DRZSM... or something else?

[BikePilot]

Yep, but I think kawak could drop their price even more if they wanted - they can't have more than about 37 cents in R&D expenditures for the klx250s (assuming they've recouped R&D for the klx250/300 which has been in production as long as I can remember).

If kawasaki is smart they'll at the least drop a decent carb and a 300cc top end onto their KLX. Then it could compete with the yamaha in power and still not cost them any real money.

I believe that part of the reason for the 250cc bikes is displacement based license and tax restrictions in japan though.

[coyo]

Well, after the struggle of deciding to replace the DRZSM with a YZ426 (MX/SM) the guy has reneged on the deal apparently to part it out and make more money. The guy is an acquaintance of mine, or was, and in hind-sight became hard to contact once I told him I wanted to have it checked out by a mechanic friend. So in the end I've likely learned that there's something wrong in the bike and positively learned that this guy's word is worthless.

With Ontario laws now prohibiting the plating of non-street legal bikes regardless of mods but allowing previously plated off road bikes to be grandfathered, I went on the search again. This'll cost me more and there's no spares like the 426 had but the bike is newer (with new body/plastic design) with factory lighting, in better condition and comes from a more trustworthy source. Here's the plan;

2003 WR450


Excel wheels on Yamaha hubs


EBC brake kit


Trail Tech Vapor clocks

[gixxerjasen]

[BikePilot]

Cool stuff IIRC on that model the tank/seat juncture is rather bulbos and fitting YZF parts is a popular mod.

Also I think in stock form the exhaust cam may be installed a tooth-retarded and there's some silly throttle limiter - all crap to make it pass emissions/sound requirements.

There may also have been some reliability issues related to the starter gear, but I'm not sure of the details.

[OldTLSDoug]

Just get a Husky

[Duken4evr]

Hey Doug, look what the deep cover archives coughed up. Some ancient XL600 urban air. Nice tennis shoes I'm wearing there I used to ride it over to Signal Hill in Long Beach, wheelie up the 1/4 mile long pretty steep Hill Road, then swing behind to the business alley for some air time off an asphalt ramp.



That Husky of yours looks like a blast. So much trouble to get into on that one

[OldTLSDoug]

You won't catch me doing that dadgum "hooligan stuff" no sir, not me







And of course, never in a trailer park, in Norfolk, Va., on a KZ 400 with shorts and Chuka boots, and of course a ZZtop Concert shirt.........

[BikePilot]

that last pic is priceless!

[Duken4evr]

Good ones Doug!

[coyo]

So the plot thickens. The above 03 WR with the above parts which will come out to aprox $4660 CDN (or less if I can talk him down) plus taxes after I've bought the wheels, tires, brakes, clocks and sprocket, or......

I just found another today; year unknown (guy's at work and his wife has no idea) YZ426 that comes ready to ride street or dirt for $3800 CDN (or less) plus taxes;



And extras;



So, an 03 WR which is heavier, comparable power (has YZ ex cam in it), electric start and factory electrics with battery but I have to buy the parts and build the bike (which could be fun) and is 10 minutes away...

Or an 00-02 YZ with kick only, aftermarket stator/electrics (don't know if it has a battery) and a bunch of spare plastics including a large capacity tank that's 2 hours away.

Thoughts, comparisons, suggestions? I know this is getting old, but I need more knowledgeable opinions to help my decision.