Suzuki update The DRZ400 already!! 

World needs motorcycles like this. Simple, affordable, reliable, more manageable than those elephant mega "trails", in one word: LOGICAL. I think that there are a lot of people willing to buy a bike like this one.

They can’t update it in the states. It’s grandfathered in for emissions and safety features. Change one thing everything would need updating and then it’s a $10-12k bike

The fact that Suzuki put EFI on this same engine for the LTZ400 Quad bike, but never for the DRZ is criminal.

DRZ400SM was the most fun Ive had with my clothes on. I launched off every loading dock and concrete drainage ditch I could find. Neighborhoods with those great big speed 'humps' were the best.

the reason the drz has been a top seller for 23yrs is because it's suitable for anyone that needs to get anywhere, it's reliable, capable and fun 6 speeds aren't modern, suzuki was the first manufacturer to sell 6 speed bikes to the public. 6 speeds don't automatically mean an extra faster gear, there's only so many teeth you can fit on a certain diameter gear so slowest speed and fastest speed or spread are going to be similar. 6 gears on a torquey bike is slower and weaker or it require a wider heavier motor to keep the same strength. efi would improve fuel economy that's about it. drz suspension is ideal for a trail/adv it has the largest diameter conventional cartridge forks put on a bike and they don't leak all the time like usd forks. the shock is a fully adjustable remote reservoir with high and low speed dampening basically as good as it gets. "not good in technical stuff or whoops" that might be the most ignorant thing i've heard. it's rm suspension the only complaint you could possibly have is it's sprung for a 75kg rider and is a bit soft for a fast or heavy rider. but that's true of every bike they come setup for a certain rider if you aren't close to that you need to sort it for your weight and use. there's no need for upgrades on drz suspension other than springs and shims. no need for aftermarket shocks or to fit different valves in the forks like other bikes. get it sprung and valved for your weight and it will be enough for all but the top 1% of fastest riders if they are riding at 100% what the drz really needs in a redesign is a more comfortable seat and a bigger fuel tank.

Like the DRZ400 just the way it is. After I opened up the airbox and replaced the stock carburetor. Don’t need six gears, motorcycle can easily handle highway speeds. Limiting factor on the street is traction from off road tires, not lack of power. Don’t want E.F.I. the carburetor works perfectly when jetted correctly for mid range power. Never have a flame out, easy to fix, and more dependable than E.F.I. with less critical parts that can leave you stranded if they malfunction.

The wonderful thing about awesome dirtbikes.... you can retest them again in 10 or 20 years time and you will find them just as awesome ... because the dirt is allways the same. The realities are the bikes have been more capable than the majority of riders in offroad conditions.

My DRZ400SM is still one of my go-to bikes!

The Suzuki DRZ400 has very good suspension, It has good valving ranges for adjustment. Rear Shock has L.S-H.S valving adjustment. Sort the spring rate and will have no problems. For a liter rider just drop spring preload and drop oil level in fork by 10mm, job down.. For a heavier, do your springs adjsu suspension for stiffer ride... job done..

Never sell my DRZ Wide ratio box and 440 big bore kit Absolutely love it Would buy another one in a hart beat

Yes... to EFI and a 6 speed. However, as - is, that bike would make a perfect work commuter and off - roader for my application. Absolutely love the yellow / black color scheme on the one you had COS.... easily the best looking dual sport in my eyes.

Solid your spot on with the improvements! Everyone who has owned one of these gems seems to agree. Unfortunately the only way of flying under the EPA regulations may be with a service replacement motor w/6spd transmission (crate motor). This is done in the vintage automobile segment all the time. I remember in the mid 80s Honda had a crate engine program, new engines pulled off the line and crated. VF 750 F and Aspencade crate motors for US $410-450.

I had a Suzuki DRZ 400 then the Honda XR650L & now have a KTM ENDURO 690R & believe it's a great choice for getting that Unicorn dual sport adventure motorcycle

Agree with most of your upgrades except the suspension. It works well for most people just needs stiffer springs and basic valving changes for heavier/faster riders. Wouldn’t want to see any upside down forks, they always seem to blow seals on the brake rotor side. The other think is all the new bikes just seem to be getting heavier with exception of the latest BMW GS.

I'd rather keep the carb on the DRZ. Every other modern bike has efi. The DRZ you can swap out the carb to get more power. Honestly I like the DRZ the way they have it. It's cheap and makes a great project bike. Other countries are losing these carb bikes.

