Suzuki DRZ400 long term review: what's hot and what sucks︱Cross Training Adventure
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- čas přidán 17. 08. 2023
- www.crosstrainingenduro.com Our Suzuki DRZ400 review! The Suzuki DRZ400, or DR Zee as some incorrectly call it, has been around for 23 years with almost no changes. We will look into DRZ400 known issues later. I should know with this DRZ400 long term review. Welcome to Cross Training Adventure, we are into all things dual sport and adventure on the east coast of Australia. Over the years I have owned all three models... the soft dual sport DRZ400S, the supermoto DRZ400SM, and the more dirt-oriented yellow DRZ400E. Suzuki DRZ400 fanatics will tell you most riders aren't worthy to ride this beast. The choice of champions... for some riders. The DRZ400 is cheap, reliable, long service intervals, parts are relatively cheap, and there's a huge array of aftermarket goodies too. If you like dual sport riding in Australia then you might like our adventure riding vids and DRZ400 mods. I don't know about the rest of the world, but in Australia it has traditionally been one of the biggest selling models- check out the DRZ400 known issues. Check out our reviews of various adventure bikes and dual sport bikes. There's something about old style bikes that almost never get updated which appeals to some riders. The DRZ400 fills an important niche in the market. The majority of cheap relatively light dual sport motorbikes are 250 and 300 models which means high revs at highway speeds and only 20 to 25hp. The DRZ400 is only a tad more expensive, not much heavier at 144kg wet weight (317lb), but has a lot more punch for highway cruising and spirited riding. The main downside? Others just keep it stock and use it as commuter during the week and some mild dirt riding on the weekends. At 34hp it's also not intimidating for learner riders. Enough positive points. What sucks? Like the vast majority of Japanese dual sport motorbikes the Suzuki DRZ400 suspension is truly awful unless you are a featherweight. The taller seat height compared to the 250s and 300s. A Suzuki DRZ400 is a flexible platform. Plenty of guys fit big tanks to these, upgrade the suspension, and do seriously long adventure rides. Keen on adventure riding in Australia? Check out our vids. Undersprung. Weak damping. Thankfully it has cartridge forks so stiffer springs and revalving will transform the DRZ400. Stators tend to burn out at around 20000km. Most owners remove this as your engine will cut out over rough terrain if the sidestand flaps up and down. The fasteners for the stator, starter gear and primary gear can loosen over time. Get in there with the loctite. Like quite a few Japanese bikes, there isn't a lot of grease on the Suzuki DRZ400swingarm and steering bearings with the Suzuki DRZ400. If you find a really old DRZ, the 2000 and 2001 models needed a manual cam chain tensioner. The seat is far too hard for riders who like to sit. The Suzuki DRZ400 sidestand has a safety switch. The primitive five speed gearbox doesn't have a very good spread of ratios. Quite a few guys spend a fortune on aftermarket gears to improve this. The Suzuki DRZ400 reminds me very much of the DR650. A great basic bike, which could be so much more with tweaks from the factory that would cost next to nothing. For example, change those Suzuki DRZ400 gear ratios. So the Cross Training Adventure focus is just get out there and have fun on two wheels. Cross Training Adventure actively avoids sponsorship. I suspect that Suzuki just doesn't care if it's selling well. We like doing seriously critical reviews. Manufacturers make some really bad mistakes. and there is a lot of dodgy crap being sold out there. Instead of glowing dual sport reviews for kickbacks or free product, we will try to keep the buggers honest. So subscribe. Put heavier oil and springs in the suspension. Change the seat to a softer foam. And possibly they would risk the 'grandfather clause' is some countries where they don't have to meet new emission and safety standards if no changes are made. Viewers often ask me if a DR650 or a DRZ400 would suit them better. It is such a common question I have actually done an entire video about this. It depends where you riding fits on this spectrum. If good off-road performance is your main priority, you will want the old DRZ400E model. Or don't subscribe to our Cross Training Adventure riding channel. The main thing is get out and ride while you can with dual sport riding or Adventure riding in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Romania and beyond! So check out Cross Training Adventure. A light dual sport motorbike with good road manners? The old S model will suit better. If you like grunt, enjoy low revs on the highway and don't mind the extra weight? The DR650 will probably suit better. Have you owned a Suzuki DRZ400? What sort of mods did you make? Or have you ever ridden a DRZ400? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.
Music "Microcosmos" Jason Corder
#crosstrainingadventure #adventureriding #adventurebikes #dualsportriding
#drz400review - Sport
One of the best bikes ever made for sure, I've owned two and will be riding one for as long as I can still ride.
Superior to a Honda XR400
@@anthonynicholich9654
🤔 I thought about finding an XR400 , but my old worn out hips , knees , and ankles really likes a button start 😖🤷♂️
I first owned a 2000 DRZ400E and shortly after bought a 2003 DRZ400S wanting the ability to take it on the street. I couldn’t get on board with the 400S after riding the 400E for a few years. So I took the engine, ECU, carb, air box, exhaust, etc. and fitted them into the 400S. Truly the best of both worlds. I’ve owned my DRZ for ~18 years now. Great bike.
Good combo! Yes that old S model (and the SM) had quite detuned engines...
@@crosstrainingadventureso the drz sm is de tuned? I thought it would have been the best out of the 3 models?
I rid myself of a T7 and got a DRZ 400, the 70 Kg difference was worth the switch, sure the DRZ is not as good on the highway but I hate highways anyway and prefer back roads.
