Dual Sport Modifications for Adventure Motorcycling

[@osimnod]

Well thought-out mods there I T-J. Functional, practical, no nonsense and keeping the overall rig affordable and lighter weight.

[@IanT-J]

Your comment is so well written it could almost be a press release 😁 THANKS for your support 🍺

[@flangesprocket100]

Nice to see someone who actually uses their bike and hasn't just thrown a Touratech catalogue at it only to stand up occasionally when traversing slightly bumpy car parks!

[@IanT-J]

Your comment has me smiling 😀 I totally understand your comment 😎 “All the gear and no idea”

[@rodcarlile]

Great video, I like how you showed and talked about your modifications. We all have done some of the same but it's always fun to see bike specific mods that we might be able to steal away! Can't wait for more.

[@mmoosbuehler]

Normally I do not comment any videos, but this is awesome. Thank you for sharing your modifications on your bike.

[@IanT-J]

+Max Moosbuehler Thanks - Enjoy your Christmas Day :)

[@jefffletcher3262]

Just watched your dual sport modifications video. Found it full of great advice that all dual sport riders would benefit from following. Jeff Fletcher, Author of "Marilyn Across America"

[@IanT-J]

Jeff Fletcher Many thanks for your kind words Jeff, enjoy riding your dual sport 👍

[@andy4bikes]

Nice one Ian,Great info and a well produced video,was great talking to you at the Overland Event,Happy Adventuring.

[@barrygkx]

Great video. You really pointed out some great ideas I never thought of. I really liked the idea of spare tire tubes and where you stored them. Very creative ! Barry

[@IanT-J]

Thanks Barry - Have fun riding your Dual Sport bike :)

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Absolutely brilliant and simple. Just as relevant today as five years ago. International ADV riding is constantly being sold as an activity which demands anything upwards of £10k-£15k and that's just the bike! Back in the early '90s I did a trip round France and Spain from England on my trusty old Honda 550 F. I still remember going into a camping shop in northern France to buy a tent; that's how badly I'd planned the trip! DR-Z will get you just about anywhere in the world.

[@IanT-J]

Fantastic comment - you speak my kind of language 😁 I like the sound of your 90's Honda 550 France Spain trip. My latest long video was rather similar, a 1970's Kawasaki Z650 from the UK to Finland and back, filmed the summer before Covid 😎

[@kymstock1852]

When I visited U.K. and Ireland I wondered why people buy trail bikes. All the roads I saw were sealed! I have DRZ400E with similar modifications. I fitted moto-racks from the USA to my DRZ that were designed for the S model. With little modification they work as a integrated side pannier rack& rear rack. Since then I bought Mosko Moto Reckless 80 ( should be called rack less because it is a tie on system that is a brilliant design) for my Tiger 800XCx. The Tiger is gone now, but the MM bags fit the DRZ racks. One other difference to your bike is tank size. I used to have a 17L Safari tank on my DR350, but ended up having to walk 20 km in the Oz desert to get fuel. Now I have a 28L Safari tank fitted to the DRZ and almost ran out once. It is easier to partially fill it for most rides to avoid being too top heavy, then fill it completely on the odd occasion, than it is to carry extra fuel containers (fuel bladders). Granted distance between fuel supply probably isn't an issue in Europe.

[@IanT-J]

Your DRZ sounds great Kym, they are great, do everything, for minimal cost, bikes. Yes I dream of the wilderness freedom you must enjoy in Oz. Stay Safe 👍

[@robleach9669]

Enjoyed your video. I have done most of the mods mentioned on my Suzuki DL650. They all work in real world traveling. Last year made 7000km trip from Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador. Bike and mods/accessories worked great. Just wished it didn't rain 12 out of 13 days. Take care Robl

[@IanT-J]

+Rob Leach Great to hear about your DL650 trip, bikes and rain can become tiresome very quickly. Britain is famous for it’s rain, so I regularly head to Northern Spain in the summer where the weather can be a dream.

[@torstenkiesewalter2851]

Hello Thomas. Great video. Good ideas also for my XR 650L ..looking forward to your other vids..! Thx. Torsten

[@antonioperez1624]

Great video. You keep things simple, the way most of us mere mortals need this hobby of ours to be. Sure you can buy the Beemers, KTMs and the like, but some of us can't justify the expense. It's all about riding and enjoying the time spent, like you show us you do in your videos.