Preach brother!

The biggest problem bikes like this face is the buyers themselves. Many dual sport rides want to impress other riders so they will straight to a KTM. Also these guys think they are much better ridees than they are. 70% of the riders out there today cant even use all the power that DR has let alone a KTM. For fun sometimes i would leave ny Husky home and enter an event on my modified DR350. It was great fun seeing tge faces of so many KTM riders as I would finish near the front of the pack. The DR's are great bikes as they are and would be perfect for the vast majority of riders out there. You get more from learning how to ride than you will from the bike its self. No fancy foot peg is going to make you good. Cheap, good, and crazy dependable equals great fun.

Love your work Sarah!👍

I think KOVE is going to push the other manufacturers to either upgrade their product or get out of the business. I have the Husky 501 but honestly it falls short in the long service interval area and it could use the 450L's Cush drive. For the cost of the 501 it should come with those features and a decent size fuel tank. Suzuki, if you can come up with what we need in a dual sport these days, it will sell extremely well. Listen to our man Solid.

This is my favourite motorbike. I wish I could get a new one.

A brilliant, brilliant bike. Bulletproof, reliable and a solid workhorse. One of the few great things of this millennium.

I think the emission standards are so high now that manufacturers have given up on single cylinder dual sport bikes.

Sold my newer fuel injected bike and am riding my old drz 400 off-road model for the near future. It’s a little heavy in the sand but it’s power delivery, geometry, comfort, and top speed makes it a better trail bike than nearly anything else out there. Planning on faster springs and race tech gold valves and racing it in the mint 400 this March. What really sells me on this bike is its oil capacity, the engine which is best out there and the fueling from the pumper carb. The bike goes over 90mph. The 5 speed box doesn’t bother me because I’m an off-roader. Bike can sit for months and kick over first time if you know the starting procedure.

DRZ450 and DR650 - probably the world's best Dual Sport models EFI Suzuki's new L-single (patent 2018)? Switchable Rear Abs 6 speed RM-Z parts e.g. suspension, wheels.. Shred weight All LED (Enduro tower from Adventure Rally X?) Trail tech or similar dash Monitoring costs - share parts within Suzuki and Big4 Low tech and reasonably priced 🤘

they could come out with something new but it would definitely up the price to something more expensive than it should be. After having mine for a year now, and riding with friends that have EFI and watching them struggle with issues.. I'm actually quite happy to have mine be the bike it is

I have an 07 model . Changes are higher primary sprocket , gold valves in suspension , heavier springs front . Lower rear with longer dog bones for road work around town . Leave the rest alone and enjoy .

I had a DRZ400E for years. After a few minor changes the power was perfect. I think a 5 speed would work if they just spread out the ratios some, lower 1st and higher 5th. The forks need work. A bigger tank and lighter weight would be nice. EFI is the way to go.

hey mate ive had my drz 400 since 2009. $8000 ride away back then thats why i bought it. i reckon they could have made it a 500. just like the old xt and xls. they were 5 speed carby bikes never had a problem sitting on 120ks all day. Great video by the way thanks

I like the old school looks of the bike. Nowadays, everything has to be sharp angles like the 1990's transformer-bots ...it's a robot in disguise! I'm not 12 anymore

I have a drz400sm. I'll keep it. It is what it is. Dont need a 6 gear

Make it a DRZ500 55 hp.

I think you hit the mark with the DRZ, I would like to see it continue d with the upgrades.

Loved my old DRZ400. Simple to work on, even for a ham-fisted Luddite like me. 6 speed ‘box was needed though. I now own a Beta Alp with the sweet DRZ 350 engine in it and the gearbox is 👍

Hopefully Suzuki could utilize EFI and a sixth gear for the DR650 plus give it some better front forks and rear suspension. !!!! Oh yeah and the same for the DRZ 400 😃

Im here to help the algorithm in hopes suzuki will see this video

It has to do with government regulations, too. In the UK, there are restrictions on A2 licence with 0.2kw/kg or 175kg minimum. I think any manufacturer can make a lighter bike with more power. But they want to sell it on a wider market.

Love my 2000 drz it's been a good start off bike brought a breama gs 800 but keep going back to the drz

Your changes imply weight penalty. Cat box, ABS box, ~gear and ~EFI box. Additional weight may require or demand newer frame components. Ducati seems to think Supermono has life in it. Suzuki could save a lot by chopping a cylinder off an 1100 V-Strom. I think that would end up with the same weight as a redesigned DRZ.

