Why You Absolutely SHOULD Consider Buying a Suzuki DRZ400S in 2022 (Response to Adventure Daily)

A while back, our friend Tanner from the Adventure Daily channel made a video entitled "Do NOT Buy This Motorcycle in 2022... DRZ400S vs CRF300L" explaining his reasoning behind not recommending the venerable Suzuki DRZ400S to dual sport riders because much more modern dual sport motorcycles like the Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX300 exist and are much better options because of their lighter weight, more modern technology, six speed transmissions, and other factors.

While I don't disagree with Tanner's points about the Suzuki DRZ400 necessarily, I do disagree with his conclusion that you shouldn't consider buying a DRZ400 in 2022. In my mind, the DRZ400S is in a class of its own and should absolutely be considered along even the more modern dual sport motorcycles because of one important factor: FUN. To me, the Suzuki DRZ400 is the most fun motorcycle I've ever ridden. While it would be nice if it had fuel injection and a sixth gear, that doesn't overshadow the fact that it's just insanely fun to ride and more fun, in my opinion, than other more modern Japanese dual sport bikes.

If you're trying to decide between the Suzuki DRZ400S vs Honda CRF300L or Suzuki DRZ400S vs Kawasaki KLX300, I'd encourage you to at least heed my advice and give the DRZ400S a test ride. You might find, like I have, that it's the most fun dual sport motorcycle out there.

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[AdventureDaily]

Fantastic breakdown and response! I appreciate the plug and all of your kind words, at the end of the day everything has its pros and cons and we like what we like. I’ve had plenty of seat time on multiple DRZ’s and just can’t get over the Dinosaur feel. Apart from 2 strokes I just gotta have FI in 2022 haha. Sure I love my vintage bikes but my argument was mainly the price and why I still think you should never pay $8k+ for an 80’s Dual Sport in this day and age. For that kind of money you can go to the dark side and get a gently used Euro bike that will outperform the pig in every category. But for a little over $6k my 300L bridges the gap with the long service intervals and I can get just enough performance out of it to be happy. But at the end of the day all that matters is getting out on the trails and having a good time. Loving the shop setup and the future is looking bright for the channel! Cheers🍻

[Crittermoto]

What bike should you buy in 2022?
A) the one you can afford.
B) the one that feels like “home”

[vinnieb]

I got my drz when I was 15. I’m 30 now and still have the same 06 with 23k on the clock. Actually just started actually doing mods this past year. 3x3, jet, exhaust, wide seat, different ratio. Just with these mods it feels like a whole new bike to me. Can’t believe I waited. I always joke that I’ll get buried with this bike. And the best part is I’ve only ever done oil changes, brakes, and a bunch of tires. Not once has anything ever gone wrong with this bike.

[DRZWhisperer]

20 years of DRZ aftermarket parts and used replacement parts are available. I've made my e model a 470 with wide ratio gears (video on channel) and sm a 470 with fcr and they have the response and power that make them a lot more fun! I wish I got into dual sports and supermoto a long time ago.

[darreneames]

100% agree. I bought my DRZ 6 months ago after stumbling across your videos. NO REGRETS. I have so much fun. So much. I had bikes as a kid. Live before you die. Thanks!

[knifecharlatan]

Couple of things;
1) I love carburetors. I grew up with carbs, I'm familiar and comfortable with carbs and I never have any serious problems with carbs.
2) in the 6th gear discussion, I think I would prefer like a granny gear below 1st rather than an overdrive past 5th on my DR650

[uncleansanchez]

Nailed it. As a 50+ XR400 owner and someone who has logged some miles on the DRZ400, I can relate to all you said. Eventually, all will recognize the positive aspects of bikes such as the DRZ. When the "hare scrambles" and weekend motocrossing get replaced with " I'd like to see what's on the other side of that mountain.", the DRZ will make perfect sense.

