lathe...

Do you have any other shots of the machining and maybe of how you chucked up the wheels?


thanks,

[STANIMAL]

Originally Posted by toadl

I just wanted to show off what I've been working on the last two weeks. I've never done any machining but a machinist at work gave me some advice but didn't want to stay after hours to help me. I'm quit proud of the results after going on a 150 mile ride today. The ride started out with some Harley riders, but I soon got bored and after lunch an emergency happened at home and I had to leave.

Give us some details , thanks .