Suzuki DRZ400E - The Perfect Dual Sports Adventure Bike
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- Two Suzuki DR-Z 400E's show casing just how durable and versatile of a bike they are. In this video both bikes are loaded up for adventure riding and will be doing river crossings, hill climbs and open fire trails and taking on all the terrain types that the Australian Blue Mountains have to offer.
This is not a review video but more so the love affair I have with this ultimate dual sports motorbike.
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The mighty DRZ is a no ego mans tractor💪💪💪💪
Good one Lance. I literally got one 3 weeks ago, fully kitted out, and I have to say it's the best all round ADV bike I've owned. I'll do a full review on mine pretty soon👍
@@MidCoastAdventures hey legend. I saw your video showing why you bought it. Thanks for giving me a shout out about the Simpson crossing.
It’s a great bike and will give you many years of travels. You might just cross that desert 😜
I dont have a problem running 15:44 with a stock engine, with hill climbs I find you just need to learn to slip the clutch, be smooth and maintain drive and momentum , though my hill climbs over here in WA are a lot shorter than yours.
Had to laugh seeing the fuel level in you tank at the end, certainly shows how much the action cams make everything seem less steep than they are.
Good to see an adventure completed, amazing what happens when there are no KTM's involved :)
@@phatpizza610 yeah so was a steep one that’s for sure. Bit silly to be on it, but no harm done at the end of the day.
Well lance you did not disappoint with the last flip.
Mate, that was pretty awesome viewing. Geez I was cracking up with your comment..."'Just for shits and giggles " when you gave it a crack at getting up that hill and then flipped it, I too say that same saying when out ridding the old Tractor and I usually get the same result lol It must be a thing....I've been slack and haven't rerouted my breather hoses and it's been just sheer luck nothings happened but with the amount of times you made that comment I'll be doing it , so Cheers.
@@matthewmarsh7857 yeah there was absolutely no need to attempt that hill loaded up as I know it’s hard enough unloaded. Not that I expected to flip it though. It’s been a few years since that happened.
G'day lance, that was absolutely brilliant video mate really enjoyed that one 👍ive got my 2014 drz 400e fully kitted out and absolutely love it there the best all-round fun factor bike 💯 been riding 2 strokes for years but hands down have more fun on the drz brilliant bikes and wouldn't go any other way keed up the great work and couldn't agree more best bike ever dude
the drz400 really is something special! it brought me to the nordkapp and back twice! thats 24000 km of offroad and gravel. mine now has over 40k's on it and is still going verry strong!💪😃
@@EyesUpMC epic stuff.
Another ripper video mate. Fair warning this is a lengthy response as many discussion points were raised.
What I like about this video is you have stated why the DRZ is a solid platform to work with to build an adventure bike for the type of riding you do. That is a better approach than trying to narrow the very broad spectrum that is Adv riding to your style/terrain and in doing so deduce that, to anyone else but you at least, anything less than that is not "adv riding" but "adv touring". From multiple videos its clear you have it in your own mind what constitutes the delineation but seem to be conscious that doesn't define or limit the actual broad spectrum that is Adv riding and Adv bikes for the entire community. In short it's good to see a video where someone clearly speaks for themself, explaining their bike choice rationale vs claiming to state what community standards/norms should be.
Bike selection for Adv requires a bike meet the individual riders wants and needs and of course budget. It's remiss of any rider to unequivocally state (within reason) bike X, Y or Z is not suited for Adv riding. Rather the only thing they can reliably claim is if a bike does or does not suit their wants, needs and budget. Equally, though certain platforms are better suited to certain types of learning, riding and terrain. As you alluded to here, it comes down to skill and/or mindset of the rider as what they are willing to ride in what conditions. Every bike, like every rider, has strengths and weaknesses and, especially if restricted to one Adv platform, everyone has to decide on what compromises they are willing to make. Some learn that they can't actually live with those compromises so change their mind, and their bike as you did.
Is the DRZ the perfect dual sport adventure bike? IMO No, there are some bikes close to unicorn status but none are perfect. All require some level of modification to make them closer to the perfect ideal of the rider. As you also alluded to with the multiple modifications you have made to your bike and it's shortfalls e.g. brakes, gearing, stowage, engine power etc it wasn't perfect to start with. I'd agree with you and many others that say the DRZ is a good solid workhorse and a sound basis to create an Adv bike from. The same is the case for many Trail/Enduro bikes. Some require less work than others.
Of course weight and how its carried plays a big part in your choice due to your level of skill and willingness to commit to certain terrain with heavier bikes. That's all good. Each to his own. Glad you explained in detail your rationale as we shouldn't be stating that magically and arbitrarily at a certain weight threshold all of a sudden a bike is no longer an Adventure bike when what we mean in reality is a bike's performance, weight etc at a certain point isn't what we personally prefer.
