Evolution Triple Clamps for DRZ400SM - quick steering and stability.

THEY'RE DONE! As some of you know I've been working on a triple clamp design for the Suzuki DRZ400SM to give it more street bike geometry and less dirt, basically steeper rake and longer trail. With the stock DRZ set up there's a fine line between getting it to turn quickly and high speed/freeway stability, these clamps improve both. A lot of riders install a steering damper to improve stability but this just slows steering even more. With these clamps I've been 95mph (professional rider, closed course) without the slightest nervousness and enjoyed going up China Grade (very nasty goat trail) so much I went round to do it again.

Finally the finished product is ready. I've spent a lot of time getting the design right to make them as 'plug and play' as possible. I've even included a mount for a Scotts steering damper for those who feel the need. We've had 10 sets made up and there's a choice of black or clear anodized. To keep costs down the stock DRZ stem and pinch bolts are used. The stem will need to be pressed out of the stock triples. I'm looking into getting some stems made up to make these clamps easier to install.

The triple clamps are $500 a set.

Those look pretty kickass. You doing this strictly for DRZ's?

P.S. You really are going to start needing your own CNC machine soon!

NIce looking set of Clamps Rob.

Jeeze, those look pretty wimpy, couldn't you have beefed them up a bit? j/k...those look crazy sweet...

I will have to let my father-in-law know, he has a DRZ400SM...

NICE

I remember seeing your prototype a long time ago...good to see you've cleaned up the design

If I still had my DRZ, I'd be IN!!

How much does it change the rake angle, is it a radical geometry change?

What is the off set?

they came out great Rob. you must have a wicked good machinist!!

Once again, you amaze me

Looks beefy , nice

Rob i see you have them pictured with out a stem in them. Are they sold this way or do they come with a stem installed?

If this is the case for self fitment how hard is it to press out the original stem and fit in the new lower clamp?

Looks like you've raised the fork to steepen the head angle and reduce trail and quicken steering, and then reduced offset to add trail back in for stability, right? How's the reduction in steering lock? Still a decently tight turn radius?

Supermoto594 said:

How much does it change the rake angle, is it a radical geometry change?

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The stock rake is a lazy 26 degrees, sportbikes run about 24. To get the DRZ near that you need to drop the front end about 2 inches but that means your trail will be so short you couldn't go over walking pace without a tankslapper. Reducing the offset gives you back the trail. These clamps allow you to drop the forks about 2inches from stock.

SM610 said:

What is the off set?

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The total stock offset (triples and axle) is 45mm. I've reduced this to more like a sport bikes but also offset the clamps upwards to allow lowering the front end more.

reynolds_brad said:

Rob i see you have them pictured with out a stem in them. Are they sold this way or do they come with a stem installed?

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The triples come with a stem and lower bearing already installed. Just fit and enjoy.

ohio said:

Looks like you've raised the fork to steepen the head angle and reduce trail and quicken steering, and then reduced offset to add trail back in for stability, right? How's the reduction in steering lock? Still a decently tight turn radius?

Click to expand...

You're right, the forks can be raised 2 inches without trail becoming an issue. There is no reduction in steering lock.

sinncere said:

Those look pretty kickass. You doing this strictly for DRZ's?

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What you got in mind?

Responded to PM.

These are a pretty kick ass idea, and they look great too!
Ive been kicking around the same idea with my mini motards, get rid of some of that chopperish rake without having to lower the forks like 4 inches. Maybe one day I will get a chance to get a few days of a machine time at work a pump a few out!

I purchased a set of the Evolution DRZ triple clamps, and told Rob that I would post some feedback.
First, the quality is SUPERB! Great looking, easy to install, and makes the bike look even better than it already does.
I have ridden many of my regular roads with this new setup, and I must say that it DOES turn better, faster, and transitions easier than with the stock setup. Initial turn in is easier. As you counter steer more, the bike wants to just drop right in to the turns, much the same way a well setup sport bike does. No coaxing or extra effort needed. Just look left, counter steer, and there you go! The bike is very stable under braking while leaned over as well. You can continue to scrub off speed with trail braking, even in fast sweepers, and there are no adverse reactions from the bike. All in all, I really like this upgrade.
Now, on to the mechanical / install side of things. Nothing bad here either, but there are some things that must be mentioned.
First, My thought on having the steering stem pressed out from your stock lower triple is this: LET ROB DO IT, and pay the extra money!
I say this because unless you have a very competent machinist on your salary, it will be next to impossible for you to do yourself without destroying your bottom triple. Enough said.
Next, if you are using an aftermarket, oversized gas tank, this setup WILL make contact with the tank before it gets to the steering stops. I use an IMS 3.2, and the upper triple contacts the tank. This ONLY happens on very slow, very tight turns. No biggie, in my book.
Also be aware that the headlight shroud (plastic piece) will only use the two side mounts after installation, because the relocation of the upper and lower triple makes using the lower shroud mount un-necessary. I just clipped the plastic 'tang' off the bottom of the shroud, and mounted it with the side mounts. No Problems.
I did have to remove my GPR steering dampener, as it will not work with this setup without some sort of modification. But Rob tells me that the SCOTTS 'sub mount' bolts right up to the upper triple, no problem.
Finally, if you are using the stock front fender, you WILL need to remove (cut off) some of the back of the fender, so it will clear the radiators. Remember, with these triples, the forks are moved back and in, so trimming the fender is necessary. How much you need to trim will depend on your bike and setup. I also use the 'Uni-biker' radiator guards, so these interfere with the un-trimmed fender as well. Trim accordingly.
I will be doing a SuperMoto track day at Prairie City on August 21st, and will report back on my feelings about the performance improvement of these triples after that. Having already ridden most of my favorite roads with these triples on, I can tell you that they will really improve my lap times as well as my ease of navigating the track at higher speeds.
I give this product 2 thumbs up!

Lonster

See pics here:
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227265&page=10

Well,
We had a GREAT time with Brok and friends at our latest SM track day @ Prairie City. Brok, thanks for taking the time to teach my 10 year old to thoroughly enjoy his first SuperMoto experience.
My wife (who is fighting cancer, and was questionable for participation) had a fantastic time as well. We are truly a SuperMoto family now.
To the point: the Evolution DRZ-SM triples are a fantastic upgrade to my (or YOUR) bike. The bike has much better feel and feedback, transitions with greater speed and less effort, and drops into the corners like my GSXR750. There is NO hint of twitchiness or high speed instability to be found. The ride is much more effortless, and totally allows you to think about other, more important things, like getting by the rider in front of you.
I am VERY satisfied with this purchase, and can honestly say that adding the Evolution DRZ-SM triple clamps to my bike is easily as good an upgrade as adding the Marchesini wheels. And a LOT less expensive.
Thanks for looking,

Lnster

I'm glad you're enjoying the benefits of the triples to the fullest Lonster. SMing is definitely for all the family. Best wishes to wife, hope she gets well soon. I had a bout with the big C a few years ago and it's sucks big time.

I looking into getting some stems made up to go with the triples to make them easier to fit.