Best & Cheapest DRZ 125L upgrades?

[Doom Rider]

I'm a 51 year old newb to dirt bikes. I started riding a 2009 Suzuki Dr.Z 125L this past summer; it's all stock, except for the handlebars. I am having more fun than a cat in a bird sanctuary with this little dirt bike; today I rode it thru mud and water hazards, which is what you get when it snows and warms up here in the PacNW.

Anyway - I would like to make some cheap upgrades. So far I've been told to switch out the idle jet from the stock #17.5 up to a #20 in order to get more gas, less air. I've also taken out the snorkel, and learned to clean and oil the air filter. My next step is to clean the carb. Should I get a better carb? I am 144 lbs. dripping wet, probably around 150-154 lbs. with all my gear on, so I'd like to upgrade the fork springs (any ideas what brand is best?) and learn to adjust the rear shock; possibly upgrade that shock spring (again, best brand?).

I use the Dr. Z for trail riding, and riding a small mx track I'm building, so I need it set up for jumps & whoops etc. but nothing TOO big (largest jump so far is 3 feet tall) but yeah I still want to be able to fly like Evel Kneivelor Ken Roczen, why not?

So, what other UPGRADES should a newb install over the winter on his Dr.Z?

THANKS everyone, I bow to your dirt bike wisdom.

[mjg15]

Get some BBR springs, and a 144 kit when you're ready to spend a few dollars on the motor.

[Doom Rider]

OK cool. I will check on those, I've seen ppl boast about bbr parts.

[Mike Moto]

Hey Doom Rider,

 

These are fun bikes, I've done a few upgrades:

 

Jets, Pilot,

Adjustable needle jet from Yama.TTR125, and remove the brass plug at the bottom of carb to air/fuel screw (carefully)

Uni-air filter

BBR spring front and rear

BBR Frame Cradle

ProTaper bars

Two Brothers complete exhaust

150cc Big bore kit

Hot Cam

1 tooth more to the front sprocket

 

If you want to see the bike, check my pic's below

 

Happy Moto and welcome

[Doom Rider]

Wow impressive upgrades!  Really looks sweet. 

I'm wondering: how much lighter is the replacement frame than the stock?

I love the fact the DRZ is so lightweight; but even lighter would be wonderful.

 

I just got a '08 KLX 140L mainly for the Estart (b/c my injuries can flare up trying to kick start) but the weight difference is significant, like 35 extra pounds I can really FEEL the extra heft.  Good thing is the previous KLX owner already put BBR springs and a few other small upgrades, so it rides nice, but so far I prefer the lightweight feel of my DRZ.

 

and, do you have to add that extra tooth on the front sprocket because of the 150cc upgrade?  Or is that not a factor?

Thanks for the feedback.   

[Mike Moto]

Hey Doom Rider,

 

Thanks, these are great bike fun bikes, they do need a little help.

 

To answer your question, yes the 16 T-sprocket allows me to use the increased power over a wider range with less shifting.

 

*Note: Bike should be prepped before you start, Clean & gaped spark plug, timing & valves adjusted, some gas in the tank

 

**Ok, Cheap n Easy mods for STOCK setup:

 

1. Order 2005 Yamaha TTR125 adjustable needle jet $19.~, once it arrives,

 

2. Remove the seat, gas tank, air box snorkel, carb, good time to clean it and air filter

 

3. Get a 1/8th in drill bit and light duty drill, I found a pic that shows the bottom of the DRZ125 Carb with the plug drilled out (not a very clean drill job)

If you have a vice put the carb in it lightly, and *lightly* drill through the plug 1/8th inch, DONT push through or you can damage the air/fuel screw just under the plug like the picture (messy),

 

4. Install the new needle jet and set the C-clip to 3rd position (see pic) reinstall carb in your bike,

 

5. Install the carb, gas tank, seat, side panels, take a break, take your time...now start the bike allow to *warm up*, you may need to adjust idle screw up 1/4 to 1/2 turn because of more air coming in.

 

6. Make adjustments with a stubby screw driver as needed to the air/fuel screw at the bottom of your carb, 1/8th to 1/4 turns to the right for more fuel, left for more air

IF you need more fuel *after air/fuel screw adjustment, move the C-clip 1 position at a time (see needle jet pic)

 

7. Ride it up slight grades 200 ft or more and feel for flat spots low, mid and full throttle, adjust air/fuel screw as needed.

 

Once the bike is dialed in you will feel the difference

 

Good luck & Happy Moto!

 

Mike Moto

Edited January 20, 2017 by Mike Moto

[Doom Rider]

Thanks Moto!  I'm saving these notes.

