First off, want to say hi real quick. Names Adam, and this site is absolutely priceless. So much valuable information. I looked through all the FAQ and searched the threads a little, and wasn't totally sure of this. I want to buy 2004 DRZ 400 E (minus the electric start.... What does that make this bike?Model K?)and convert it to a S/M. I have intermediate mechanical ability and whatever I can't figure out, I know you folks can. My question is, are the plastics any different on an E compared to a S/M? It appears to be different, however I can't tell because most of the bikes I look at are modified, and I wouldn't know just to look at it. Another question, (I searched this extensively)Does anyone know the process of tagging one? In West Virginia? I imagine that the laws here are far less imposing since I've seen cars driving around that would make a landfill uglier. Anyway, sorry if this has been covered and I just overlooked it, and any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

I think the difference's are the tanks (off road models have plastic tanks), and the subframe is different on the E models. I don't think it's too difficult to get it tagged in WV. I know Forrest @ Wheeling Cycle Supply has done it numerous times, and i've talked w/ him about the procedure. It's just been awhile and I don't recall the specifics. He carries all the electrical equipment to do the conversion, and he's a great guy to deal w/.

There's way worse looking vehicles on the road in Maryland. We have to have a yearly inspection, while in Maryland they have to get them inspected at the time of purchase, then they can run them into the ground if they choose.

Where you at in West Virginny?

Morgantown. I'm getting the bike off a guy I work with. He's getting a divorce, and he asked me if I would buy it from him, at a steal.

I'm around Keyser, WV, over in the easten panhandle. I'm about 60 or 70 miles from Morgantown via 68. Call up Forrest a Wheeling Cycle. He'll know what you need to do.

http://www.wheelingc...com/index.shtml

The shrouds and the sidepanels plastics are all the same between S/SM/E models. Except that the right sidepanel of the S/E model are slimmer in profile as compared to the SM models.

As for rear fenders, it's not interchangable. You can mod a E model rear fender to fix on a S/SM model but you wont be able to fix a S/SM rear fender on the E.

rear fender mod with pics

http://www.thumperta...hlight=e+fender

thanks a lot guys. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if not for this. The old lady is getting on my case about already owning a dirtbike (CRF 450, in fair condition, just a woods bike.), and I told her this one's gonna be for the street.
She couldn't grasp the concept even after showing her pictures. Some girls can be dumb as shit. If I didn't love her, I might have to dig a ditch and bury the bitch.

I sure hope she don't get on your Thumpertalk account and read what you think of her, or you'll be in trrrrooooouuuubbbbblllleee. :busted:

lol yeah. She's bigger ballbreaker than me though. The wit on her is the sexiest thing,(despite the fact she is totally ignorant when it comes to anything mechanical) and I call her a bitch on a regular basis, jokingly of course. Both foul mouthed.......... So, I can not put the s fender on my bike.
Thats a bummer. Thanks Retro. Very detailed. Are there any mechaical differences between my bike, and the one with the electric start?

What do you need an S fender for? There are differences between your bike and the S/SM models, as well as the 2007+ E models. Your bike should have the FCR carburetor, E cams, and a single layer base gasket (higher compression). Those are all good things.