Time to Upgrade
There's something that I don't understand that maybe you can help me with.
I'm a happy owner of a Suzuki DR-Z400E. The bike is perfect for me. It handles well, has plenty of power and torque, and is COMPLETELY bullet proof. But there are two things about it that bug me first of all is the suspension. It's not too bad, but it simply can't keep up with the bike's motor. No problem, I can send the suspension in for a re-valve to fix that.
The second thing is that the power doesn't hit quite hard enough on bottom.
Yet again, no problem, I can order a bolt-on FMF Powerflow header to give me more bottom end. But every time I present these ideas with my riding buddies they say "Don't do it!" "It's not worth it!" "When you start modifying is when you start loosing!" They tell me that I should get the bike that fits my needs stock. But why would I spend $6000+ on a new bike when all it would take is around $700 for me to be completely happy with my own? Does this make sense, or is there something wrong with my thinking?
Tyler Adler
As the DR-Z Hater on the staff let me break it to you softly. If you spend $700 on the DR-Z you'll get $75.00 in performance increase. Why? Because for everything you do to "improve" something on the bike, you'll find another thing that needs upgrades to "match" the performance. Say you fix the suspension, then the handling will be all out of whack. Get more punch out of the motor then the bike starts getting harder to ride (less tractable).
New carb, bigger bore, cams...it can be endless. And my experience with DR-Zs (I've owned one) is that you will end up chasing your tail and opening your wallet when in reality you need to be looking at getting another bike.
Even a used CRFX, WR, KTM, ones that are a few year outdated, will still surpass any modified DR-Z. The best DR-Zs I've ridden have been stock ones because they work well as a package the way they were designed. When you start wanting more, it is my opinion you are really outgrowing the bike. - Jimmy