Suzuki DRZ400 - Modifications and Review
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2016
- I’m sure most of the modification would suit any small dual sport motorbike.
This was filmed on the “Smugglers Trail” between Andorra and Spain.
For more information visit www.talbot-jones.com
or my youtube cannel @IanT-J
Background Music Credit :- www.freesfx.co.uk - Auta a dopravní prostředky
With all the mods you made a really good mod is the kick starter. Pretty good value, easy to install and worth a million bucks if you're stuck in a muddy valley and the electric start decides to check out. I put one on mine, have never needed it but knowing it's there is a great feeling.
soundzRinmygarden Thanks for you comment, your 100% correct, the addition of a kickstart is an extremely sensible idea and a job I need to get around to completing 👍
Very well done Ian, great little film. Keep up the hard work.
A true service to the biking community. Thanks. Looking forward to your next adventure.
Kradius Many thanks for your very supportive comment, this year I rode from the UK to Finland and have just started editing the video. Please subscribe to my channel and you’ll get a notification when I upload the completed video 😀
BEST video I've seen for modding. Very well done.
Thanks Mike 👍 Enjoy your modding 😎
not a cinematic video but impressive in content and contains straightforward valuble information. Good job
not a cinematic video...were you expecting titanic lol
Good to see your still around, keep going strong mate.
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
A brilliant set-up Ian, thank you for sharing!!
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Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
Good to see you back on CZcams. Another very nice vid!!! Cheers, Mate
Thanks for your support Jack :)
Glad to have found you. Nice language, good content & shots, much appreciated. Keep up the good work.
Many thanks for your comment :)
such a great video Ian!
checked in for the mods . thanks for sharing. damn you now im wanting to tour europe years earlier than my plans after retirement
Travis N Yes - Europe has so much to offer the motorcyclist, best get saving your money and planing the trip 😎
Love the mods you have done.. cheers for the vid.
Hi, nice mods. I have a Drz400s Love it! Just come back from the Pico de Europe mountains on it for the second time.Very underestimated and capable Adventure bike.
Thank you for the couple great mod ideas!
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Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
Really good video,
alternative modifications. Like a lot
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Luv the video friend! Thanks for the info!
Keep up the videos!
I’m glad you enjoyed the video Billy - Ride Safe my friend 😀
Sir! Great freakin' video. Please keep up the good work.
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Looking good mate! Cheers!
This is a great video, I'm doing something similar with my crf450x. I know people say it can't be done but with the right mods it can be the perfect off road adventure bike
Best of luck with your CRF450 modifications
and don't listen to any negative feedback 😎
another good video, so helpful for those like me who are just starting dualsport riding! thank you Sir
Vstm Did you ask about the Tool Roll ? ?
If so here is my tool roll on an American website, I bought the same product (without the suppliers sticker) from a bike show in the UK. I believe these tool rolls were originally designed to carry the a user manual mounted under the seat of a truck.
www.twistedthrottle.com/dryspec-motorcycle-tool-tube-kit
I had then I saw your reply within other comments and edited/deleted mine :) Thanks, Good Lad
Nice video, mate. That front rack is very cool.
Many thanks Katman,
I think I've cut down the front rack since this video as it I bumped my chin on it while off road.
The rack is noe 1.5 inches lower :)
Good day sir!
I sold my T7 yesterday and bought a slightly used DRZ mainly because of the weight. This video was really cool, you have so many cool solutions for this bike. I liked the front rack in particular!
Johannes
Thanks Johannes
I'm sure your "new" DRZ will put a smile on your face and give you years of pleasure - ENJOY 😎
@@IanT-J Thank you :)
Great video and very informative. Cheers for sharing your experience.
Sorry - I should have thanks you for your comment a long time ago ☺
@@IanT-J ah no problem matey 👍🏍🏍
I love the thought that go in to all of these DRZ Adventure builds.
Thanks for commenting Lawrence, hopefully you have your own DRZ Adventure Build 😎
@@IanT-J I have a new 2022 DRZ400s. I just picked it up yesterday. I plan on slowly building it piece by piece.
Lawrence a “New” DRZ, your going to have some fun on that bike 😀
What country still sells DRZs Australia, USA ? ?
