With a move across the country, I needed a commuter. I’ve wanted a DR-Z as a motard for a while as they represent a great compromise: good performance, but way better maintenance intervals than a 450 motocrosser based motard. I also wanted a 400E for the bigger carbs and cams, and ideally I also wanted cush drive for comfier riding on the road. Fortuitously I found one cheap on Gumtree the day I landed and picked it up a couple of days later. Lots of little things needed doing, and lots of mods to do to make it exactly what I wanted… but it’s a DR-Z so everything is simple!

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2001 DR-Z 400E

Mods (brackets done prior to purchase)

(3×3 mod + jet kit + tuning + K&N air filter)

(Excel motard rims, with rear cush drive – DR650 hub? RGV sprocket carrier?)

(Pro-taper fat bars)

(Aftermarket headlight/front shield)

(Manual cam-chain tensioner)

(B&B bash plate)

(Side-stand and clutch switch cutout switch delete)

Gearing swap: motard 15/38, dirt 14/47

Tyres
motard Pirelli Supercorsa SC2 120/70, 150/60
dirt Michelin T63 90/90-21, 130/80-18

Suspension settings live underneath this link

B&B quick change front sprocket cover, rear rack & luggage plate

Givi Trekker Outback 42L top box and universal monokey top plate
Non-factory cargo net and liner bag for this

Pro-circuit full exhaust system

Suzuki motard axle sliders

Motard footpegs with sliders

320mm EBC big brake rotor, caliper relocation bracket and sintered pads

Race Tech 6.0 kg/mm rear spring upgrade

Safari 28L ultra long range fuel tank

Pillion pegs from USA specification DR-Z400S

RAM mounts install

Vapor TrailTech gauge swap using Acewell speedo cable pickup

Yoshimura crank and TDC inspection plugs

 

Work

Make a rear wheel spacer

Swap over front brake and clutch levers

Head stem bearing replacement

Rear wheel bearings

Clutch cable swap

Front caliper rebuild

Front and rear pad change

Stuff

Acerbis front and rear tool bags

Toolkit contents live underneath this link