Any of you new Z owners have any opinions about whether this bike would make a desert racer? The first priority is of course DURABILITY! In stock form, this is obviously a trail bike so it would need a bunch of mods like being widened, tires and rims, etc.

I am looking to returning the 400EX to trail bike duty, and building a new desert machine. It's ironic, but even after all these years, the 250R IS STILL THE MACHINE TO BEAT!!

 

It would probably work out fine but you might lean towards a DS.

 

The Z would be just fine, AFTER you change the shocks up front at least, along with some longer a-arms, get a nice and strong + axle for the rear and you'd be fine. But then again, once you begin desert racing, you'll be up against guys with DS's and they are built for it, at least the Baja model anyhow, so once again, if it's desert only, I'd go with the Baja DS. I love my Z.

 

The DS is way to big and 100 lbs to heavy for my taste, and it actually hasn't been as strong a contender as one might predict. The 400 is a great bike but underpowered, and I'm not likely to find a 250R that I would trust out in the Wilderness. So, I am looking at moding a trail bike. It will be interesting to see how the Z holds up. If it does, I will probably get one. The price is certainly competetive!

 

Sure sounds like you really want a 250r. Why settle for something you really don't want? Keep looking.....your 250r will pop up.
BTW.....desert racing is not unlike other racing, the rider makes the most difference, not his equipment.