I don't think Suzuki will ever update the DRZ. However, I did also not think they would put out the V-strom 800DE. So you never know

6 Speed is all it needs the pumper carb is AWESOME and better than EFI --- but next problem is will it be so lean with flame outs and locked ECU?

I'm on my 5th DRZ and am happy with the way it is. Fuel injection introduces more failure points and also makes it more sensitive to voltage or short circuit issues. I have limped home a few times on a dead stator and wouldn't have made it if the battery had to run fuel injection a on top of ignition. The bike is super reliable for a reason and in 20 years has never once left me stranded.

The cf moto 450 and himmy are way ahead of the program, as far as what we have been asking for.

I hope they keep this bike old-school. There’s plenty of bikes out there that are completely modern! Or, if they wanted to, Suzuki could come out with their own modern version of this bike, but keep selling the current version like it is. I have no idea what this bike sells like compared with the more modern dual sports, but it does seem like there’s still a market for this motorcycle.

I bought a DRZ in '06 and sold it in '20. For what it is, it works well. I'm not poor and i have owned many euro bikes that sat next to the DRZ in my garage. I eventually sold it because of the EFI and gear box. I have a '21 690E and it will cruise at 85mph all day, 90mph pinned in 4th. Its not heavy once the stock pipe is replaced. Never had an issue with it, dont confuse maintainence with reliability. I did eventually get to ride a DRZ with the ACT wide-ratio gears and it solved a lot of the issue. I plan to buy a new 2025 DRZ (if it is redesigned as sources say it might be) and i will proabably own another older one too. Slightly overpriced though, new for $5,000 USD and Im in

EFI would be amazing, we haven't had any new DRZ400's in the UK since 2008 afaik, and I think I want one =)

Solid, I think the electrification of motorcycles will preclude an updated DRZ. That being said, I am interested in buying one to compliment my DR650 Now, you forgot one extra change: Lower Seat Heat. Honda is selling the crap out of 250L and 300Ls with 2" lower seats. There's a lot of shorter riders out there that can't easily handle a stock DR-Z seat height easily on the trails. Me, I can't even get my toes down on one.

Dope Bike

No need to update a bike that's already good enough. There's gear kits that give it a wider ratio -25% taller for 5th - and smartcarbs. It might not be the best technical riding bike, but it's still a highly capable machine.

Doing what your asking is asking Suzuki to re-engineer and than re-certify a still successful, and grandfathered in ( in most of the world) model. At that point they might as well bin the DRZ 400 and 650 and introduce a global compliant 450. Make it lighter and homologate it for sanctioned off road and Rally racing. Of course the MSRP would skyrocket to 5 figures, but then thinking about it I’d jump on one of them myself (especially if it were dressed in RM yellow) last night

Absolutely loved my 2005 DRZ 400 bought it brand new did a lot of mods to it including full yosh exhaust and air box mod. Ended up selling it for financial reasons. I currently have a 2010 yamaha WR 450. Awesome bike it does not hardly get rode due to 2 reasons. One its not street legal and 2 (and i hate admitting this) its quite a handful power wise at my ripe old age of 46. I definitely miss my DRZ I agree on all points of this video except for the suspension part. Those front shocks out of the early 90s got to go. I had very little confidence in that front end when i had it. So that would be a deal breaker for me. Would have definitely considered an updated version. But looks like my long 3 year wait has finally ended and my dealership has informed my new Tenere 700 is coming in next week! Fingers crossed!

The DRZ is grandfathered in terms of emissions law. If they change one thing other than color, they lose that status and have to go through the whole process again. Same thing with the Yamaha 250 and 200 dual sports. The new world order wants gas motors gone. They want to make it as difficult on the manufacturers as possible.

Wow what an interesting analysis your videos are always super interesting! I agree is only a matter of time I think both Suzuki and Yamaha will come back with something like the Honda 300

Great commentary. Obviously, the suspension is not a factor. The CRF300L has suspension so bad, you had to replace it, yet still rate it a great bike. Itchy Boots replaced hers suspension. I've never had any concerns about suspension on the Drz. Obviously, it would be nice to get KTM level suspension, but I don't want to pay for it. I don't need it. And there are easy fixes for existing suspension. And as you said, the carb is actually fine, but Fuel injection would be fine. I don't need it but would take it. 6th gear is actually the key item. Enfield has it now. And Itchy Boots has said that the 452 has improved suspension. Agree the 6th gear will require a whole new motor. However, if Enfield can do it, then Suzy can do it. That said, for my mission the Drz IS the unicorn. I dont need the KTM 500 or the CRF300L. I know it's not the majority opinion, yet the DRZ continues to sell 23 years later. I will buy a new one if they get 6th gear.