Now I have the 2 best adventure bikes, DRZ 400 and DR 650. 👍
😎👍
I had a dr650 as my first bike. I loved it, but it was heavy trying to keep up with actual dirtbikes. I am looking for a bike again, but wont be doing technical stuff. I have even thought of trailering to the trails. But i still want my bike to do it all. In your opinion if you could only have one which would you choose.
@@studiesfromthebible DRz400E
old klr gud to comfy n range
Waited 20 years to buy a DRZ400S. Glad to see they were still being made new, so I don’t have to buy someone else’s “mystery machine”. Exactly what I want, carb (jetting with no laptop, software, tracking, accounts, memberships, subscriptions, etc) , no built-in infotainment menu crap, still has pillion pegs, and enough motor to haul one. The last of the “right to repair” machines out there. All the right features, none of the fluff. Tons of parts availability. Bought the factory service manual and was pleased to see that Suzuki actually has been updating and tweaking this machine over the years contrary to what all the kids say. Watching those Cape York rental folks thrash these about puts a big ‘ol smile on my face.
I bought a 2006 "mystery machine" with 10k miles. Seems great so far. Especially considering he has done all of the good modifications.
I own two drz400s (s&e) both heavily modded. One for me (5’10”) and one for the wife (5’3”). Amazing bikes, they’ve taken us on wild adventures, introduced us to many new friends along the way, and have been through some gnarly terrain. Great bikes! 10/10.
5'3 crazy. Im 5'6 and just got an s and its verrryyyy difficult stock. Got the gel seat on it already but i need it just a lil lower. What all have you done to the wifes?
I also want to know what you did with your wife’s bike how did you get the ride hight down please let us know 🙏
I switched from a KLR to a DRZ and couldn't be more happy with it!
Big drop in weight!
Sm with worked suspension, 18/21 wheels, Fcr39, "E" cams, 434 big bore kit, over size tank. Love it.
😍
I had a 2004 DRZ for around 6 years , as you say unusual mods , suspension, seat , full FMF system ( didn’t do much for power but saved around 4 kg in weight) B&B bash plate , Barkbasters etc . Flogged it for the 6 years never let me down , around 12 months before selling had Valves , can chain and Shims done ✅.
I had a 2000 US dirt only DRZED K. It was the kick start only model, and about 20 lbs. lighter than the E model. I bought the K model specifically because it was lighter and in slightly better tune. About 275 lbs wet with armor. As for mods it had JD jetting with a Yosh pipe, billet triple clamps with Renthsl bars, and one up on the spring rates. It was an outstanding trial bike and could hang with the lighter KTM’s of the day. The power and its delivery was just about perfect. It was also an excellent hill climber that could take on some of the biggest hills in SoCal (Jawbone canyon), and also do well in moderate single track.
As for suspension, it was very good after stiffer springs were installed. In fact, the fork (49 mm, right side up, cartridge Showa), in my opinion, is better then the WP Explor fork on my late model Husky TE300. That was the same fork as found on the previous generation RM250s (96-98).
As I got better as a rider, I’d push the bike to its limits at race pace speeds and in more technical single track. At that point I had to upgrade to a lighter bike for safety and where I was at as a rider at that time. If Suzuki would have refined the bike, taken about 20 Ibs. off and or provided a race version (xc type bike), I would have bought another one for sure.
In fact, I was waiting for Suzuki to come out with an RMX by 05-07 to upgrade to a bike more specific to my needs. They eventually did in 2010, but by that time I was already on KTM’s. Suzuki even won a WORC off road championship (US west coast) on the DRZ in 2001 I believe. Overall, it was and is a great trail bike. Unfortunately, Suzuki never provided a more competitive model to compete with KTM / Husky / Yamaha FX.
I have had two S models. Currently have an 09 and when you uncork, pipe, and spring them, they really transform into a beast. The wide aspect gear ratios is my next big purchase.
I'm on my second 2001 DRZ400E. I've had quite a few newer in-between. Some fuel injected. Some carbureted. Some heavier. Some significantly lighter. But after selling my first DRZ, I soon wished I hadn't. There's just something about the way it makes its power, compared to the newer hyperactive four strokes, that makes it so fun to ride. I know people say the suspension is too soft. But for me, at 155lbs, it's actually pretty good once you set the sag and get the compression and rebound set. My bike is a US dirt only version. So it doesn't weigh quite as much as the S model. But I converted it to dual sport. It's still about 15lbs lighter than an S, though. I was riding a 2021 KLX 300R before I got this DRZ. And a 2015 KX250F before that. But I still wound up with another DRZ. It just feels like so much more bike. If you can have only one dirt bike, the DRZ is hard to beat.
Great to hear!
I almost weigh the same, do you remember your clicks set up?
@@GuillermoHANSZ It depends on where I'm riding. If I'm trail riding I have the fork compression out (soft) 3 or 4 clicks from stock. If I'm playing around at the local moto track I'll go in 2 clicks from stock. I leave the rebound at 2 clicks out for everything.
Rear shock sag is at 4". Rebound out 2 clicks. Compression is almost all the way out for trail riding. Actually 2 clicks in from full soft. For the track I'll go in a couple more. Maybe be three more depending on the jump landings.
Keek in mind I'm in Southern Oregon. Lots of tree roots and wet ground. With a lot of elevation changes. And I'm an older (60 years old) but experienced (50 years) rider. I usually ride the vet level moto track.
