An honest conversation about Suzuki's DRZ400 (SM)
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Suzukis thinking process " what color should we do this year"
Full Pin Moto Bold new graphics!!
I wish they'd get away from the blacks and whites...and go back to the blue's.
A. Whiteman and keep the gold rims
Full Pin Moto lmao...funny because its true
A variety of camo . Desert tan Urban black multicam some bright color camos maybe something like a bright green grey and black .
I own a DRZ and I agree with every statement in your video. But damn I have a shit load of fun just messing around on it. One other point is I have never been mechanically inclined but the older tech and the amount of info out there on the internet is a great advantage for me when repairs (rarely) or regular maintenance issues come up.
I was prepared to tell you how wrong you are but you're extremely right. If they had some competition that would be nice. I wish the WR450 came street legal
With the discontinuation of the WR250R I am hoping that Yamaha will release a 450R or maybe even, dare I say, a 450X. I doubt it, but it would be awesome.
HEROrr Agreed
all the 4strokes of ktm and husky are street legal, i know they are pricey and would love to see other companies make sumos but just a thought.
5280Rider Not as reliable though imo
Caleb Whitted actually not reliable at all.
Nobody realizes that if Suzuki re-designs the DRZ400, the EPA may regard it as a new bike. Thus requiring it to conform to more strict emissions regulations. It's the same reason Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki have not re-designed the 650 dual sports in decades. They're grandfathered in. Having to meet new emissions regulations will cost more money. Yea, you may get your 6 speed, fuel injection, aluminum frame, etc...maybe it'll even become a drz450! But if you think all the upgrades and updates will not yield a price hike, your naive.
Bingo
yeah I would drop a extra 2 or 3k for that tho I think most people would
@@sneakyshaffer7247 I’m not so sure. Everybody thought the CRF450RL would be selling well but it isn’t. People are just ponying up a little more and getting Euro bikes. A 40%+ hike in price is a lot.
@@Venomrs4 yeah its not so much the price tag don't get me wrong alot of people don't wanna get it bc of it but it does not sell that well bc of how hard engine braking is on the bike and it being almost unrideable unless u spend anther 2k on ecu and exhaust.. on top of the the service on it bc its a race bike is crazy like valve checks every 1800 miles and oil change ever 500 and some other stuff that most people just don't wanna deal with it
So fuel inject it and clean up the emissions! What's the big deal, they've been making it for 20 years.
It’s easy, just get older. Had my First SM in 05, I was a 37 year old that had been road racing non stop from the age of 17. I had the bike for a few months, sold it because it wasn’t “fast”. Because I owned a used motorcycle shop, I kept finding them at good prices and I would ride them a lot while they were in inventory. Eventually I figured out an SM was worth a lot more in parts than it was whole, I think I parted out 10 or 12. In I think ‘07 I bought a Husky 510 SMR because it was cheaper than modifying a DRZ and was a LOT lighter and it was “fast” (to keep things in perspective, I raced a K5 GSXR 1000 at the time and thought it was “kinda peppy”). It was also a terrible street bike. I’m 53 this year with all the damage a life of high risk activities rewards you with. I picked up a beautiful 6300 mile ‘05 SM this morning with all the nice things already done (ti yosh, 3x3, extra crash protection and a decent seat) for a nice price. I am extremely pleased to even find one, since COVID they are vapor ware, let alone a particularly cherry one owned by someone that was in his 50s when it was new. In summation: just age.
im a 2 years younger then you , also im in bikes , when you got motorcycle shop ,and you can do easy why not found good cr 250 , and make it supermoto , and find good old rgv at least 250 or rd or tzr 350 , those 2strokes are ultimate bikes which give max enjoy riding them,...i dont know if there is in usa Husqvarna Nuda , that bike is beauty ,and great for daily use ..
I was you - last year. I finally gave in and got a new 2018 sm. Everything you say is true, I've got a yosh pipe, 3+3, jet kit and voila-so much better than stock. Also traded brake lines, huge difference in feedback and control. Just give in, the frame is not noticeable, carbs are cool as you point out, even the 5th gear is ok now that I've had one. the only thing I will be adding is a TOP gear indicator, I seem to try and grab 6th all the time. Sure, an aluminum framed fuel injected 450motor(RMZ) with 6 gears would be the bomb....but its not there for now and you correctly identify that all the competition that has these, still fall just short of the DR package.One last thing, I got a new one because I couldn't bring myself to pay so close to the new price for used ones. I convinced myself to get the new because the re-sale will always be good.
its an emissions problem, the drz400 is grandfathered in as a design that passed emissions at the time of creation... nobody could make a bike like that anymore cuz of new laws. they cant even update the drz with a 6speed gearbox or aluminum frame cuz any change to the design needs to pass the new standards. the drz is the underground bike surviving off love in the aftermarket scene and mod tutorials. i suggest gettting an old e model and turning it street legal, its the cheapest path.
+SantinoDeluxe yeah. You're absolutely right. Stupid emissions are ruining awesome bikes.
i mean, idk you might compare it to the ktm 390 @~$4k-5k, but nothing beats a dualsport imo
Uh.. Not really. A modern competitor could be lighter, make more power, AND do better on emissions. And let's be honest here - the manufacturers likely realize everyone is running after market exhausts and could easily just throw a giant cat as a last ditch effort on it if need be.