[@IanT-J]

+Antonio Perez YES - "Keep Things Simple" sound like a great mantra to me.

[@nzernzer-hj7hm]

Thanks for uploading, it’s always interesting seeing what others have done, cheers!

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanks you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@jackwalsh1468]

Ian, thanks for the mod update and ride along. Cheers, Mate.

[@ThomasJeppesen]

Nice idea with the rack in front!

[@vstm3950]

need to thank you because just bought very same storage tool tube, saw it here and got my idea here. thank you Sir!

[@IanT-J]

I'm glad you found the tool tube, they work well and are really neat when located out of the way :)

[@louiewatson9389]

Great modification video!

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@elliotjones8094]

Hi just learnt something about off road biking. well done. Janice

[@moorshound3243]

man that's some badass mods, nice bike!

[@sercio994]

Very nice video, thanks for putting the time on making it. Appreciate it for sure 👍🏼

[@IanT-J]

Thanks for putting the time to make a comment, I’m glad you the video 😎

[@sercio994]

@@IanT-J Great build btw haha

[@Jimo368]

Nice DRZ, I'm surprised you didn't replace the grips. I recently made a ss crash bar that also doubles as a second footrest. I'd like some wider but lower pegs as well. I think I will get the David Knight designs ones.

[@RoadReadywithMosesLudel]

Ian, this is a thoughtful and practical approach. As riders we all personalize our cycles, and dual-sporting ranges from highway riders ("adventure-touring") who occasionally access a two-track graded dirt road to bona fide enduro motorcycles converted and plated for occasional asphalt use. We try to strike a good balance for our intended riding venues, which you've done with sensible innovation. I have a Honda XR650R that at times tackles open desert or rougher single track. On another ride, the bike can cover 400 miles of U.S. Highway 50 asphalt across northern Nevada ("Loneliest Highway in America"). My TCI Products engine guards and convertible rack system, Nelson-Rigg bags and a 6.3 gallon Acerbis fuel tank accommodate a wide range of riding conditions. I'm concerned about balance (C.G.) and weight in certain riding conditions, as others have expressed, so I make these accessories easily removable or "convertible" for various loads, gear and riding conditions...Thanks, Ian!

[@IanT-J]

Moses Ludel Thanks for spending the time to share you thoughts 😀

[@RoadReadywithMosesLudel]

Trust you're having fun with the Suzuki 400. It's winter at the Eastern Sierra, we're at 4,300 feet elevation, 18 degrees F tonight with possible snow by morning. Moab Jeep Safari is just months away, and the XR650R is ride ready. Parked in our garage for now, just walking around the bike brings a smile!

[@TwoWheelReview]

Awesome setup, thanks for sharing :)

[@vulcan1753]

You got most of it. I did many of those modifications to my Suzuki DR650. But one must have item that seems to only be available for the DR650 and KLR650 is a centerstand. In fact, my choice of one of these bikes was determined by that. If you have a flat on a long trip out in the middle of nowhere, and you will, you will have to have someway to support the bike while removing the wheels, and a simple prop rod is not going to work on a large, heavily loaded bike.

[@IanT-J]

Most Interesting - Many thanks for your advice :)

[@IanT-J]

+Ali Can Metan Last time a puncture and no centre stand was an issue I was riding with a friend and there was a large rock to put under the engine guard. Thing often have a way of sorting themselves ;)

[@nickg2431]

well thought out ian-good stuff!

[@IanT-J]

Thanks Nick :)

[@stephenparker3500]

Very informative I’m an ex road racer so don’t know much about this lark but going to give it a try thanks.

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@benjackson1385]

I was looking for mods to do to my Honda NX650 Dominator for my next trip to Morocco, this was the perfect guide, many thanks

[@IanT-J]

Thanks Ben - Enjoy your Morocco trip, I've only visited Morocco once and next time it will be on a bike :)

[@jlacerda14]

Hey! Nice video!. Recently, I bought a 2014 KLR and started to do some trips with my father (he rides a 2010 XR250). One step at the time we're doing mods to our bikes, starting with protection. Thanks !!!

[@IanT-J]

Spending time modifying and riding bikes with your father is time well spent, they will be memories you will both treasure in the future. Here is a link to a video of time spent riding a bike through France and Spain with my son when he was a child, kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHmcc2iupJpma8k

[@4444mongo]

+Ian T-J thank you. I will have to shop around more. might buy the fleabay pn rack and modd it so it fits the e model this is the cheapest option at the moment.

