Build or Buy?

1296 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by southernman, Jul 2, 2005

Backin-It-In

Discussion Starter · Jul 1, 2005

Unlike most in this forum, my cycle experience has been entirely on the street. Of the bike I've owned (Seca II, FZR400, CBR F2, ZRX1100), my preference follows directly with the size. But I never enjoyed the cramped cockpit and ride-on-wrist position. I've decided that a SM would provide the handling I seek without the torturing riding position. I'd keep it on the street with potentially a track day once in a while.

So, build or buy? is the question. Assuming that I would be happy with the DRZ SM as a starting point, could an equivalent or better street legal machine be built for less than the $6k entry price? A KTM 625 SM would be nice but commands an extra $2k. If build is your answer, what's a good starting point?

If a relevant thread already exists, please post a link. If any builders have any experience to share, please post that as well.

Any to anyone who wants to flame me, I issue this pre-emptive :2hard

Thanks.

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southernman

· #2 · Jul 2, 2005

I found myself in the buy vs. build debate for about 6 months, continually searching cycletrader and ebay for suitable starting points. I looked at XR650's (too heavy), XR400's (air-cooled, little power), KTM400 (suitable, hard to find, expensive parts), and of course the DRZ. I found of couple of DRZ-E models that looked OK but I would have to add wheels ($1000) and the requisite DOT lights (Baja Designs kit = $500). Eventually I settled on a DRZ-SM.

So in short...

Backin-It-In said:
Assuming that I would be happy with the DRZ SM as a starting point, could an equivalent or better street legal machine be built for less than the $6k entry price?

Yes, but not with a factory warranty.

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Jekyll

· #3 · Jul 2, 2005

+1 :rock:

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youngblood

· #4 · Jul 2, 2005

KTM LC4s have small improvements over the years, but none which you will miss unless you are looking for more pose factor.

You can pick up 2001, 2002 LC4s for around 3 to 4k. Get some KTM supermoto wheels for about $550 to 600, a used 320mm rotor and relocator bracket and you are motardin.

I ride and race a 2002 and I never see DR400s cause their always behind me!

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Backin-It-In

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 2, 2005

youngblood said:
KTM LC4s have small improvements over the years, but none which you will miss unless you are looking for more pose factor.

You can pick up 2001, 2002 LC4s for around 3 to 4k. Get some KTM supermoto wheels for about $550 to 600, a used 320mm rotor and relocator bracket and you are motardin.

Now, being new to singles and KTM in particular, are all of the 400cc+ four strokes LC4s? There are a number of EXCs in this area in the $4k to $6k range. With a little more work, I'm sure they could be found cheaper.

With regard to wheels, is it worth reusing the original hubs and just lacing up new wider 17" hoops? It would certainly save a couple of bills there.

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fivestar13

· #6 · Jul 2, 2005

:headscrat There seems to be a 3 camps on this subject. One of them are track-oriented folks who like to convert 450ish MXers, and we'll tell you conversion at all costs. Another of them is the KTM/Husky/Husa folks who have all the power and handling they need in their motos...some of those bikes require light kits others are already street-legal. The other camp is the buy-it street legal from the git-go, don't wanna fuss on maintenance (regardless of mechanical skill), and are likely to recommend or choose DRZs, XRs, MZ Baghiras, and the like.

Well I am a DRZ guy, but I will not take sides with any of the camps...because the choice is yours and will often be based on personal preferrence or situation. I keep several bikes in the stable...some I maintain myself, others I send out for help. But, in order to keep me happy, I need to RIDE...I routinely work 16+hour days, no complaints...remember I have a stable of bikes; SO basically I ain't got time to covert SHIT!

And I don't make enough to add the KTM/Husqy or the forthcoming Aprilia to my stable...but I still lust after them :bowdown:

Either way I'll make no excuses and enjoy what I got! And that my friends is what it is all about, Enjoy the RIDE :thumbup: But you did not need me to tell you that :headshake

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Backin-It-In

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 2, 2005

southernman said:
I found myself in the buy vs. build debate for about 6 months, continually searching cycletrader and ebay for suitable starting points. I looked at XR650's (too heavy), XR400's (air-cooled, little power), KTM400 (suitable, hard to find, expensive parts), and of course the DRZ. I found of couple of DRZ-E models that looked OK but I would have to add wheels ($1000) and the requisite DOT lights (Baja Designs kit = $500). Eventually I settled on a DRZ-SM.

Thanks for the feedback. Your analysis of the other bikes seems right. Did you consider the Yamakas...Sorry, I mean Yamahas? There seems to be an abundance of YZs and WRs to be had cheap. KTMs seem easy to find in my area but I'm not certain if I could justify a $5k purchase price and $1500 conversion vs. a showroom new DRZ-SM. (Although, I know of an '01 520EXC going for $3600.)

If it was down to a used DRZ, I would make the same decision you did and take an SM without question.

Thanks SouthernMan

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Backin-It-In

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jul 2, 2005

Thanks 5*13, and just like you, when I go camping, I bring my own tent. But it's a good idea to ask who's been through the woods so you can avoid the bogs and bugs.

I can't afford a stable of bikes and I'm currently without a ride. And this type/style of bike is new to me. Building appeals to me because it'd be something I can tailor to what I do know but buying is good because, as I said, I'm currently without a ride. Thus the dilema. I just want to have as much info as possible when I'm ready to commit the funds.

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fivestar13

· #9 · Jul 2, 2005

Backin-It-In said:
Thanks 5*13, and just like you, when I go camping, I bring my own tent. But it's a good idea to ask who's been through the woods so you can avoid the bogs and bugs.

Building appeals to me because it'd be something I can tailor to what I do know but buying is good because, as I said, I'm currently without a ride. Thus the dilema. I just want to have as much info as possible when I'm ready to commit the funds.

All well said :thumbup: AND I believe you have come to the right place for your research. Best of luck to you in solving your dilemma. Trust us; you will be rewarded by the supermoto experience :clap:

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southernman

· #10 · Jul 2, 2005

Backin-It-In said:
Thanks for the feedback. Your analysis of the other bikes seems right. Did you consider the Yamakas...Sorry, I mean Yamahas?

I did. I found a WR in Texas that was already plated and with lights, but the seller was slow to answer questions and had low feedback. Plus, shipping was another added cost so I stayed away from it. One thing I forgot to mention was that I got my DRZ-SM for $5449; no prep, no fees, etc. This certainly made the decision even easier. I won't give a shameless plug for the dealership here on the forum, but if you need to know more PM me.

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