+HEROrr i might add tho, e-bikes for off-road will bring a resurgence to the market, less noise and no smoke means less complaints and more open trails... were just waiting on battery tech which is right around the corner. ppl make CNT cells in their garage these days.
What's important is color and graphics. Suzuki is starting to step it up in that department.
i had a DRZsm(loved it) but couldn’t take it everywhere, sold it, bought a fz07(thought i could make it into a supermoto , sold it and just got the husky 701- it is everything you want and more. bike is awesome. i would agree with you but to go to a 450/500cc , the 701 single is well worth the extra $$ .
but that's a lot of money. I'm only so rich sir
Yikes, these bikes are for rich hobbyists
I'd give my left nut for a new husky 701 supermoto
Its crazy if you think about it. same weight, twice the power. but the drz is cheap asf and you don't feel bad about beating on it or looping it trying to learn wheelies.
I've done 23,000 km on my DRZ sm, 10,000km of road with 21" 18" KTM wheels I bought and 13,000km on road screaming up and down twisty winding ranges and I've only had to shim the valves and a new timing chain. The sm is great as a trail bike and a fun road bike. Takes me about half an hour to change the wheels.
I've got a 2002 drz s fitted with road tyres. Its handling. Manoeuvering, height and reliability make it a brilliant commuting bike through heavy traffic. I've put 41,000 miles on it and apart from the stator the engine has been totally reliable. And this bike is used daily through out the year in England. Downsides The brakes size due to road salt. The wheel bearing collars wear but stainless steal one are available. All in all a great motorcycle
Been thinking about this for years dude nothing compares to the old drz400e and xr400r the reliability and the simplicity is amazing
About ten years ago I bought a super clean DR650S with low miles for about $3000. Super reliable motor with very little maintenance. Then a year later bought a set of SM wheels and tires. I had a blast on it while I owned it but I always like the look of the DRZ400SM better.
As a DR-Z owner... I agree with many of your points. Doesn't diminish my never-ending love of my machine, however.
Deciding between this bike and a Honda 450L, both have their perks.
Me too. Unfortunately the crf450l is soooooo much more expensive. Lighter, probably going to be super reliable, looks sick, but costs thousands of dollars more and zero used for sale since it's so new.
Logan Noel yeah I I bet in like 5 years the 450l will be way cheaper. I’m opening to a variety of bikes but I’ll consider the 450 then
@@alecphillips1445 yeah a couple years and the 450l market should be good but I really don't want to wait that long! I can buy a used drz400sm for about 4k locally so I think I'll probably deal with the weight and buy that
JAPAN, please hear this man!
I never touched a sportbike or cruiser ever in my 30 years of riding. If japan doesn't want my money, they won't bait me to buy hippo bikes
I got a 95 Dr350 and still love it.
Dont complain about no power untill you ride a 50cc 4 speed moped like me 👉😎👉
same lmao
what bike?
Xvinfajtr it was a chinese honda clone but now i have a 70cc 2stroke
I have a 110cc pitbike haha
I have a 70s vespa 😃
Pfffft joke is on you, I am a Husky FE 501 owner, I can go 800 miles before checking valves! HA
Yeah looking for another bike to keep the hours of the husky now :(
Mike McKay If you don't rev the fuck out of them every time you ride, these high performance KTM/Husky engines can last way longer than the manual says
Actually my 500 exc is at 450H original piston/crank/even clutch
I've seen a few 800+ hours on stock piston as well...
Pretty reliable for the HP/weight ratio.
(there also 2 snowbike season on mine...)
im at 450 hours now just doing piston, old piston looked good really.
drz's piston lasts bout 20-50kkm. n now what?
great, every 3 weeks
AMERICANS: “We want a quality modern dual sport for a reasonable price!”
MANUFACTURERS: “And here we have the Kawasaki Z125 PRO...... ‘PRO’ is short for ‘professional’ snazzy, huh?”
The market clearly showed that the honda grom was what the people wanted and the z125 is better in pretty much every way
Their just so goof-ball looking lol and Id totally get one
Bought one new in 09. Put about 5,500 miles on it and got rid of it. I've had many other bikes but the closes thing I've had to my DRZ in weight, maintenance intervals and purpose is my 16 KTM690R. Those points are where the similarity ends. The 690 has 70 HP, EFI, 6 gears, switchable ABS, and a better suspension. Yes its more expensive, I paid 10,500 for my 2016 690 new. However, consider that you may end up spending that or more on your DRZ if you start with the new one and fully mod it. Even then you'd still come up short.
what? a 700 has more power then 400 . all most double the size for allmost double the power . ok? drz 7500 new vs ktm 12500 new. dont think you can compare. plus your getting 1 or 2 ins less suspension and back shock know to leak. plus ktm fames are know to break with there bad welds. so more of a street bike if you like it to last it seems. you have any problems with your bikes?
@@heyby8764 Your grammar is poor.
