DR 600 Engine in an RMZ450 chassis?

[stantheman750]

I posted this in the RMZ450 forum and didn't get one reply (using my wife's userID)

DR650 engine in an RMZ450 chassis?

So here's the deal:

I have an RMZ450 that I made into a trail bike. Although I love the bike, it tends to overheat when I ride it hard. I'm in Hawaii so it's pretty tough terrain up in the mountains and hot and wet down in the valleys. The prices of RMZ 450's have tanked so I'm thinking about "tardin'" it out instead of selling it. The engine won't last on the freeway commute so I was thinking about selling the 450 engine (it was built by Grant Matsushima, he builds engines for pro motard guys including Kevin Swantz) and stuffing a DR 650 engine in there. I can get a parts-only DR 650 for $100.

Has anyone attempted this?

I normally ride a DRZ400SM on the street but my wife started riding it and won't give it back.

My other option is to trade my RMZ for another reliable Motard.

What do you guys think?

[fishpost19]

I reckon that would be pretty sweet, the 650s have sooo much low down torque, just a matter of whether it will fit or not. I say do it. But I'm a guy who likes to be different and doesn't care what others think. It would be unique for sure. A good chassis with a good reliable motor would make a sweet tard.

[Rip Wheeler]

I think that would be a sweet set up. The old air cooled engines (maybe oil cooled also) are rock solid reliable and would work great for the street also. Be one heck of a trail bike and not too heavy either.

[heykenny]

it would be fun if you could do it... but you're gonna have a heck of a time finding a way to get a DR engine in there... the DR engine is monstrous compared to an RM-Z..

[The Spanky]

it would be fun if you could do it... but you're gonna have a heck of a time finding a way to get a DR engine in there... the DR engine is monstrous compared to an RM-Z..

I totally concur. The Dr engine is a huge lump, I would be surprised if it would even fit between the swingarm pivot and the down tube.