DRZ400S Shopping for enduro

[Shusha Ryerson]

Hi, im shopping for an enduro. something street legal that i can convert to super moto when i am away from the mountains. i am told by my local dealer that the only way to go for my size (120lb) and needs (mostly dirt) is the drz400s. im 5'7" and have a hard time touching on the 400 but dont want to sacrifice the power and go to the 200 cause most of what i will be riding is in the sierras. I have sport bike experience from the 600-1000 range but have never ridden dirt. any suggestions other than the drz? <BR>
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Thanks!!<BR>
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shusha

[Fireballsocal]

Unfortunately, most street legal dual sports will be as tall if not taller than the DRZ400, due to being based on existing dirtbikes. The DRZ is an excellent bike for what you want it for it sounds like. KTM is making some nice dual sports but I believe the seat highth will be as tall if not taller than the zook. <BR>
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You can always have the suspension lowered for you but I think after you get used to the bike, you'll be very comfortable on it, even if it is just your toes touching.

[Shusha Ryerson]

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Ya i figure that is something i will get over quickly. My second question is since i want to spend time super moto during the week, which bike would be better to convert back and forth? the drz400s or drz400sm? it isnt clear from looking at the specs how different and job specific the two bikes are. i have read a couple dif opinions on this and ordered the feb issue of dirt rider that supposedly has an article on this. has anyone done it? <BR>
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shusha<BR>

[Shusha Ryerson]

also what is the model number of the ktm enduro in the 400 range? thx!

[Fireballsocal]

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Just from looking at the factory website, the DRZ400SM has a bigger front disc brake and a very nice inverted fork (Better suspension than the DRZ400S with it's standard gaiter covered fork). I honestly never compared the two so I can only recommend bugging a sales dude to tell you the differences. As for which model is easiest, I think it's just a matter of switching wheels on each. My opinion says it's which model it's best to start out with so you get a better bike for what you want. <BR>
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I am unable to find a model number for you on the KTM. I could have sworn they had several dual sport models out and a smaller motard but all I could find was the super duke, a 950cc monster. <BR>

[Shusha Ryerson]

yeah i saw that and that the overall dimensions are different than the two but that could mostly be the wheels/tires. i hit up the sales guy at house of motorcycles - he was super friendly but a roadbike guy and not able to find the real differences on the suspension other than the obvious. i think the swingarm may even be diffent on the ms and would guess that the suspension would have less travel. i have read a few mixed threads about which bike to buy and convert but am leaning toward your suggestion of buying the bike i would want to use more stock. <BR>
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i heard from a friend that there was a ktm enduro coming out in the 400 range but not now? i dont know if that bike is street legal tho. <BR>
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shusha <BR>
oceanside, ca<BR>
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[Cork Soaker]

Suuposedly, all EXC models from KTM will be street legal next year, just like the current crop of (sold out) Husqvarna 4 stroke enduros. If they follow the same formula as the past, there will be a 400, 450, 525, and possibly a new 250 based on the recently released 250F-XC(W). Confusing, isn't it? <BR>
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Not sure where the original poster is from, but most of the offerings from KTM, GasGas and Husqvarna are easily registered in some states because they lack a "brand" on the the Statement of Origin. In addition, there are a few outfits in CA that will get many off-road bikes through the restration process. See the back of Cycle News.

[Shusha Ryerson]

will do thx!

[Shusha Ryerson]

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FYI i found a great thread on the rim issue if anyone is interested: <A HREF=http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?t=19599 TARGET='_blank'>http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?t=19599</A><BR>
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[cw1dudek]

It is actually in Feb issue of Dirt Bike not dirt rider.<BR>
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They take a DRZ 400 Supermoto and add dirt rims and tires for about $1000. This would be a good choice because the suspension is already lowered. Plus the DRZ400SM is a really really fun bike to ride.

[oldskoolcrazy]

Yeah the cops arent sure weither to pull you over or just look. They cant tell if it is stret legal or not. I want to get one when I get enough Mola because I think they are so cool.