[@TheBigFella]

Good man Ian ... Quality of your videos keeps getting better and better ... Well done

[@IanT-J]

+Oisin Hughes Thanks Oisin, that means a lot coming from you :) If you want hours of great motorbike travel entertainment check out Oisin's youtube channel - ITS THE BEST !

[@MsNevadakid]

great ideas! thanks pard, happy trails!

[@sumdawgtwigg]

Good video. Just getting into adventure biking and this was a great primer.

[@SailingSabaiSabai]

Awesome video and tips Sir. I'm just getting into dual sport and found this extremely helpful.

[@IanT-J]

Welcome to "Dual Sport" hopefully you will have lots of new adventures this summer.

[@elliotjones8094]

well done on the edits and hope you enjoy your next trip

[@jimcarr8349]

A great video Ian; very informative.

[@Micscience]

Idk to many items takes the fun away from riding a bike. Yes you have to go on an adventure but half the fun is doing things with the bike such as wheelies, hill climbs, jumps and much more. I feel like to many things can encumber that ride style. I do see the usefulness out of a front rack I get it. Anyways thanks for sharing.

[@IanT-J]

Thanks for your comment Micsience, we all use our motorcycles for different purposes and find our enjoyment in different ways. Enjoy your riding :)

[@fernandolinares7017]

Enhorabuena por el resultado de tu Suzuki DRZ 400 y por el excelente video. He disfrutado mucho viéndolos!! Es una excelente forma de disfrutar de la vida, de las personas y del mundo!!

[@IanT-J]

Muchas gracias, España es un gran condado de motos

[@harrisjones2827]

Nice animations, great video :)

[@SuperLaplander]

Good video. I found it very useful. Best regards from Sweden.

[@IanT-J]

Thank You Sweden, one day I will visit, and enjoy your wonderful country :)

[@linus2877]

Visste inte att ni hade internet i Lappland

[@SuperLaplander]

Nää, finns inte. På besök i fjollträsket nu, där finns det i varje buske

[@rmichael9185]

Bloody good job lad.

[@chriskolias7445]

very nice!well done!

[@IanT-J]

Chris Kolias Thanks :)

[@GrubbyPaddler]

That map holder will definitely make orienteering / regaining more fun

[@IanT-J]

Yes the bicycle map holder was a great addition, although only at slower speeds, but on pathed roads you use a GPS 😎

[@GrubbyPaddler]

It does seem a little bulky, do you find it blocks your view?

[@IanT-J]

@@GrubbyPaddler Yes It's fine for following slow speed flatter trails but is too tall when riding up steep hills. I've knocked my chin on it going up a hill before now 😆

[@GrubbyPaddler]

Ian T-J I just got my first bike, 2007 drz... don’t think I’ll be ordering a map holder anytime soon...

[@paulf2534]

Thanks Mate, really enjoyed that video.

[@IanT-J]

THANKS Paul Have you seen the part 2 video where I use the bike on a dual sport trip to the Spanish Pyrenees dirt trails ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIjFm2yDn7OMnac

[@paulf2534]

Just watched it and it was great. As an Aussie I have become a huge fan of watching UK adventure shows and videos. Started with LWR, LWD, Charley Boorman's Dakar and all of his dvds. Just finished watching all the Adventure Bike TV youtube series as well. The UK riders all seem to be down to earth and sincere. Cheers.

[@IanT-J]

Once again thanks Paul Please share my videos within you social media :)

[@philclarke7712]

I quite like the video, well done. I would have used other methods for some of your solutions but its whatever works for you and I definitely took something away from this. Well done!

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺ Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J

[@jamesfordham2363]

Wow, nice one Ian, some points I might use on my own bike, Just started the mods to my CCM dual sport.

[@DualsportChic]

Hi Ian - excellent outfitting of your DRZ! I enjoyed the video immensely. Glad to see others have a true passion for smaller displacement D/S machines as they can go ANYWHERE!Best,VZ (XT250 Reviewer on KZbin)

[@IanT-J]

+Victoria Z Many thanks Victoria - You’re so modest you haven’t even given a link to your XT 250 modifications video. So here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGPanaJtr555itU

[@duff600]

Great video..i really enjoyed it. Liked and subscribed 👍

[@IanT-J]

Very Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@matthewcopsey1994]

Really recommend some better riding boots for offroading. Had a mate learn this one the hard way. You can get some alarmingly comfy dual sport boots with good protection that can be walked in, but I usually opt for MX boots and have a pair of trainers within easy reach for extended walks.