To those asking for efi and 6 speeds for the drz, you guys should know it exists out there, gas gas had a 450 model with efi and 6 gears using the drz engine, I’m surprised no one knows about them.

Yes they need to upgrade it. But to save money, all they really "need to do" is mess with the head to allow EFI and then slightly grind the cases to fit the already available wide ratio 5 speed. This would be a big improvement and also save the money and still have interchangeable parts. The suspension is decent already. Fully adjustable stock. And for most, its easy anc cheap to swap springs out on suspension as I did. But remember, its a dual sport, not an adv bike. The dash could stay as well. I mean looke at the dashed KTM has had forever on their "dual sports" basic info only. So to save money and make it viable for them, minimal needs to be done. But what would we like to see? There I agree with you. Having one of the most modified DRZ's out there, Suzuki is missing market. They could build the unltimate unicorn KTM failed to do. Build an all new 450cc engine with a 6 spd geat box, with a low 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear with a high 4th, 5th and 6th gear. Use that engine in a dual sport and a small ADV bike. Have the dual sport be of basic DRZ style, keep low maintenance a priority unlike Honda did with their CFR450. And they could end the 650 and 400 for this all new ride option with HP in the 40 to 45 HP. And Bam! Bring on the sales. Suzuki is the largest motorcycle company. So money invested to their benefit would be nice to see. Just my thoughts. Either way. Im still enjoying the DRZ in my own way.

That's why I got a RMX450Z and street plated it.

I hope to be able to buy a DRZ in the next few years. What would be some good ways to update the dash?

never seen this in Europe. Looks good to me.

Totally agree, I adore my WR250R for its simplicity (I’ve taken all the AIS and EXUP off) and reliability, just change the oil/filter and clean the air filter, ride, repeat. That was a nice looking radiator guard on your DR solid, what brand as I need some protection?

...come on Susuki move with the times you know you've got too! Potentially the best bike out there. My moneys waiting! 😁👍

The current platform will not be able to be just updated to meet regs. Front & rear ABS, catalytic converter and bigger muffler, EFI and hardware, evaporative emissions system, updated charging system and larger battery etc. Possibly a complete engine redesign to reduce mechanical noise and fit a 6 speed box. So it would have to be a completely new bike, much more expensive and possibly heavier unless more exotic materials are used (which would raise the price even more). Currently AU $11000, how much more would people be prepared to pay?

If you go to the hardware store you will expect a shelf full of hammers. Thats what the drz400 is a basic hammer. Every bike that has all the features you are demanding always fall flat. The drz pegs the "fun-o-meter" for a fantastic price.

Theres still a whole generation of old school out there that dont dig efi. Mapping, check engine lights and sensors ? A couple of my friends ride modern efi. They are at the dealer with issues every 4 or 5 rides. I just change my oil and clean my filters.

I have a Honda CRF 300l Rallly, what about the 2024 CRF 450 RL, less weight more power than the 300, only problem is the seat height and more frequent service intervals?

Hey Man, this bike is out of sale since 2009 in Brazil. You must be happy to can buy this brand New bike.

It's not just emissions it is noise and part of that is down to the engine. The existing motor might have too much engine noise to pass Euro whatever.😊

The LTZ400 quad had a 5 speed with reverse. I don’t know how the reverse worked but would that engine case allow for a 6th gear? Anyone know the answer to this question?

Solid your POV are spot on, that's the new DRZ400 I want.. until then I'll stick to my 2004 KTM640 Adventure. Reliable, powerful, light, long range tank and bullet proof. 🍻

I keep waiting for Yamaha to come out with a WR400R but they seem to be ignoring this segment of the market. I would trade my CRF300l in a heartbeat. Since upgrading the suspension and tires on the HONDA it is so much better. I understand they wanted to keep the price down but I would gladly have paid another 1000€ to have some decent suspension components.

This and the DR650!

Any particular reason You didn’t mention Beta’s 390 or 500 RRs offerings to the dual-sport market.

How tall are you mate? 6’-5” here. I’m wondering how your size and mine relate and how that translates to you videos/reviews

Problem is it's way too heavy for what it is... Don't Overthink IT...😊

The DR needs an all new replacment. All 4 Japanese manufacturers really need to pull there finger out there arses and get innovative because the chinese are improving there quality and bringing out the type of bikes people have been asking for.