I await your DRZ adventure videos 😎
@@IanT-J I'm In Michigan,USA
@@lawrencewalraven5137 just purchased a 2022 Drz400 a few months ago, Learn from me please!!...The stock Trail Wing(death wing) tires are HORRIBLE off-road!.....remove them Immediately.....you Have to trust me here.....those tires will Skid out and cause crashes, out of nowhere(off-road), they are horrible on anything beyond Packed dirt.....they do good on rocks and larger gravel and pavement.....but you gotta trust me, they are a Serious Liability in the slightest Mud, wet grass or wet dirt, regardless of Skill.....I can't even Tell you HOW many times I crashed because of those stupid tires, threw No fault of my own........Next thing, Buy some Full style hand guards Right away.....I can't even tell you how many times it saved my levers from be broken, because when you wipe out, the First thing to hit the dirt is your bars-ends!(hence broken and bent levers).... Also get a Skid Plate(cheap $50 aluminum plate on ebay will work great)......I didn't realize HOW many rocks I hear pinging off that plate All the time, even going down a paved Road...which keeps them from smashing your engine or other vital pieces hanging down......Side Engine Covers are also good, when you go down, your Brake and Shifter pegs can smash into the side of your case and Crack them.....the DRZ does have "retractable" Pegs, so they should prevent that to a degree, but from what I hear Lots of people still crack their side engines from falling on rocks or whatever.
Front rack, spare cables, great ideas. Thanks 👍
Thanks Lucas - enjoy riding your bike :)
I came here after reading a forum. Nice video.
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
Awesome work
Many thanks Tom, enjoy your motorcycling 😎
Interesting idea with the multi use front rack. My. DRZ is set up similar but since I put the low seat on I'm going to add David Knight low footpegs and also add a USB charger. I went with the Clarke tank on mine and made a crash bar that doubles as highway foot pegs.
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Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
Nice review and modifications. One thing to mention. Changing the suspension links to lower the seat height also does lower the ground clearance. Not that much, but it does.
At the same time I wound up the preload on the suspension spring - perhaps this counter acted the addition of the lower suspension link. The new link definitely made no difference to the angle of the bike when on the side stand, I thought I was going to have to cut out a side stand section and weld it shorter but this was not needed.
Excellent info!
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Well done!
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US Gallon 3.78541 L
IMP Gallon 4.54609 L
Just stick to litres they are the same everywhere.
But the imperial system is so much easier! 4 quarts to a gallon, two pints in a quart, two cups in a pint, sixteen table spoons to a cup, three teaspoons to a tablespoon, and 4.215 pinches to a teaspoon. E.Z. xD
I forgot dashes but its different in the northern USA from the southern. Northerners use "specks" and we southerners use "dashes". But it's roughly 2.3 pinches to one dash.
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Really like the tool cylinder
nice work
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man you are lucky to have such a good location to ride
Yes BUT the "location shown in the video is Northern Spain almost 1000 miles away from my home !
Excelente video y magnifica moto! Con tu permiso, te voy a "copiar" algunas mejoras, concretamente el sillín, el freno delantero y el protector de la cadena/tapa del embrague. Muchas gracias
Disfrute de su nueva DRZ y realice las modificaciones.
The front rack Is great! I need to find something like that.
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Very nice vid. Thank you !
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yep, my front sprocket lock washer was bad. after spending 20ish hours getting my bike ready for Moab, that dang nut came loose and oil shot out everywhere in the first half hour of me being in Moab.
luckily I was carrying some medium Loctite and it ended up holding the entire trip.
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Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
I had the same front sprocket cover , my chain link came undone ,( Funny just after a new rear tyre fitment , Any how the bad news was the chain tore my wires off ,,Just shredded them ,,, So after a new stator i put the original on ,,,,
Im diggin the seat and will be looking for one .
Great vid
Sorry to hear about your chain coming undone :(
I hope all is resolved and your enjoying your DRZ :)
Well kitted , great vid. This 2016 vid still hold s up with important info! Quiet bike s make friend s , cheers.
Lyle Raustadt Many Thanks for your comment, yes your right “Quiet bikes make friends” :)
man, you are the definition of "living"
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Thanks for the tip on the seat...I know the stock seat is good for about 20 miles!
Yes - Although the replacement seat is only a couple of inches wider the comfort difference is unbelievable :)
Sir do you have a vid of how you put the threads into the rear rack? I think that’s an awesome idea to have the top box be easily removable.
Hi - The removable top box is healed in place with M6 bolts that came with the top box.
They are mounted to the rear rack using stainless steel M6 Big Head Nuts.
The big head nuts are riveted onto the underside of the rack utilising existing holes within the rack, for the bolt to pass through.
I too favor a quite exhaust system, but I didn't catch your modification though. You said you replaced a "boy racer" exhaust with a "standard system" but that does not look like the stock exhaust I have on my DRZ. What "standard system" are you using?
