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Thinking about getting a DRZ 400 SMoto or a tagged DRZ 400 E. They're both about the same price, the E is 5 yrs older. I would mostly be riding it on the street. Are they pretty smooth bikes?

So I'm wondering what I need to watch out for with the DRZ's in general and which one would you choose?
Thanks!!!

I think you are looking at to very different purpose-built bikes. I recently purchased a KLX400SR (DRZ400S)- Uncle Dave's hand me down, love the bike for what it was built to do - dirt. My understanding is the DRZ400e has some significant differences even from the S model. The S model has a cush-drive drivetrain better suited for pavement. The two models also have different gearing and carbs. That said, the S model is still not a comfortable distance bike on pavement. It seems to thrive with a little loose traction under the tires. I also have a DR650, the two bikes are completely different in the comfort department on pavement, the DRZ is twitchy on hard surface. Some folks I spoke to said if you are going to use the bike primarily off-road with infrequent pavement, look for a tagged E model.
The DRZ400SM model has 18" rims front back designed for street use. Guys serious about using the bike for street and dirt have two different wheel setups. You might also check to see if the SM model runs a different shock setup. I think the SM model would be a ball in town with frequent pot holes and dips...hey wait a minute, sounds like the crappy streets in our town!

The DRZ's have just a few minor issues to watch. 1)The automatic cam chain tensioner has been known to over tension the chain causing a failure. A simple fix is a manual cam chain tensioner - under $100. 2)The large nut holding the counter sprocket can work loose. Proper torque, locktite, and a good locktab washer important. 3)The water pump can develop a leak, my understanding it's a simple o-ring fix. I'll let the other guys chime in that have owned these bikes for awhile.

Thanks for the info!! Last year I wanted a bike just legal enough to make me legal so I could ride trails and such. Now I'm wanting a bigger bike to use for more commuting. My 200 will allow me to commute at almost 75 mpg but it's buzzes pretty good. Lookin for a smoother bike all around I guess (and a good excuse to buy one).

I've had mine for years and haven't had a problem. My only complaint is that it is heavy if you have to pick it up very much on the trials. I don't ride it much on highway but if your commute doesn't have much hwy that requires you to go 65 mph plus I wouldn't be too worried. Tires made for the street would make this bike more stable on the hwy. The E would be a fine bike with the right tires and gearing imo.

The E model is offroad only - may have trouble getting it tagged in Kansas. It has a flatslide carb and higher compression - premium fuel. The SM has 17 inch wheels, CV carb, and upside down forks. I have a KLX400SR which is the same as the street legal DRZ just green. I have 15,000 miles on mine. Been down to Arkansas and back on it with the SM wheels I bought for it. Corbin seat being a little wider in the back helps on longer rides. I had a buddy from the HOAME club come down to the ranch and he road the KLX in offroad trim. He had not been on dirt since he was a kid. He is now a Ducati fanatic. He was AMAZED by the suspension on the KLX/DRZ offroad.

It is a little heavy compared to my YZ125... and it is light compared to a KLR650 or DR650.

The E is currently tagged in KS. It's legal. I'm leaning towards the SM if it pans out to be in good shape.

Sold it out from under me so the SM is out.

Back to the E. I assume the syspension is nice since it's suppose to only be offroad.
What about the engine? Is the E engine any different than the S engine? I mean would the E be a "rougher" engine and make the bike have more vibes and the S be more tame and run smoother? Trying to get an idea if the E is for me, or if I should just wait and look elsewhere.
Thanks!!

I rode a "E" in the desert around Tucson last year for hundreds of miles. The differences are the carb and higher compression. I did not notice any differences in vibration. The carb provides snappier response and along with the higher compression there is a little more power. Alledgedly one of the best mods to increase power on the "S" model is to add the flat slide carb from the "E." Expensive though, probably looking at $800 or more. Also remember that the suspension was improved around 2001 or 2002 to cartridge forks from conventional. I've never ridden a DRZ with conventional forks but let me add the the KLX400SR suspension was WAY better that the Super Sherpa it replaced!

How do I tell if they're cartridge or conventional?
I think he said the sysp was by Racetech.

What would you guess a modded and tagged E is worth?

There is tons of info here on DRZs ---> http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=25 and you can look up values here http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehicles/default.aspx

I'm in "The Club"

Congrats! Another $1500 bucks and you can have a set of SM wheels for it - two bikes in one!

Mac I sent you a pm

My bike is getting poor gas mileage... plenty of power though.