When riding on the road with nobbies when going around a corner try leaning the bike while keeping your body weight central. I.e. throw the bike on its side and keep your body as straight as possible. It helps the nobbies not flex too much giving you way more confidence. I hope I described that well enough.
Thanks, that's great advice, I'll practice next ride. When I first did a training course at the track (on a road bike) they told me I rode like an off-road rider, as that's what I did and had to unlearn the habit, and keep the bike upright and move off it (something I'm still relatively bad at!).
It doesn’t look that rough, should be pretty easy to fix how you like it. They’re too noisy, not too sure the Q4 is that much quieter. Some people fit a GSXR muffler as they do with DR650s...much more quiet, and better power (I bought one in VGC including mid pipe for $110). Good luck!
Oh interesting, I might have to give that a try. It is still super noisy. I can live with it like this, but it's a fair bit louder than what I'm used to with most road bikes. Everything is super easy to work on, which is very cool, so it's just a matter of me getting onto it, and not being lazy! Over summer I should have a lot more updates. Was there much involved in fitting the GSXR muffler and did you need a specific one?
I have a 17 DRZ400E which is basically the same bike. Also purchased from motohub in Castle Hill. If you live in the hills district and need any advice on this bike, let me know. I have done everything from gearing, suspension, supermoto conversion, 320mm front disk conversion, steering damper and I do my own servicing. Whilst the WR250R is better in some areas, the old DRZ is more powerful and with a few mods is a very capable lightweight adventure bike.
Great Review Mate ! I'm in my mid 50's now and have a 2004 Suzuki RM 250 and love the punch it has but looking for a 4 cycle enduro version of it I can ride on dirt and roads on longer trips and this DRZ 400 sounds like the bike ! 👍
Congrats Kris, Drz are great anyway. The WR is the king, but yes the price is high. I’m excited for you getting in to the dirt. Did you find a place to ride near you?
Thanks, there's a ride park not too far away I need to check out, but I also need to find the local trails that are a bit more extensive! I was a bit bummed about not finding a WR as I agree, and if I could have waited longer for the off-season there may have been more available cheaper, but I wanted to get riding on the dirt ASAP!
Hi kris, I’m considering to buy a drz400e (2005) or a Wr250r (2012) , just like you. Here in Italy the Wrr doesn’t have much success and the Drz community is much much stronger. Anyway I like the modern factor of the Wr, what would you suggest as a First enduro bike? Thanks
I only went the DRZ400E because that's what my budget allowed at the time, and having bought an older model it's spent most of its time in the garage, with me trying to figure out why I can't go for a ride with various issues, with some money spent that could have just got me a better (younger/better condition) bike to start with. I probably got unlucky on that one, as they are meant to be absolutely bullet proof, but I'd still swap to a WR250R if I had the opportunity and I probably should have set aside more money for either a better DRZ or just went for the WR. There's probably some advantages with the DRZ if you're super hands on and want to play around with carbs, and it's definitely got more performance which is nice. I'd still say the WR250R is the nicer machine on the highway though, if you're riding decent distances to get to good riding roads, while the DRZ has more of that braapy dirt bike feel. The WR250R on the other hand is - in my opinion at least - the more forgiving place to start, as it's super rider friendly, and I think if you're not as worried about the extra power and aren't likely to feel the need to upgrade down the track seeking more, a great option. If you've got a big DRZ community that will also mean heaps of people able to help with advice and possibly even giving you a hand with the bike if needed, and it's hard to discount how much that can help, especially if you're buying an older model. Are the prices between the two bikes similar? I'd take a WR250R over a DRZ400E for the same or similar price, but the DRZ400's are much much cheaper second hand. The fact I've had so many issues with the DRZ does impact my overall feelings though, keeping in mind its a 2003, where the WR250R I spent all that time on was a basically new 2019.
@@brendon8702 I only paid 3.5k which was pretty much the cheapest in the state at the time. The cheapest WR at the same time was at least double that, and there seems to be even less around second hand at the moment, although it's peak riding season.
For sure, I paid $3500 pre-COVID with rego, I think six months. Literally the cheapest one in the state (NSW) at the time - although I've seen them cheaper since on occasion, just less so at the moment. There was some much younger and cleaner versions for about $4500 though at the same time. NSW does tend to carry a bit of a premium over other states.
I think I may have put a D606 on it, shortly after I got it a few spokes on the rear snapped and I managed to get a new rim really cheap and just put on whatever was in stock locally at the time.
Hey, I'm planning in buying an used 2004 drz400 or a new dr200, the new one is about 3000 more, and in my country the drz400 is not in sale new :(, do you believe that 2004 drz would be okay? It's already tuned by the shop that sells it.
I've had a fair few issues with my DRZ400, and it's not currently running, plus I needed to spend a bit of money to keep it road worthy, so it depends on the condition of the 2004 you're looking at (and some amount of luck). If it looks really clean, they are meant to be bullet proof. I'd probably go the 400 over the new 200, especially if it's significantly cheaper, but if you're using it for a daily ride, the new bike may be worth the extra for the reliability and peace of mind.