There are way better bikes out there for either purpose. I just don't think any of them will do that much more for me than the DRZ, at this point. Especially when you consider how much a modern bike costs.
Hope it works out.
@@bmotomo421 Thanks so much for the quick and extensive reply. I'll try those out, I got the bike last year brand new and haven't played at all with the setup. I do a lot of trail riding and casual town riding but I ain't no expert but a total amateur. I choose the DRZ because of its nature and couldn't be more happy with it.
Hi bmoto.
I am also 60 but not significant experience. Just trail riding and slow. I am loving my DRZ, but allways wondering if should upgrade (?) For a swm rs500r. Mainly because 6speed, suspension, hidraulic clutch and FInjection. Also I am a little bit suspicious of ratles and noises on the drz engine. If it brakes, then a cheap bike becomes an expensive one.
Do you have experience with the SWM? Would that be a reasonable swap?
I am 6"2 and around 220lb, so a big bike suits fine, and coming from an África Twin, weight is not an issue.
Thanks
i had a drz400sm as my only bike for a few years. even tho it was a supermoto most of its life was spent riding offroad. apart from the cable clutch and its weight it was an awesome bike
My buddy runs a DRZ400S. I've ridden it, it's a nice bike. Got my DR650SE on my buddies recommendation of the lower seat height only to accidentally buy one that was raised for a taller rider. Both bikes run the single track OHV areas in the PNW-USA no problems, and do 1,000 mile (1600 km) rides with no problem.
Both are classics when it comes to cheap dual sports.
Ive owned a plated drz400e for about six years, one of my favorite small bikes. Most important upgrade i did was install the wide ratio gear set. The gears cost about 1000 cad and i installed them myself. I have zero regrets about it and would tell any friend with a drz to do that before any other non-free mods.
I owned a DRZ400 for about a year. It did a lot of things pretty well, but man the front end had a mind of it's own and you it would never stay exactly where I put it. It may have been the tire as it had the dreaded D606 on both ends, and I wish I'd have had the time to try a better option for the front. An opportunity to buy a buddies KTM500 popped up so I bailed on the DRZ. The KTM is a definite improvement in handling, weight and power but there are things I miss about the DRZ too. The KTM has been solid so I'll keep it for now as I try to morph it into a lightweight "adventure" bike. Keep up the great work Barry, love the shorter format vids as you get the point across quickly and I have the attention span of a gnat!
Interesting! I'm sure the weird front end would have been a D606 issue, the fronts tend to wear strangely and 'scallop'. Many use the Pirelli MT21 front and D606 rear as a good combo. I'm very tempted to try a 500EXC adv project. A healthy 1.5L oil capacity. There's an oil cooler which adds about 300ml extra oil. And the same again with a wider clutch cover. Plenty of aftermarket cush drive hubs around... 😊👍
I live in Canada. I have 2 drz 400E models. Both street legal, one is supermoto styled with the sm wheels. The other is set up for long adventure rides with extra large tank and a big comfy seat!
I've had my 2022 400e for a year as of yesterday and love it.
Great to hear!
I had 2002 DRZ400S here in Europe. I sold it when it had almost 100,000km on ODO. Engine was never rebuilt or opened, it just ran like a charm. Suspension was soft as you said. I had custom exhaust, 3x3 mod and TM carb, making total of 40hp on the wheel (dynoed). I think DRZ is extremely good adventure bike. Cheap, E-start, easy to handle, not too special. Nowadays I'm riding XR650R, it is an absolute beast, but it's superb rare, so it's kinda bad thing also.
The big red pig! So many of us would love to see Honda bring it back. 😍
I live in europe to, i sold two dr650 (i get a offer, and i can not say no to that), but unfortunatly i cant find another dr650 here in Spain.... Xr650r has a couple. Can you tell me the difference and your feelings ? Im 85kg. How about the suspensions, the kickstart is easy? and the reliablity ? Thanks :)
So much for needing a manual cam chain tensioner. I like to hear these stories where the bikes worked as they were designed
I have a 2002 DRZ S that I’ve owned since 2006. I love it.
Got by dad a screaming deal on a DRZ400 that had the FMF exhaust / jetting / airbox. I ride a KTM300 and I can say I am never disappointed when we switch bikes
I put 14k miles on a DR and loved it. I geared it down one tooth on the front to make it trail worthy. I traded it for a new DRZ400S. It is far better on the trails, AND, better on the highway with stock gearing than the DR was in geared down form. Love both bikes, but all around I choose the DRZ. My mods so far: 3x3, JD Jet kit, Acerbis tank, seat concepts low seat, lowered pegs, pro taper bars, acerbis hand guards.
owned and rode a 2003 DRZ400 for. couple years. Went on some 1500 km adventures involving gravel roads and paved highway. loved the bike, but wished it had a 6th gear for highway riding. I added a 4 gallon Clark tank for more range, small windshield and heated grips. I also added a Corbin seat but it was also too firm and narrow. Insurance was super cheap because it was below the 401 cc threshold for British Columbia. My brother rode a KLR 650 on our trips and my 400 was more than a match until we hit the highways. 5th gear just not tall enough.
Love to see an upgraded DRZ400!