Nice video by the way, I really like the close-ups with your Go-Pro.
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Great video! Just want to ask if you upgraded the rear shock spring to take the extra weight?
I run a standard Suzuki rear shock and spring.
I have however wound up the spring preload thread adjustment to the maximum to help offset the increased wight of my camping kit.
Adjusting the threaded collar was an awkward, job but the bike sits and rides much better when loaded.
Driven down from England 🤩 - come on down under and will can man you up to riding 🍻
Good vid.
Nice mods mate.
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
I'm stealing your tool kit ideal. Thanks mate.
and I stole the tool kit idea from another person !
Nice bike! Did you drill the holes in the skid plate yourself or did it come like that? Also how do you like the K60 scouts?
Hi the skid plate was purchased as shown it's called a Guard-it-Technology plate from Adventure-Spec and really wraps around the sides of the engine giving lots of protection.
The K60 Scouts were great for the road, trail and weather conditions shown on the video, it would have been a different story if I was riding in deep mud.
Nice set up. By how much did you lower your bike with links? Did they mess up your suspension and did you have to adjust it? I have a pair of 2"" links but is hesitant to put them on after reading mixed reviews.
Ride & Live Hi I don’t recall how much I lowered the rear of my DRZ by sorry.
I’m 6 foot 183cm tall and found the standard DRZ far too tall especially when tired towards the end of the day.
My lowered rear suspension is great 👍
I also lowered the front forks in the yoke by perhaps 1” or 25mm to try and preserve the original geometry of the bike.
I would recommend lowering your DRZ, you can always put it back to standard if your unhappy 😎
Great vid! Where did you purchase that engine guard?
Thanks
I assume you mean the sump guard ?
Please note it acts as a sound deflector and bounces all the engine noise up towards the rider :)
It's great for off road use, but on the road it's a little noisy !
Here is a link:)
www.adtek-mx.co.uk/product/suzuki-drz400-essm-1998-2015-enduro-sump-guardskid-plate-60?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwJWQlNSq1wIVxbDtCh0gRAPeEAQYASABEgK5avD_BwE
Great Video, where did you get the map holder from?
I bought the removable map holder from either Lidl or Aldi (German discount food stores) many years ago, when tied to my front rack with some string its good for the trails and 60mph + on the road :)
excellent video. like that front rack
Nice rig Ian! Have you changed your sprockets for highway riding?
Thanks - I retained the standard factory sprocket sizes. I try to avoid the faster highway and ride the smaller slower more scenic roads 😎
How do you get Hellenu from Highdenow? Heidenau.
Anyway, nice bike. I think you really should route your brake line properly and put it back on the inside of the fork leg , as having it on the outside it could easily snag on something, or be ruptured even in a low speed crash. It’s probably like that from when you upgraded the disc, but that’s very potentially dangerous.
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Nice mods! Where did you get that front rack? I've looked everywhere for one with no luck.
Sorry
I fabricated the front rack myself from an old scooter rear rack and a chair leg.
I know this isn't much help.
Gabriel at Zen Overland use to make a DRZ front rack, but I can't see it on his website.
Ian T-J you should show a close up or a video on how to make it
Probably the smartest set up I have yet seen, congratulations! Did you consider DR650, or too heavy for your needs?
Thanks Uki, Yes, at the time I was looking for a lightweight dirt bike, at the end of a long days riding on the dirt even the DRZ can feel rather heavy.
Many years ago I had an XT600, but mainly used that one for road riding, rode from the UK to Turkey and back :)
Very nice bike mate. I’m gonna get a DRZ 400 SM as I live in California. I know they haven’t changed much of the specs since 2000, what year is your bike and what year do u recommend??
Thanks Watchman
My bike is a 2006 S version.
I would try to get a low milage, original bike if possible, you decide if its a SM, S or E model :)
Where did you get that tool roll? What is the brand name? Thank you. Your video gave me lots of idea's.
Here is my tool roll on an American website, I bought the same product (without the suppliers sticker) from a bike show in the UK. I believe these tool rolls were originally designed to carry the a user manual mounted under the seat of a truck.
Sorry Here !
www.twistedthrottle.com/dryspec-motorcycle-tool-tube-kit
Good on yabuttoo much from the hand book.i am more interested in the ideas you have
hey
may i ask a question about maintenance on your bike. how often do you change oil, and how many miles does your bike have now?
Hi I bought the bike with 2,800 miles and have used it for 2 summers doing about 3,500 miles a year, it therefore has about 10,000 miles on a 2006 model.
Oil changes are regular about every 1,500 - 2,000 miles, but why not ?
