Buying an "S" tomorrow morning, need advice

[Birchbark]

Hi all, and welcome to my first post.

After more than a year of deliberation, and of course much lurking here at ThumperTalk, I'm biting the bullet and purchasing an '06 "S" tomorrow morning from the local Suzuki dealer (Oneida Suzuki in central NY). Dude there quoted me $5199 otd.

I haven't ridden anything other than a mountain bike in the last 12 years, but owned a variety of road bikes, RM's and three-wheelers prior to that. I intend to use my DRZ for short commutes and joy riding, possibly some motorcycle camping and as much trail riding as I can possibly find.

My plan for tomorrow is to buy the bike, a helmet, handguards, body armor and gloves, then order some proper knobbies (NOT Dunlops because Dude said that they are currently more expensive than ever before, for what reason I can't recall).

I was hoping that you all might be able to give me some feedback on a few things before I write the check.

1. Should I have the dealer adjust the suspension? I'm 6'4" / 240lbs. He said it's stiff enough outta the box, but I don't believe that.

2. I prefer the look of a moto helmet, but not sure of their safety compared to full-face models. I don't want to buy a 2nd helmet.

3. Is $5199 otd a decent price?

Thanks in advance, and may summer arrive in earnest tomorrow afternoon.

[William1]

You will need to get the bike re-springed. it is designed for a 150~180 pound rider.

Full face is safer, but then it can get stuffy in there, hot which could make it less safe as the discomfort distracts you. Matter of choice.

Price for a left over is a bit high. That number is the same as list. What are MV taxes and such. Break down the number a bit.

[sinner]

1st your gunna love it! Just bought mine 3 weeks ago, and not havin a dirt bike before its great! The price does seem a little high! i only paid just over 6 for my new 07 s. But Fun Fun Fun...

[Goebz]

definately need suspension work, you will appreciate it later John Curea TT suspension specialist is A+ he is in PA near Pittsburgh.

I went with the Arai XD, excellent bucket and can go either way. Usu ride visor down with shades and pop it if I get hot.

Airoh makes a similar design, if you are less then xxl it will work nicely.

$5199 is not bad, I paid $5018 for a "last year' smodel" 05 in March 06. What are taxes, title and plates up there? Dealer cost with setup on my bike was $4798, so he didnt make much.

What color is it? See if he will give you 20% off accessories for a year too, mine gave 10% so I bought the XD from him.

[ghetto rider]

I wouldnt buy any extended waranty! No need. Unless you have bike problems during the manufacturers warrenty, it is a waste of money IMO When I was signing final papers to get my bike, the dude said to me "Oh, a tough guy!" when I said no to extended warrenty, low jack, expensive insurance and a few more bullshit extras. I was even waiting to see if he was going to try to sell me undercoating!

[MuddDawg]

You will need suspension work.

A full face helmet will be warmer in the winter months, and a MX will be cooler in the summer. Both will protect you.

Congrats and have fun.. :applause:

[another drz guy]

You'll love it! Go get the current issue of Motor Cyclist. Good write up about the SM. Welcome to TT.

BTW, you got a good price.

[-dj-]

The price does seem a little high! i only paid just over 6 for my new 07 s. But Fun Fun Fun...

he said 5199 otd for an 06 s model..... how is that high compared to paying over 6 grand for a model year newer?

[ridered55]

Man, do yourself a huge favor and get a 2007 KTM EXC 450. 10 times the bike, & you'll have a bike to grow with. You can only grow so much until you outgrow the DRZ. The DRZ motor is good with an aftermarket exhaust & a few mods,,, but the suspension & handling sucks, unless you only want to ride slowish, then it'll work. Die Hard DRZ'ers will tell you other wise,,,? but I speak the truth!! Anyway , even if you get the DRZ, I'll still be happy for you . New Bikes are great. Just so you know though, I told my friend THE EXACT THING I TOLD YOU & it took him $600.00 in aftermarket stuff and a year to say," Man,, I should of listened to you!" ?

P.S. You might like this helmet....

http://www.araiamericas.com/helmet_details.asp?model=XD

[-dj-]

Man, do yourself a huge favor and get a 2007 KTM EXC 450. 10 times the bike, & you'll have a bike to grow with. You can only grow so much until you outgrow the DRZ. The DRZ motor is good with an aftermarket exhaust & a few mods,,, but the suspension & handling sucks, unless you only want to ride slowish, then it'll work. Die Hard DRZ'ers will tell you other wise,,,? but I speak the truth!! Anyway , even if you get the DRZ, I'll still be happy for you . New Bikes are great. Just so you know though, I told my friend THE EXACT THING I TOLD YOU & it took him $600.00 in aftermarket stuff and a year to say," Man,, I should of listened to you!" ?