Great video. I had a DR650 for 4 years, loved it, sold it and bought a new 2020 DRZ400, was not happy - terrible gearing on the DRZ as you mentioned, seat height, did not feel as stable - fireman's ladder needed to mount, lol. Went back to the DR650 for it's torque, lower seat and excellent gearing (I am just over 6ft). Love the DR650, big seller in Canada. To each his own, Safe riding out there! Ronny
Great to hear you still can buy the DR there, Ronny. Our government has had it under a grandfather clause for years but finally said it had to have ABS so it got pulled here two years ago. 😢
@@crosstrainingadventure I heard about that over there, what a shame, government fingers in our pie, never works out well. Keep up the great work on your channel! Ronny
Just brought one, a must-do in the evolution towards a decent, larger Adventure steed. Or it might just do.
After 30yrs of not riding, Done the Stock 2016 KLX250s & a fully modded 2010 KLX 300 (some serious grunt for a basic frame), after 18 months I can ride again.
I've always thought about getting a DRZ. Almost did. Bought a left over 2018 Suzuki RMX450 and got it approved for street by adding the necessary hardware. It sucks on the road, but its intent is for short stints on the road when necessary, and primarily dirt riding. Love it. On my fifth riding season. So far it has been very reliable.
Great to hear. I'd love to see some kind of hybrid between the two as well. Lighter and more powerful than the DRZ but with good long term reliability, road manners, and long oil changes...
@@crosstrainingadventure No doubt. A missed opportunity by Suzuki.
I’m on my third DR-Z a SM model, carb mods mainly to take care of lean running issues dictated by emissions regulations and a full stainless exhaust system because the front wheel “sand blasts” the header and I hate rust.
I picked one up cheap, threw so.e cash at it, bb, cams, exhaust, suspension etc. Enduroed it for a bit then bought a WR450F. Sold the DRZ to a mate that still owns it and loves it.
No comparison hey? I bought a DRZ where the guy spent $4000 trying to turn it into an enduro weapon. It simply isn't possible. A WR450F is always be waaaay better in the dirt.
@@crosstrainingadventure the DRZ came up short everywhere as an enduro bike.
DRZ 400 looks super sexy considering it for the next bike. It has so much aftermarket support
I have rode a few DR 400s and when it was time to buy could not find one. I did stumble across a new DR 650 and test rode it and have never looked back. Im 100 percent happy with that bike. It is a bit heavy for single track but perfect everywhere else! For me anyway. Go bush pig!
Must admit I'm for the bush pig every day too. The grunt master! We did a video about weight reduction, it's surprising how much you can off without spending too much...
Nice awesome bikes Barry as a matter of fact when I woke up just a few minutes ago the first thing I thought was I'm gonna get me another DRZ ..then I saw your video ..coincidence ? 😮
It's a sign!
@@crosstrainingadventure I think you're right I do believe it is
😆👍
I own and ride a 400E as a dedicated dirtbike. It's alright and fun for basic trails where its easy to keep some speed but once you slow down or start dropping it well it sure is heavy! My 400E is plated in the states and it was my first ever motorcycle. I've now had it almost half it's life. I's a 2000 model year and I've had it since 2014. Maybe it's getting close to time to sell it and get something more purposeful for the dirt work...
As for gearing, if you are trail riding only you can gear the DRZ way down for truly some tractor gearing. I am running a 14/49 setup for trails and my supermoto rims have a 41 tooth sprocket. Then I just have two different chains I swap between when I swap between dirt and street setups. But really the dirt setup gets a lot more love I definitely prefer a dedicated street bike over a supermoto and where I live just not many fun places to ride a supermoto.
14/49... damn that'll chug up any hill! I remember doing a long road trip once and went 15/39, the DRZ was just purring at highway speeds. But first gear was ridiculously high of course.
The inarguable test of time, since 2002 my new E model has served me well to this day. I took a few years off when I turned 50, for some reason, but got back in the saddle and threw a pile of money at it, new chain sprocket, stator, brake disc, tires. Well that is about all it needed after several thousand km's, measured in tires about 10 sets. I had street legalized it, as I have the Canadian model, and now still ride around playing cat and mouse with the coppers, as converted bikes are illegal here (if you are caught), despite how well it is legalized. The fact that the frame is stamped off road only is an automatic fail. Still insurable though strangely enough....just have to keep you mouth shut. Lately converted it back to stock gearing as I bought a T7 for my final years, and better for the road, and I am loving the bike all over again for it intended purpose, this time adding a set of MT43 trials tires for single track forest trails and rocky trails. The only real problems I had were my own electrical creations not lasting as long as stock wiring, but that was expected. A small coolant leak at the outset from a factory flaw...a water pump washer was too thin...easily rectified with a silicone repair (lasted this long now). The secret to my engine life....500-1000km oil changes when not on the road...Not crashed once, only a few drops on the slippery trails early on. Bottom line, the T7 and the DRZE make a great combo. I test rode the new twin DE800, and want that one too. The suspension being soft...well...that is what I like so I have always loved the suspension capabilities, I prefer the DR over the T7 that way. What can I say...I championed on a 1983 PE 175 full floater in the early days enduro racing so I am no slouch, even then liked it soft sprung staying in the saddle all day...
There's a blast from the past.. the PE175. The DRZ and T7 is a great combo for a massive range of riding. 👍
Had a DRZ400E for two years ( it got stolen). Loved it as a light adventure platform, bigger tank, bigger front sprocket... but also loathed it everytime I had to be on the motorway. It does frequently cross my mind to head back but as mentioned in the video, the gearing is what is holding me back. If the Honda CRF300L fused with a DRZ400 I would buy the monstrosity instantly!
