1. Husqvarna Motorcycles Made In Sweden - About 1988 and older

Stupid Question-1977 360 WR v. Suzuki DRZ400

Discussion in 'Vintage/Left Kickers' started by KIM750, Apr 3, 2017.

  1. dukkman Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Warwick Queensland Australia
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    85/WR 400,86/WR 240,83/430 is mates
    Other Motorcycles:
    69@71/TS90-76/TS100-72/DKW-78/PE
    XR400r with a TRX400ex bottom end .
    Because you're in Amerika the conversion is cheap.
    Brilliant tough stuff/single trail bike and ok up to 700ks a day on the tar and pretty well unkillable.
    Stick through the radiator , na.
  2. ajcmbrown Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Metung Victoria Australia
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    400WR 250WR 07 WR500 430AE 360AE
    Other Motorcycles:
    1985 500CR Ducati Multistrada 1200S

    The current DRZ has not changed, hence is no heavier now than when it was introduced in 2000.
    The only things that may have changed in regard to weight are market specific: Metal tank, steel subframe and pillion pegs.
    These are DRZ400S only differences, we are lucky enough in Australia to get the road legal DRZ400E, complete with hotter cams, Keihin FCR39MX pumper carb instead of the wheezing CV carb, alloy subframe, more open exhaust (bung removed), plastic tank, I'm unsure if the suspension is stiffer, but believe it is.
    These are considered to be the Honda XR400 dual sport replacement in Australia in terms of reliability, ease of use, economy of servicing, low maintenance, electric leg, plus handling and performance.

    In dual sport terms, about as good as you can get.

    This is why so many Australian tour companies use them for long distance rides and why so many down here "Adventurise" these bikes with long range (20+ litres) tanks, luggage systems and other mods primarily designed for long cross country adventure rides, and this is a very wide country with some very remote areas, like few other in the world!
    Again, no they are no Husky, but to underestimate them would be foolish. Just be aware of the difference between the "E" and the "S".
    Tony.
  3. MikeDi Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    U.S.A. New England
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    1983 WR 430
    Other Motorcycles:
    Stuck in the 80's vintage
    The xr400 would be a cool bike, but in most U.S. states they are not registerable. There's ways around it but for the most part it's a PITA.



  4. sdm Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    none at this time
    Other Motorcycles:
    74 Montesa Cota 247
    I have owned both a 76 WR 360 Husky and the DRZ. The DRZ is much heavier obviously but has adequate suspension. Much taller than the Husky but can be lowered and has better brakes and e start. Lots of aftermarket support and still has a carb instead of FI. A pretty good option overall. I am in a similar situation looking to get a dual sport I can use for mostly off road and I can still work on myself without too much drama. I currently have a 76 Husky 250 WR that I use as a casual trail bike. Seems like there is always a used DRZ for sale.
    Sam
  5. jimspac Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Connecticut
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    82 250WR, 82 430WR, 84 250WR, 85 400
    Other Motorcycles:
    86 400WR, 82 Montesa Cota 349
    I will be looking for a DRZ400 after I sell a 86 KX250 and a couple of Husqvarnas later this year. I am still keeping the 78 390WR and 83 430WR because I have always wanted one of each and now both are in reach
  6. suprize Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Bendigo, Australia
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    WR 400, bike in a box Moto Villa 350
    Other Motorcycles:
    ktm 300
    pretty good mix of scoots
  7. Eurofreak Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Western NY
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    1986 TE 510, 1982 CR250, 2008 WR250
    Other Motorcycles:
    70's Triumph , Bultaco , Maico, etc
    I should have taken a picture of my buddy's DRZ-He bought it new in maybe '02-04. We promote races at his farm and it is used by him for checking the trail, a loaner bike and a cow herder- 650 acre diary farm. It has had wheel/spoke issues, a little electrical, nothing major. 13 years later with moderate maintenance and a lot of use it's still on it's first bore. He won Vet B hare scrambles overall with it in our district in '04.
    It works
    ajcmbrown likes this.
  8. KIM750 Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Maryland's Eastern Shore
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    1977 360WR 1974 250WR
    Other Motorcycles:
    Ducati M750
    Thanks for all the replies. They're really, really helpful. I should've been more clear. I have a 1977 360 WR with tags, a 1974 250 WR with tags, and a Ducati Monster 750. I'm keeping the Huskys no matter what. I was thinking of getting a dual sport like the Suzuki and getting rid of the M750. After looking around, I think what I'm going to do is keep the Huskys, not get a modern dual sport, and replace the M750 with something a little more low key. Probably a Harley Sportster Roadster. I may revisit this in a few years. Again, thanks.
  9. suprize Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Bendigo, Australia
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    WR 400, bike in a box Moto Villa 350
    Other Motorcycles:
    ktm 300
    great ask tho...got the rocks turned over:thumbsup:
  10. Bigbill Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    '83 250wr
    Other Motorcycles:
    0 right now
    In '98 I purchased a '98 wr250 husqvarna and it came with a speedo, electrics and tags. Street legal, I could ride to the trails or do my church route on Sunday mornings through the country. I even liked putting along in the country side listening to the popcorn in the pipe. She was a blast to ride.

    I tried to teach the neighborhood kids to ride legal. What started it all was I was jetting my 81 250cr atv plated when the local Leo pulled up and said I see your an adult. I went to the husky dealer and purchased the 98 250wr. Let the fun begin. It was pouring rain on a Friday afternoon when I first took the plated 250 for a spin. I pulled into dunkin dounuts because I seen a state police cruiser parked there. He came out and said he hasn't seen these bikes in a longtime. Then he said you pulled in here with my cruiser parked there? Then he walked around and seen it's plated. Yup I'm an adult right?

    In '99 I purchased the 250's twin a '99 TE 610e dual sport Husqvarna. I wasn't fond of 4t but the 610 was a fun ride too. The dual exhausts looked neat.
  11. Bigbill Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    '83 250wr
    Other Motorcycles:
    0 right now
    Harley? Do you plan on riding or pushing? Sorry I had too. Look at the Suzuki 600 or 1250 bandit. She's a dependable, reliable fun ride.