I know everyone will click on this just to see how dumb the "new guy"'s question is.  I'll try not to disappoint.

I've had my '03 DRZ 400 for about three week now and have been having a blast with it.  It is sure a step up from the '90 DR250S I wreaked havoc with in high school.

The guy I purchased the 400 from was a real connoisseur and had done most of the upgrades on TT.

My understanding is that there are four basic models: Straight-Z (mine), E (elect start), S (street), SM (supermoto) and that the E and Straight-Z have almost the same engine with the only difference being the flywheel.  The S has a less powerful carb/cam setup and fancy stuff like turn signals.  

This site (http://www.bikez.com..._400_e_2003.php) puts the E at 48-hp but doesn't mention power for Straight-Z or S.  Other sources I've come across put the S at around 42-hp.  Does the "Straight-Z" make 48 stock?  Following some of the posts here, it seems like quite a bit has to be done to break 50HP.  Are the numbers I quoted engine-HP and everyone doing mods talks in rear-wheel?  


Other question is this: I don't yet have a great feel for where this machine likes the choke & throttle set when starting.  This results in me kicking...well...quite a few times.  If I were to add a small capacity battery to power the ignition system when I'm starting (I'll isolate the headlight), would that help make a hotter spark and make for easier starts?  Thinking about adding a cig-lighter and usb anyway and would like to have a few watt-hours available with the bike off (If you aren't charging your iphone, you should be).  So the easier starting wouldn't be the only purpose this would serve.  Thoughts?

Thanks!

Ive never heard the term 'straight-Z' used before. the E makes the most hp because it comes with the flat slide carb, higher compression, bigger header etc. the S and SM are making mid 30hp stock while the E makes somewhere around 38hp i believe

I think (or thought) that what I am calling the straight-Z had the same engine setup as the E, it just lacked the battery and electric start.  Feel free to correct me on this stuff.  Thanks

DR-Z400 (kick start dirt bike)
DR-Z400E (electric start dirt bike)
DR-Z400S (dual sport bike)
DR-Z400SM (supermoto)

The kick start model and E (with the FCR carb) were same HP.  Some place in the high 30's
All other models are maybe 35 hp.

40 is easily achievable.  50 takes some serious mods.  I think Eddie the DRZ expert is up to 60.

I do not believe a battery would help starting.  But you can easily add a battery for other reasons if you like.  You will also need to add a switch to turn things off if you add a battery.  I have not looked an a kicker model but you may be able to just use the E model battery box and fit any small battery you like.  You can keep the capacitor or remove it if you add a  battery.

Technique for cold start - gas on, choke on, turn the throttle once or twice to squirt some gas (this is where you may need to experiment), Don't touch the throttle, kick.

Hot start - don't touch the throttle, kick.

Real hot or flooded - Pull the hot start plunger, don't touch the throttle, kick.