They could definitely improve it but I think they've doped the design engineers and they just nap all day lol. I'd love to see the DRZ bored and stroked to a 500. Six speed gear box. Slap on the RMZ suspension....
If only! I am even considering a KLR for ffs... purely disgusting.
My DRZ is my forever bike.. I love it, I plan to keep it until i can't ride anymore, Gods forbid.
It would look good hanging on a wall if you ever have to fully retire!
Love my 23 sumo! Great fun with 70/30 tires.
How much did you pay for it man? Looking to get a 24 sm
I put 18,000, mi on an '09 DRZ. The best mod I made was a very expensive Corbin seat that was 10 and 1/2 in wide.
I have a 2001 dr-z400s had it 3 years now I've done just about everything you can do to a dr-z. Only thing I have not had to replace yet is the bottom end. Ever thing above that has been replaced for better goodies. And I don't think I have a reason to get rid of the bike atm it's been amazing reliable bike. I do alot of adv and off road riding and could not be happier about my dinosaur. A really fun bike that will not let you down.
Do you think you'd bother with changing gear ratios when you finally do the bottom end?
@@crosstrainingadventure I run a 15/38 now it's seems to be a good middle ground. As I can still do single track and cruise a comfortable 60mph and when I do plan to do a bottom end which I know I still have a while before that will happen because I checked it 2,500 miles ago there was minimal up and down play a little side to side but nothing I have to worry about for a while. I will invest in the wide gear ratio kit. I just ordered the hot cams stage 1 for more low end grunt. And will look into fcr 39 carb down the road for more blimp in the low end. Other than that I have no reason to up the bore size. As it's not really needed for woods riding. It's more of a top end power thing on the road that I do not care for. I like the reliability of the dr-z and plan to keep it that way. I just ride for fun anyways I'm in no hurry to blow through any land speed records.
I have a klx400s that i put a cvk40 from a klr650 on. Best low bucks carb swap. Not as hardcore as a proper flatslide, but still much better than the stock mikuni!
Stock suspension with a hard rear spring isnt bad at all for loose terrain IMO
I’m too short for the DRZ. The DR650 with a lowered Sargent seat is my tippy-toe limit. 😆
And what about the kicker. The full enduro spec was only made from 2000 to 2002. Had one here in Bolivia. Rode it and raced it.
ive owned a 2001 DRZ400E for about 15 years now. Rm125 front forks, complete redone rear suspension. Big bore (needed to be replaced) and its a roudy bike. not as nimble as the pure breds. buit it is a tractor. mine hasnt been the most reliable DRZ ever made and has stranded me a few times. all with different issues. but it is super easy to work on, since its about as complicated as a tractor
Great tractors! Ditto for its big brother the DR650...
Some innovation from Suzuki would be nice. I owned the old 500 which was fantastic. A flat liquid cooled 500 DR would be my dream bike.
It's strange how the 500cc capacity has pretty much disappeared from the dual sport market and you only see it in enduro models.
I had an S, but didn't like the power/weight ratio or how it felt on highway. I found a mint '02 E (much lighter, more power) and a '12 DR650 within several months of each other. Revalve and springs on the E made it great. Tons of mods on my 650 including an 18" rear wheel and it feels almost as good as my original S on the dirt, but way better on highway. 2 good bikes for my style.
Recently picked up a low hour XCFW 500 at a great price, so the E is parked, but it will stay in the quiver if I sell the 500 in favor of a 250-300 2-stroke.
Yep if I ever go back to a DRZ it will be the E model for sure
👍. Great bike. Would buy one. But the criminal price tag stops that. It’s a criminal how expensive they are now!
Bummer, which country is that? In Australia we are paying AUD10,900... still very cheap compared to the enduro models. 10 years ago we were paying AUD8000 so the increase seems to be pretty in line with inflation.
I owned a DRZ and it had better manners on road than my 3 KTMs who followed. I put a larger IMS tank and a bit more oil in the fork, cheaper than respring and good for all at 75 kg. I could ride truly anything on the DRZ, from motocross track to a week-long road trip with my wife as passenger in the alps mountains and a 5000 km rallye in Morocco. So extremely versatile. Only limitation was in gnarly terrain at less than walking speed where one DO feel the extra weight. The XR400 was not bad too! Too bad the CRF450L is so expensive and limited.
Many of us were puzzled by the CRF450L, and turned off by the price. I think a bigger fuel and oil capacity, comfy seat and rally fairing would have justified the price and seen sales take off.
@@crosstrainingadventure I am still very sceptical about rally fairings. They do look awesome, but they also create a mess when crashing. Also bizarre this feeling not to see what your front wheel does when sitting. And one anecdote: I won my only ever rally stage in Morocco because I DID NOT have a rally fairing. It was the only motocross start, with 100 lining up on a 4 km straight followed by twisty dusty sandy tracks. I hit 175 kmh, all others incl. experienced Dakar and Touquet riders were held back by their fairings.
I definitely think many riders are interested in rally fairings because they look cool and get used in events like Dakar. But for proper wind protection you are usually better off with windshields that are much closer to the rider as there are less problems with turbulence.
The E model is really dang good, they should have kept making it. I would say the new Kove 450 is the new updated DRZ we always wanted. I just rode it for a week in Utah and rode the DRZ E and was able to compare the two.
E model is still the standard model sold in Australia. Not sure why it never took off in the US...maybe emissions?
@@ohyeahmrkrabs4503 They updated the S to have the same suspension as the E and since the only difference was the pumper carb, there really was no reason to keep selling the E.