I would like to see a full redesign

Not only would I pay more for this but I would actually finally buy one.

Thanks a very balanced discussion on the DRZ400, If Suzuki do make the changes it would be a good long haul investment into a bike that will sell. By the way how is your new shed going? Still a work in progress? David....Adelaide/Kilburn...Triumph Street Scrambler......

How about a DRZ 500 with efi and six speed? I would trade my Crf300l for one.

I very much doubt we'll be seeing a new drz400. Japan has been bailing on this segment of the market for a while now. India & China are coming on leaps and bounds in this segment and the big four pouring every once and pound £$ etc into premium large displacement bikes. Even today the popular Honda CRF 300L/rally is in trouble. I've seen several comparison reviews of the CRF 300 rally against the Voge 300 rally & the Voge is looking the better bike for a significantly cheaper price. Just look at the rumours of a KTM 490 adventure that got scuppered last year only for a CFMOTO 450 adventure to break cover last week at eicma. From today forward I'm afraid if your after a small displacement and affordable anything it'll be coming out of China or India.

I still kick myself for getting rid of mine. I tricked it out and sold it for a KLR650. Not a bad bike in itself but I still miss the drz400Z

If they geared it well even with just 5 speed and put efi on while basicslly leaving everything else untouched id buy one for sure.

I would buy an upgraded drz400 in a heart beat, just as you mentioned. I would need an upgraded suspension as well as I want to ride it RTW!, and will have the extra weight! Yes please new updated dash and 6 speed.... come on Suzuki...

Didn't have EFI fail? I had TPS fail from vibration and fuel pump fail is common when fuel filter gets clogged.

They haven't updated the RM's in years so I think it will be a while

I wish this was still available for the European market

I'm just gonna keep my 450 RL. Got all the mods done, and now it's an awesome dual sport. If Suzuki came out with a new dual sport, it would most likely need the same mods, too. For example, the ECU on other dual sports (except Beta) need replaced too. This is what you get from EPA regulations.

Some good points there Solid, but I think that with the Chinese likely to break into the market (Kove?) the incentives for the Japanese manufacturers to invest are dwindling. At least the Europeans seem happy to have a go (Triumph and Ducati).

No one was worried about Y2K in 2000. We were over it by January 2nd. It was 1999 when we were worried.

I don't get why suzuki put 5spd in the drz400 when the predosessor the dr250/350 had 6spd gear boxes

Ahhhh CRF450L/RL 🤷‍♂️

I had a couple and they were a great bike, for their time. I'd up the engine to 500cc, along with the EFI. Then modernized the ergonomics for better standup riding.... ie big pegs and higher bars. And go to LED lighting. If the bike was modernized, I would be happy to buy another. Actually, if Suzuki would do the same thing to the DR650, I'd buy one of those. I buy a new DR650 even if they left the engine alone but made the other changes I listed.... ergos and lighting.

Guess that it also depends on where you live. In Northern Europe most people go for heavier bikes as proper off roading is mostly illegal. ADV's are much more popular, so no need for Suzuki to upgrade the DRZ for Norther Europe. I do own a 2005 DRZ400SM for years know and it does make me smile every day. No issues, low weight and speed bumps actually make your daily commute fun. Love the carburator, so smooth compared to my EFI bikes. I don't think that a new DRZ400 is available over here. If they would do an upgrade for the SM the 6 speed gearbox would be my primary improvement. Power improvement is also unlikely as it currently has a small role over here for holders of a A2 (reduced power) driver license.

I think it would look great with a ‘Honda’ style screen and fairing. A few of these updates would make for an appealing light weight Adv bike… maybe like the Kove..?

How about a seat that's not like sitting on a 2x4? I put 18,000 mi on a DRZ.

I agree with EFI, 6-speed and suspension, and I'd add 14L fuel tank, lithium battery, LED lighting all-around and a TFT dash with the same great rally features plus more.

I was just thinking the same thing - the drz is so close to being the ‘unicorn’. However, the bike is already grossly overpriced at $11k, and these upgrades would take it way beyond what people would want to pay IMO.

6 speeds are for small mx bikes like an 80 or 125. When you have TQ you don't need a bunch of small gears to make up for that deficiency.

Add a new seat to the list, ABS and an increased engine capacity of 450cc. I love my DRZ but I really think it needs an upgrade.

