An honest conversation about Suzuki's DRZ400 (SM) 

Suzukis thinking process " what color should we do this year"

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

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.

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.

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.

Been thinking about this for years dude nothing compares to the old drz400e and xr400r the reliability and the simplicity is amazing

I love this video. This is like the 7th time I've watched it. Great video, your content rocks.

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.

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.

The best breakdown I have seen on youtube. Well done sir!

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!

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 $$ .

JAPAN, please hear this man!

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.

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.

As a DR-Z owner... I agree with many of your points. Doesn't diminish my never-ending love of my machine, however.

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?”

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.

Great video! I just got my first bike n is a 2014 suzuki drz400 n i love it

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 :(

Dont complain about no power untill you ride a 50cc 4 speed moped like me 👉😎👉

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

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.

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.

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.

You put a video together that is educational and interesting. Your format is great. l enjoy your professionalism. l look forward to your good work in future:-)

I'm right there with you. I want one bad but I keep waiting for an updated version to come out.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

interesting point's. but also you're right, wheelie monster :D

aluminum frames don't necessarily weigh lesser than steel.

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

You sum it up perfectly Aluminum frame, a technology dash & fuel gauge are key

I've become old waiting for them to upgrade these bikes.

Well I think like a month after this vid Honda released the 450 lol

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.

this was exactly the review I needed to hear

He's asking for a 10k + bike basically , but doesn't want to pay 7k?

I love my DRZ 400 sm ( stunted out an fully modded now 470 )

Love my DRZ400SM !!! Great aftermarket to make it your own.

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.

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.

Husky 701 10k km service interval

love the drz, but you are spot on! all my same gripes.

I've got an 06 Husky TE610. I absolutely love that bike.

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.

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.

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”)

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.

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.

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 ???

I got a 95 Dr350 and still love it.

I'm new to the DRZ world (bought a 2016 in April - just over 2800 KM's on it with some farkle and an extended 4 year warranty still in place) but not new to dual sport/adventure. Last bike was the KLR650 but am really enjoying the lighter and "much less expensive to operate" DRZ-SM. As well much more nimble off-road - it's an absolute blast on the paved twisty's too. Both the KLR and DRZ could use many of the upgrades you mention especially the lighter material, EFI and improved electronic display. Still I think the DRZ is the go-to bike for running dual-sport, but an upgraded 400/450 if released and as reliable as the current model would fly off the shelf.

WR250R is NOT discontinued. Best bike in its class by far.

The DRZ400E came with electric START.

Agreed I owned a DRZ400sm and all of this is true. With $2,000 of aftermarket support it was a beast though.

I would LOVE to own a supermoto! Great video! I would never get a DRZ only because it's too expensive for what it is at the end of the day and it's not fuel injected. As for "people have been asking for it", its hard to say they have because if that was the case SOMEONE in Japan would make one. I know I have been asking for one but generally speaking most aren't (which is an absolute shame, I have learned its more fun to ride these bikes on the street than it is to ride my 600RR). Anyways, keep up the great content!

KTM 390 SMC or Husqvarna 401 Supermoto based on duke 390 motor would also be ok :-)

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.

Yessssssss! What we are all thinking!!! You hit all the markers right on point! Great video! Please please Japan, deliver!! 🤞🤘✌️

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)

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.

Keep it the same, drop the price a grand, im sold.

Awesome video. You're SPOT ON!

Nice TopGear feel, quality content.

Honda made it, the CRF450L

"Extra tech never hurts" George Orwell never said. Fk tech

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!

Looking to get one of these as my first motorcycle... A lot of good points to consider here. I was looking at Yamaha XT250s but wanted more power. It's lame there isn't anything dualsport 400cc around aside from the Suzuki (just because I'd like to have more options.)

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.

Ktm still uses steel frames and they produce the lightest dirtbiker on the market...

As always, a great video

Nice...you are right, thanks for sharing your opinion and good continuation.

Hello, ever heard of the 2019 CRF450L Honda's answering the call.

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.

I want one.. Mostly for dirt road rides to work.. Nice Video. Take Care,

Great video short and gives a lot of information. Left a like

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.

Why is the SMCR and the Husky unreliable in Europe almost everyone rides it without any problems they are expensive tho haha

Really good points that are all extremely valid and relevant. Thanks for the honest vid. I love my Suzuki but it's time they revamped it no matter how many people think enduros are a dying breed. They're a dying breed because no ones making a new model that everyone wants

I would say, be happy that they still make the SM model and grab a used one. I just passed on a 2016 for $6200 because the same dealer had a 2015 for $5500, but it got snatched up before I could call. I do agree with you, would be nice if they would upgrade it, but as long as they keep selling out and they have zero competition there isn't a need to.

Lol I got my road legal 50hp stock Suzuki rmx250 2 stroke

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.

Very true. I used to ride sport bikes and switched to off-road. Now I want a dual sport. The selection is quite limited on good options.

I own a '08 DRZ400SM, and you are right, an extra gear would be great, a fuel gauge would be helpful too instead of using the trip all the time.

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

And now we have the crf 450l

THANK YOU! I use to own a '13 DRZSM and I loved it. But I sold it for pretty much all of these reasons. If they gave it 50 more cc's, a 6th gear, and an updated gauge cluster. (Fuel gauge and Tach) I'd buy another one. I would prefer EFI and a aluminum frame, but those are as big to me. Sold it in 2015 with 7500miles for $5k and bought an FZ-07. I love my FZ, but still can't smash the twisties like my SM could. :/ maybe someday they'll hear us. Anyway, nice video.

I think you should get one anyways! Hopefully you could find a deal. I got lucky my brother sold me his for $1000, although i spent almost 2k rebuliding the motor and trans. Now i have a fresh DRZ for $3k and I love it. Loved your video, keep posting!

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

U forgot about the wr450

Well said n Projected.... Good job, Mate.

I still prefer carb but I don't hate you for your difference of opinion. Everything else is spot on in your intro is spot on 😁