@@IanT-J 1,500 - 2,000 miles? I change my oil every 1,000 - 1,200 kms. Nice mods. My mods are mostly mechanical for more power and performance. Yes also have a custom seat which makes a big difference.
Can you explain a bit more about spare cables on handlebars ?
K kooloo Occasionally a clutch or throttle cable can snap, therefore I route a second cable along the line of the original (in use cable) and cable tie/tape it in place.
If the original cable snap snaps you have a replacement and it’s in position, hence hopefully you don’t need to remove the tank and other components.
I put tape on the ends of the new unused cable to prevent water entering it 😀
Have fun 👍
nice mods mate :)
Sorry - I should have thanked you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
Great vid...how do you find these off road paths in Spain?
I use the 1.50,000 “Institut Cartografic I Geologic de Catalunya” maps, the website for them is www.icgc.cat they will post the maps to your home, but allow 4 weeks for delivery J
+Ian T-J Thanks 👍
how much were you able to lower the bike using the lowering links? Do you have to adjust the front forks as well? thanks.
Hi David - when you buy the suspension links to lower the suspension you choose the distance to lower.
I lowed the front forks within the yokes by perhaps 3/4” or 20mm.
I’m 6 foot tall and still find the bike a little too tall, especially when fully loaded or at the end of a long day on the dirt ! !
@@IanT-J i guess 3/4" is about the max otherwise you'd hit the handlebars?
David P Yes drop the forks in the yoke until it looks about right ! ! !
Is the oversize fuel tank road legal in the UK/EU? I keep hearing stories about them not being insurable with them fitted
Hi ToneP Plastic tanks are very common in the UK and I’ve not heard of people have problems with either their government MOT safety check or insurance 😃
@@IanT-J Thanks for the reply. Doing my research on DRZ's before I make the plunge in buying one :)
Good choice of motorcycle and good choice of destination! It's always interesting to see a fellow DRZ riders mods, especially one who uses it to its fullest extent. My friend and I took our DRZ's to the Pyrenees this time last year (Sep 2015) and absolutely loved it!! Please check out our video on my channel, I think you'll enjoy!
Hi GV - Yes I've already seen your 2015 DRZ Pyrenees video, most enjoyable :) czcams.com/video/jP8rj6LBIpA/video.html
What’s the front rack hooked to?
Hi Poo
The front rack is mounted onto the 4 top steering yoke pinch bolts.
Its only deigned for lightweight use and works well 😁
Hi would like to see how you mounted front rack
The front rack bolts directly onto the existing top steering yoke / fork clamping bolts. There are 2 bolts on either side 👍
I'm not sure if I can add photos to these comments ?
@@IanT-J thank you sir. Any more videos of your travels
@@maalmiksa7409 Have a look at my youtube channel for my travel videos 😀
additional cables cool.
Yes, very good idea!
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What do you think of the IMS tank ?
It looks like you are left with a lot of fuel that can't be used in the two lower parts of the tank ?
Hi good question :)
The IMS tank in my experience is great, your correct there is fuel that is below the tap an unusable.
BUT - The tank ISM replaces not only the original tank but also the air deflectors dragging the air across the radiators, hence its large frontal area and low bottom shape.
The fuel caught on the opposite side of the tank could be used, if absolutely required; by leaning the bike over to the fuel tap side and allowing this fuel to cross over to this side of the tank, you might bring across some dirt though.
Ian T-J Thanks for the reply Ian, can you tell me how many miles per tank you’re getting roughly, I’ve just brought a DRZ and keen to get it ready for my trip next year.
Dennis Wyatt Hi Dennis I rode just over 200 miles before needing the reserve tank.
It was down the motorway fully loaded with camping kit between 60 & 65mph, on standard carb, air filter and exhaust,I hope this is helpful.
Ian T-J Thanks Ian, yes very helpful 👍🏼
Dennis Wyatt Hi Dennis - Just a thought if your in the UK and import an ISM tank from America , then you will have to pay an import tax to the customs prior to home delivery !
so whats the total cost for all the mods and the bike?
Sorry I don't keep a total of costs spent, particularly on a public forum that the wife could read !
THAT FRONT RACK NEEDS TO BE MARKETED. IT'S PERFECT I BET IT BREAKS THE WIND AND STOPS A FEW BUGS TOO WITH A PACK MOUNTED ON IT.
I,ve found the rack to be most useful,
to store lightweight bulky items - like my inflating bed roll
but also to mount my satnav/GPS right in my line of view.
additional vables noce forst for me not an owner of any awesome dualspprt but will
Any mods to the engine? Air Box? Jetting?
