which bike opinions wanted

[George]

My current dual sport is a 95 Yamaha XT350 with a good luggage rack. Local paper has a 2002 DRZ400S for $2750. Would I be gaining enuff by replacing the Yam with the Suz? The Yam has taken all I've tossed at it, which really isn't that much. I'm no moto-x or serious enduro rider.

Considering an Alaska trip for next summer, either ST1100 or dual sport.

[Mr. Guy]

If the Yami is still in good shape, save the money for riden gas. $2750 in gas money will take you a LONG ways. Unless your pretty tall a DRZ may be to tall for you anyway, it was for me.

Guy

[Trailace]

My current dual sport is a 95 Yamaha XT350 with a good luggage rack. Local paper has a 2002 DRZ400S for $2750. Would I be gaining enuff by replacing the Yam with the Suz? The Yam has taken all I've tossed at it, which really isn't that much. I'm no moto-x or serious enduro rider.

Considering an Alaska trip for next summer, either ST1100 or dual sport.

DRZ is a good bike but If I was going back to Alaska I would want a bigger bike. The ST would be great for that ride and if it does not rain you could even do the Dalton Highway. If it rains and you try, make sure you have lots of time. LOL

[motomac]

+1 on Rick's comment. The Dalton is 65% paved and the dirt is very hard packed. If it rains, it gets slickery, but just slow down and ride it out. Make sure you don't get enough mud built up under the front fender to stop the front wheel. DAMHIKT. Happened on an R75 many years ago.

[George]

Already done the front fender a few times, Mac. Take a look at the cracks on STick sometime.

IF the dirt bike makes the trip, it'll be trailer to Victoria, ferry to Alaska, ride, then ferry back to Washington State. If I ride the whole way, it'll be ReSTored, fully packed.

Also, if I get the DRZ, the Yam will go so the $$ partly balance. Right now, tho, my dirt skills don't warrant the added expense. I find the Yam pretty comfortable at 60 or below and plan to add a tooth to the countershaft too. She's easily good for 300 mile rides on the two lane.

[Flingshot]

Already done the front fender a few times, Mac. Take a look at the cracks on STick sometime.

IF the dirt bike makes the trip, it'll be trailer to Victoria, ferry to Alaska, ride, then ferry back to Washington State. If I ride the whole way, it'll be ReSTored, fully packed.

Also, if I get the DRZ, the Yam will go so the $$ partly balance. Right now, tho, my dirt skills don't warrant the added expense. I find the Yam pretty comfortable at 60 or below and plan to add a tooth to the countershaft too. She's easily good for 300 mile rides on the two lane.

It sounds like the Yam is working for you but if you do end up with the DRZ, I can offer some hints. I love mine and can't imagine ever getting rid of it. I do plan on adding a bike or two to the stable but the DRZ is going to die with me.
It is very tall, especially when you have the suspension set up correctly.
I will add my farkle list soon.
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[George]

Thanks for the input, guys. The DRZ would be good if I didn't already have the Yam. But, I got the 4 gallon tank already, and new tars on the way. So, it's gonna stay with me.

[Yamifj1200]

I have an 89 XT350, its one tough little trail bike, basic, simple and reliable as long as you stay on top of the basic maintenance. It is also old school, air cooled. limited suspension with decent bakes but I like that. It remeinds me of years ago when I began riding. I have ridden it through some amazing terrain and it just keeps ticking along. Deep water crossings, steep tight single track, mud holes you name it. I hope yours makes you grin as much as mine has..

Eric

[George]

I have an 89 XT350, its one tough little trail bike, basic, simple and reliable as long as you stay on top of the basic maintenance. It is also old school, air cooled. limited suspension with decent bakes but I like that. It remeinds me of years ago when I began riding. I have ridden it through some amazing terrain and it just keeps ticking along. Deep water crossings, steep tight single track, mud holes you name it. I hope yours makes you grin as much as mine has..

Eric

Thanks, Eric. Just receive the new Continental rear tire today. She's gonna stay in the stable.

[skidlid1300]

The DRZ 400 is a great bike! I put on an oversized Clarke gas tank and it will run forever! It holds 5 gallons of gas. My trail buds call me the "super tanker. " It's a very forgiving bike, Much more agile than my '89 XR 600 that I had for 15 years. At times that thing was like horsin' a Harley through the woods...

I envy you George, I have been thinking of taking my DRZ 400 to AK as well. I have realitives that live all over the state, and thay have been there since the pipeline was completed 30 years ago. Let us know how it goes taking a lighter bike that far... :)

[George]

Here's a pic of the farkled XT. It now has the 4 gallon Clarke (biggest they make for it), a National Cycle wind screen, BIG luggage rack, 12 V accessory plug, side panels off an 85 (cause I burned up the right side stock panel :eek:) and new Continental tars.

Bad news, tho: when I got home this evening I noticed the rear tar is FLAT!!! Must'a pinched the tube. And I was being careful! Fix it in the AM.
1515

[George]

Update: pulled the wheel yesterday evening, found the valve pulled loose at the tube, not fixable. Wasn't me (I didn't pinch the tube.) When I contacted my vendor, first question was, "Is is it a Bike Master tube?"

Answer was yes, it is. I installed the (13 year old) used tube and all is good for now.

[swandog]

after buying my 8th bike and first water cooled bike i could never go back . with a drz400 you wouldnt get the power loss on hot days and in traffic that happens on air cooled machines . also engine heat is never an issue . i havent ridden either bike but have wanted too own the four hundred since it came out , and 15 years ago i also wanted the yamaha . think the four hundred would be a huge inprovement