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The Ultimate DRZ-400SM Thread - Mods, Tips and Tricks

Ogg said:
I have a spare temp probe and fan you can have. If the E and SM radiators and wiring harness are the same you should be good to go.

Agree with Z3n - stock SM gearing is my choice as well. Mine had a 38t rear when I got it (Brad had used it as a freeway commuter). In my opinion the 41t matches up with the transmission gearing better for canyon fun and is adequate for the occasional freeway run.
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E and SM radiators are not the same. The E model has different hoses hose fittings and a different direction feed off the head of the engine.

Something could be rigged up potentially though.
 
Damn, all kinds of awesome info here, Thanks !

I don't know about current gearing, I'll check and report back. One concern is my desire to switch from dirt to street without changing chains..... I used to use c-clipped masterlinks back in the day though, I guess I could again :)

Ogg; YES PLEASE ! I remember you buying those pieces :laughing what'll you take for 'em ?

Thanks for the heads up on the cooling sys differences, that'll save me from trying to copy the sm...instead I'll just work with my manual and bike to figure it out. The switch idea is good, even if it does get a thermal switch w relay.

I guess I see a Trail Tech Vapor in my future
 
You actually don't need a fan. I took the fan off the DRZ racebike I built (see beginning of thread) and ran it as a street bike with no fan.
 
planegray said:
Ogg; YES PLEASE ! I remember you buying those pieces :laughing what'll you take for 'em ?
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Yeah.. was trying to figure out WTH was going on with the cooling system on mine. Turns out the original temp sensor and fan are fine. Don't think I spent much... so modest cash or good beer?

stan23 said:
You actually don't need a fan. I took the fan off the DRZ racebike I built (see beginning of thread) and ran it as a street bike with no fan.
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My experience differs (and is zactly why I was playing with fans and switches). When moving the bike is fine. On a hot day after a spirited run in the canyons coming down to a stop light with no fan is a sure recipe for the overtemp light.
 
Ogg said:
Yeah.. was trying to figure out WTH was going on with the cooling system on mine. Turns out the original temp sensor and fan are fine. Don't think I spent much... so modest cash or good beer?



My experience differs (and is zactly why I was playing with fans and switches). When moving the bike is fine. On a hot day after a spirited run in the canyons coming down to a stop light with no fan is a sure recipe for the overtemp light.
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Hmm.. maybe I don't ride when it's too hot out. :)
 
stan23 said:
Hmm.. maybe I don't ride when it's too hot out. :)
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:laughing

I've had mine boil over a couple times when dirt riding on hot days....I had to learn to shut it off immediately when you come to a stop.

The design is freaking awesome though....the coolant tank stays empty (I got it that way, left it until evidence tells me to do otherwise) until the boil-over...then WHOOSH the tank fills up and steam flies out the overflow tube. First time it happened I freaked. I eventually learned that all I had to do was let it cool for 15-30 minutes then start up and ride away, then...PRESTO, all the coolant gets sucked back in :)

I just make sure the radiator is full, when the machine is cooled off.
 
The problem mine was having was that it wasn't sucking the coolant back in from the overflow tank. Because the fan sensor is at the top of the radiator (duh) the coolant level dropped below the sensor and the fan wouldn't trigger. :facepalm

New radiator cap FTW
 
My current DRZ's gearing is 16 x 38, done by its first owner.

I felt NO difference in first 4 gears (from the stock one I had previous to this one) - still plenty of grunt and peppy torque (considering, lol).

Fifth gear now is more freeway-friendly. Where I'd be shifting into it at 45-50 mph in the past, now it's around 55-60 mph. :thumbup


Stock tank and all else, I get 55-60 mpg too! Reserve hits around 95-100 mi.

:teeth
Yana:banana
 
stan23 said:
You actually don't need a fan. I took the fan off the DRZ racebike I built (see beginning of thread) and ran it as a street bike with no fan.
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stan23 said:
Hmm.. maybe I don't ride when it's too hot out. :)
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:rofl

I've been riding the bike for 3+ years.....I put the fan on a year ago, before that I never noticed a problem with it overheating or leaking any hot coolant under the bike, and haven't heard the fan running since putting it on.

Stock gearing is 15/41, with 16/38 it's not too far from stock since they changed the front and rear like that.

15/41- stock
15/38- better on freeway
16/41- better on freeway



*with all this great info and everyone settin up their bikes....does anyone ride much anymore?
Anyone wanna join Ogg and I for some rainy day goat trail/dirt road fun tomorrow?
 
Mortifer said:
:rofl

I've been riding the bike for 3+ years.....I put the fan on a year ago, before that I never noticed a problem with it overheating or leaking any hot coolant under the bike, and haven't heard the fan running since putting it on.

Stock gearing is 15/41, with 16/38 it's not too far from stock since they changed the front and rear like that.

15/41- stock
15/38- better on freeway
16/41- better on freeway



*with all this great info and everyone settin up their bikes....does anyone ride much anymore?
Anyone wanna join Ogg and I for some rainy day goat trail/dirt road fun tomorrow?
Click to expand...

Off road?
Could I use a ohv? My new tard isn't street legal.
 
Silence you! I regret nothing.

The master I used was 14mm.
 
stan23 said:
Some day you will see the error of your ways and come back to a DRZ. Trust me on this.:)
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Dunno, I finally got a chance to wring out the Dorso yesterday. It was like riding a fat pig of a DRZ, but with more balls. Left me thinking hard about a 690SMC. 'Course there's that Husky 610 in the classified section... hrmmm. :p
 
Ogg said:
Dunno, I finally got a chance to wring out the Dorso yesterday. It was like riding a fat pig of a DRZ, but with more balls. Left me thinking hard about a 690SMC. 'Course there's that Husky 610 in the classified section... hrmmm. :p
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Do it just so im not the only one ditching their drz! Lol
 
Ogg said:
Dunno, I finally got a chance to wring out the Dorso yesterday. It was like riding a fat pig of a DRZ, but with more balls. Left me thinking hard about a 690SMC. 'Course there's that Husky 610 in the classified section... hrmmm. :p
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Ride one first. Make sure you're on the best ignition map too. They're great, great bikes, but SUPER aggressive in terms of setup and throttle response.
 
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