@@cameronturnbow8004 E model has different cylinder head, cams, rear subframe, no PAIR valve system and probably more I've forgotten.
@@ohyeahmrkrabs4503 I stand by my statement. The power bump is modest at best. If anyone is underwhelmed by the S model, they should just get a ktm.
@@cameronturnbow8004 Stock S/SM models put down ~30hp at the tyre. Stock E model is ~40. I do agree that you might as well buy something faster and lighter anyway, but the power difference is nothing to scoff at.
I must confess, I've never ridden a DR anything.XL250, XR600 and NX 650, though currently on a cb500x, and looking to go Africa Twin, after ruling out the GS.
Liking the CB500X? I bought one a few years ago but I was just too tall to fit comfortably on it.
@@crosstrainingadventure yes, but I've done more road than dirt. That and I long for more power and more dirt capabilities. I'm a good height for it but am too heavy lol, the suspension is lacking everywhere.
I had my head stem bearings replaced on my 1 year old DRZ400SM. Apparently Suzuki get a bit tight ass when applying grease at the factory! Other than that it's great!
Happens on lots of brands. I think Sherco just wave the linkage bearings over a can of grease and hope the fumes will work lol.
Suzukis gotta step their game up on that suspension! Had my 14 dr singe new and Ive had my 21 xr650l since new and that thing was sprung perfectly for the dirt out of box, i probably only weight 150 pounds but still
Dr sprung perfectly with damper rod forks, vs drz lightly sprung with a proper mid gen cartridge fork.
Do you even......never mind. You do you.
Interesting! I know the XR650L is sprung a bit better but I know a lot of owners still have to upgrade... good to hear its worked for your weight and riding style.
@@MrDavidfuchser to each their own, not sure what you mean about the dr mine is soft and wallows all over the place riding aggressively had it since it came out of the box no changes done, I can work with it grew up riding a lot worse bikes off road. Try taking your cb750 on single track in the snow and muck! It'll make the dr seem like absolute perfection
I had one for a few days in the Pyrenees recently - does what is says on the box 😊
I can see the attraction, thoroughly enjoyed it eating up steep rocky tracks up and down.. rear brake gave lots of feel too?!?
Fairly old model? They haven't been sold in Europe for a long time apparently.
I read this a couple times and I cannot for the life of me understand what you said.
@@juiceboxdan3148 hmm ok
I rode a DRZ400 in Spain - it's a dual sport.. (does what is says..)
then I think it's a good bike and the rear brake is quite good too
☺
@ozadv now I feel dumb because it seems like I have replied to the wrong comment because you made perfect sense in both of your comments haha
I ride a DRZ400SM with RMZ suspension and wheels. I had to split the cases for a rebuild, so I added ACT gears, a big bore kit, E cams, Lectron carb, MRD exhaust and of course opened the air box, added a seat concepts and a bigger tank.
I'll never say the DRZ the best bike at anything, but it sure is fun as a bone stock commuter, a fire breathing monster, or anything in between. Isn't having fun the point anyway? Cheers!
Must be great with that RMZ suspension?
I did own a drz400e some years ago and am contemplating getting another.
I'm a feather weight so had no complaints about suspension.
Didn't gasgas have a bike with an engine based on the DRZ but 450 with injection?
Never heard about the Gasgas collaboration. 🤔
You attempt at the beginning at a american accent is hilarious!!!
It was actually meant to be 'Maritime'. Or maybe Vancouver Island dialect. 😂 Whenever my bad USA accent is critiqued I pretend it was meant to be regional Canadian. Have you heard those accents? Freaky!
Good video Baz - valid points made throughout.
I love my ‘09 SM so much I found me an ‘00 dedicated kicker which is >20kgs lighter. It’s a hoot and it’s rortiness inspired me to fit the ‘E’ cams and FCR pumper to the SM, along with clip-ons and other ergonomic, weight shedding mods and/or farkles.
Wanting to taste the larger displacement’s air-cooled allure, I recently purchased an ‘05 DR650.
…I feel like I may have tasted forbidden fruit and am now questioning my loyalty…
The DR’s low torque effortlessness(?) gets you to 120+km/h on the fwy entry ramp with sufficient catholic guilt. It’s not perfectly sorted as a whole but proves to be a solid commuter with ample ability to go (further) forth and explore - and venture you shall.
The DR-Z..? The perkier, lighter 400 is noticeable for everytthing/where, bar fwy travel. The SM fangs about inducing stoke, even in peak hour commute.
I am torn, feeling a little like Sophie, and her choice…
Then, in the corner, I spy the dirt identifying kicker; part Mad Max and part guardian angel, cooing…
Both great bikes with some overlap. But yeah, that meaty grunt of the DR650 gets me every time as I don't like revving bikes as a rule. Have you done the usual carb and exhaust mods? Good for about another 10%. 😁👍
Owned a 2015 DRZ, sold it a few years ago and have been kicking myself since. Been looking at the Dr650, but I'm not sure if the extra weight would be the right choice for me. May have to just buy both!
The two bike solution 😎👍
Sold my 2018 DRZ last year for a KTM 690. The only reason I sold the DRZ was it caused my hands to go numb after 15 minutes at high way speed. Still miss that litte bike, I also miss my DR650. The KTM is fine, not much better than either but a odd inbetween bike. Maybe one day Suzuki will make a DRZ 500 with a sixth gear.
I would be all over that DRZ500! C'mon Suzuki, it can't be that hard...