Adam Gamble
Hi Adam, rightly or wrongly my attitude on engine, carb, air box modifications is that
Mr Suzuki has 70 years and millions of dollars off Research & Development to set up an engine to last 50,000 miles.
So who am I to think I can improve upon their set up and then expect it to be reliable for years to follow.
I'm looking for reliability and piece of mind while alone in the mountains 😎
Ian T-J Fantastic! Are the sprockets also stock? Some people go up a tooth for highway. Thanks again!
Adam Gamble During the trip in the video I rode 2,000 miles on the road as well as "playing" on the dirt.
I kept the gearing standard as specified by Mr Suzuki !
However I do have another set of wheels with real off road knobbly tires and this rear wheel has a rear sprocket that from memory is 2 teeth larger.
It can be used with the same chain and front sprocket making wheel changes trouble free !
Good Luck with your DRZ I hope you have lots of great adventures riding on it 👍
Ian T-J thank you! I'd like to send you pics of my bike
Adam Gamble Yes photo of your DRZ would be great 😎
You can contact me through a link on my website
www.talbot-jones.com
Need to upgrade those tires.
Sorry - I should have thanks you for your comment a long time ago ☺
Helenoo tires, huh?
I think your front tyre is on backwards mate. It isn't designed to cup water or mud.. they're designed to push debris outwards of the tyre not cup it in the middle. You'd have major issues in the mud or rain. Great video though mate. Good work
As your aware the rear tyre is designed to work on acceleration and the front tyre is designed to work on deceleration (breaking), hence the front and rear tyre treads are in opposite directions. Tyres also come with a manufactures direction of rotation arrow to save any confusion.
Incorrect they are both meant to be pointing forward
@@IanT-J why are your front tyres in your 4x4 not opposite then?
Ian, Are you going to make any new video this year?
NiceVideo
What are you Tall? Height?
davidantoniocostarica
Hi David, I'm six foot tall, 183cm.
The standard DRZ is a tall bike, especially when laden with luggage, or at the end of a long day on the dirt when your tired.
Lowering the bike has worked for me :)
Lowers saddle without lowering ground clearance. That what the dealer told ya? lol
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Should you run into something that stops you dead ,, your rack might be a bad hazard to your throat or chest,, that would be my only worry ,, take care and stay safe Shane uk
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I did end up cutting the front rack down by an inch !
Please check out my newer videos @Ian T-J
get 2 cool drink cans , cut both ends off each can , then flatten both cans , then get 4 stainless steel zip ties and thread through both cans ...... it will stop the heat .... a cheap way of doing it
This bike is not selling anymore in spain sice 2006, all used models are very demanded. Please Suzuki... send back us this jewel again¡¡¡
There is thounsands of bikers with hunger of easy offroad after have payed 22.000 € for his 1200 gs.
Jose F. Lopez Yes - It’s the same story in the UK, demand here is still high and the occasional good one can still be found 😎
I think they might still be available in the US / Australia if not relatively new models.
Have fun 🍺
I’ll just stick to wearing a backpack
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you wouldn't be able to read that map whilst riding you would have to stop .... you need a note pad or similar that connects to data to run your digital maps
Great Video but while I don't want to step on any toes here:
....I gotta say that the biggest weakness of DRZ design is the 5 speed close ratio transmission. It can be sprocketed up for highway speed but then first gear is too tall to be practical for off road. Or it can be sprocketed down for a lovely ride in the boonies but you'll be looking for a 6th gear to get you up to highway speed.
I love my DRZ but was totally frustrated that it was not perfectly suited for BOTH on and off road.
SOLUTION!!:
ACT WIDE RATIO GEARSET.
czcams.com/video/h5VyQMO9_aU/video.html
With this upgrade you actually widen the spread between the gears inside the transmission. You do have to split the case and get into the guts of your little hoss to change the actual gears of the actual transmission your reward is a perfect spread of ratios from a nice low 1st gear for single track up to a 5th which is taller than stock S model 5th. I cruise effortlessly all day at 125 km/hr (with a small windscreen) but then simply turn off-road anywhere for some real tight slow trail riding. ...REALLY the best of both worlds with no sprocket changes.
Please don't comment on the virtues of changing sprocket sizes....That's an entirely different operation that does not provide the same results at all.
Ты говоришь и среш одновременно?)
you must be new to bikes because you DON'T DRIVE a bike YOU RIDE a bike ... get it right
"Hell-in-no" ? That's not how Heidenau is pronounced. Not even close.