skierd
Dork
11/3/08 12:05 a.m.
After doing a decent amount of reading on ADVRider (and searching craigslist) I found a 2001 Suzuki DRZ400S with just under 7500 miles on it for sale in Hagerstown. Went out last weekend, took it for a test ride, did some more research on them and liked what I saw, so I picked it up today for $2100. 
Given that my total motorcycling experience is basically this test ride and the MSF course I took a month ago, I liked it a lot. Clutch was very easy to modulate, brakes felt good for what little I know, and the extra power over a Nighthawk 250 was more than welcome . I didn't really feel uncomfortable with the seat height at a stop, but if gets to be a problem there are lowering kits... I can see where riding it at highway speeds would get old very quickly, and I can definitely see how the seat turns into butt floss after an extended period of time in the saddle, but hopefully I can find something once I get comfortable enough take longer rides.
Here it is:
Already ordered some farkles for it (rad guards, bash plate, and case guards from ThumperTalk) and bought a jacket (Olympia Patton, fits perfectly). Going looking for overpants and boots tomorrow...
now.....
17" wheels with street tires......
My wife and I had 2 dr 650's, loved them for the ability to turn off a road onto a trail just to find out whats at the the other end
therex
SuperDork
11/3/08 6:28 a.m.
Bad ass! My buddy's got a DR-Z supermotard, and it's pretty much his favorite of his three bikes. (R1100RT, CBR600F4)
ADVRider is the gateway drug. 
Fun fun fun.
+1,000,000 on some 17" stickies.
i want a KLR :(... but any DS would do honestly lol...
sweet ride man... always thought the DS thing would be fun
skierd
Dork
11/6/08 10:46 a.m.
A quick update: yup this thing is still a blast! Did a little highway riding to go vote on Tuesday, and while its capable I'd like to have a windscreen if I'm going to do that a lot. I did almost drop it at a stop light when I put my foot down into a pothole not realizing it... lesson learned, always watch where you put your feet.
I also officially hate the seat. Christmas is coming as they say...
Do they make another style of seat for that? I can see how that would be a pain in the ass (literally). My dual sport is an "oldie" (1977) so it has the old "comfy bench" kind of seat, plenty cushy. These new ones clearly are only meant for short rests between wopdy doos.
