Suzuki DRZ400 review: commuter/adventure/heavy enduro combo?︱Cross Training Enduro

Music "Microcosmos" Jason Corder
#crosstrainingenduro #drz400review

[crosstrainingenduro]

This vid originally appeared on our adventure channel a few years ago but we regularly come across guys using their DRZ as a dirt bike... a very heavy one lol. So we figured we'd post it to this channel as well for viewers who aren't subcribed to the dual sport/adv channel.

DRZEEEE or DRZED - HOW DID THE USA GET IT SO WRONG? 😂
But seriously, 'zed' came first. It started with the ancient Greeks calling it “zeta.” “Zeta” evolved into the French “zede, ” which in turn gave us “zed” as English was shaped by Romance languages like French. After the Revolutionary War, Americans were trying to establish an identity separate from the British, and words and language played a big role in this. And Noah Webster spearheaded this movement when he began publishing standardized dictionaries of “American” English, with deliberate changes from British English, in part based on his hatred of the French. I actually could care less about how anyone says 'z' as English is such a bastardised mongrel language. But I always get a laugh when Brits or Yanks claim their way is the right way. 😎

[johnfherron]

I originally got my DRZ400E in 2017 for offroad riding on weekends. MPE upgraded the suspension for a 112kg rider, and I put a 20 litre tank on it, some barkbusters, and Yoshimura system. It did alright out in the bush and I could definitely keep up. Then the kids came along and I turned it into a commuter by putting Harley Davidson tyres on it and 15/32 sprockets and a LED headlight, and of course, rack with a milk crate wired to it. Now it's even better!

[jonwoodworker]

It's always good to see videos on the DR and DRZed.

[bobrenk]

I bought a 2013 DRZ400 S as a lighter replacement for my 2003 KLR650. The DRZ already had most of the mods I had in mind. I managed to trim 20lb from the KLR650 which was getting to be too much of a handfull to pick up repeatedly when I inevitably crashed on the single track which I prefer to ride. The DRZ is quite noticeably lighter when having to pick it back up but still quite top heavy. With the pumper carb and E model cams, it has enough power for someone at my skill level and age (70 years old). Uprated springs, bash plate and Seat Concepts seat round it out. Not a great road bike for the inevitable transit between riding areas but unicorns are a myth. Paying double or more for a KTM690 or 500 is wasted on someone of my skill level, so now I have two bikes to cover all eventualities. It's more important that you ride than what you ride. Cheers.

[MidCoastAdventures]

Just got mine the other week - with all the mods done, what a terrific light adventure bike! So glad we still get them in Australia. Great review as always mate 😎👍

[gasdive]

I was asked by a guy for a recommendation for their first bike to learn on. That was 20 years ago. He's had several bikes since, but he still has his DRz 400.

[BahWeepGranahWeepNiniBong]

Love my '22 banana e zed . An fmf powerbomb header, Wr450f muffler and good jetting made a big difference.

[Dagnatic]

They used to be crazy cheep too, I think in ‘09 we picked up a brand new DRZ for sub 9k AUD. It’s mostly been used as a farm bike for its whole life. On the odd occasion my bikes been out of action I’ve taken it out, and it’s still been plenty of fun.

[NealZ]

2018 DRZ400SM with almost 7000miles. Bought it used at 2000miles and I’ve done Wyoming BDR, 2024 Sandblast Rally, and countless beer runs and quick errands at home. Recently add the stiffer rear spring and will be doing the front like you mentioned. I’ve got the bigger fuel tank 21/18” wheels and with soft bags and a small windscreen my supermoto can do it all, albeit still not great at long pavement hauls but doable.

[smiththers]

i only got my 2003 model 2 years ago, and i really love it. ive not done much in terms of mods other than a lithium battery, but im also not sure what has been changed on the bike before i got it. its def got the 3x3 mod and a yoshi rs3. its got plenty of power for me, and i like it so much on the street that i sold my cb500x because i simply didnt care about it anymore. i love that its been around 23 years and no shortage of parts, its "simple" compared to modern bikes. and it most certainly has been on a ride with a fellow KTM rider that needed to be towed home LMAO

[tezzaupnorth]

I bought my 2010 DRZ400 sm new and 30k km later 20k road 10k dirt, all I've had to do is shim the valves and new timing chain at around the 17k km mark. Die for new valves and chain now. I swap the 17" roadies for 18"- 21" dirt wheels, soften the suspension a little and it cruises the bush tracks. Young fellows were surprised how well it went while doing the creb track.

[evildogbilly]

I have a 2001 400e and it does everything I need, it’s easy to work on, and never lets me down

[MQ-ltfd]

My DRZ 400E is waiting for me in Poland. :) thank You for a great video !

[rotorhead]

Recently made a friend that has a drz, it's his first bike, and thus far he really likes it, he's quite tall so it seems to suit him well. Had me take it for a short trip down the road to diagnosis a noise, and it generally felt pretty good (for comparison I usually ride a wr250r, the drz didn't like to Rev out the same, but definitely had more low end grunt). For what we have around here for riding, where it's almost not worth having a non-street regesterable bike, it seems like it's a pretty good choice.

[ke]

I had a DR350R many moods ago when they first came out. It was OK, until I rode with my buddy who had an XR600. After that, I contacted Curtis Sparks for help. Per his recommendations, I rejetted the carb, opened up the airbox & ran the Sparks muffler. We were then even on the pavement until he started pulling away at 50mph. Mine topped out at 85mph, his @ 95mph. Mine was way more fun to ride, though.

ETA: It was a 6-speed.

[ktmhaka]

I purchased a stock 2013 Doctor 400e in 2015. I had the springs and valving upgraded to suit my riding style & weight, installed a full aftermarket exhaust system, changed bars and pegs to improve ergo’s and added standard enduro protection. I rode a few reliability trials here in SA, commuted to work every Friday just to ease the work pain and be on 2 wheels and cruised around town just to pick up a six pack because the Doctor just loved to get things done. I miss the bike.

[robbo]

Great bike for learner or like me older and getting back into off-road riding. Rode it for a year and realised I love off-road and upgraded to an Austrian 500.

[Dan]

I have my DRZ400SM for 3 years and i love it ! My bike was fully modified for offroad use by the last owner who really know what he was doing.

My entire family has dirt bikes and dual sport bikes and I cannot say that i would change mine for a wr250 ou a KTM350 exc-f.

I can follow anyone just has easily even my cousin with his cr450r.

Good mods with this bike can make it a very good offroad bike and you can mod it for your own needs for farly cheap

[DanWA]

If they had a 6 speed I would have kept mine. It should of had 6 gears from the start.

[andrewlindley]

I once took a Drz400e that we had hotted up for Supermoto racing, whacked the stock rims + some mx tyres and threw it out in a local clubday in open class. Ripped the holeshot and then immediately sunk back to mid pack once i realised the big pig didn't love the creek stepup extension that the better sprung bikes were taking on.

Still an absolute hoot though, very tempting to pick up another just for some off-road missions.