best non SM to become an SM?

[NSR250SP]

So I would like a DZ400SM, but supply VS demand seems to make them very hard to come by. So I was thinking why not get something other then a DRZ400SM and turn it into a SuperMoto.

I see a lot of the DRZ400 SE's out there, but can't determine what the real differences are besides the obvious.

what would it take to turn a non supermotard dual sport into a supermotard on par with Suzuki's SM, or KTM's SM? Also, what it a good base to start with?

DRZ, KLR, KXF, XR, CRF, YZF, etc.. Of course street legal is the primary goal.

And with that said... what are the best choices (with price in mind) to turn a dual sport into a SM? Front forks, rear shock, rims, hubs, brakes, engine, etc.

Thanks in advance.

[thump]

<----

That DRZ400SM used to be a DRZ400S.

Fully street legal, not gonna get its tags pulled by DMV and cheap compared to a new one.

Easiest conversion is to buy a kit from MotoStrano.

Not what I did, but that would be the easiest way.

[Haket]

I used to own a DRZ-s converted to SM and now have an XR650R in SM trim.

The XR is definately better on faster roads. The DRZs, a better commuter due to eBoot and decent electrics.

Do a google on conversion, you'll find tons of info.

Figure about $1600-2000 for a conversion though !. Cheaper if you are not in a hurry and trawl eBay / owners groups

[supertireguy]

Conversion of a non-SM bike to true SM kit will cost close to $2k. It ain't cheap. That's why fully kitted supermoto bikes come with everything and a higher price tag.

DRZ400-SM's shouldn't be that hard to come by. You're in Atlanta?

It's not absolutely necessary to convert to 17inch rims, etc. You can run the stock rims with street tires (Gripsters, Distanzias, Scorpions, etc), also known as Sportsman setup, and still have a good old time on the street and track.

[jake28]

Get a Husaberg offroader and buy the supermoto set up to go with it. Fun and fast.

[Nucking Futs]

Buy a 2003 CRF 450 for $3000 (or less) and put this on it:

http://www.motostrano-store.com/susprakit.html

[gixxersix]

to start with if you want a basic hooligan machine that its primary use would be street i would go with a xr650r and get it plated about about $2500 to $3500 for the bike and $150 for the plating.

to do it cheaper you could lace up some 17 to your stock hubs
about $500

then get a EBC Supermoto Brake Kit $195

and there ya go a base sm and then build from there when money comes.

oh and a smaller sprocket on the rear $50

so all in all a cheap sm around $3800 plus or minus a little


here is a few bikes i would try for
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/199023513.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/200511655.html
or maby a xr400
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/199718747.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/200842448.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/200676186.html

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/176/405/2676817-motostrano_1913_3534539.jpg

[Cafe Racer]

Get a Yamaha! A YZ-F has a 4spd and a WR450 has a 5spd. The motors are (almost) bulletproof! :shhh

Miguel:nerd

[NSR250SP]

I am looking for street use on this, and it would need to do some highway miles long distance type stuff (couple hundred miles in a day type thing, not iron butt level riding).

I did find an 05 DRZ400SM with 3000 or so miles, salvaged title (trying to get the details on that, as it doesn't looked like it was due to crash, possible recovered theft). The asking price is $4000.00. Slight rash on the left plastic number plate, but looks decent beyond that.

The 650 seems like a nice size for longer rides (less buzzy at higher speeds). But the KLR is a little more weight then I like, and the XR isn't really street friendly (are they coming with electric start yet?).

Ye, I moved to the Metro Atlanta area from Santa Cruz a little while ago, but there isn't much of a forum resource locally for motards yet. And after running the dragon on a 78 GS750, and a 93 KLR650 last weekend I am thinking the DRZ400 would be a lot more fun. That and it would give me something to do my country road commute on :)

[RichieB]

buy a KTM 950 SM for that kind of freeway riding

[spidermoto]

you live in aprilia turf so get a rightious bike.

[thump]

Originally posted by NSR250SP
I am looking for street use on this, and it would need to do some highway miles long distance type stuff (couple hundred miles in a day type thing, not iron butt level riding).

