Unreasonable Expectations: Trail AND Long-Haul Capable

[Kommando]

Originally Posted by gplassm

IMO - The bike you really need, you would have to build. You want/need a Ninja 250/300 motor, in an off-road capable chassis. I hate singles, for any street work. They all feel too vibey for prolonged periods of cruising.

Not everybody hates their tingly bits feeling tingly.

Some singles aren't bad at all, IMO. In contrast, I'd rather slab it across the country on a jetted DR650SE or an F650GS single than on most 2cyl or 4cyl sportbikes. Even my 4cyl standard isn't as nice on the slab, and it isn't necessarily because of the motors. The DR and the Rotax 650s are smooooooooth.

[KonaTheHusky]

Originally Posted by Canuman

As a DRZ400e owner, I love the bike. Fly-weight, it's not. 48 hp seems very optimistic. You're limited to one manufacturer for racks (see my sig line, not me but inmate Jackpiner57.) The subframe isn't up to massive loads.

The E did not come with a speedo, tach, high-beam or signals stock either. Some were made streetable carefully, others I've seen are a bit of a hack. If the electrics were not done carefully, expect some problems in that area. The stock battery is pretty weak -- you can easily flatten it by cranking the bike after a tip-over. Eddie Sisneros makes a battery box that will hold a battery with twice the cranking power.

You CAN ride them on the road, but they're not the best tool for that, particularly with the E gearing. A common complaint is that the bike really could use a sixth gear.

Part of the light weight comes from having light, thin engine cases. There are some fragile spots on them. A good skid plate is necessary, and case savers are a good idea.

And lastly, the stock seat is an absolute horror. Really one for the trash bin. Fortunately, Seat Concepts makes a good kit for the bike.

This one seems pretty heavily modified, any issues you can see? http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3660396050.html

[Luke308]

Looks essentially ready to ride with a lot of nice aftermarket stuff on it, although it looks like it's been ridden hard and not babied by any means. I'm in the Littleton/Ken Caryl area if you wanted to check it out before driving down here.

[Canuman]

It's not an E, but an S. 290 lbs, 8 less horsepower (different carb). The E has much better front forks than the S in the early years. The S has a better subframe, and a techno-geek speedo cluster. For a 4k miles bike, that sucker looks like it's been rid hard. Does not appear to be the original headlight, and serious rash on the handguards just for starters. Slick rattle-can paint job -- yum.

Originally Posted by KonaTheHusky

This one seems pretty heavily modified, any issues you can see? http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3660396050.html

[bobfab]

^^ well that and it has the marking sheet and numbers on it. Looks like it has been in an enduro or harescramble lately. Not hatin', just saying! There are countless examples of pristine, lowmileage DRZ's out there in your price range.

to the OP, i think all of the potential bikes you want will only be minutely better than the bike you already have. A high beam , speedometer and tach are like $100 a way. look no further than trailtech, they make both.

Regarding getting a XR600, XR650,etc... bear in mind they are kickstart only. When you are on those "intermediate" trails here in the rockies with a stalled bike on a cliff face, you will love the E-starter. Its frankly a must have these days for trailriding.

I really like the wr250r but i would be willing to bet they dont make a whole lot more power than the DR350 that you already have.

Many folks prefer the DR350 over the DRZ400 for the transmission alone!

I have a highly modified DRZ400e and while i constantly waiver over selling and getting a WR250r; the dyno sheets simply dont lie.

[KonaTheHusky]

Originally Posted by Canuman

It's not an E, but an S. 290 lbs, 8 less horsepower (different carb). The E has much better front forks than the S in the early years. The S has a better subframe, and a techno-geek speedo cluster. For a 4k miles bike, that sucker looks like it's been rid hard. Does not appear to be the original headlight, and serious rash on the handguards just for starters. Slick rattle-can paint job -- yum.

Sounds like your recommendation would be to go for an E, do the electronics mods correctly/carefully, get skids + protectors, and go from there?

There are a couple E's in the area that might be worth checking out.

I think these are close enough to my criteria to warrant testing, but I'll be wary of on-road handling and long haul comfort/capabilities.

Thanks!

[KonaTheHusky]

Originally Posted by Luke308

Looks essentially ready to ride with a lot of nice aftermarket stuff on it, although it looks like it's been ridden hard and not babied by any means. I'm in the Littleton/Ken Caryl area if you wanted to check it out before driving down here.

Thanks for the offer mate! It's not an unreasonable drive for me from Boulder, but given the traffic and available daylight I wouldn't head down till the weekend. I'll wait to give the guy a shout on Friday.

[KonaTheHusky]

Originally Posted by bobfab

^^ well that and it has the marking sheet and numbers on it. Looks like it has been in an enduro or harescramble lately. Not hatin', just saying! There are countless examples of pristine, lowmileage DRZ's out there in your price range.

to the OP, i think all of the potential bikes you want will only be minutely better than the bike you already have. A high beam , speedometer and tach are like $100 a way. look no further than trailtech, they make both.

Regarding getting a XR600, XR650,etc... bear in mind they are kickstart only. When you are on those "intermediate" trails here in the rockies with a stalled bike on a cliff face, you will love the E-starter. Its frankly a must have these days for trailriding.

