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DRZ 400E..... great trail bike (long)
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Posted by: Monkey Butt---------------------
It's late, I'm bored and can't sleep so what the heck.
I've put about 125 miles on my new 2002 DRZ400E since I bought it about three weeks ago. I'm selling my 2000 KTM 200exc because I am getting out of racing and taking it a little easier due to back problems. I couldn't walk for a couple of days after my last two races. I bought the DRZ because I thought it would make a good trail bike that I could convert to dual sport. I seriously considered the KTM 400EXC because I havn't ever had any trouble with my 200 and I think it is one hell of a bike. Reasons for not buying the KTM 400 was.....more race oriented, less comfortable for longer dual sport rides, all the warnings against dual sporting it, I need a trail bike not a race bike. The DRZ fit the bill nearly perfectly...except for a little overweight issue. Oh well, nobody is perfect. The great thing about the DRZ is that I really can't feel the extra weight when riding, even in tight single track situations, with the exception of if I screw up and find myself strugling to hold it up with one foot just barely able to touch or if the inevitable happens and I have to pick it up off of the ground. No crashes yet, but I did drop it over once or twice when the bike stalled. I should have fought a little harder to keep it upright! 
After having the 200exc for two years, I thought this bike would feel like a real tank in the woods, but it doesn't at all. I'm still getting use to the four stroke power and riding style, so some of the obsticles that I might have leaped over on the 200, I am rolling through now until I get more confident in getting that front wheel up at a moments notice to clear those logs and small ditches. I'm getting there.
Overall impression....some of the components are not upto the caliber of the KTM stock parts: handlebars, bolts and the usual things you here about. It is also more difficult to work on but that is comparing a two stroke to a four stroke, so it may not be a fair comparison. GOOD THINGS.....feels much lighter then it is, electric like power which will surprise you (you may be going a lot faster than you realize, I out ran a WR400F in several drag races), it works well on the street after adding all of the dual sport gadgets, comfortable seat compared to the KTM, I am getting use to the softer suspension and I actually like it (it would slow me down if I were racing though, but great for a little easier pace in rough terrain)...the suspension, soft seat and electric power have allowed me to start riding again with out being in agony from my herniated discs in my back and I'm really not riding slow. The 200 took a very aggressive riding style to keep it happy and my back wasn't able to take it any more. The DRZ has allowed me to ride at an easier pace and my back is getting stronger with each ride (knock on wood). My back feels better now than it has for a good year.
By the way I am down to a whopping 155 pounds with out any gear or anything else for that matter, so the suspension would probably be too soft for anyone over say 170 or an aggressive racer at my weight.
Like I said I had nothing better to do at the time.
Neal
Posted by: Suzooka---------------------
Sorry to hear about the injuries. I also have a drz but I am actually going the other way. I like the drz for every thing like you said but it isn't the greatest harescramble machine but don't get me wrong I've had a blast on it. Now I am thinking about getting a more race oriented bike. I'm 18 and in the last year and a half I've fell in love with racing in the woods. For a race bike what did you think of your 200 and do you think their would have been a better race bike yet now that you look back?
Enjoy the suzook mine has been a bullit proof bike.
Posted by: Monkey Butt---------------------
For my height and weight (at the time 170# now 155#, 5'8") I can't imagine a better harescramble bike. If I were going to keep racing and get a new bike it would probably be another 200exc.
Neal
Posted by: tigerowner---------------------
I have a friend that rides a DRZ and loves it. It is a very competent bike. Another guy I ride with traded his DRZ for a KTM520EXC and says that his DRZ is much better on the trail due mainly to the suspension and seat. The DRZ is a fine bike and can run with anything.
Posted by: Heckler---------------------
I just got my DR-Z400E! Everything Monkey Butt said is very relevant. The bike is great, with the only negative being the weight factor. But, you can't tell is heavy till your trying to keep it from falling over after a mistake. Great bike for trail/track. I wanted a bike that would do both and this is it. Me AND my brother got one. Tommorrow, we are going to the Talking Rock Arena, so there will be 2 yellow Suzukis tearing it up out there. Heheh.
I am used to street riding, and really feel like I'm abusing the bike, but thats what dirt bikes are made for I guess. I haven't dropped it yet (came close when some ass kicked up a huge "rooster tail" of sand in my face last ride). I hate how they put a that metal tip on my Alpinestars Tech 6 boots, cause they scratched up the engine casing on the shifter side. Don't you just love being anal about a new bike? 
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