@@MotoJournoKris got it, thanks pal, yeap, I want it for every day riding and weekends fun, wanted so bad a higher bike, but you're right, new one would be more reliable for working, thanks a bunch
I will be looking forward to the the videos around this bike. I have decided to go with a new dr650 se for it’s better long distance riding ability. It will also be a project bike for me to learn on as these bikes have a long list of modifications, upgrade and accessories that are recommended. I noticed that the drz 400 is the preferred bike for the Cape York motorcycle adventure rides. www.trailbikeadventure.com.au
I was really tempted by the DR650 because it has a great reputation for being better on the road, but being a bit heavier off-road and a bit more of a handful to pickup. It probably would have suited me just as well, but I didn't see one at the time in quite the right price range and condition I was after.
Moto Journo Kris Yes I understand. I have decided to buy new and upgrade everything as I go along, including the full suspension. After a year of looking at reviews and thinking the later bike designs had to be better, a few reviews from people I respect have recently indicated that that wasn’t the case. That has given me the confidence to spend the money to buy new and upgrade as I see the need.
@@allenparsens5279 Can't go wrong that way, as you know the bike you're getting as far as history. Shows how good a lot of these machines are that they've remained unchanged for so long.
That’s a way better bike then a WR250. Just change the stuff you touch. New brakes. New exhaust. Put some stickers on it. That’s a 40hp real bike. A 250 is a toy.
I prefer the 250 personally - although it may be a little unfair comparing new vs very old with a problem filled ownership - it's more capable/comfortable on the highway and while the DRZ is definitely gruntier I'm not at a point where it really makes a difference. Granted that could change as I ride more and want more power in the future, but if I went the 400 it'd be as an SM which is a different kettle of fish.
When riding on the road with nobbies when going around a corner try leaning the bike while keeping your body weight central. I.e. throw the bike on its side and keep your body as straight as possible. It helps the nobbies not flex too much giving you way more confidence. I hope I described that well enough.
Thanks, that's great advice, I'll practice next ride. When I first did a training course at the track (on a road bike) they told me I rode like an off-road rider, as that's what I did and had to unlearn the habit, and keep the bike upright and move off it (something I'm still relatively bad at!).
It doesn’t look that rough, should be pretty easy to fix how you like it. They’re too noisy, not too sure the Q4 is that much quieter. Some people fit a GSXR muffler as they do with DR650s...much more quiet, and better power (I bought one in VGC including mid pipe for $110). Good luck!
Oh interesting, I might have to give that a try. It is still super noisy. I can live with it like this, but it's a fair bit louder than what I'm used to with most road bikes. Everything is super easy to work on, which is very cool, so it's just a matter of me getting onto it, and not being lazy! Over summer I should have a lot more updates. Was there much involved in fitting the GSXR muffler and did you need a specific one?
I have a 17 DRZ400E which is basically the same bike. Also purchased from motohub in Castle Hill. If you live in the hills district and need any advice on this bike, let me know. I have done everything from gearing, suspension, supermoto conversion, 320mm front disk conversion, steering damper and I do my own servicing. Whilst the WR250R is better in some areas, the old DRZ is more powerful and with a few mods is a very capable lightweight adventure bike.
Awesome, thanks I definitely will. Doing all the basics now and then I'll probably keep tinkering!
Cool bike buddy, enjoy watching a project bike video, look forward to seeing more 😃👍
Thanks, I've got a lot planned already!
Great Review Mate ! I'm in my mid 50's now and have a 2004 Suzuki RM 250 and love the punch it has but looking for a 4 cycle enduro version of it I can ride on dirt and roads on longer trips and this DRZ 400 sounds like the bike ! 👍
The DRZ400 definitely has some punch! If I was buying one again I'd try and get a newer one in slightly better condition to make life a little easier.
Great video! Excited to see how you fix up this bike
Cheers, it could definitely do with a clean up!
Congrats Kris, Drz are great anyway. The WR is the king, but yes the price is high. I’m excited for you getting in to the dirt. Did you find a place to ride near you?
Thanks, there's a ride park not too far away I need to check out, but I also need to find the local trails that are a bit more extensive! I was a bit bummed about not finding a WR as I agree, and if I could have waited longer for the off-season there may have been more available cheaper, but I wanted to get riding on the dirt ASAP!
From Thomas James Schmutter this is a really good bike 🏍️ and of course really useful information ℹ️ thank you.
Hi kris, I’m considering to buy a drz400e (2005) or a Wr250r (2012) , just like you. Here in Italy the Wrr doesn’t have much success and the Drz community is much much stronger. Anyway I like the modern factor of the Wr, what would you suggest as a First enduro bike? Thanks
I only went the DRZ400E because that's what my budget allowed at the time, and having bought an older model it's spent most of its time in the garage, with me trying to figure out why I can't go for a ride with various issues, with some money spent that could have just got me a better (younger/better condition) bike to start with. I probably got unlucky on that one, as they are meant to be absolutely bullet proof, but I'd still swap to a WR250R if I had the opportunity and I probably should have set aside more money for either a better DRZ or just went for the WR.