@@crosstrainingadventure Maybe the Himalayan 450 or Kove 450 Rally (assuming it pans out) will get wake Suzuki up some.
Drz 400 and xr650l are really close in a drag race... but push the speeds in the woods and the xr650L will take nearly any hit and keep tracking straight where the drz will misbehave and put you on the ground. DRZ is better in nearly every way.... other than going FAST in the woods. XR650L will smoke it mainly because something about the suspension and torque working together in harmony. XR650L is top heavy but they are BOTH heavy. In some ways its better to feel the wt and know what you have. HATED my xr650L on the road... put your hands to sleep. Had a dr650 once. Really smooth nice engine but a chassis designed for a tiny man and suspension not made to absorb much more than a small pothole without over riding it. But all in all I had a problem with wanting to ride every dirt bike I ever saw so i would try to find deals and ride them and then sell them when I was bored with it. Any dirt bike with two wheels and gas in the tank is great to me.
Good summary, that's been pretty much my experience with those bikes too. They are all great, just depends if they suit your riding...
the DRZ 400 is a great bike with some limitations. Suspension is a little soft, stock seat is torture, and stock tank too small. Badly needs a sixth gear. Should have ABS that can be turned off. Will cruise at highway speeds but not comfortably. But bombproof reliability, and light enough to pick up, and sufficient power. Excellent off-road capability compared to KLR 650 or similar. Many aftermarket modifications available. Far superior to heavy adventure bikes for adventure riding in truly remote areas.
I'd love to be on the design team for an updated model... bore and stroke to 500. Comfy seat. Big tank. Rally fairing. Sixth gear. Fuel injection to meet emission laws.
I never wanted a DRZ, always been a Kawi guy. Love my KLX and KDX. But of course, seen a kind of rare KLX400 for sale cheap near me. And bought it cheap, figuring Id clean it, refresh and sell it for a few $$$. Was just gonna go get a '24 KLX300 cuz I really like the new Grey color but dammit...I put 15/43 sprockets on the Green DRZ with some 50/50 tires and am kinda upset to admit the power and suspension is just better for Dual Sport than the KLX. I hate Carb's but the OEM CV carb isnt finicky at all, power is great with the typical mods. Not sure what bike Im going to keep now.
Tough call. There's definitely some overlap between the two from enduro to dual sport.
Drz with 6th gear is the unicorn bike but the current model came pretty dang close
DR650 would be great with six gears too! And the KLR650. And XR650L...
@@crosstrainingadventure if only the Japanese could count to 6 the wonder is the drz250 6 gears and dr350 6 gears why does 50cc justify 1 less gear.
I love your review, however hippopotamus do not float, so they walk under water.
I had a 2019 DRZ400E until earlier this year. Left it sitting for a little while and the fuel fowled the carburetor, which basically ruined the carb because the mid body isnt designed to come apart. Workshop tried to clean it but couldnt get it to idle right without breaking the carb trying to access the mid body. I sold the bike to the shop and got a 2022 wr450F. I went up one tooth on the front and down 3 on the rear. My new wr450f sits better on the highway than my drz ever did. Changes to 5th gear at 80kmhrs, actually makes it fun to ride on flat dirt roads, even more fun on flat twisty dirt roads. It does single track, double track, flat sections and makes me feel like a pro rider compared to how I used to ride the DRZ. I have to change the oil and filters more frequently but it only takes a little bit of oil and its cheap insurance. Now with a lighter, more capable bike i feel more confident going out and riding on my own without worrying as much if im going to be able to turn the bike around on my own in a tight spot, or worrying about if im going to be able to get the bike over that log. The taller gearing doesnt hurt either because im no trials rider and the clutch is designed to be used on these bikes. My 2 cents. I just wish it wasnt to bloody expensive (or too much to ask) to get my hands on a bloody cush drive to smooth out the chain clatter!!
Plenty of us would love to see a WR450R!
mid body oring kits are now available from all balls and moose for the fcr39. Saved my drz from the chopping block and restored the bike to its former greatness
Too Heavy, Suspension needs a revalve it's too harsh and too soft at the same time, transmission ratio's need spread out, and it weighs a ton. For riding on the street or smooth dirt roads, it's alright. I street legalized my WR450F and it out performs the DRZ in every category.
Always appreciate the videos.
I know this is unpopular for some...
But a wr250r has close to the same weight to horsepower ratio (134kg wet, and 30.7hp, and a much, much wider gear ratio, and can therefor still be geared down for dirtriding, and cruise highways effortlessly..
An updated drz400 would be awesome, not sure the price would be, unfortunatly.
The drz with a few mods can get some pretty significant hp gains, the same can’t be said for the wr250r. Also the power to weight comparison you are talking about doesn’t really mean much if you don’t add the weight of an average rider to both equations. I’m not trying to say the drz is better but just wanted to point this out.
@sToRmZzr123 20% HP gains for HP on a wr250r with a slippon, and airbox mods for the european models with o2 sensor.. Thats pretty significant to me. US models would require a fuelprogrammer or a resister for the air sensor to add more fuel
About 8kg of weight reduction possible with a lithium battery, emissionsjunk and huge blinker/taillight section removed too.
I’m not trying to say the wr250r is better but just wanted to point this out.
@@JensEskildsen you still missed the main point which is that the power to weight ratio on the drz is much better than the wr250r. Wr is better in other ways but your original comment trying to say that given the weight difference their power is similar is blatantly incorrect. You seem quite thick to me. Just wanted to also point this out.