I really like the wr250r but i would be willing to bet they dont make a whole lot more power than the DR350 that you already have.

Many folks prefer the DR350 over the DRZ400 for the transmission alone!

I have a highly modified DRZ400e and while i constantly waiver over selling and getting a WR250r; the dyno sheets simply dont lie.

My DR350 is also lacking an electric start. The DR350 claims 30hp while the DRZ400E claims 48hp; comparable weight. Sounds like you're skeptical that the DRZ would handle any better or pull any harder than the DRZ... sorry if I'm putting words in your mouth.

[Canuman]

It's not a huge effort to set up an E correctly. Just make sure that you can register it in your state. There are some very nice pre-made wiring looms out there. Potentially the best value is Tusk's dual-sport kit, which comes with everything you need to legalize the bike, but does not include a high-low beam headlight.

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/...dual-sport+kit

The mirrors that come with the Tusk kit are crap. Get one from Neduro of Dakar fame. His are the goods.

As to headlights, check in the vendor's section. Britannia Fairings are superb, but costly. Inmate Sanjoh makes one that's less expensive, and comes with LED lights that are wicked bright. I have one that's going on my E soon. Or you can simply get the S assembly off Ebay or ask around for one here. The DRZ isn't overly blessed with electric power, so keep that in mind.

You'll likely want new chains and sprockets. E gearing is for trails, not roads.

I'd stay chilled out and keep checking on the Bikes thread here. I've had pretty indifferent luck buying stuff off of Craigs, but inmates have treated me well. You have a much better chance of finding a bike that's been set up correctly.

Originally Posted by KonaTheHusky

Sounds like your recommendation would be to go for an E, do the electronics mods correctly/carefully, get skids + protectors, and go from there?

There are a couple E's in the area that might be worth checking out.

I think these are close enough to my criteria to warrant testing, but I'll be wary of on-road handling and long haul comfort/capabilities.

Thanks!

[bobfab]

oh well in that case (lack of E-start), you are probably better off then...

No problem, i agree and that is kind of the inference that i am making. It is: short of an awesome hard enduro KTM, you would be dabbling in the same bike niche (the non-high performance dualsport world).

Is your DR plated? Im also in boulder and wouldnt mind trading for a couple blocks so we could both have a better understanding of what you are working with and want to achieve!

[KonaTheHusky]

Originally Posted by bobfab

oh well in that case (lack of E-start), you are probably better off then...

No problem, i agree and that is kind of the inference that i am making. It is: short of an awesome hard enduro KTM, you would be dabbling in the same bike niche (the non-high performance dualsport world).

Is your DR plated? Im also in boulder and wouldnt mind trading for a couple blocks so we could both have a better understanding of what you are working with and want to achieve!

My DR isnt plated yet, but I have valid title so that'd be easy. I've been milking the 60 day grace period for registering a recently purchased vehicle. I wanted to make sure I was satisfied.

I live several blocks east of Ideal Market, just off 19th and Balsam/Edgewood. I'd be delighted for someone more well-versed than I to come provide some input here. I'm usually home shortly after 5pm so if you're free on a weekday we can set something up.

Thanks

[KonaTheHusky]

Anyone know anything about the Husaberg FE 501? There's a 2001 for sale really close by but I've only found limited info on the interwebs.

Muchos gracias.

[cognugget]

Originally Posted by larryboy

XR650R





360 pounds in that picture, full of fuel, gear and food for a week.

yes, plus, you can run the tight stuff with them, braaaaaaaaaaaaap

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I_qP...Rg9udw&index=1

[Canuman]

Snarly bike. Parts availability might be an issue. Husabergs are a rocket in your pocket. It's more or less a full-on race bike with turn signals pasted on. They weigh as much as helium, and are tuned to perform. I'd expect to do lots more maintenance over a Japanese machine. If you want to ride fast and hard, it's your huckleberry. I'd be scared as shit to own one. If you don't have the skills (and I don't), it will stuff you into the rough. Brilliant design, just be ready for it, and make sure your riding is up to the task.

Information is scarce, indeed.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...rg_fe_501e.htm

Originally Posted by KonaTheHusky

Anyone know anything about the Husaberg FE 501? There's a 2001 for sale really close by but I've only found limited info on the interwebs.

Muchos gracias.

[KonaTheHusky]

Originally Posted by Canuman

Snarly bike. Parts availability might be an issue. Husabergs are a rocket in your pocket. It's more or less a full-on race bike with turn signals pasted on. They weigh as much as helium, and are tuned to perform. I'd expect to do lots more maintenance over a Japanese machine. If you want to ride fast and hard, it's your huckleberry. I'd be scared as shit to own one. If you don't have the skills (and I don't), it will stuff you into the rough. Brilliant design, just be ready for it, and make sure your riding is up to the task.

Information is scarce, indeed.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...rg_fe_501e.htm

Sounds fun; I'll add Depends to my gear list for riding.

I'm not so competent on trails yet, but I'm incredibly comfortable on my 145hp street bike. I'm still learning the completely different riding style, but I do like my speed.