There's probably some advantages with the DRZ if you're super hands on and want to play around with carbs, and it's definitely got more performance which is nice. I'd still say the WR250R is the nicer machine on the highway though, if you're riding decent distances to get to good riding roads, while the DRZ has more of that braapy dirt bike feel. The WR250R on the other hand is - in my opinion at least - the more forgiving place to start, as it's super rider friendly, and I think if you're not as worried about the extra power and aren't likely to feel the need to upgrade down the track seeking more, a great option.
If you've got a big DRZ community that will also mean heaps of people able to help with advice and possibly even giving you a hand with the bike if needed, and it's hard to discount how much that can help, especially if you're buying an older model.
Are the prices between the two bikes similar? I'd take a WR250R over a DRZ400E for the same or similar price, but the DRZ400's are much much cheaper second hand. The fact I've had so many issues with the DRZ does impact my overall feelings though, keeping in mind its a 2003, where the WR250R I spent all that time on was a basically new 2019.
@@MotoJournoKris how much was the DRZ
@@brendon8702 I only paid 3.5k which was pretty much the cheapest in the state at the time. The cheapest WR at the same time was at least double that, and there seems to be even less around second hand at the moment, although it's peak riding season.
Would you mind disclosing how much you paid? I'm considering picking a rough one up tomorrow.
For sure, I paid $3500 pre-COVID with rego, I think six months. Literally the cheapest one in the state (NSW) at the time - although I've seen them cheaper since on occasion, just less so at the moment. There was some much younger and cleaner versions for about $4500 though at the same time. NSW does tend to carry a bit of a premium over other states.
What tyre are you running on the back..?
I think I may have put a D606 on it, shortly after I got it a few spokes on the rear snapped and I managed to get a new rim really cheap and just put on whatever was in stock locally at the time.
Wr are very high mantance if your talking about the enduro wr
Thinking of the WR250R, rather than the F which is definitely very high maintenance.
Hey, I'm planning in buying an used 2004 drz400 or a new dr200, the new one is about 3000 more, and in my country the drz400 is not in sale new :(, do you believe that 2004 drz would be okay? It's already tuned by the shop that sells it.
I've had a fair few issues with my DRZ400, and it's not currently running, plus I needed to spend a bit of money to keep it road worthy, so it depends on the condition of the 2004 you're looking at (and some amount of luck). If it looks really clean, they are meant to be bullet proof. I'd probably go the 400 over the new 200, especially if it's significantly cheaper, but if you're using it for a daily ride, the new bike may be worth the extra for the reliability and peace of mind.
@@MotoJournoKris got it, thanks pal, yeap, I want it for every day riding and weekends fun, wanted so bad a higher bike, but you're right, new one would be more reliable for working, thanks a bunch
Are there trails near Pacific Highway?
Nothing decent that I've found yet, but a few people have said there are some there.
I will be looking forward to the the videos around this bike. I have decided to go with a new dr650 se for it’s better long distance riding ability. It will also be a project bike for me to learn on as these bikes have a long list of modifications, upgrade and accessories that are recommended. I noticed that the drz 400 is the preferred bike for the Cape York motorcycle adventure rides. www.trailbikeadventure.com.au
I was really tempted by the DR650 because it has a great reputation for being better on the road, but being a bit heavier off-road and a bit more of a handful to pickup. It probably would have suited me just as well, but I didn't see one at the time in quite the right price range and condition I was after.
Moto Journo Kris Yes I understand. I have decided to buy new and upgrade everything as I go along, including the full suspension. After a year of looking at reviews and thinking the later bike designs had to be better, a few reviews from people I respect have recently indicated that that wasn’t the case. That has given me the confidence to spend the money to buy new and upgrade as I see the need.
@@allenparsens5279 Can't go wrong that way, as you know the bike you're getting as far as history. Shows how good a lot of these machines are that they've remained unchanged for so long.
Moto Journo Kris I believe I have seen some incredible mileage accumulated on these bikes.
That’s a way better bike then a WR250. Just change the stuff you touch. New brakes. New exhaust. Put some stickers on it.
That’s a 40hp real bike. A 250 is a toy.
I prefer the 250 personally - although it may be a little unfair comparing new vs very old with a problem filled ownership - it's more capable/comfortable on the highway and while the DRZ is definitely gruntier I'm not at a point where it really makes a difference. Granted that could change as I ride more and want more power in the future, but if I went the 400 it'd be as an SM which is a different kettle of fish.
It looks chopped. The separation between pipe and tire looks larger than stock.
Yea now that you mention it, it does seem much taller at the tail.
Looks a little smoky under load...puff of blue (oil) smoke.