If I bought every bell and whistle for the DRZ, there’s still no way I’d hit $10k
aluminum frames don't necessarily weigh lesser than steel.
who is lesser ?
4:04 : Actually having more tech on board makes it more prone to fail. Some people love minimalistic bikes, and for me it's one of the appealing aspects of a supermoto.
It ALWAYS hurts to add more electronics. Your definition of technology makes me sad. Mechanical systems are technology, and reliable mechanics are not a feature for dualsports, it needs to be THE main feature. And the old, trusty, KLRs and DRZs have it.
electronics are a nice comfort but not something you want to rely on out in the middle of bumfuck nowhere
Paul-Adrian Stoleriu How is adding a sixth gear and make it fuel injected and lighter a bad thing or make it less reliable you got to be crazy as long as you actually take care of your bike and stay on top of the maintenance that comes along with the bike you’ll be just fine and it will be just as reliable it’s not like he’s talking about adding Bluetooth and WiFi and shit on it it’s called getting with the times and it will save you money and if you plan on going in the middle of butt fuck nowhere do a full walk around of your bike and check everything over before you leave and you’ll have just as much if not more fun since it will be lighter and you’ll save money on gas and less maintenance and a extra gear try to explain how that’s not a huge improvement especially since you folks who are scared of change could still keep the crappy older model without fuel injection or a extra gear and less weight you just sound bitter and like you gonna complain about something
@@350zKiller 6th gear means redesign of a proven engine design, fuel injection means added cost, and the potential to be left completely stranded cause your fuel pump dies, or an injector fails. There is a reason the DRZ and DR still sell like crazy.
They don't want to be like everyone else!!! That's a blessing! I'm getting one just because of that. Even got the optional Kickstarter which is what attracted me to a bike "dirt bike" and the carb. It's got better take off then all the under cc bikes.
Sometimes older is better! Or nice to still have a new old version. It's that simple. It still sells..
I just got into dual sport (and motorcycles in general) last year. It was both exciting and sad because there's just nothing out there. If something is listed, as you said, it's still very pricey. I have no idea why the manufacturers aren't putting effort into dual sports as there's a huge vibrant community wanting them.
You sum it up perfectly
Aluminum frame, a technology dash & fuel gauge are key
Don't understand the bs about KTM reliability and maintenance intervals. I think there is a lot of people that treat their bike like their lawn mower, never clean it, never change the oil, never replace the air filter and expect it to last. Those people are best suit to owning lawnmower like bikes that they use up and replace after a couple of years. I've owned a 690r, awesome bike and put 15k on it using it as an off road and rally bike. Did a few multi day trips (there are numerous rack options - guess those that say otherwise have never owned a 690) It was extremely reliable despite the hard use it saw in sand, mud, swamp, woods rocks etc. Not as nimble as a dirt bike but hell I rode it to a good finish in a 600 mile 1 day off road rally with some very tough conditions. Took us 17hrs to get through. The wiring harness does need to be better protected if you are going to bury the bike in mud and water on a regular basis but the two known areas are easy to get to and wrap better as a preventative maintenance effort. Sold the 690 and got a 500exc as a better and more off road oriented bike. Dead reliable with 13k on it 90% in the dirt, rocks, single track and even took it on a 800 mile 4 day off road trip with all the camping gear I needed. Maintenance intervals amount to oil changes and occasional valve checks to confirm yet once again that after 250+hrs of use they haven't moved.
Not knocking the DRZ, KLR, WR etc just saying the KTM/Husky is a viable option, Beta as well though dealer support is a bit thin this side of the pond.
incredibly accurate video. I'm in the exact same position of wanting one really bad but you see what you can get for a similar price, makes it hard to make the purchase.
He's asking for a 10k + bike basically , but doesn't want to pay 7k?
Yep, that's all we need, more bikes we can't afford replacing the ones we can.
Lets be honest. A new 400SM isn't worth 7k, much less the 9000 OTD price most places are asking for them. It's a 16 year old bike, with 30 year old technology.
Not for 20 yr old technology if that.
I've got an 06 Husky TE610. I absolutely love that bike.
Well I think like a month after this vid Honda released the 450 lol
Agreed I owned a DRZ400sm and all of this is true. With $2,000 of aftermarket support it was a beast though.
Suzuki can't make any major changes unless they are willing to come out with a completely new bike. The DRZ is grandfathered in at old emissions standards and if they change anything other than cosmetics they have to meet the new much higher standards. The kawasaki KLR is in the same situation. They also know few people would pay the 10k price of a aluminum framed six-speed water cooled bike you want.
Absolutely right. Seems like everyone wants to complain that the big 4 won't build a bike to compete with the KTM and Husky offerings but balk at the idea of paying the price that would be required.
Well a fuel guage would be nice and wouldn't be that hard to work in.
So a crf450L is the solution....
They have made changes .... The newer models have any emissions pump/chamber on the front of them .... Can't miss the ugly black box
I like my bike Suzuki DEZ 400 SM.
I cross the borber (Tijuana/ San Diego) everyday.
I can't wait for this quarantine to be over.
Stay at home and wash your hands
I've become old waiting for them to upgrade these bikes.