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺ Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J

[@ron7202]

I've seen a number of videos praising the DRZ, but almost nothing on modifying them; now I have. Thanks for the ideas and insight.

[@IanT-J]

Hi Ron - I have another video that is specifically Suzuki DRZ modifications. Please check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIbTf4Z-edqle7c

[@RedRockDualSportADV]

great video man, Gave me a few ideas for my DrZ.

[@jackrabbit8703]

nice vid. Been dual sporting for years. Nice music as well.

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺ Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J

[@VietnamMotorbikeTours]

great clip

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@YASKURJAMHUR]

THANK TJ 4 THIS VIDEO.... I'LL FOLLOW YOUR MODIFICATION...4 MY MOTORCYCLE..THX A LOTS

[@IanT-J]

Enjoy modifying your bike :)

[@xxMonsterGuitarxx]

great video

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺ Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J

[@IveyleaguemmaTV]

great video man

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanks you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@saeedalmajid1202]

Good job 👌 well done 👏.

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@facatube]

Hi I like your point of view about adv bikes but my advise wear advneture boots like Sidi Adventure or Alpinestar Toucano the are confortable enough and give you more ankle protection than touring boots ;-),Nice you came to Spain to Pyriness

[@IanT-J]

Yes - New boots with greater ankle support and better grip on the sole are on my shopping list. Check out my other videos, the Spanish Pyrenees id a real favourite of mine :)

[@bepivisintainer2975]

.well done indeed! lots of nice tips in this video.ta a lot :-)

[@spaluniding]

Hi Ian. My dream is to road the Pirineos like you. I hace the same bike. Good for road and out. Thanks.

[@IanT-J]

Santiago García I’m sure you will have a fantastic time in the Pirineos, once Covid 19 is resolved get out there 😎 Please check my Channel I have several Pirineos videos 👍

[@disel4]

good job and nice video

[@kradius2169]

Nice build. Would love to someday traipse around the Franco-Ibero hinterlands as you have. Guessing good eats & friendly folk in many places. I just finished a solo 18,000 mile journey from Chicago to the Arctic & Pacific Northwest on an over packed & "adventurized" 2007 F800ST ... and can now really appreciate the idea of a much lighter adventure machine like yours, and, in my case, also a much lighter pack. Unpaved Dempster & 1/2 paved Dalton Highways, with the weight and the sport touring front wheel & suspension, were a real bear -- and thankfully I didn't have to outrun one, though I had a close call -- maybe I averaged 20 mph over those 1,500 miles of unpaved road-not-trail. Lot of work. White knuckle rainy / windy / mud moments just south of Deadhorse, Alaska with road construction. Much later, on my intended return route, I had to abort the Trans America Trail only about 100 miles in from the Pacific coast (Port Orford, Oregon), when I came up to a small but nasty mud hole up in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains ... a mud hole that my bike (an perhaps its driver) would probably still be in if I had attempted to cross. Sure was nice though on the paved open roads ... but any future adventure would likely be on a 400 to 700.

[@IanT-J]

Many thanks for your comment about the size and weight of your bike / pack - you are the voice of experience :) Your trip sounds fantastic the Dempster Dalton Highways are roads I dream of riding one day. I'm taking my DRZ overland from the UK to Morocco, Northern Africa for my next trip but was concerned it will be a little slow on the road work riding the length of Spain, BUT, when in Morocco riding the trails solo it will be just perfect. Your words have instilled me with greater confidence :)

[@IanT-J]

Kradius - Check out my other videos is you have some down time over the holidays :)

[@kradius2169]

Ian T-J ... Nice to hear from you. Have & will look over more of your repertoire. Say, perhaps you already had, but I have, not yet the movie, but a movie trailer at my channel.

[@IanT-J]

Just watched your Trailer and added a comment :) Now that professional editing - I'm looking forward to the full movie.

[@RBFR01]

You only need a bash plate and a bigger fueltank also bark busters then your pretty much all good to go anywhere, you don't need all these bags and stuff but it's nice to have.

[@IAmWoody]

+Alistair Mcgown How do you propose he carry his camping gear without bags?

[@RBFR01]

Depending on where you go and what you are doing so if you are going camping yeah take bags and stuff but if you are going for a trail ride all day then you don't need alot of stuff haha.