I found the XR400 to be better in every way except that it is not street legal and no longer made.
I also found one the the only broken drz400e, so that may be coloring my perspective.
Pumper carb and suspension on a 400s would make it a pretty good bike for mild to mid dirt/adv rides. I'm not sure it has a lot of benefits over a 300L, though.
I don't understand the hype around drz's, especially since in my area they are not cheap. I've seen used KTM 500s listed cheaper than used drz's.
Let's make a deal. Don't criticize the way I say Dee-arr-zee and I wont criticize the upward inflection at the end of your sentences, making statements sound like questions. 🤣👍❤️
😂 The dreatded HRT... high rising terminal. Young Aussies do it all the time and I'm always surprised (and cringe a bit) when I do it in the vids sometimes. Interesting history, looks like it might have started in Ireland. Seems to happen in California a bit. Canada and UK too.
just bought an 09 drz400e for my first bike and have no clue what to do with it
Do you mean preventative maintenance? They are generally rock solid so just the usual stuff. Maybe just keep an eye on the stator.
@@crosstrainingadventure sorta i guess. she's got some electrical problems as i figured out a bit away from home late last night so i'll need to fix those up
I rode a drz once... I was not impressed. I think an xr650l handles better and the weight feels similar, especially once you're moving. At the end of the day theyre both pigs.
Where I am now, used Drz's are asininely overpriced and the cost of the upgrades I would want would make it more economical to find a used ktm 500.
If I could get a Drz for anything close to a reasonable price I might feel differently though.
DRZ400K
I’m 6’4 240lbs. I need a dual sport with a high seat. DRZ- 400 seems like a good fit.
my ktm lc4 640 just got stolen a few weeks ago and i think i'll switch to a drz when my insurance money comes through
Bummer. The 640 was a great bike.
Parts are Cheap apart from the Clocks seen them for 400 to 700 euros !!
dr n klr gud to
And the 400 is liquid cooled.
The DRZ has literally ZERO competition....Suzuki would be stupid to Ruin a good thing, as they are in a unique spot, and will likely ride it out, as long as bikes still sell in the USA and other countries that allow it.......The Second they upgrade the bike, now it's over $10k, and they are competing directly with others....and have to make Back that money it cost them to design the new DRZ. It's actually a huge gamble because Suzuki is a very small company today, not nearly the monster they used to be.
True, a major redesign can be very expensive yet could be a sales flop.
I completely agree.
With your basic tuning you can squeeze another 5-10hp out of them. They are then quite fun to ride.
I tell Suzuki - Keep the carb but install a 6th highway gear.
The 2025 DR-Z is not listed on Suzuki website yet.
It's either discontinued or, hopefully, will have a 6th gear and fuel injection.@@crosstrainingadventure
I did race my xr250 against a DRZ 400 and it smoked me.
People who say Zed also say Al-ooh-min-ee-uhm 🙄so don't get too cocky.
If you really want to dig into the etymology we should be saying 'alumium' as that was how it first described. But it's interesting that it then changed to 'aluminum' then quickly to 'aluminium' for most of the English-speaking countries. 😂
DRZed . . . It's Just A Z Not A Zed
Of course it's a zed, get into the etymology. 😎
gas gas350 or atk
... And we in Europe can't buy new one anymore.. Thanx Greta
I know 😢
Euro emissions happened and Japan stopping innovation happened. Hence your choice nowadays here is KTM . Or ... KTM.
I'm a odd ball. Hated that bike. Heavy, tall, old, seat is terrible, suspension sucked.
Glad I finally sold it.
Fuel injection for 2025?🤔
DEE ARE ZEEE lol
No way! 😂 'Zed' came from old French 'zede' which came from Latin... 'zete'.
Yes the mighty drz 400 thinking about getting another one had a 2007 loved it ,thrashed it over boarder few times did 17 safari and suspension gold valves springs was very nice, FMF power core muffler air box mods jetting and 42x15 sprockets ,cruzed along at 120ks ,thinking might sell my t7 to big for solo adventures and my enduro ktm 350 both not being ridden very much and retire on the drz400 set it up same as other one ,best all rounder i think and its cheap ,lots of upgrades available
If you can live with a bit of compromise it's a great all rounder. But man I'd love to see them bore and stroke it to, say, a 500 or even a 600 and keep the same weight! Maybe some RMZ450 suspension... 😍
@@crosstrainingadventure them drz showa forks with gold valves and revalve made it like Majic carpet ride over ruff fire trails floated over rocks branchers like there were not even their ,the T7 bone jarring it needs same new valves or compete dropin cartage but got a guy coming to look at it tomorrow didnt take long to sell
The only real problem of the DRZ400 E is the lack of 6th gear. Some time ago I exchanged with my riding buddy my Z with his T7 and we both agreed that the Z is really punchy and fast bike. I can hit 120 kmh in a breeze but motor is always warning me about the rpm😂. I'm sure it can hit 150 kmph with a talker gear ratio.
@@eduardobarroso5463 lol yeh not sure i can deal with its lack of power and no 5 gear short wheel base , ,prob just go with a low hour ktm 690 or husky 701 have plenty grunt to haul luggage good on fuel
@@twistedthrottle8513 of course I would trade tomorrow my DRZ for a 690, 701 or even a PR7 😅 But they simply do not compete on the same league, mainly on price! The DRZ is a compromise: price, quality, reliability.