I've seen guys on big bikes thrash less skilled riders on Trail/Enduros on technical tracks. I've also seen new to average riders do perfectly well on mid sized bikes on the same terrain most guys on lighter bikes limit themselves to and also tackle terrain many trail bike riders wouldn't attempt. There are of course additional learning challenges if going straight to unsealed riding on a non-trail/enduro bike. Like you I'd recommend people learn off-road skills on a lighter bike. It isn't a hard necessity though. Then there are those that fully acknowledge their choice of a bigger bike limits the terrain they are willing to attempt and how far and fast they are willing to push their learning/training. That's their prerogative and doesn't mean they are automatically tourers vs adventurers.
By way of example is a "heavy" bike rider that heads an hour or two from home for a day on easy to moderately technical tracks, with no mobile coverage areas, in austere and/or remote settings, adverse weather to ride in a manner, on terrain and in an environment that is riskier and for different reasons to their normal commute and more physically and mentally stimulating and challenging then home again in a day adventure riding or touring? Is the rider that crosses Australia east to west hunting out as much dirt as possible, shunning the trappings of the big towns and tourist spots to enjoy nature and moto-camping under the stars on a heavier bike a tourer or adventurer?
Of course there are logical limits and some people as riders and of course manufacturers take the piss with what they consider Adventure riding or an adv ready bike but nowhere is Adventure riding clearly and narrowly defined to exclude all but a certain type of technicality of terrain, time, distance or weight class. I'd suggest adv riding is broadly defined as I did above in that it is any riding that comprises all or in part "austere and/or remote settings, potentially adverse conditions in a manner, on terrain and in an environment that is riskier and for different reasons to normal commuting or riding and therefore is more physically and mentally stimulating and challenging" ie it's adventurous for the rider and what they are sitting on is irrelevant.
@@titaniumquarrion9838 mate what a solid comment. You need to get this stuff published in a Moto magazine or similar.
Thanks for taking the time to write. I think my advantage is that I have had my same bike for a long time and have truely shown my own progression in skills and setup. So I feel I can comment on the topic from start to finish which I try to do in certain videos.
@@The_Apprentice_Adventurer Thanks and keep keep up the great content mate.
Mate - love your vids, top lad! I've gone from road riding for years to finally getting into adventure riding in the last year. Had my heart set on a Tenere, but after a quick jam on a klr realised I actually had no off road skill. I bought a yz250fx and have spent the last year riding trails - actually learning to ride tbh! Anyway, instead of buying a Tenere, have kept the yz and bought a '24 drz400e. Absolutely love it and will never sell it - these things are a total gem! Cheers from kiwiland mate
@@andyabik that’s awesome to hear buddy. I always say that the pros learnt their skills on small bikes to start with. No way did they just jump on a big bike and let it rip. Your DRZ will do you proud.
Agree Lance, my son had a DRZ400 for a while, plenty of power, I played around with the gearing for him but still found it very buzzy at 100 klms an hour on the bitumen. I'm 65 years old and have a Tenere700, love it after coming from an XR650L of 10 years ownership but on a recent ride I discovered I simply can't do the hard stuff like I did back in the day, The T7 is such a big heavy bike and I'm not that fit anymore 🤔. Great video. cheers 👌🍻
@@MrXrssv1 thanks mate. Yeah all the big bikes are brilliant. Just makes it that much harder to take on the already hard stuff which then can sadly dictate your route and locations.
Keep going up...up....up....and sometimes over.....Sally lives to tackle another day.....great video ....Garth
I'm now a Himalayan 452 owner, but you can't pry my KLX400r out of my hands while I can still ride. Solid do all machine.
brakes are the same as every 450 japanese mx bike. they're plenty good enough. run sintered pads so they still grip when we and muddy. you can also get oversize rotors but the bigger you go the more chance of hitting rocks offroad.
I reckon if DRZ500 was available it would be perfect (BTW you can take mirrors off, 2 minutes to put back on) 🤣
Yeah, a capable bike indeed, and as you've said, way more sensible, than taking that big adventure bike, which will surely end in a world of pain. You know, it's a shame all new riders, cut their teeth first, in the dirt, before hitting the black stuff. It's what we did, in the early days, and it's really payed dividends, after riding now, for close to 50 years. Wish i was young enough, to get back to my roots, but after a few injuries, non bike related, it's best i feel, to stick to bitumen, although i now own a Tiger 1200 gt pro, and have no plans to sell it, as i'm currently planning a trip, from Wollongomg, to Cooktown. And YES, i do expect to strike a few B roads.
Absolutely. I’m trying my best to age well so I can keep doing this hard stuff when I’m 60. In 20 years we will all find out haha.
Yeoow, you convinced me mate, heh, now off to pass the P's test tomorrow on the beast, its that time already... wish me sunshine..... In'lakech
@@Morphic-Realms. good luck buddy. That’s the best bit about the bike as well. You can ride it from day one.
@@The_Apprentice_Adventurer Thanks mate, been an easy learn and look forward to plenty of dirt km's no doubt a channel inbound once I get my head around my own head and some editing mojo'
Don't forget you can flip it backwards and throw ya broken mirror in ya pack and ride it back home again.... reflect on that for a moment heh, shaka
the future became the present and the Dr wheeled me to victory on a lovely sunny day, L's ......in the bin' had to share that' stoked `
@@Morphic-Realms. good stuff mate. Ride safe and enjoy.