[@IAmWoody]

I agree with just a local ride around, but this was about adventure riding.

[@RBFR01]

Camping and stuff? Maybe a 4wd support and if you don't have that then get as many bags and satchels as possible and strap them to your bike! haha

[@phuketbungalowinfo2757]

THANKS for sharing... gave me some good ideas well done

[@690ADV]

another great video, keep it going.

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@vstm3950]

nice mods Bud, very informative and and helpful. big ta

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@jausher]

Great mods! It looks like it does great offroad. How does it do on the highway? Don't get me started on that Zed thing. lol

[@IanT-J]

Hi James. If you want to ride down the interstate at 100mph then this clearly isn’t the bike for you, however if you want to take the backroads enjoying the scenery at 50-60mph (fully loaded) then it’s a blast :) The wider saddle is however a must for highway use, I think that might be in a later DRZ video ? The “Zed thing” ! I took mine from the UK to Finland this summer 3000 + miles and 9 countries 😎

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

Very nice, informative video, thanks so much!

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺ Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J

[@ozgurdonmaz]

thank you for sharing.. great work

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺ Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J

[@dog4life011]

Greetings from Lithuania!

[@IanT-J]

Lithuania - your most welcome - check out my other videos :)

[@realkilju]

It has everything but where is better lights

[@IanT-J]

Hi Xantteboy My DRZ was kitted out for a trip from the UK, through France to "play" on the dirt trails in the Pyrenees mountains. In summer the days are long and the evening light, I didn't ride the bike in the dark therefore additional lights were not required.

[@57beanyboy]

Thanks for the tips.

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺ Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J

[@TS50ER]

I like the CRM250AR @ 0:39! Oh, why did the Japanese stop making enduro 2 strokes?

[@IanT-J]

Hi TS50ER - Japanese 2 strokes enduros - was it the exhaust emissions laws that caused their demise?

[@TS50ER]

T-J, Yes, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol was the death knell for the Japanese 2-strokes. Honda have always been seen as favouring four-strokes, and were basically pushed into two-stroke manufacturing by among other things, the success of the KX500 in Baja and the Yamaha two-smokers on the racing circuits. It's a shame as Honda were actually onto something with the Active Radical (AR) system on the the CRM. On a different note, I like the mods you have done to your DR-Z, but can't help wondering, why no seat mod? I should imagine the stock seat is hard going on long trips to Europe. Cheers

[@IanT-J]

Yes - The seat mod (Seat Concepts) has been done during the winter. I've just done a 1000 mile road trip and what a real difference the new seat makes :)

[@TS50ER]

Good stuff T-J! Happy trails mate!

[@sbudno]

Where did you get that tool roll tube? Looks good

[@IanT-J]

sbudno I bought the tool roll from a bike show, they are available on the Internet I think I put a link to one in a previous comment some time ago 👍

[@levistapleton6079]

Thanks for the video! Super helpful!

[@sergiobraziulis8853]

tink in the klr 650.....ist all ready

[@ashmyrmidonsminions9271]

You've put out some nice content and are still around. 👨‍🦳How come your not still posting?🤔 Im a Yank, but I really enjoy the perspectives,🙄 that and I'm from the 80s too.😎

[@IanT-J]

Ash Myrmidons Minions Thanks for your comment 🍺 Yes - Still around just other projects on the go 😀 I have promised myself that I will have a new video uploaded by the end of the month 👍 A trip from the UK to Finland - “Watch this space”

[@jamescommins4933]

where did you get the front luggage rack?

[@IanT-J]

+James Commins SORRY - yes I'm aware it did not make this clear, I fabricated the front rack out of an old scooter rear rack. Basically I used the existing rack and cut and welded the attachment bars to fit the top fork yoke bolts on my bike.

[@bubbalooski911]

Great video . this is the first i have seen of your videos but you have a new sub from me.

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺ Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J

[@BadgerlandBandit]

I know this is an older video, but what brand is this rack? I can't find from racks anywhere for the DRZ!

[@IanT-J]

Hi The rear rack and side racks came from pmracks.com in America and I adapted an existing rack to mount on the front, hope this is helpful 😁

[@BadgerlandBandit]

@@IanT-J Thanks for the quick reply! I just installed the PM rear and side racks and love them. I'll have to look around for a front one.

[@roaddirtmotorcycleadventur1836]

Great video Ian, can you tell us where you purchased all the items from as I am struggling to get parts in the UK.