Just picked up a '07 suzuki DR-Z 400 s yellow 8,500 miles . bought a brand new yoshimura sr2 full system pipe bolted up beautifully ,sounds great ,fun bike to ride. six speed gearbox would be nice
Each point you make is correct. But your conclusion is wrong. The DRZ is perfect as is. Why? Because you can't kill it. I don't want an alloy frame - I want the unbreakable chrome-moly frame. I don't want fuel injection - I want the easy to tweak and fix carby. I don't want extra gadgets like a fuel gauge (though I concede a tacho would be nice) - that's just more stuff to go wrong. My SM is perfect - for the commute, for a Sunday fang and even off road. Don't change a thing thanks Suzuki.
i agree.)
lol just have the old one, while they make a new model which includes all the things he listed in the video ... you keep what you like, others buy the new one if they like it more. everybody wins
By doing nothing they are resigning the 400 to a continued slow death and the moment a competitor introduces a bikes in this range with the upgrades listed in the video. The DRZ is done, sales will slow down to the point Suzuki pulls the plug. FI is way more reliable these days and aluminum frames are well proven.
Bunnyshooter 223 If a well engineered aluminum frame is strong enough for Supercross bikes landing 100ft jumps they are plenty strong enough for dual sports.
What about the Honda cfr 450l
Love my DRZ400SM !!! Great aftermarket to make it your own.
Husky 701 10k km service interval
I totally agree on all your points..... aluminium frame, new dash, 6-speed gearbox especially..... and the world would even be more perfect if Aprilia brought back the SXV-550 but made the engine as bulletproof reliable as a DRZ
France has the new CRF 450 Sm..that thing is bad ass. But we cant get here in the States. I wish Honda would make it available for us b/c I would buy one for sure.
+chico suave it makes no sense why they wouldn't. Our emissions standards are much more relax than Europe. Sigh... I guess Honda believes the market isn't big enough for it here. I wish Americans would see the value in Sumos!
HEROrr Sadly yeah. We Americans only know that there are only cruisers, and sportbikes. However, naked bikes have been becoming steadily popular for the past year or two.
Jesus even Canada has the new crf step up your game merica
And America says we are the best😔
@@motomtbingg9588 Yah, why don't yall just move up north with us. We got some pretty chill laws, like we don't have any exhaust decibel laws here (At least in MB) so long as you don't ride and make noise past 19:30.
I own a 2022 DRz400e I Love it and sticking it up the Euro trash camp cause it's quicker and more reliable in the tight single track in the mountains and although your statements are true no one would buy it if it were more expensive. To change it to fuel injection and a lighter frame would incur a greater price tag.
KTM SMC690, KTM SMC-R690, Husqvarna 701SM, KTM SM640 LC4 are all pretty reliable. Even the KTM EXC/Husqvarna FE are really reliable as well. Yes you need to change oil every 15 hours, but the valve clearance? Just check it every 50-75 hours and you' ll be fine.
The problems with the DRZ; too heavy, not enough power, lack of a fifth gear, not a manual cam tensioner, not a proper front brake, headlight weighing about 5kg, forgot to use locktite for stator and a lot of engine problems overall. I've seen more DRZ's blow up than KTM's/Husqvarna's, and experienced it myself too. So best choice? Not a DRZ.
All those bikes are to heavy though and they all use the same engine. Ktm should make a 390sm 44hp.
This guy
You sound slightly full of it. There are documented and well known issues with the 640 and 690/701 motors.
Also, the DRZ has a fifth gear and every bike has an automatic chain tensioner. It has a perfectly fine front brake?
You sound like you wish your KTM would be a little cheaper to own.
@@ih8momjokes1 and run better from the factory!
Just had a 04 Drz Foh-hunnit out dirt biking in the Southern California desert. Hit everything from hill climbs to technical rocky single track to open desert 5th gear stuff and had a blast. It sat for a year before I took it out this weekend. All I had to do was pull that carb and clean it out and she ran ok with a little adjustment. All in all a decent bike, kept up with my buddies on real dirt bikes (yz250f and a Honda 450r), doesn’t do decent in whoops tho. Not good stock suspension for that. Bottoms out pretty easy, and hard to negotiate with in the slower stuff because of the weight. It also feels like the front end sits high up, but doesn’t seem to be a big deal when riding, just when putting a foot down (I’m ~5’10”)
I bought my DRZ400SMK5 new and have owned it coming up 15 years now.
It's the perfect bike !
Putting 2nd hand E Cams in only, is the best mod you can do for virtually no money.
It's only this year that I have fitted an FCR40, 434cc, E header, RMZ450 muffler, open airbox and 2 x E exhaust cams, (yes that IS correct !) 16:38 gears. The thing is an animal ! 👍
It must be close to 60hp, as I can out-drag an XR650R... and they have 61hp ???
Great bike. Finally added one to the family this year. My son & I Love it. I would not change anything about it. Except colours & graphics.
WR250R is NOT discontinued. Best bike in its class by far.
J Coats no supermoto 🙁 and you would be surprised how expensive it is to turn it into a supermoto
@@greylyons816 oh I have no doubt it would be very expensive
Nice Vid.. I had all 3 brands including a DRZ 400sm. You describing a husky 501 and a ktm 500 as your wish list. It is all the items I wished when I had my first supermoto/DRZ.