Right now I just dremeled out a nicely shaped hole in my airbox cover on my KLX; cutting some of the same on the DRZ Sunday.  Both will have window screen covers, I'm engineering a method to install and remove the screens without having to rip a clean any tape goo.  Plastic is a fun medium to dinker with.  Again thanks for all the help.  I will try to post some pics after the installs.   

[MXMatt310]

A good one is to do the airbox mod. You can search it up probably something like "airbox mod drz125". I have the same bike but i have not done the airbox mod because then i cant go through to deep puddles because you let water in very easily but if you dont ride through water than people say its a really good mod to increase your performance. Also a air filter and aftermarket exhaust something along the lines of a fmf powercore 4 or a pro circut t-4. Good Luck

[Doom Rider]

On ‎1‎/‎19‎/‎2017 at 7:56 PM, Mike Moto said:

Order 2005 Yamaha TTR125 adjustable needle jet $19.~,

 

I'm having trouble finding the exact item... is this what you're talking about?: 

part # 5HP-14145-00.   http://www.ebay.com/itm/272651139665

Thanks, to anyone who can help me nail the correct product for my DRZ upgrade!  Peace. 

[Mike Moto]

Hey Doom Rider,

Order from your local Yamaha Dealer, Ref#2, part: NEEDLE SET 5HP-1490J-00-00, $16.31

Check this Yamaha link below,

http://shop.gpsportsonline.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=3959566&category=Motorcycles&make=Yamaha&year=2005&fveh=177664

Happy Moto and good luck!

 

[ryan_cin]

Mx51 tires

[Callum.D]

On 12/7/2016 at 3:30 PM, Doom Rider said:

I'm a 51 year old newb to dirt bikes. I started riding a 2009 Suzuki Dr.Z 125L this past summer; it's all stock, except for the handlebars. I am having more fun than a cat in a bird sanctuary with this little dirt bike; today I rode it thru mud and water hazards, which is what you get when it snows and warms up here in the PacNW.

Anyway - I would like to make some cheap upgrades. So far I've been told to switch out the idle jet from the stock #17.5 up to a #20 in order to get more gas, less air. I've also taken out the snorkel, and learned to clean and oil the air filter. My next step is to clean the carb. Should I get a better carb? I am 144 lbs. dripping wet, probably around 150-154 lbs. with all my gear on, so I'd like to upgrade the fork springs (any ideas what brand is best?) and learn to adjust the rear shock; possibly upgrade that shock spring (again, best brand?).

I use the Dr. Z for trail riding, and riding a small mx track I'm building, so I need it set up for jumps & whoops etc. but nothing TOO big (largest jump so far is 3 feet tall) but yeah I still want to be able to fly like Evel Kneivelor Ken Roczen, why not?

So, what other UPGRADES should a newb install over the winter on his Dr.Z?

THANKS everyone, I bow to your dirt bike wisdom.

Try getting some RM 80 forks. and A bbr or yoshimura exhaust will help with the power

Edited July 6, 2019 by Callum.D

[Callum.D]

On 1/19/2017 at 8:13 PM, Mike Moto said:

Hey Doom Rider,

 

These are fun bikes, I've done a few upgrades:

 

Jets, Pilot,

Adjustable needle jet from Yama.TTR125, and remove the brass plug at the bottom of carb to air/fuel screw (carefully)

Uni-air filter

BBR spring front and rear

BBR Frame Cradle

ProTaper bars

Two Brothers complete exhaust

150cc Big bore kit

Hot Cam

1 tooth more to the front sprocket

 

If you want to see the bike, check my pic's below

 

Happy Moto and welcome

Hey what model is the exhaust thanks 

Callum

Edited July 6, 2019 by Callum.D

[Mike Moto]

Hey Callum.D, I went with Two Brothers TBR M6 system, here's a link I found on sale, may be hard to find elsewhere, Two Brothers don't make this model anymore

https://store.58cycle.com/KLX_DRZ125_06_10_TwoBroFull_Race_005_1070106M_p/tbr%20pn%20005-1070106m.htm

[Doom Rider]

On 7/6/2019 at 1:26 AM, Callum.D said:

Try getting some RM 80 forks. and A bbr or yoshimura exhaust will help with the power

How is that install switching RM 80 forks with the 'Zuki Dr Z forks?  Is it is smooth transition, or is there a lot of "converting" to do?  I'd like to get some better shocks for doing bigger jumps, would save my wrists a pounding.  Thanks.  

[david roemer]

Easiest upgrade was switching to a Keihin PE24 carb.  Next was an LT230 cam and stiffer springs in the front shocks. (i think they were from a KX80 but cant remember for sure).  Last was a chinese 150cc piston kit, gave it more low end but it wont rev as high anymore.  The cam that came with the kit was trash.