Swapping out the stock OEM spring into an Eibach spring suited to yr weight an gear $199. Then you will have a degree in Springology.

TL;DR: It'd be great, but it probably isn't going to happen. The bike is pretty sweet as-is, and sixth gears aren't magic. There was recently a thread on reddit about updating the DR-Z, and one of the commenters put it this way: "Why fix something that obviously works really well?" Put another way, Don't fix what isn't broken. The important thing to remember, and contextualize, when people express the desire to have the DR-Z (and similar bikes) updated, is what they actually *want* from an update. People want (1) a bike that's similarly situated in the market, (2) at a similar price point, (3) with similar maintenance requirements, and a good reputation for reliability. When you throw a full modernization at it would most definitely change the price, and that alone would position it differently in the market, and possibly make it a less attractive option. Some things would add weight, changing the versatility of the bike. Other things, like boosting power, increase maintenance demands. As it sits now, the DR-Z is at a unique place in the market, where it sits virtually unopposed by any bike from any manufacturer. And it's very likely that Suzuki doesn't change it, or the 650, until forced to by changing US regulations. And if/when that time comes, it's a toss-up whether they will actually change them, or just stop making them. Of your four items, I'm basically with you on three. Working backwards, yeah, the looks, and little things like the dash computer and headlight -- sure, update them. The looks are honestly not bad, IMO, just dated. It looks like ... well, it looks like what it is: A bike that came out in the year 2000 and hasn't changed since. Suspension? I don't know here, honestly. It could use an update to newer tech for sure, and probably cheaply. Yet, according to many, the "old" suspension that it comes with is probably better, more capable, and certainly more adjustable than what comes on the Honda and Kawi 300s. EFI -- ah yes. Here, I basically agree with you. Too much is made of how complicated and fiddly carbs are. Once they are set up right they are basically hands-off, as long as the bike is ridden regularly and gas (especially if it contains ethanol) isn't left to sit for a long time and gunk it up. EFI is certainly *better* -- or at least more modern. But people pretend as if EFI is *always* trouble free and immune to problems, but I don't think it is. Fuel pumps can go bad, computers can have issues, and when it comes to tuning, I'd argue that messing with ECUs and maps and fueling dongles is far more complicated and *expensive* than jetting tweaks. And people love to mod their bikes. However, EFI will help a bike like the DR-Z pass an up-to-date emissions test. It's simply a more exact technology. But the biggest thing that helps reduce emissions is a catalytic converter. The 6-speed gearbox is the gripe I see constantly that I just don't really understand the demand for. It's just ... one more gear. It's just the privilege of getting to shift one more time. (Or two, really, when you count your down-shift.) The biggest complaint with the DR-Z in particular (and 5-speed boxes in general) is that it is "buzzy on the highway." People want it to maintain 70 mph at a lower RPM. What people want is a sixth gear that's basically a super-overdrive gear -- but the way manufacturers implement them, that's rarely what you get with any bike. If you consider the Honda/Kawi 300s to be the next closest bikes, the DR-Z actually runs at both a lower RPM at speed than either 300, and a lower percentage of maximum RPM -- even with their six speeds. And the same actually applies to the Honda 450, as well. So all you're gaining with a sixth gear, as stated before, is the privilege of shifting an additional time. Yes, each shift is slightly easier on the gearbox, and yes, the bike will become slightly less picky about what gear it is in for any given speed. For that matter, why stop at six gears? Why not seven? A 6-speed box is simply the norm right now. I'd argue it's not "better" in a strict sense. What you gain from the slightly closer gear spacing is extremely minor, if the overall gear spread isn't changed much. The fact of the matter is the majority of these middle-ground dual sports on the market are geared for a top speed of around 90 mph, and therefore cruise around 60% of max RPM at 55 mph, and 75-80% at 70 mph. The real complaint is, at least stock, the bike is geared *more like* a dirt bike than people want for highway use. The gear spread and cruising RPMs are close to like a 350 EXC-F. But some sprocket changes can move that around, and people do it all the time. Now if you throw in a bike like the 690 Enduro -- which arguably *is* closely situated to the DR-Z in capability and use case -- sure, you get lower cruising speeds and a different, arguably "better" gear spread with its magical sixth gear. The rest? Not so much. But then you're talking double the power -- so how comparable is it, really? You really have to look into how the gears are spread. Four gears were the norm for decades -- then five. There's nothing special about six.