[@IanT-J]

+Road & Dirt YES - A detailed parts list and suppliers will follow at some stage. The main items were the rear and side luggage racks and the tank, I discuss who I purchased these from within the video. Most of the other can be purchased from one of many different suppliers.

[@ahmedayish1981]

Great Video, Info and the video quality is awesome, Thank you. I have been riding only for a few years mayb 5 /6 years in India Mostly 500cc cruisers 250cc standard. Right now in Canada 🇨🇦 I bought a #Suzuki 650cc Vstrom. I am thinking about switching to a DRZ-400. IS it doable even for long travel rides also with proper mods. Mainly seat? I am a lil big guy.. Thank you...

[@IanT-J]

Hi Ahmed Thanks for your comment, I have a DRZ specific video on my channel that might answer your questions. I’m happy to ride a couple of thousand miles on my DRZ with full camping kit on a 3 week trip 😀 Stay safe and buy a DRZ S model 👍

[@4444mongo]

hello thank you for the nice video. I have a drz 400e and want to buy some side racks does the racks fit on all drz 400 e s and sm medels or are they different. On ebay it says sm model not e I send a message asking if it will fit but no reply at all. I like you set up a lot thank you for sharing

[@IanT-J]

+Mark mongo I believe the S and SM model share a rear sub frame and the E model has a lighter sub frame. Lots of E model DRZ riders replace their rear sub frame with the stronger S / SM version prior to loading with heavy camping luggage. Perhaps this helps ?

[@CasperDawson]

Liked & subscribed. Now, how much weight did all the mods add to the bike, and more importantly, do you feel the added weight when riding?

[@IanT-J]

Hi Casper - The DRZ is considered a heavy bike within it's class even when standard. I was not aware of the additional weight introduced through the modifications, BUT the additional weight of the full camping kit is however very noticeable, one reason why I upgraded the front break !

[@ADVNevada]

Great info, thanks!

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@kodiakattack1]

Forgive me if you have answered this already. But in your travels and experience, what is your tire preference? In the video it looks like you are using a hybrid rear and I can't make out what you have up front. Thanks for your thoughts on the matter.

[@IanT-J]

Hi I'm just setting of on a new adventure, my New tires for this trip are HEIDENAU K60, apparently you can ride 1,000 miles on the road and they will still be perfect for the dirt. I buy the end of the trip I'll know if this statement is correct ! !

[@motorcyclewild5873]

Hi there. Can I please ask where you got the front rack from please

[@IanT-J]

motorcycle wild camper The front rack was home made. I found an old rack from a scooter and reworked the mounting brackets to put on the fork top yoke bolts..

[@motorcyclewild5873]

@@IanT-J ah nice one matey. Ill see what i can pick up on ebay and make one. Cheers for getting back to me👍🛵🇬🇧

[@k0wabungah]

nice vid man. but what about the front and rear suspension? did you change the springs or made any adjustments for the weight or you just leave it the custom?

[@IanT-J]

Yes Suspension - Good thinking my friend, the suspension needs for the riding on the road with full camping kit and “free” on the dirt are clearly very different. Please watch my sister video filmed the next summer and with greater emphasis on the Suzuki DRZ, including suspension J kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIbTf4Z-edqle7c

[@blueschild61]

WHAT A GREAT BIKE MAN!! Thanks for the upload. I'm sure you already know but, a "camel toe" is something very different in the States. ;)

[@IanT-J]

Yes we also have 2 meanings for "camel toe". It still makes me smile every time I reflect upon the fact that I have a public access video on the internet where I openly discuss "camel toes" !

[@ScottRidesHonda]

it seems like you added a lot of weight? how does that affect your drz in soft terrain like sand?

[@IanT-J]

Hopefully all the weight I’ve added to my DRZ is necessary and justified for how I use the bike. Its not simply “bling”! Sorry but I’ve never ridden this DRZ on soft terrain such as sand, so can comment. Perhaps one day I will take it to Morocco to play in the sand :)

[@ScottRidesHonda]

Well best of luck to you here in Texas we have a lot of sand and when I started riding I learned quick that sometimes it isn't always about engine size and bike size weight to power ratio can be killer on sand. ride safe!

[@IanT-J]

Enjoy riding the sand during your warm Texas winter !

[@690ADV]

great vid, way cool!