For those requirements I'd go for one of the bigger bikes, 600-650cc.

For street use absolutely stay away from MX engines. For the cost of upkeep, you could have another bike.

Less agile, but longer legs

[craig1200]

You have listed the perfect set of compriomises for a DR650. I've made some fairly long posts here about its pros and cons. I'm still not sure if I'll actually sell mine. Everytime I ride it around the block, I remember why it works for me.

[NSR250SP]

okay, I found a decent DRZ400SM (2005) for a good price. Will be picking it up next weekend. I am sure this will be better for back roads, morning commutes, and occasional weekend get aways then the 78 GS750, or the chopper are.

Hell, I did a 300+ mile day on an NSR250, can't be any worse then that :) Talk about uncomfortable!

[BigMeanTam]

I think he's going to think the 400 is too small...... and then he will have to trade it to me for the KLR..... :p (it is MUCH more Chas' size....)

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/176/405/2680804-women_dualsport.jpg

[NSR250SP]

Ye, the KLR was fun, but I think I will enjoy the 400 much more.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/176/405/2681731-untitled-2.jpg

[NSR250SP]

So here is the 2005 DRZ400SM I bought (pick it up this coming Saturday).

It's a recovered insurance fraud (read "salvage" title). The owner had reported it stolen, insurance paid it out. The insurance company then found the owner had it in his garage so took it. Since it has already been paid out, it ended up with a salvage title. No biggy since I got it for $3800.00, that and I don't really care about salvage titles since I plan to ride it, not resell it and make money.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/176/405/2684218-0b_3.jpg

[NSR250SP]

pic 2:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/176/405/2684220-22_3.jpg

[NSR250SP]

has some minor rash on the right hand side number plate, and pipe. Yosh exhaust will take care of the pipe. Plastic? It's a motard, it's supposed to not look all purty and stuff.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/176/405/2684222-4b_3.jpg

[FrigginChi]

www.drz.info for mor information on how to hop it up

[Haket]

Bargain !, nice find congrats !

[lw9423]

awesome find! you'll have to let me know how that goes. i just picked up a XR650R motard (whew! finally!) after months of looking. i haven't got time to ride it yet except for back from the dudes house, but that was an awesome hour ride!

[NSR250SP]

Well got it home, and had the chance to go through it. Found a couple issues not mentioned in the ad for the bike. Hey, you need to expect this type of stuff. Some people "PERFECT" is someone elses "Its a frikin Roach!". It's not that bad, but need to source a couple parts.

Found the following:
1. Right side Radiator damaged. Seems to hold fluids, but bend. Seen a couple of eBay for not that bad, so shouldn't have an issue getting one.

2. Clutch lever bent. Standard Curled end. Will replace with nice levers, so no biggie. Was already planning on this, as well as putting some fatty wide bars on it anyways.

3. Rear tail light assembly is damaged. Have done a little fiberglass repaire to try to keep it together till I put together an ultra cool replacement for the 1969 style brake light.

4. Passanger pegs missing some mounting bolts. Ye, not sure why there are passanger pegs on a bike of mine anyways. Pegs came off, all better now.

5. No mirrors (didn't even notice them not there in the pics). Will replace these with something that isn't to geeky, yet works. Need to make sure I can see the rollers as they come up on me.

6. Gas tank has a dent in it. What the hell is Suzuki thinking making a gas tank out of metal? Why not plastic like all the other dirt bikes? Probably wont' worry about this unless I come across a good deal on a clean black tank.

that's about it. Plastics are scuffed, had a bunch of georgia red clay dust all over it, but little cleaning, and it was okay. Sure I can get the major issues (radiator) worked out for pretty cheap off eBay so not to bummed. After that it's time to modify it! New exhaust, excel rims, with talon hubs to replace the stock setup, sliders (axel, bar end, and foot pegs), Renthal bars, bar busters, and who knows what else. Should be fun up in the hills as well as a cheap alternative to driving the car to work every day.

Tam is already thinking she's going to use it as a way to get to the horse barn every day. Silly girl, she gets the pink, blue and green KLR :)