What dirt bikes do you ride?

[PowerDubs_imp]

I don't like modern dirt bikes. I don't need the bleeding edge performance. I definitely don't need the frequent maintenance. I really like the new Kawasaki KLX250. But, I don't want to spend that much on a new bike. I've ridden a Honda XR650L. Love the torque and it's great for long flat stretches in the desert. But man, is that thing top heavy. Too big for the mountains around here. I almost bought an XR400. Almost. Its the perfect bike for trails. And, it's bullet proof. However, I finished kicking about 30 years ago.

Today, I bought a 2006 Suzuki DRZ400E. I went out riding in the hills with my son (Honda CRF230F) for about two hours. Okay, I love that DRZ. It makes the perfect power for the way I ride. Yeah, I would have liked an air cooled bike. I would have liked another Honda. But I just can't find one that ticks all the right boxes. Suzuki for the win!

You made the right choice. The DRZ400 is a better bike than the XR400, and has been made forever so parts are readily available- both factory and a TON of aftermarket.

And for a dirtbike- the E model is also better. Notably- already comes with a much better performing carb, camshaft and exhaust.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to come across a 2003 Kawasaki KLX400E for sale with only 19 miles on it.

So- I bought it and proceeded to do what I always do- tear it apart while researching how to improve it and make it my own style.

Given my appreciation for what I grew up with- I modeled my build off an '80s Kawasaki.

Here is part way through the tear down-




and here is the completed bike.





I put a tremendous amount of work in it, attention to every detail, every upgrade, and then like Guth mentioned above- came back from my first ride or 2 and realized it took a lot out of my 40+ body to try to actually ride it through the woods, over rocks / logs, etc.

SOOO- it just sits in my garage, less than 100 miles total, 19 of that from the original owner.