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@03flhtcui]

Well done. Rather enjoyed the video and your pronunciation of al-u-min-ee-um. :-)

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺ Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J

[@squizzygolddogtaylor7463]

Hi nice vid and nice setup! just wondering how you find the drz for long trips? and just wondering how many km you've done on it? cheers

[@IanT-J]

I have a DRZ specific video, where i discuss riding distances. I've ridden from the Uk through France to Spain and back twice. If your not in a rush and keep to the small roads (and have modified it!) its great fun :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIbTf4Z-edqle7c

[@bo0mb0i]

beautifully done. this is the only bike that looked neat with the topbox. what do you keep in it?

[@IanT-J]

I keep light items in my top box. My sleeping bag, Croc shoes, waterproofs etc :)

[@bo0mb0i]

Naice! Have subbed!

[@IanT-J]

Check out my other motorcycle adventure videos :)

[@bo0mb0i]

Yup. Binge Watching them! thanks! keep 'em coming!

[@TAXImutant]

just to add some proper enduro adventure boots and is perfect.

[@IanT-J]

Sorry - I should have thanks you for your comment a long time ago ☺

[@TAXImutant]

@@IanT-J: never too late. thnx

[@Liberty4Ever]

I'm perpetually frustrated that manufacturers don't supply bikes with larger fuel tanks. Even if not needed for long leg adventure touring, stopping for 1.3 gallons of fuel is always a hassle, even when commuting. Why should I be forced to buy Rotopak fuel canisters or a larger aftermarket fuel tank without a locking fuel cap? I'm loving the waterproof roll top dry bags, both on the pillion and rear rack, as well as improvised saddlebags.

[@IanT-J]

Yes your right, small fuel tanks can be very frustrating and a locking fuel cap is always reassuring 👍

[@ahmedabbas6627]

hi price for the bike how much do they cost

[@IanT-J]

When I bought my Suzuki DRZ it was an 8 year old bike with only 2,800 miles on the clock. So the purchase price was quite low. Several of the modifications parts were also second hand, keeping the price down. Its also good fun in the winter modifying a bike :)

[@funguseater40]

Hi Ian, did you have to import the pmr side racks from the States into the UK, or is there a dealership here in England ? Great video too.

[@IanT-J]

+funguseater40 Hi. I could not find an importer for the PM Racks in the UK so bought them direct from the manufacturer in America. Remember to allow for the H M Customs import tax, I think it was perhaps another £40 for the side and top racks. L

[@geraldscott7441]

I chose a DR650, for several reasons. It is less high tech than the DRZ, and therefore more reliable. Much fewer things to go wrong out in the middle of nowhere. Another big reason is that you can get an aftermarket centerstand for it. I wouldn't go anywhere on a bike with tube type tires and no centerstand. You're just asking for it. A centerstand also makes chain maintenance easier. The 650 also has a slightly lower seat height than the 400, and has a lower rpm, high torque air cooled motor. But there is one thing I have yet to figure out, and there seems to be no answer. And that is the seat. ALL dual sports have narrow bricks for seats, and every ride I've been on has been ruined by the seat. It's no fun when when you are constantly riding in severe pain. I also have an old low mileage 1980 Honda XL500S, and while the suspension is hopelessly outdated, the seat is way more comfortable than any modern dual sport. Manufacturers don't seem to care that people buy these bikes to actually ride them. They try to copy MX bikes, where you ride standing on the pegs most of the time. They need to put a wide well padded seat on dual sports.

[@IanT-J]

Another well considered comment Gerald - Thanks. The only time no centre stand was a problem, I was riding in the old Yugoslavia with a friend so we managed to put the engine guard plate on a large rock to remove the front wheel and mend a puncture ! You are correct about Dual Sport seats and how narrow and uncomfortable they are. Have you seen another of my videos where I discuss my choice of a Suzuki DRZ and also a replacement aftermarket seat ? ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIbTf4Z-edqle7c

[@lyubengeorgiev1751]

Nice video...its more than personal for me, being owner of DRZ :) However, I didn't saw any modifications of the seat which is the biggest pain in the ass for the Dizzer and the main reason for me to move onto Africa Twin. Have u made any improvements of it?

[@IanT-J]

Hi I have a another video called Suzuki DRZ 400 - Modifications & Review this one discussed the seat !kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIbTf4Z-edqle7c

[@stainsxl]

Does anyone have routeinformation for an offroad pyrenee tour?