Thoughts on DRZ-400..

[gluvnaa]

All, I am looking to start getting into amateur racing and everything that I have seen points to the SV650 - but I was curious to see what you guys thought about racing the DRZ as a newb...

I dont know if  LW SS or Mid-W SS are ideal newbie classes to start in on a super-moto...

I have minimal track experience on a CBR1000RR...

Thank you kindly, 
Andrew

[gntbldr]

I own the drz400sm and it's the most nimble bike I've ever owned. stock.
I did the basic airbox and jetting mods and it woke the lil thing up a lot. Went down to deals gap (318 curves in 11 miles) with it last season and also brought my 600rr (which is the bike I race) and it was hands down a very well handling machine.
But i haven't had it on the track yet.

I too have thought about doing what you are asking about but I wanted to get at least one trackday in at Blackhawk before I go ahead and make it race ready.

One downside is it only does about 90mph with stock gearing but the upside is it can out handle my 600rr in a heartbeat. in my opinion.

[roadracer162]

From my observations, the DRZ have not been competitive machinery against other Motards. It certainly will not win any racers against the LW SS group but may fair well in the Ultralight class. Other Ultralight machinery for example is the Duc 800 (75 hp), Husaberg 650 (55 hp), CRF450 and often times bored.

On the other hand the DRZ will be a fine mount to start racing especially if you already have one. If you are buying a track or racebike the SV will be money better spent.

Mark

[gluvnaa]

thanks for the input... i will have roll w/ the SV!

[Mongo]

I've got a DRZ400S and let some friends race it when they're jonesing.  It's a great bike and fun but not competitive.  It's underpowered for the class and it doesn't handle any better than any other motard. 

[Court Jester]

so what is a good competitive motard??

[gntbldr]

check out http://www.supermotojunkie.com/ you'd be sure to find some good info there.

[RSimmons]

so what is a good competitive motard??

KTM 450/525/560 SMR, Husqvarna 450/510 SMR aregreat right out of the box, and the Japanese 450MXers can be converted into capable rides as well.

My 525 makes 60+HP and weighs 250lbs ready to ride. My first race weekend ever was on that bike, albeit it was in stock form at the time. I manged a 2nd in ULW and finished about midpack in the LW races I ran.

[Mongo]

What he said.