Good one mate, go the mighty DRZE400.
nice video mate 😁👍 i must have got a dud DRZ400e as my brakes a "Fanbloodytastic" 😂🤣 and are original 😮
i run a stock motor and 15/44 sprockets and love them 🤔👌
keep well mate and ride safe-ish 😉🍺
@@jefftaswelder9154 I wish my brakes were duds then. Although the brakes are sweet until I load her up with 20 plus kilos and go down steep hills.
Ha ha yeah noisy but it sounds good. I’ll get one one day, just need to find the right one locally
I'm a previous owner, i've had two. Both amazing bikes!
Currently on a Honda CRF 450L, it really does feel like a modern DRZ now!
@@DirtyWeekendsAway yeah I have ridden one of those before and they do feel great. Definitely a good addition to the market.
Love your content mate ! I'm new to the adventure world ! What gps or app you running ?
@@ryandrz400e6 welcome to the best hobby in the world.
I use Explore OZ Traveller app.
Great vid lance... but, I have question... given the husky 701 is only 20kg heavier but twice the engine capacity why would I choose the suzuki?. Cheers
@@Azazel518 mate a great question but for me it’s an easy answer. The DRZ is just so easy to work on for the home mechanic and half the price.
"The DRZ doesn't have awesome brakes". I highly recommend a bigger front disc. Stock front isn't up to the task with a big tank and luggage. I put a Warp 9 320mm on mine and it is never coming off.
@@treggs mate your not wrong. I have come close to upgrading previously.
I was thinking about getting a 270 or 280 kit for my S wheels and a 320 for my sm wheels. Any concern on using a 320 off-road? Seems like it could get smashed up
@@GrapplingwithReality yeah that’s the risk. The bigger you go the more chance of it hitting things on the track.
@@GrapplingwithReality I have had no issue with mine hitting things. The warp 9 disc is pretty thick compared to stock so it can probably handle a hit or two without bending.
Got a thumbs up just for the intro!
Manflu?
I actually was sick on this ride. Didn’t help being super cold either.
I swear that Rowan's bike is my mate Tim's old DRZ... 🤔
@@dennothemenno8900 I think it may be mate.
@@The_Apprentice_Adventurer yep, I have confimation. 👍🏻
I'm a LQQKin' for a 1st bike since the early 90's..... the DRz400 is high on the list. I knew there was an original & SM version but
I do not recall the "E" model. In the US Market we might not have one but IDKnow that....yet? I'll be finding out. Also, those are
some big fuel tanks, how on earth can the pump use all the fuel down into the lower lobes? There are sparse areas in the US
where a larger tank is needed but I think the need is greater for you & some other places. But have you ever run the gas down
& how much is left in the tank after she quits drawing the fuel out? I'm just curious, not a big deal to me. peace
@@user-dv7hb2sc9m I believe the USA stopped selling the E model and when it did it was lacking some parts that we get in Australia. We are very lucky here with our showroom version.
You just have to lay the bike down to get the right side fuel into the left side. It works alright.
You lay the bike over to utilize the remaining fuel... If you need to? TY for explaining b/c I'd not seen any others talk
about this & I guess having it already in the tank reduces the need for carrying roto-packs or bottles in a bag. I like
the "E" version, kinda like I like the Rally version of the 300L but didn't know it was an offered bike. I'm getting
there slowly & I'm researching on the front end as I save to buy. Thanks for the videos & your time, ride safe !
Have you looked at the smartcarb SC2 to add some more power and fuel efficiency to your beast, considering it has the big bore kit? They might send you one to test.
@@jameskeegan if they reached out I wouldn’t say no but I’m pretty happy with my current setup, so I won’t be changing anything just for the sake of it.
I know its a challenging climb when it looks steep on an action camera!
All stunts were performed by a trained professional right?😅
I uploaded a scenic video around there fairly recently. Another trip chasing the more challenging trails might be in order one day!
@@TwoWheelerSparky yeah she is a steep slippery hill that one. It’s a great area to ride though that’s for sure.
First view
Show the flip in super slow mo. 😇
@@brendenvosper7772 it’s embarrassing. First time in 4 years since I have done that.
@@The_Apprentice_Adventurer you’re fine. Value the humility. The flip with a roll? Good effort.
Front Brake line, wrong side of leg.
2nd
0:03 is that your wallet or someth8ng on the floor mate
Probably the mirror which is in the bin now.
What sort of kpl do you get on your average adventure trip fully loaded?
@@theruffiankj4164 I always work of 20l per 100km. If riding loaded up I’ll jump that down to 18l per 100km just to ensure I’m making it to the next stop.
How many km on your bike? any mods engine wise?
@@DRZADV 34000. It’s got a big bore due to my top end getting trashed from a broken carby flat plate going through the intake.