Check out the latest (and greatest?) upgrade for your DRZ400SM, the
Evolution DRZ Triple Clamps.
I purchased a set of the Evolution DRZ triple clamps, and told Rob that I would post some feedback.
First, the quality is SUPERB! Great looking, easy to install, and makes the bike look even better than it already does.
I have ridden many of my regular roads with this new setup, and I must say that it DOES turn better, faster, and transitions easier than with the stock setup. Initial turn in is easier. As you counter steer more, the bike wants to just drop right in to the turns, much the same way a well setup sport bike does. No coaxing or extra effort needed. Just look left, counter steer, and there you go! The bike is very stable under braking while leaned over as well. You can continue to scrub off speed with trail braking, even in fast sweepers, and there are no adverse reactions from the bike. All in all, I really like this upgrade.
Now, on to the mechanical / install side of things. Nothing bad here either, but there are some things that must be mentioned.
First, My thought on having the steering stem pressed out from your stock lower triple is this: LET ROB DO IT, and pay the extra money!
I say this because unless you have a very competent machinist on your salary, it will be next to impossible for you to do yourself without destroying your bottom triple. Enough said.
Next, if you are using an aftermarket, oversized gas tank, this setup WILL make contact with the tank before it gets to the steering stops. I use an IMS 3.2, and the upper triple contacts the tank. This ONLY happens on very slow, very tight turns. No biggie, in my book.
Also be aware that the headlight shroud (plastic piece) will only use the two side mounts after installation, because the relocation of the upper and lower triple makes using the lower shroud mount un-necessary. I just clipped the plastic 'tang' off the bottom of the shroud, and mounted it with the side mounts. No Problems.
I did have to remove my GPR steering dampener, as it will not work with this setup without some sort of modification. But Rob tells me that the SCOTTS 'sub mount' bolts right up to the upper triple, no problem.
Finally, if you are using the stock front fender, you WILL need to remove (cut off) some of the back of the fender, so it will clear the radiators. Remember, with these triples, the forks are moved back and in, so trimming the fender is necessary. How much you need to trim will depend on your bike and setup. I also use the 'Uni-biker' radiator guards, so these interfere with the un-trimmed fender as well. Trim accordingly.
I will be doing a SuperMoto track day at Prairie City on August 21st, and will report back on my feelings about the performance improvement of these triples after that. Having already ridden most of my favorite roads with these triples on, I can tell you that they will really improve my lap times as well as my ease of navigating the track at higher speeds.
I give this product 2 thumbs up!
Lonster
arty