I have a 2007 DRZ 400 S (with suggested mods) Love it! Build a 6 speed, EFI, Aluminum Frame! (keep the dry sump oil system). I will buy it!
LOVE my DRZ. I change oil every 800-1K miles. 16k miles on the bike, valves still in spec. Another popular mod (If you don't want to shell out the cash for a FCR39 carb) is the CVK40 carb from a klr650. I bought the carb and rebuilt/jetted it for around $150.
My 2005 has over 26k miles, oil every 2.5k, never checked valves, new stator 2 years ago. Maintenance free machine!
Really sick of ktm having the reputation of being "unreliable" I honestly dont know where this came from, the old RFS engines are gone as of 2008 all the valvetrain issues have been gone for almost 10 years now. I have owned 3 ktm's and haven't looked back ever since.
+Relinquish8t it's not that they are unreliable as much as they have shorter and more expensive maintenance intervals.
HEROrr that I can agree with, to me it's worth every penny tho.
Yeah dont know where they get all that nonsense at...
@Bunnyshooter 223 good to know ,,, thanks
you're right with the 5speed, you're right with the frame I own one since 2014 and god I wish for the exact same bike with fuel injection, 6 speed and aluminum frame
The DRZ400E came with electric START.
Early models had kick starter?
My SMR-511 is all I can ask for. Great bike, I would recommend it if you have the money.
You can usually get then for about $7000 AUD (roughly $5500 USD).
Fuel injection, aluminum frame (120kg wet, stock), 6 speed and plenty of torque. With the air filter, straight pipes, ecu flash and fuel management I have 51hp at the back wheel.
Honda made it, the CRF450L
CRF can't beat Suzuki, maintenance and reliabity.
CRF450L service intervals: 600 miles for oil changes and 1,800 miles for a valve check
450x, the new drz for the next 20 years maybe
This popped up in my feed probably because my phone heard me say the words drz this week. But I already have one, I love it, and I hope you got one in the last 2 years. Most fun I've had with my pants on.
Could be because your google and TH-cam are linked
interesting point's. but also you're right, wheelie monster :D
We can always dream of an aluminum, efi, 6 speed drz😍
Keep it the same, drop the price a grand, im sold.
best comment
Love the DRZ400 and agree with all you said. KLR650 and BMW1200GSA rider. But want a lightweight woods, adventure bike Its my next bike. Maybe we will get a surprise in 2021.... with your wishes which are my wishes. Great review.
KTM 390 SMC or Husqvarna 401 Supermoto based on duke 390 motor would also be ok :-)
why would you go for a 401 when you can have a 501 ? :D
Cheaper, less weight, less fuel consumption, better economy
bmp72 Yes i think it would sell like casy
I have a 1980 Dr400 awesome bike love it onlypaid 175.00 put about 300 into it runs like a top
I was thinking about getting the drz or "drowzee" as I like to call it, when I have the money and age to get an a2 bike.
Great video! I just got my first bike n is a 2014 suzuki drz400 n i love it
100% agree with everything you mentioned. I feel like the market for supermotos is here so I don't understand why they wont just start producing a bike we all actually want. I know If they started selling a bike with fuel injection, aluminum frame, and more up to date technology I would definitely buy one.
Price would double. Leave us alone. Go buy a ktm fool
Wr250 sucks, girl bike
I bought mine. 3200$$ 1000$ into it . Cherry perfect reliable. Carb is the way better. Efi is not a hp gain. Frame is same weight in aluminum or steel.
i thought the 5 speed would bother me but its fine, you don't really use it on the highway, you only go there to get to the twisties. its still plenty light, especially if you get rid of the heavy pipe, tool case and slap some smaller mirrors on (really more of an aero mod). EFI would be nice, since it would allow for the bigger throttle as well.
Ktm still uses steel frames and they produce the lightest dirtbiker on the market...
jonnyontwowheels yes, as ktm has perfected their designs on bikes so an old 90’s ktm 300 is still going to as light as an 2018 model as ktm always kept shedding weight and keeping them reliable in the sand dunes of south australia as the only other bikes to get through the dunes without screaming their heads off in pain are the old clapped out 2 strokes
I got an 08 SM model a few months back for $2400. Needed a little carb work, but a steal none the less.
I love my DRZ 400 sm ( stunted out an fully modded now 470 )
dirk bowman what hp do you have on your bike?
dirk bowman got some info on the cams
I agree with this whole video. Personally I'm a Yamaha person I like the 250R but I need to occasionally get on the highway. CA is knuckling down against two strokes. So I almost turned to Kawasaki in the 300 class, but held out. Biggest reason, the engine is to fragile. Everyone around that I know has their ride constantly in the shop. I can see once in awhile, but regular service should be on the daily rider not the service counter. So I guess I'm going to wait to see the next big thing and hopefully they give us what we need, not what pads their wallets
"Extra tech never hurts" George Orwell never said. Fk tech
Owning a 2008 DRZ400 i agree with all these comments, would love a 6th gear. but still insane fun, cannot recommend enough.
Hello, ever heard of the 2019 CRF450L Honda's answering the call.
Yes, and pricing in Australia means you can buy a CBR600 for less. $15990, plus onroads from the dealership. The CRF makes a KTM look like a midrange priced bike. I could buy a new Ducati for less!!!!!
The price of the CRF450L is a joke. Its a KTM wearing a pretty red dress.
yea... turned out to be a pretty bad bike
It doesnt come as a supermoto though
CRF450L service intervals: 600 miles for oil changes and 1,800 miles for a valve check
I'm right there with you. I want one bad but I keep waiting for an updated version to come out.
Just buy the KTM. Its pretty darn reliable. Occasionally they destroy rocker arms but they're not expensive or hard to replace. Maintenance intervals the same as the DRZ.
Jakalwarrior same maintenance as the DRZ, really? You're smoking crack.
Conker for some reason i thought the DRZ had 6k valve checks. Anyhow, the DRZ goes a lil more than twice as long as the KTM between valve checks. Meanwhile the KTM goes about twice as long on oil. Technically valve checks are dirt cheap and good oil is expensive... :P , but valve checks are more of a PITB.
ktm are a high compression bikes , lol how can it be same as drz
Jakalwarrior You know sometimes is best to keep your mouth shut if you dont know what you're talking about. The KTM oil change interval is in hours. The DRZ is 3500 miles between oil changes. If you don't know what you're talking about at least do some research first. Other wise you look like a dumbass.
We have the drz400 replacement
2019 + Honda crf450x (wish it was lighter, can't wait to see longevity #s)
OH My!!!!
older 690s and 701s make great SMs too
This time of year, DRZ400Es are selling for $2k in my neck of the woods(SLC, UT)
I have driven a DRZ and I own a 690 SMC-R (2016) and I can tell the DRZ is _nothing_ compared to the 690. We once had a race with my 690, which was restricted to 30 kilowatts (otherwise it was stock), against a DRZ that had a 480 kit and double carbon fiber yoshimura exhaust system (2:36 that's same system), and long story short the DRZ lost. I was really amazed of the result, but I can't deny the facts. Also if you're thinking that it was all the drz riders fault, I can tell it was not. We changed bikes couple of times and results were still the same, the drz came in second every time no matter how brilliant the rider was.
And about the reliability, there's over 12 000 kilometers in the clock of my 690, and the only big maintenance that has needed to be done to the bike has been the 10 000 kilometers service. So it actually is *_a super reliable_* supermoto and still a really fun bike :)
ps. Please don't be a dick and delete my comment just because this proves you're wrong, it took me some time to write this and I want people to know the truth.
but you have to say the drz got 39 hp and a open smcr 69 hp so a drag race is completly bullshit you have to go around some corners then the drz is probaly going to win
you seriously think the drz is going to out corner the 690??? That is entirely up to rider skill level, but with equal riders no the drz will continue to lose. it doesnt have near the power or torque the ktm does to come out of the corners swinging.
the 690 weighs no more than the DRZ, so...no.
Len polistina Well it kinda does, at least for me, and I'm talking about the acceleration, not the top speed. I would take that unreliable shitty KTM 500 any day, If I had to pick between a Yamaha WR125 and KTM 500 EXC, I would loose my f****ng mind if I had to go back to a 125 4-stroke. 0-100 km/h > 15-18 seconds :DDD That's just pure cancer.
(Don't get me wrong I don't have anything against 125 riders!! I have owned one, but I would never want a new one)
HMMMMM 690ccs vs 480ccs no chance
I bought a dual sport DRZ400S new in 2002. (I’ve been dual sport riding since 1974.) I rode it first in the Mojave Desert where I was stationed. When I PCS’d to D.C. I sold it with 5,000 miles on it from commuting and desert riding-where it easily kept up and could pass a Honda XR650R-not the L but an R. I’m not big 5’10” and 150lbs. When I arrived at my next duty station after my PCS I went through withdrawals and so I purchased another DRZ400S. In 10 months it was gone. So I replaced it with an SM. I had the dealer put the S model 18” rear and 21” front on the bike and the speedometer/odometer calibrated for the change in wheels. I have ridden my DRZ 400SM in the desert, Alaska and the Rockies. It is too heavy, cumbersome and outdated.
The best dual sport Suzuki ever made, in my opinion, was only made for three years if I recall correctly. The stupidest mistake of my motorcycle riding life was to sell that bike. It was a Dual Sport 1990 DR350S. It was a kick start with a compression release and I could kick start it seated. It was a dry sump engine. No radiator or oil cooler needed. It had a Clark or IMS (I don’t recall which) 3.5 gallon tank. Stock it was 262 lbs with a 6 speed tranny. Currently, I own far too many bikes, all of them dual sport and all are attempts at getting as close as I can to that DR350S.
I would take my WR250R any day over my DRZ400-I’m currently selling the DRZ. With a new chip, exhaust and a few other mods my WR250R makes around ~35HP at the back tire (approximately what the DRZ 400 makes stock) but it feels so much lighter and more nimble in single track. In the Rockies, single track often involves a lot of large loose rocks which make nimbleness and light weight a must-especially for an older rider. My WR250R starts easier and has no issues up to 10-11,000 ft-I haven’t ridden it higher to know how it would do. I should mention I often ride two up.
The DRZ’s problems are: 1.Too heavy it needs an aluminum twin spar frame. 2. It needs fuel injection. 3. Six gears are an absolute must for a dual sport. (My old 1990 350 would simply kill any modern dual sport variant of the DRZ 400 off road.) 4. Use higher end components in the exhaust and anywhere else to lose weight! 50lbs fueled at a minimum! Or design the bike so owners who can afford to can gradually pay for it to lose weight-make it so fueled it weighed no more than 260-270lbs depending on the modifications . 5. Another 50cc with a price ~$2,000-3,000.00+ lower than Honda’s CRF450L would spark competition, breath life back into the Dual Sport Market and give owners the peace of mind about having a Japanese quality built bike. In doing this if Suzuki could offer a bike for 49 states (and a pig version for CA) it could be lighter for the majority of riders with longer maintenance intervals than KTM or even the CRF450L and bring the price back down from space-if Suzuki did these things I don’t think they could make enough of them. This is where I think Honda goofed on their CRF450L. Why should the rest of us pay for the ridiculousness of CA restrictions? Really are you going to spout how small engine motorcycle’s are responsible for global warming? Get real!! Honda and all other motorcycle manufacturers!! Make 49 state bikes to keep weight down, sales up and offer a pig kit for those crazy enough to choose existence in ca!!!!! For now I am deciding on which of my bikes will I keep and which will sell. For me the DRZ400S is a has been. With modifications my WR250R vastly outperforms it off road as does my CRF450L. What I’m really keen to see is if my 2018 Husqvarna FE350 will hold up. I started riding KTM ‘s in the 1990’s and people would ask what model of Kawasaki a KTM was!!? However, quality and durability wasn’t up to Japanese standards back then. I decided to take a chance on my Husqvarna FE 350 due to a lot of riders and mechanics stating the quality gap between the Japanese and KTM/HUSKY is now all but gone although the maintenance intervals are a bit more than I like. At 242lbs dry with a 6 speed it is a very awesome single track off road bike. It should have an aluminum frame but my old DR350 didn’t either. However, the Husky’s WP race suspension is like the Showa on my CRF450L-a racing suspension which is easily adjusted. This allows the Dual Sport to be far more competent off road. The WR’S suspension is obviously not in the same league but it is fully adjustable and unless you’re going race and jump it is adequate.
If Honda was selling the CRF450L for around $8,000.00 I don’t think the DRZ would have a choice but to modernize or face extinction. Before I end, I’ve owned a KTM EXC 500. I don’t know where people get their HP numbers but my CRF450L BEFORE it began to lose weight felt VERY CLOSE in power but MUCH smoother on the road. My Husqvarna 350 said it made 46 HP on it’s certificate (the one the dealer gives when you purchase the bike and you exchange it at the DMV for your title) from Husqvarna. The same manufacturer’s certificate from Honda said my CRF450L makes 42 HP. I can tell you the Honda has far more power stock than the stock Husqvarna. Me thinks KTM/HUSQVARNA DOETH CLAIM TOO MUCH! Whilst Honda is overly modest on their HP claimed, overly engineered and overly priced. Now I’ll end my overly long post-which is what Suzuki should do with production of the DRZ400S/SM unless they are going to radically modernize it.
COL. G. Yeah I’ve got a 1990 dr 350 ,good bike but crap suspension mate
not ONCE did you bring up EPA regulations which is the number one reason why they have not updated theses ROAD LEGAL bikes, or why any manufacturer AT ALL has came out with a fast, light weight 450 supermoto. Its not the manufactures fault, its the US government, I hate the DRZ for the same reasons you do, but I still own one, and its also why I bought a 2017 RMX450Z, which is a aluminum frame, EFI 450, that in my state, can make street legal whit ease
Husky makes a 450 supermoto my dude
Why does this law apply to only supermoto/dualsport? Seems like street bikes should be held to the same standard.
Within the last month here there has been 6 DRZ 400's. All under $3500, a few under $2700 OBO. I want one as well, will get one as well. I've owned and ridden bikes for 56 years so old technology is my friend.
Why is the SMCR and the Husky unreliable in Europe almost everyone rides it without any problems they are expensive tho haha
Everyone rides them because they can afford the maintenance , not because of reliability
first vavle check on a 701/690 is at what 10000KM or 6000 miles? and useally they dont need to touch it that early thats just a check.
Lol I got my road legal 50hp stock Suzuki rmx250 2 stroke
not bad not bad
Crf450l with the same service intervals of the 250/300, even if it gained 10-15kg. I'd put 9k on the table without even test riding ingredients it assuming uts the crf250l with more power. A true do everything bike!
Great vid, respect from Japan where we didn't get the new 300's
People taking trash of the 690 never own one and never rode one.
I never knew what was an effortless wheelie until i rode one of these.
Harley boys can't understand how powerful that single cylinder is.
Not taking anything from the 400's but they are slow and unresponsive to me.
But most people dont want to do valve checks every 2 weeks or change the oil every 5 hours
With all that being sad, this was a well put together video and you hit a lot of great points. 6 gears and efi would be so much better. Cheers mate
Everyone who's actually driven both long term, seems to prefer the Yamaha WR250R.
Competition bikes have very short gaps between all service intervals, not just valve checks/adjustments.
Road bikes sacrifice some power and torque for reduced maintenance work. This usually keeps the purchase cost lower than competition bikes and definitely reduces maintenance cost and hassle.
i think the dr650 is better because more torque, heavier and if you put a big bore on it with around 800cc you have the biggest single cyclinder i know so far and so much power... why beeing heavier is a pro? because most people who buy a dr want to travel and on highway weight and engine capacity are what counts to ride with comfort
Boring out an engine reduces reliability, especially when it's a big bore like you suggested. Not sure why a person looking for touring needs would want to ever sacrifice reliability.
+HeroRR yeah i know but if you buy one from procycle for example it should work perfectly... so many people have done that
i actually bought 2 DRs and one of them im gonna build up with big bore and all the power parts as supermoto and if it works fine i will do a big bore on the other dr too which i use for traveling
HeroRR Dr 650 bigbore kit 800.It is the same bike like dr800 no problemo.Check Adventure oz he is beating dr all the time and show how to tune it best way.
i agree I got a dr650 Supermoto and sold my DRZ400 Supermoto and ask for a commuter and just pure fun the dr650 Supermoto is where it's at
I agree 100%. I'm a huge fan of this bike as well as the DR650, but I am dying for EFI and some freaking updated tech on these bikes. Great video man!
Suzuki are still stuck in the 80s
I looked at a DRZ and it looked so dated compared the KTM 690smr
Which is why it cost much less.
Ya try a gsxr1000 . Real bike
The gixxer is no good on hard core trails lol.
DRZ is damn near bullet proofs compared to the KTM. Much less expensive to maintain and repair.
REM44MAG
My KTM 690 hasn't cost me anything since I've had it apart from oil and filter, chain lube and degreaser.
I sold my 07 CRF450 to get my 05 DRZ400sm, yes the difference in power is disappointing but I absolutely love riding my drz, I ride it to work every day that I can. I DO NOT regret buying it, I would like to get another one for a spare I like it so much! But then I would have a hard time deciding which one to ride! I did a lot of searching for it also, but got it for $3k which was 200 more than I sold my CRF for. If you like the Idea of drifting around on a street legal dirt bike with sticky 17" wheels that starts every time, gets 50mpg around town, you have to get one!
U forgot about the wr450
elias S not sumo or street legal from the factory. He was talking about from the factory
elias S valve adjustment intervals are atrocious aren't they?
elias S opening the valve cover and mmeasuring your valves every season bothers you?
DRZ400Y is the kickstarter version with 48 HP and about 120 kg, DRZ400E is the same but with the Estarter .... The S is the Streetlegal Enduro Version and the SM is the Streetlegal Supermoto version both with 39 HP and about 140 kg. ^^
Perfect bike:
6 gear, Steel frame, Carburated, dual sport, with a kickstarter. DRZ400 is the perfect bike just missing the kickstarter and 6th gear
I mean a lighter frame would be nice tho😐
Totally agree! But I love my 2005 DR-Z 400 SM anyway... so much that I bought a DR-Z 400 E recently for better off-road performance.
Go get a 690 or 701, same weight as a DRZ and twice the engine power.
yeah if you got 10k sitting around
Don't forget the E base gasket which adds a full compression point & with all the mods like the FCR and pipe it will really wake it up. The steel frame is nice for keeping the vibrations down and the best in the biz for performance are still using steel with the 230lb fe501. We have one with 30 miles on it lets see how it holds up!
But I like how aluminum gets bent out of shape so easily. With steel I have a pesky frame that just lasts forever. Who wants that?
The vibration damping was a big part of me choosing a DRZ over a KTM, they shake like crazy, even when you tighten up the swingarm and engine mounts that loosened themselves up. The KTM 500, anyway.
And now we have the crf 450l
I'll take a 5 speed any day over a 6 speed which is one reason I'm still hanging on to my ZRX for 18 years now.
Have you even heard of the KTM 690?
KTM's are so expensive though, both to buy and maintain
1:43...
KTM 690 = Terrible on the road, electrics not as reliable as a Suzuki, and no where to put a rack or anything. Your pretty much stuck having to carry your things in your pocket. As I said in an earlier post, the DR650 is the way to go.
KTM 690 is still cheaper than the DRZ or same league in terms of price, maintaining stories are fuckin bs, that bike has completely fine maintenance intervals, my friend does one roughly every 5k miles just for the sake of it, if you want even more time, get a Husqvarna 701 SM, exact same bike as the KTM 690 but better maintenance and a bit tamer, better suited for comfy street rides. Maintaining isnt expensive either, if something major breaks, its gonna cost for every bike, for the KTM a set of front forks cos 6-700$ on the average but say something, like my dad's Yamaha XT 660, which is even tamer and less maintenance a single fork was 500$
[HUN]AntaresSQ01 U got my point👌