P.S. You might like this helmet....

http://www.araiamericas.com/helmet_details.asp?model=XD

make sure you get a shop manual if you decide on the KTM?

[ridered55]

^^

That was the pre 04 KTM's..

[-dj-]

^^

That was the pre 04 KTM's..

of course it was.

[MotoChris521]

Man, do yourself a huge favor and get a 2007 KTM EXC 450. 10 times the bike, & you'll have a bike to grow with. You can only grow so much until you outgrow the DRZ. The DRZ motor is good with an aftermarket exhaust & a few mods,,, but the suspension & handling sucks, unless you only want to ride slowish, then it'll work. Die Hard DRZ'ers will tell you other wise,,,? but I speak the truth!! Anyway , even if you get the DRZ, I'll still be happy for you? . New Bikes are great. Just so you know though, I told my friend THE EXACT THING I TOLD YOU & it took him $600.00 in aftermarket stuff and a year to say," Man,, I should of listened to you!" ?

P.S. You might like this helmet....

http://www.araiamericas.com/helmet_details.asp?model=XD

You speak the truth !! Mr. Know-it-all. Why isn't your username RideOrange55 ?

Guess you didn't know it all before,but now you do.

[sunnyboy]

I intend to use my DRZ for short commutes and joy riding, possibly some motorcycle camping and as much trail riding as I can possibly find

Sounds like the perfect bike for you.

1. Stock springs will be very undersprung for your size and aggressive riding.

2. All reputable helmets must have reach safety requirements. I prefer an open face (with breath guard) but it is a personal choice.

3. Good price OTD.

4. You will be disappointed with lack power .....purchase jet kit before judging bike.

5. search mototune engine break in right now before you pick the bike up.

Congratulations..... You are going to love it!!!

[Fizzalcon64]

Man, do yourself a huge favor and get a 2007 KTM EXC 450. 10 times the bike, & you'll have a bike to grow with. You can only grow so much until you outgrow the DRZ. The DRZ motor is good with an aftermarket exhaust & a few mods,,, but the suspension & handling sucks, unless you only want to ride slowish, then it'll work. Die Hard DRZ'ers will tell you other wise,,,? but I speak the truth!! Anyway , even if you get the DRZ, I'll still be happy for you . New Bikes are great. Just so you know though, I told my friend THE EXACT THING I TOLD YOU & it took him $600.00 in aftermarket stuff and a year to say," Man,, I should of listened to you!" ?

P.S. You might like this helmet....

http://www.araiamericas.com/helmet_details.asp?model=XD

Ya KTM is a good bike, but if your starting out who wants to pay 8000 big ones for a bike your possibly going to lay over and crash once and a while! Stange thing too, I was riding my DRZ yesterday and I don't recall the handling or suspension sucking . I take my DRZ everywhere my buddies with their 450's go and even will all my mods I am still WAY under the price of a KTM or any 450.

[ridered55]

I still stick by my original post. I knew people on here would flair up like a bad case of hemorrhoids but it's ok guys,, calm down. I never trashed the DRZ, I just pointed out another option. I'm a Honda guy because it works the best for me & what I do. Your a DRZ guy because it works for you. Their is a perfect bike for everyone,,sooo. I hate to see people spend alot of hard earned money on one and it not be " Everything your heart desires", and thats why I threw out an alternative. The DRZ is a fine bike for the right guy. That's all I have to say about that for now.

[Fizzalcon64]

Good thing I brought my Preparation H to work today! I want to go ride. I love all motorcycles.

[fredsnow]

Advice?

Here: https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207448

and here: https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=440104

read it, learn it, live it!

[obrianmcc]

Man, do yourself a huge favor and get a 2007 KTM EXC 450. 10 times the bike, & you'll have a bike to grow with. You can only grow so much until you outgrow the DRZ. The DRZ motor is good with an aftermarket exhaust & a few mods,,, but the suspension & handling sucks, unless you only want to ride slowish, then it'll work. Die Hard DRZ'ers will tell you other wise,,,? but I speak the truth!! Anyway , even if you get the DRZ, I'll still be happy for you? . New Bikes are great. Just so you know though, I told my friend THE EXACT THING I TOLD YOU & it took him $600.00 in aftermarket stuff and a year to say," Man,, I should of listened to you!" ?

P.S. You might like this helmet....

http://www.araiamericas.com/helmet_details.asp?model=XD

10x the maintenance.....the DRZ is perfect for the kind of riding you described.....

[Motor-N]

Advice?

Here: https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207448

and here: https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=440104

read it, learn it, live it!

Love it:thumbsup: