5 Reasons Why I Bought a Suzuki DRZ400S (and Not a Honda CRF450L)

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When it came time to upgrade from my Honda CRF250L, only two bikes were really in the running to be my next dual sport: the Honda CRF450L and the Suzuki DRZ400S. These two Japanese dual sport motorcycles couldn't be more different. One is a 20 year old marvel of late 90's technology and the other is a freshly-released, top of the line bike taking most of its design cues from modern dirt bikes.
I test rode both bikes and ultimately decided that in the battle of Honda CRF450L vs Suzuki DRZ400S, the winner, for me at least, was the DRZ 400. There are many reasons why I decided to buy a DRZ400S, but these five factors were the biggest for me.
The Honda CRF450L price is a huge reason to go with the DRZ400S instead. You can get a DRZ for way less money. The maintenance intervals on the Honda CRF450L are also a lot more frequent than on the old tried and true Suzuki DRZ400. Aftermarket and community support were also huge considerations, and the Honda wins in these categories as well. Finally, the DRZ is just really the bike that I personally need right now. It's exactly the right amount of power and capability without exceeding my ability, and the used dual sport motorcycle market here in the PNW is so crazy good I can always sell my DRZ later on and invest in a CRF 450L if I decide that I need an even bigger improvement.
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12 июн 2020

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Комментарии : 514

@TheRayford13 4 года назад

The fun thing about the DRZ is it just runs and there are so many mods. Inexpensive and fun, welcome to the club!

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

I'm looking forward to many miles on it.

@danielhuxley4357 2 года назад

i guess im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a way to get back into an instagram account? I was dumb lost my account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me

@davidlangston7489 6 месяцев назад

Yeah but a 6th gear though 😂😂 you're missing that ⚙️

@39MercFlathead 4 года назад

At 74 I just sold my 2008 DRZ. Bigger chainwheel, smaller counter sprocket, bigger carb, aftermarket exhaust, Dunlop 606s. Ran like a scalded cat. But when you're way past 50 you no longer bounce as well as you did earlier in life. The CRF 450 L is more modern, but not nearly the fun. You can hot rod a DRZ to your heart's content. And you can afford it. So the wife and I are 4 wheeling it on Outlanders today. We go just as fast, but less chances of broken bones.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Just keep riding whatever makes the most sense for you!

@jeffmunro7638 3 года назад

Thats awesome, dad rode on the street until he was 75.

@markcrum5895 2 года назад

I guess being more modern does not necessarily mean better. Higher performance..yes, but at the cost of much more intense maintenance. And it doesn't end there. For example having to rebuild the top half???? Really? More modern...yes, better??? Not sure about that.

@HillBilly1905 2 года назад

I bought my first my first duel sport in December. I rode motocross for a long time and sold everything when I had kids. The DRZ400S is perfect for me. I paid $3800 for a 7300 mile fully modified bike with one owner who used it to hunt with. Beautiful bike and got lucky a well taken care of bike.

@peterewski 3 года назад

I’ve ridden many many years both competitively and recreationally and I’m sure I’ll get an CRF but let me say I loved your video and it’s still a very informative piece when deciding on a bike for my grand kids. You made some really great points and I thank you because sometimes my riding abilities out perform my sense of reason.

@129NATE 4 года назад

I did a similar upgrade. Had a 2018 Yamaha xt250 and moved into a 2020 drz400. It’s an awesome all around bike and fits my riding so darn well. Good choice!

@GabrielAlmeidaSoares 3 года назад

Hey Dork :) Thanks a lot for your well-done, useful and upbeat videos. Love the landscape too. Greetings from Portugal

@DorkintheRoad 3 года назад

Thank you for watching!

@trevorjameson3213 4 года назад

I used to have a DRZ-400S. Great bike, never any problems. I ended up getting a street bike for street use and sold the DRZ, and replaced it with an XR400 for my dirt bike. But for an off-road oriented dual sport, you made a smart choice, they are excellent bikes.

@joshhilton3914 2 года назад

Love these videos I recently picked up a 01 drz400s so now I have a 11 klr650 and an 01drz400 just got in to dual sport riding in September found your channel really enjoy the videos keep it up !!!

@alexandersmith8241 4 года назад

I wish I had your self control & logic, I went for a new visor last year and came home with another bike. Its been traded as I type for a new crf rally so I'm 10yrs old again waiting for christmas. Start of a new bike chapter. Keep the vids coming.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Well if I had self-control I wouldn't be buying new bikes at all ;)

@RB-ow6wc 3 года назад

Hi Dork, I just got a DRZ400, your videos helped me choose, thanks! Very happy with my DRZ400!!

@freakingdesign2048 3 года назад

So happy for you. I am on my second DRZ. My first one had 70,000 on it when I sold it. With lots of modifications on it.

@mikeandrews1899 2 года назад

I got 10k mi on my DRZ and my KTM ride buddy said.... Rebuild soon 😂🤣

@scottwilson1887 4 года назад

Your going to enjoy that bike. Not only is it easy to ride, it’s great for learning to make modifications. Like you mentioned, community support is huge. Keep up the good work.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Yeah I'm always amazed at how easily you can find a solution or advice to even the weirdest questions about the DRZ. There are no problems that someone else hasn't already had in the past.

@ross7166 4 года назад

Great video. I bought a 2002 DRZ on a whim 3 years ago it was a little beat up but 1500 bucks here in the Pacific Northwest seemed like a pretty good deal. I Got involved with the online community, read a lot of forums, watched a lot of videos, fixed the broken parts, did all the mods, most of them pretty cheap and easy. I have absolutely loved every minute I’ve spent riding and modding my DRZ. The Dork Made a great point (a few hundred dollars is not a lot of money to rent a DRZ for a year) You could easily spend that much just going to the movies and not have nearly as much fun. My skills improved enough that I am getting into more enduro style riding, so I am in the market for a much lighter off road bike but I don’t think I will ever sell that beautiful DRZ, I just get on it ride 20 minutes and I’m on the trails, no loading unloading finding a place to park it’s just easy, super reliable and a blast. ✌️Ride on Thumper Nation

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

It's a fantastic machine.

@floppygdog 4 года назад

I’m excited after watching this video to get back on 2 wheels. Thanks for the DRZ review. Will add it to my test ride list. Request: Video on ways you guys transport your bike and where to ride

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

I've been meaning to make that transport video for a while now. I'll try to get it done soon

@davidforbes389 4 года назад

All valid points! The DRZ is the “no way to lose” option. It’s tried and true and never disappoints. That being said, I personally went with the CRF450L and, so far anyway, I LOVE it. The dealer in my area was down to $7990 and I figured for that price, it was well worth it because it is a platform that can grow as my skills do. But like you said, you can always upgrade down the road. Love watching your vids dude. Keep us updated on your adventures!

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Dang that's a nice price, for sure. Congrats.

@exrhodie1234 4 года назад

Totally agree with you! I"m on my 2nd DRZ. First was a 2005 and now a 2018 DRZ400s farkled out with everything I need. Great all-round bike with not too many limitations. Luggage for camping trips is still a challenge and I don't like hard bags. Plan to do the Magruder Corridor trip this year, starting out of Boise ID.

@kurthedgecock6313 4 года назад

Great video. You gave good reasons. I am going to get a drz myself

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

You're gonna love it!

@slakk5093 4 года назад

I bought a drz as my first off-road bike, and its a solid performer. I really enjoy riding it

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Good choice!

@dionmcintee7397 4 года назад

Agree with you 100% Dorky. I went from a TTR250 to a WR450F. It's a great bike but it's just not for me. I'll eventually change it for another dual sport because that will suit ME better. Happy riding from Australia!

@gustwowheeling7337 4 года назад

You brought up some good points, great dual sport. Good stuff Dork.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thank you!

@royjmcc7 4 года назад

Great bike ,carbureted and easy to work on with a light maintenance schedule. Love mine!

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Couldn't agree more!

@melling2005 2 года назад

Hi. I’ve had a Drz for five years along side KTM 400exc and WR450f. I also have a dr650se (heavily modified ). Both suzy’s are the best bikes ever built! Been in the Pyrenees fully loaded and France and Wales. Pure bike. Very forgiving and rewarding. They have a soul where modern bikes don’t. John in Cornwall 😉

@fsalda1942 3 года назад

The CRF450L seems like such an awesome bike but I definitely couldn't justify it's cost. I bought a 2011 DRZ400S about 2 years ago with 271 miles on it and paid $3500. I've been really happy with it and never needed more power for the riding I do.

@johnbozek676 Год назад

Not to mention the unfortunate fact that most people who buy the 450 (surely not 100% of folks) feel that a $700-$900 ECU upgrade is required to take the edge off of its throttle. This is a well recognized complaint that I'm watching a family member work through now. THAT is the most unfortunate aspect of investing 10k on the 450 - though still, undoubtedly, a great bike.

@aaronl4036 4 года назад

A well tuned pumper carb will be a good mod when you get bored with it. I have owned the S and E models and the pumper makes a nice difference. I currently ride an 07 KLX 250 with a 351 big bore kit and a pumper carb. I settled on this over the DRZ because of the 6spd gearbox, lighter weight, and better offroad handling. It is worse on road than a DRZ but way better offroad. Glad to see someone else doing the dual sport vlogs DRZ's are great bikes. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

@Racc1-1 4 года назад

Here’s me “lighting you up in the comments”; you made the right choice! Coming from quads, I had ridden a dirt bike maybe 10 times in my life, and never anything over 250cc. The DRZ is absolutely the best of the best, but not because of the usual reasons. I bought a DRZ because it’s so tried and true. You really don’t need anymore power for that weight on a bike, it’s just good enough for highway speeds, and just torquey enough for the trails. Ideal in my opinion.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

I agree!

@TheEc1ypse 2 года назад

But its carborated, front heavy, and the gear ratio isn't the best

@danielbridgewater3444 4 года назад

Seeing wild cougars is awesome... as long as your not on the menu. I too have decided on the DRZ for pretty much the same reasons you did.

@marcoluoma3770 3 года назад

What a great review. I love the "best bike for me" tone. When the big motorcycle media outlets (I'm looking at you, Cycle World) put out their annual "10 best bikes" list, I always scoff because "best for what?" They don't, as you do, think about cost of purchase, cost of ownership, reliability, dealer network, owner communities, etc. I'm so glad Amanda Z recommended your channel. Please keep up the good work.

@free-range-humanproject7212 4 года назад

I bought my DRZ about 8 months ago. When i bought it it had just over a thousand miles. While riding today the odometer hit 10k miles. I hope to put many, many more miles on it.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Very impressive!

@gregorbabic7664 4 года назад

Dork, brilliant small step/trade approach! Kind of wish I did it a bit. I started dirtbiking on a KTM200EXC. Yes I rode street bikes until kids some 8 years prior; and my mountainbiking skills help. But that was a scary amount of power and capability for a fresh single track trail rider. 15 min in and just a small bump in the trail whiskey throttled me into a tree. I got a G2 throttle tamer and set the power valve on lowest setting before my next ride! I survived it and it catapulted my skills quickly because it was “Do or Die”. Your approach is much healthier. I will say though, I went with a WR250R over the 400 and have no regrets. It’s awesome being back on the street as well now. This will be my 4th year with the KTM. And my first year back on the street. So missed it. Enjoy your journey with this new dance partner!

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

WR is a great bike. No doubt about it. My buddy loves his.

@13apostate 4 года назад

You made the right choice. So refreshing to hear honest, rational reasoning! You're one of precious few.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

I will take that as a massive compliment.

@606curvekillas7 3 года назад

This is my dream bike one day I’ll be able to own one great video by the way love your drZ brother

@DEZRTFOX68 Год назад

I just found your channel. I was looking for reviews for the Icon Body Armor and it just popped up. I enjoyed your review, So I decided to go all the way back to your first vid and I have made my way to this vid. I just bought a 2023 KTM 500EXC-F. What an AMAZING bike. The power is very linear and very manageable. It definitely is the End All Be All of the Dual Sport bikes. Keep up the good work. Oh by the way, I did buy the Icon Body Armor.

@clifffawcett 4 года назад

Excellent rationale. Good choice. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and adventures!

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@daddister7471 3 года назад

The CRF250L was my first dirt bike and served as my daily commuter in San Francisco. I quickly realized it was waaaay too heavy for the technical riding I was getting into. I replaced it with the CRF230L and it was a fantastic small, light dual sport capable of handling some pretty gnarly terrain. The only downside was the suspension and short swingarm that made tire choices limited. I found a plated CRF230F last year and have been building that up to be my dream dual sport. Definitely down on power compared to a DRZ, but if you start doing more technical dual sporting or want a bike that's more flickable, I highly recommend tracking down a plated CRF230F. Not sure if it's easy to plate one where you live.

@kevinsterner9490 4 года назад

Ok I’m hooked, we think alike. I got back into bikes 6 years ago. The progression is as follows. 2015 Honda 250 L, 2011 Husqvarna 449, 2013 KLR, 2015 BMW F 800 GS, Yamaha Super Tenere to go along with the GS, And finally my 2017 Africa Twin. Which is the first bike that didn’t have me looking for my next bike. Now that being said I’m 63 years old and my riding buddies are getting smaller bikes to do more off road if. A DRZ is on my list,but I am thinking the 650. Just for the better highway aspect. Keep the content coming

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thank you for watching!

@kyjelly5524 4 года назад

I bought one for the same reasons. Mainly maintenance. Great bike so far.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Good choice!

@harryandrou1967 6 месяцев назад

I was just thinking to buy a DRZ here in Australia, to replace my Africa Twin, because it's too much of a bike for me off road, and you come up with this video!!! Perfect timing 😂

@shawnperry5991 Месяц назад

I just bought a DR-Z 400S, used and with farkles. After much research and after watching your video about best dual-sports for beginners, I realized that there was a pool of appropriate motorcycles from which I could choose. I just bought the first of those that I could. Thanks for your work! I'll be using your affiliate links.

@superspeedway2634 4 года назад

Hey Dork go video good content. Im getting ready to get back into dirt riding again and the DRZ was on my check list. I wish i could afford the 450l but it would be way more better bike than i am a rider. Thanks for the video.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Definitely ride one if you can. I think you'll dig it.

@masjut1 2 года назад

Love your perspective on this. Helpful to me. I subscribed to your channel 🙏

@JacePenderwick67 Год назад

Great video, and what a fantastic place to ride!!

@Jmaninaz1 4 года назад

Well reasoned and thought out--you hit the nail right on the head, i.e., you got the bike that was right for you. For other people, they'll make a different choice, whether a crf450l or something else, and they will have made the right choice . . . for them. Well done--love your content and look forward to hearing how you get on with the DRZ400.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thank you. Every time I get on this thing I'm more confident I made the right choice. It's a blast so far.

@650thumper 3 года назад

You are selling me on this bike! I have a 650GS but am looking for something more trail-worthy. A lot of my riding buddies with adventure bikes went with 250s for their second bikes. You are making me seriously consider the DR-Z. I'm also an intermediate rider.

@kirkmulhearn7931 3 года назад

DORK: Really good advice;, thank you!

@DorkintheRoad 3 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@woodsbikes6130 3 года назад

I think those all are good reasons for getting the DRZ. You can always upgrade to a bigger bike or make whatever mods you want but for now, it seems you're happy with your decision. As many folks may feel, both the DRZ 400 and the DR 650 are very capable machines; as well as wonderfully easy to find parts and accessories for. Anyway, another good video and thank you for sharing your insight. Ride safe but have fun. (I know that's a contradiction in terms.). 😁🤣😂🤣😁😎😁 Stay safe everyone. 😁😎

@fredthebarber 4 года назад

Good choice, man! I love mine, look forward to every ride. I don’t have a truck, so I ride mine on highways for 45 minutes to an hour plus to get to off-road riding. The Seat Concepts seat makes that much, much more pleasant. I would say that the most important and first mod to make is getting the engine case savers from Thumper Talk, because otherwise you could be one tip over away from a huge hole in the engine. I bet you’re on top of that though. Have fun, and thanks for showing a DRZ out in the semi-wild!

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Case savers and Seat Concepts seat already installed!

@eastbaymauiboy 4 года назад

Everything you said made sense. Save dough, move up on power, bullet proof, ass-ton of parts and knowledge available. I had one and I liked it a lot. It was an easy jump on and go mount, rode and handled well and had decent power. Only thing I didn't love was the lack of one more gear, that I kept looking for. It really didn't love highway speeds. I Upgraded after a few months. Didn't take too long before I was a lil over that part. I do miss it tho, so I don't think you'll ever see it as a mistake, they're obviously good bikes

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thank you . Everyone who's owned one seems to love it.

@charlesboetel1324 4 года назад

Have one I bought in 2004 still runs the same as new, I wish I did 16 years older!

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Awesome!

@tj-just-riding4663 4 года назад

Welcome to the DRZ 400 club. A good choice as your duel sport bike. In my opinion it is the only true duel sport at around 400cc, you can ride for miles on the tar to get the dirt roads and not worry about a service due. Also there are many after market mods and accessories available for the DRZ 400. We all wish Suzuki would bring out out a DRZ400 with fuel injection and a 6 speed gear box, it would then be the perfect duel sport.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Agreed. DRZ with FI and 6th gear would be a day 1 purchase for me.

@kennethcooley3445 3 года назад

"Your bike choice is not forever". LOL I keep telling my wife that. I'm on bike number 57 and the 57th is a GasGas Trials bike. LOL

@fitkids.channel 2 года назад

Nice! I’ve been shopping the 450l and just happened across a new drz for sale for 1/2 the proce and been on the research journey ever since. DRZ 400 is in my near future!!

@walterconn5637 4 года назад

Thanks for doing these videos 👍

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thank you for watching them.

@codiny 4 года назад

I want a DRZ so bad, now. Great video!

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

They're pretty damn awesome.

@garrydhintz8017 4 года назад

Find a cheap used one that's not too beat up. I did and I love how it pulls hills like nothing and goes through the tough stuff. Aaannd travis pastrana raced one in supermoto and the baja 1000.

@delldavis9803 4 года назад

I’ve been riding dual sports since 1970 my first was a DT Yamaha 250I’ve had several Honda XL‘s over the years I’ve had two Suzuki 400s . The first 400 was a 02 with the high and low compression on the shock owned it for eight years. I sold it and bought a Honda 650 L I dropped it once and couldn’t get it back up I have a bad back in my late 60s it was just too heavy. So I went out and bought another DR 400 because I could still pick that one up and like you said the reliability you can’t go wrong with a DR 400. So enjoy your DR 400 I know I sure did a fun bike.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thank you. I plan to!

@fortheloveofknobs 4 года назад

DRZs are awesome! We're big fans over here!

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

I'm rapidly becoming a big fan myself.

@ashermil 2 года назад

Great point about the depreciation/used market!

@MaddoxLyrics 3 года назад

I think you hit the nail on the head, im getting a DRZ as my first bike because its reliable, oil change and it runs, price, curb apeal, and im new, so i know the 400 will be plenty for me, and what the hell are you expecting out of a supermoto? A Damn adventure bike! A do it all bike, you dont need a WR or a CRF450 to rip the streets, pop wheelies and have the most fun, i think doing valve adjustments at 600 miles isnt fun, so i want something thats going to take my unexperienced ass 8 years into the future and smile the whole way down without having to worry about how im going to fix this or adjust that, You explained it perfectly man, it really erks me when someone says DRZs suck, because they clearly have a place and fit the bill as a medium Supermoto that dabbles in all areas

@kennethcooley3445 3 года назад

Great video man. Keep up the work.

@DorkintheRoad 3 года назад

Thank you

@MatthewBrigham-1 3 года назад

I'm a newbie rider, but hoping the CRF300L comes to the states. If not, I'll be going with the DRZ. Thanks for the content hombre!

@lizbarber3473 4 года назад

Great video and decision process , new subscriber here 👍🏻👍🏻 cheers Dave

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thanks for watching and subscribing!

@motoman7445 4 года назад

Smart man. I have a new drz coming and I'm a Honda man. The drz is what IM looking for because of price and maintenance intervals. Plenty of power for me and time tested. Great choice. Great video. New subscriber.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

You have excellent taste in bikes and in RU-vid channels 😁

@boomdawg56 3 года назад

My brother in law bought a YZ250, we went on a trail ride and he had the YZ, I was riding my son's DR200. For me, at 240 pounds, was way underpowered. But it was a pretty mild trail and it was working okay as long as I stayed away the long hills. About half way through the ride, my brother in law asked if I would like to trade for the return half of the ride. I traded him bikes and proceeded to have the YZ try to buck me off all the way back to the trail head. It was pretty much either stopped or wide open, there was no mellow torque band for trail riding, frequent accidental wheelies were the norm. Bouncing over a small deadfall turned into a full blown wheelie and getting airborne as the rear wheel would bounce over the tree. In the end, he was stuck with a $7000 motorcycle that would be great for racing but sucks as a trail machine. He let a salesman talk him into a race bike instead of a trail bike. I rode the DRZ400 and the DR650, they were too tall for me. I would up buying a Honda XR650, plenty of power but very mellow.

@christopherhamm1574 4 года назад

Bought a CRF250L last year and really enjoyed it. Traded it in on a CRF450L this year and love it! Different strokes for different folks. Glad you found the DRZ.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

450L is a fantastic bike. I bet you're loving it.

@christopherhamm1574 4 года назад

Dork in the Road Thanks I do love it. But kinda miss the 250L in many respects. The 250 is just a fun and relaxing machine. Ride safe!

@christopherhamm1574 4 года назад

Dork in the Road Im looking forward to your next videos.

@johnhenson8244 4 года назад

I did the same after an xr400, xr650R, then the crf 250. Did one ride off road with it and flicked it immediately. Then came the 450l it is a sweet bike (other than the tweekyness until the vortex and pipe).

@bobz1736 4 года назад

Great vid. How about a walk around vid with mods done and planned. 😁

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Lots of mod videos on the way, and I'll do a full walkaround vid when they're mostly done.

@trevr1969 4 года назад

Based on what I just heard... you made the right decision Dork. 😊

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thank you. I feel good about it.

@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ 4 года назад

Dork in the Road Yeah... I’ve been wanting a DRZ and either a GSXS or a CB650.... I haven’t ridden in almost 20 years, it’s time I get back on the dragon.....

@Reapwhatsown 3 года назад

Great reviews. Subscribed!

@DorkintheRoad 3 года назад

Welcome to the community!

@CitizenCycle925 4 года назад

great video, kudos to you for buying the bike you are most comfortable on.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thank you!

@muzzmatrix 3 года назад

Great review. Thank you.

@evracer 4 года назад

I have a pair of DRZ'S.......they do above average.....exceptionally. They aren't the best....but they are darn good.....and have been for a long time. Mine are both Y2K models that I built from parts and have them fully customized for less than a new DRZ....let alone a 450l. You made a great point that unless your riding exceeds the capability of the bike....you don't need more bike. I bought one of mine for $800 and while I certainly put some money in it......I can dirt nap it and not even shed a tear. Just did exactly that last week....knock the dirt out of the pegs and keep on riding! I'm not left with "Oh no! I scratched it!"

@acuraintegrar5 2 года назад

Theres not many other options in that category. The old XR’s were nice and the KLX300r ( older version) were great bikes but now you either have a super beginner bike with no suspension and a timid motor or a race bike with a headlight. Im glad the DRZ is still around . Now that i outgrew my XR250r im currently waiting for my brand new DRZ to be picked up from the dealer. Best inbetween bike in my opinion, great all around! The new klx300r peaked my interest but with no head or tail light and little aftermarket support i ended up with the DRZ…. Now if the old klx300 was still around it might be a different story haha. Keep up the great vids and thanks for all the help making my decision easier on getting a DRZ 🍻

@Scoottoots 3 года назад

Cool. Great choice. I'm looking in that direction myself, having sold my CRF250L (Clyde) this year. Years of pleasure with that bike, but, time for a change. Either the DRZ400S or maybe even the DRZ400SM. Nice trails. Of course all that lush green means lots of rain eh?

@DorkintheRoad 3 года назад

Yeah it pretty much rains 9 months out of the year.

@SuninSanDiego 4 года назад

The CRF450L is rated by Honda to have a max payload of 220lbs, that rider + gear, it's listed right in it's owners manual. It's a sub 200lb person with nothing but riding gear on bike for either day trips or track riding. The DRZ has a GVWR of 750lbs, that's bike + rider + gear, which leaves like 400lbs for rider + gear. The KTM 500 even has similar GVWR and weight limits to the DRZ. I weigh more than the listed weight capacity of the 450L, I think Honda is fat shaming (/sarc).

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Damn I had no idea it could carry that much. Awesome.

@TheVikingquest 3 года назад

Interesting. U have any recommendations for weekend camping trips - only gravel roads. How often do u need service if running it like a commuter with the occasional light trail/gravel trips?

@rickshawphilippines 4 года назад

The DRZ is a perfect example of "if it ain't broke, dont fix it"

@mtnmotoadv 4 года назад

dr350se has one big advantage though; 6th gear

@TheLoiteringKid 4 года назад

The 250, the 350, 350s and the 350se all had 6 speeds. There is also a mythical combo of 250 and 350 gears from specific years that gives you a better 1-3 woods and 4-6 highway gearing spread if you can find em. l have a 91 DR350s, I hope to keep it running for many more years, maybe one day I will acutely rebuild the mostly dead shocks and re spring it for my weight, but till then it gets me from home to the woods and back just fine.

@jaypuck6912 4 года назад

Yes. Honda has that belief in their 650L, but at 350 lbs, I say NO THANKS. They really need to update that Big Red Pig.

@rickshawphilippines 4 года назад

@@jaypuck6912 I rode that bike many years at 6'8" 290 lbs I was never concerned about the weight, and I could always keep up with anybody I knew

@tivowillieb 2 года назад

@@mtnmotoadv it's a small advantage. The 350SE is .7mph less in first gear at 1520RPM, and .8mph more in top gear on both at 7600RPM.

@zackarybrown6752 4 года назад

Some good points. Motorcycles are personal people seem to forget that for some reason.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Yeah people forget that just because they like something a lot, that doesn't mean it's a good fit for everyone.

@peterrican5665 3 года назад

Price, ease of maintenance, proven reliability, huge amount of available aftermarket/oem parts, good resale market. I❤️my drz but after 3 years and +18k miles, I pulled the trigger on a 450L Supermoto. Night and day!

@chiptaxfree 4 года назад

Excellent video. I initially bought Honda 230f for about 2 years and then a Yamaha wr250f for about three years and then I KTM exc 350 for about three and a half years and now for the last year the KTM exc 500.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Thank you! Are you enjoying your KTM?

@chiptaxfree 4 года назад

@@DorkintheRoad yes I'm enjoying my KTM. But as I said it took me seven or eight years to build my skill level up to get to that point to buy one. Now I actually have to I have a 690 Enduro R and a 500 EXC. I liked your video saying the DRZ is at your skill level at the moment. Years ago I was in the same place you are. One day I see an Enduro 690 in your future. It seems like the Ultimate dual sport. The 500 EXC is more for the tougher Trails I do or Colorado and South Dakota and Moab. Keep up the good videos.

@ADVRally 4 года назад

5 very valid reasons . I can't wait until my 450L isn't broken . I basically bought a bike I can't ride and I have no idea how long it will take to get parts. Happy for you brother , keep up the great content.

@jasonbarton7189 4 года назад

ADV.Rally410 what happened to your 450l?

@ADVRally 4 года назад

@@jasonbarton7189 I bought a 2019 450L 2 weeks ago with 190 miles and the starter ate itself @ 450 miles ironically. Chewed the teeth right off of the shaft.

@thomaswilson8022 4 года назад

Hey man remember me! I'm soooooo glad you bought this bike because after I actually sat down and started researching dual sports that the one I wanna start with. All the reasons you listed are the same conclusions I came too. Man your awesome and I'm so thankful I stumbled across this channel. The only other reason is the dumbest thing ever, but from what the drz community says - it's easy to do wheelies. After some practice I hope to be able to rip dank nooners all over the place when I finally get the chance to start my dual sport adventure lmao

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Nothing wrong with wanting to do wheelies. The fact that I can more easily get the front wheel up and over obstacles is one of the reasons I wanted to move to a more powerful bike.

@mikemerrill175 Год назад

Fast forward 2 years and your lovin your 450L. 😀

@philipmarr7325 2 года назад

Personal preference always counts for SO much. Im familiar w/ the DRZ, quite a few in our riding group. I think they are great bikes for what they are. I always find it funny how Ive heard other people says things like “worst bike Ive ever owned…”. Or “hated that bike, couldnt sell it fast enough…”

@PMobray 4 года назад

Great video. Get what YOU want and enjoy. Thank you

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Yes! Thank you!

@armored-clown Год назад

I just bought my first true dual sport and I think I made a great choice 2021 DRZ400 S with less than 3000 miles on it. Previous owner put about $2000 of add-ons on it and I got it for $5600 flat. An absolute steal if you ask me. Love it

@dang5118 3 года назад

Subscribed for the Excitebike intro.

@fallofmanbrand 4 года назад

great video bro

@razorsedgeadventures6599 3 года назад

I’m 62 years old and have ridden road bike of all kinds for many years. The closest thing I’ve had to a dirt bike in the last 40 years was a KLR650 I had for a couple years 10 years ago and I really didn’t like. It was way to heavy for trail riding and not much good on the road either. Before that I had 2-stroke bikes in my 20s, including a Kawasaki KX 400 that was a monster for my Scrawny 130 lbs at the time! A buddy of mine has had a KTM 500 EXC-F for years and I’ve always been a bit envious and wanted to get something so we could ride together. So, of course even at 62 I still have more ego than good sense, and wanted something near the top of the dual sport food chain when in reality, I probably would be much better matched to something like your Suzuki. Anyway, this year my wife offered to scratch my itch for Christmas and I started looking. To be honest, I started looking at the top, i.e. I really only considered the 2021 CRF 450RL, the KTM 500. and the Husqvarna 501, with the Husky 350 also in the running. A friend of mine owns a Honda dealership and his advice along with Honda’s reputation for well engineered and reliable machines, convinced me to go with the Honda, in-spite of some of the things I’d read about the light switch throttle, and it’s tendency to flame out at low RPM etc. long story a little shorter, I picked up the brand new 450RL two days ago and when I got it home I decided to tool around the block a couple times just to feel the bike out a little. It was dark and cold, so I just putted around for a couple miles. When I got off the bike 10 minutes later I really wondered if I’d made the right decision. That bike is super light (compared to anything else I’ve ridden in 40 years), unbelievably responsive, very powerful, and honestly very intimidating! I know I’m going to have to be very aware and careful at all times and it’s going to take a lot of miles/hours in the saddle before I can ever just let lose and have fun. No doubt something like the Suzuki would have been a better match for my skill level and my usage, which will be easy trail riding. Oh well, she’s in my garage now, so all I can do now is just have fun, how easy, and try not to break a hip!! Lol

@FXFBS540 4 года назад

Just picked up another wr250r, rode some drz400s, good bike too, lil more power but lil more weight. Both of these bikes can keep up with KTM/Huskys with a good rider.

@Shady12708 4 года назад

Love my drz. 08 with 21k miles 3x3 mod fcr39mm pumper with bbk and yoshi full exhaust. Makes it a completely diff bike over stock. And I paid 3k for mine 5 years ago with 3500miles on it

@mikewalters1224 4 года назад

I think you made a great choice! I bought a 2019 DR650 last summer and I now have over 4,200 miles on it. Like the DRZ, I really like the long maintenance intervals. I commute/ride to work everyday and wouldn’t want to do the service on the Honda. I think you have plenty of power in that bike and it’s a bit better for off road riding than mine but if you end up wanting more power in a dual sport then maybe look at the DR650.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

I like the 400 because I have my Africa Twin for highway/longer distance stuff.

@mikewalters1224 4 года назад

Dork in the Road that makes good sense. I seriously considered the the DRZ. It was that or the DR. I have one bike and mostly use on the street for commuting in Southwest Florida and some sandy southern trail rides.

@1969cmp 3 года назад

The least capable bike I have ever owned was a 1980 Yamaha DT175. It was also one of the best to own. It never ever failed.....never....and I flogged it. Today, I just bought a 2019 DRZ400s with less than 300 kilometers on the clock and it's a bike that I want to keep for ten years. Bikes that are easy to own and keep going and going are the best bikes.

@richweinert7324 3 года назад

Bought a DRZ for the same reasons!! Fantastic bike to travel the world!!

@mcscotty325 3 года назад

You made the right choice. You don't sound like the type of guy that blasts around an MX track on the weekends. The DRZ is a perfect bike for your style of riding.

@fallofmanbrand 4 года назад

amazing video

@mmaaddict78 4 года назад

I look forward to the Lectron carb install video in a year 👍

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Feels a little over my head at the moment...but who knows what the future will bring?

@SlowishActual 4 года назад

Don't do it.

@SigmaSheepdog 3 года назад

I definitely share your thoughts on Japanese motorcycles and I currently have my sights set on a DR-Z400 or a DR650 to set up as a long range adventure bike. I really like the simplicity of the older technology and either of the Suzuki's will work for me and be as reliable as an AK-47. The Honda CRF450L is a nice bike but the maintenance intervals won't work for me. Here in the Southwest I could easily surpass those intervals in one several day trip.

@advorlando9855 9 месяцев назад

Don't leave out the KLR 650 in that long range ADV pursuit.

@SigmaSheepdog 9 месяцев назад

@@advorlando9855 Thanks for replying to my comment. I happened to purchase a 2023 KLR this past March and I am absolutely loving it!

@advorlando9855 9 месяцев назад

Soft seat, good suspension, and reliable. I have a vstrom 650 and i love it for commuting and road trips, but im getting off road more and questioning the choice. Rode a friends KLR and I'm rethinking things.

@raypetrocelli595 2 года назад

Had a DRZ 400 & wasn't enough power, went to a Honda XR650L & was better but ended up going with a 2020 KTM ENDURO 690R & it reigns better in every way possible for me, definitely worth the money & won't ever get boring to ride, nice video by the way, everyone ride safe

@ruiribeiro1974 4 года назад

Good choice, I wouldn't buy a 450L with that maintenance schedule, not even if they paid for it; my bike can do 12000 Km without an oil change, that alone invalidated my intention of buying a 450L. I want to ride not become a mechanic or go every month to the shop to service it. WTH were Honda engineers thinking?!

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

"I want to ride not become a mechanic." Pretty much sums it up.

@davidforbes389 4 года назад

The maintenance really isn’t a deciding factor IMO. There are already guys doing oil tests after 1200 miles with no negative effects and the oil changes only take 10 mins. So for someone like me, no big deal and the extra performance is worth it. For someone that puts thousands of miles in their bike a year, then probably a valid consideration,

@texlee1640 4 года назад

I've owned both, I still have the 450L, it's undeniably the better bike. The DRZ is a solid choice for low maintenance and reliability and it's certainly the better choice of the two for beginners and those looking to keep things a little more on the mild side of Dual Sport.

@aboveworld8209 Год назад

Been 2y since your comment lol but what's the power difference like ? Torque feel?

@ndub1257 4 года назад

Fuel capacity was a concern of mine with the crf450l. Lots of options with the Zuke.

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Very valid concern.

@franklusic2954 3 года назад

I purchased a 2002 DRZ400 about 4 months ago after some of my friends started getting into dual sport riding. I am 63 years old, I have ridden motorcycles since I was 16, I took about 20 years off of the dirt bikes until I bought the DRZ. I used to ride and race dirt bikes, When I purchased the DRZ I was not expecting much out of the bike. I just wanted to see if I could still ride off road and if I still liked it doing it without spending a lot of money. At first I was not that impressed, it was just a dual sport bike but the more time in the saddle the more impressed I am with the bike. I just rode my friends 2020 Husqvarna FE350 and to tell you the truth I liked the DRZ better. Yes the suspension was better on the FE but the DRZ had better power and just felt better all around, To tell you the truth I was hesitant to ride the FE, I knew that if I really liked it I would buy one and I didn't want to spend $13,000. A drag race on the street my DRZ will beat the FE by 30ft from zero to 70 MPH. the low end torques is a lot better too, so bottom line I see no reason spend the money on a newer bike , Thanks for listening, stay safe and have fun

@captsam54 4 года назад

Got the number 3 like.. and I am with you bro.. Thinking of selling my Rally and getting the SM version... lol. the older I get the lighter my motos get...

@DorkintheRoad 4 года назад

Man I bet the supermoto is a ton of fun.

@philiplachapelle8749 4 года назад

I used to only own/ride/consider hard-core offroad competition bikes since the 70's and wouldn't give a DRZ a second glance. As I approached my 60th birthday I still loved (and was amazed by) the feel of a competition bike when riding at high speed over rough terrain, but it would beat the crap out of me on the slower more technical rocky stuff I enjoy riding now. I got the bug to get a dual sport a few years ago (because street legal and kinder to old bones) and came to appreciate the DRZ400 in a new light! I zeroed in on the SM model, because I thought SM would be a blast on the road (it is with light weight, dirt-bike ergos and sticky tires) and if you wanted 2 bikes in 1 (like me, SM and Off-Road) it is better to start with the SM because the swing-arm is wider (for the proper rear wheel) and has a more powerful and appropriate front brake for the road. So then I bought a set of offroad wheels (21, 18) and a second chain so I could run a good steet ratio with SM wheels and a good off-road or semi-off-road ratio with the dirt wheels. I agree the DRZ400 would have been much better with a 6-speed but I am very happy with my purchase and love the bike. In summary, the bike is great for new folks climbing up the ladder of ability and old folks coming down the ladder! By the way Dork, I think your review was "spot-on" and very well stated. Some people just don't get that there is no "one best bike" for everyone in all conceivable situations nor will there ever be. Just get on a bike and enjoy the ride, if your preferences change, then change your bike and keep on riding!