[sevakhibkin]

I think the reason people like the drz, is that it's is a blank template, a do it yourselfers delight, run it as a supermoto, and setup the springs and shim stacks for carving up the some corners, convert it to kickstart only and with subframe chop and plastic gastank and take it to the woods or even a motorcross track, put on a rally fairing form yenkro and a gearing change and with some luggage and it is an adventure bike that will go with ease where any Africa twin will struggle (as long as its not highway). Big bore stroker kit, hot cams, exhaust and fcr carb (with hopefully a qualified dyno tuner) and you've got your self a 50hp reliable-ish wheelie beast. In that way the drz is unique, with every other bike you get what you get and you ride it, and there is something to be said about that, but for those who just cant leave well enough alone there is no better option out there.

[GenLynx]

Just thought I would add to your video 2 years later. I bought a 2023 DRZ400s and I love it. Best dual sport I have owned and I'm not a beginner. This bike is just as you said in a few videos. So thank you for helping me with a big purchase decision. I also must add that it's a much better riding bike that the 11k Honda CRF450RL. Better controlled better low end trail rider just better In my opinion all around. 1 bad side is the seat hurt's my A$$ lol.

[chasingtrail]

This video made my day! As a subscriber and frequent watcher of both your channels this was a perfect, respectful response. Also, good choice of bourbon. I got some Woodford Reserve for Christmas that I've been enjoying.

I briefly owned a DRZ400S that had been absolutely thrashed. I tried to save it but failed. I recently owned a CRF450L but it wasn't right for me. I was really struggling between DRZ400S or CRF300L to replace the 450L but a CRF300L Rally ABS was available locally and I pulled the trigger. There's now a well-sorted used DRZ near me that I may pickup if the seller will negotiate so I can really compare the two.

Great points all the way around and all great motorcycles in their own right. I've been making some videos of my own providing feedback about them as well. Thank you for the excellent video!

[caseyhardison]

I second your opinion. After 20+ years of riding and owning more than 15 motorcycles, I bought into the hype, ordered a 300L Rally. Riding it home from the dealership I knew it wasn't going to cut it for me. I sold it with 171 miles on it. After owning 2 DRZ400's, (one street legal DRZ400E, and one DRZ400S) I felt like that new Honda bike was gutless, and felt like a child's toy. I'm 6ft and 180lbs, and my next bike will be my 3rd DRZ. Thanks for another great video. Cheers!

[JamesGX]

I've been wanting a drz since 2018 and when I was gonna go for it in November 2019 covid hit. Now in 2022 considering it again. Great channel. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[gorongo]

I started DS on the predecessor DR350, and my logic was a great beginner bike that holds value. Rode so much of the western USA…fire roads, highways, single track. Beat the snot out of it and it never let me down, ever. 12 k miles later sold it for more than I paid. My point is a DRZ is a great starter bike that if you don’t like it in a few years, you sell it for your next bike. Also, I prefer Old Forester. PS At 61yo a Husky FE501 is now my favorite DS bike.

[malibujoe]

I find you videos to be well made and super informative 👍 as a 58 yr old DRZ400 S rider. My bike is 2005 model.
My first DR was an air cooled 350 S 1992 model with a kick start only and a super Trapp exaust. Star Wars rules!
Keep up the good work 👏

[stephencummins]

Thanks buddy, I am about to buy a 2012 now in Australia, I love your comments.

[jokermtb]

I was done with carbs when I put a K+N Stage 3 carb kit on my modded 1984 GPz750. Four carbs, all have to have float bowl levels set/raised/lowered, main jet adjustment, airscrews, Pilot jets, etc....I got really good at pulling a bank of carbs and going to town. Once I got my first Vstrom with fuel injection, it was as if the skies opened up and I felt the rays of sunshine for the first going back to carbs!

[alvindavenport]

I’ve had 2 DRZ 400 S models and a DRZ SM. The SM seemed geared very short, and wasn’t a highway bike at all. The others were ok on the road. In fact, I rode one of them for several miles at a sustained 90 mph trying to stay with a friend on his Road King. I had to switch to reserve at 94 mph while passing a slower vehicle when the bike started running out of fuel (no fuel gauge). It wouldn’t go far on the little fuel tank at those speeds. I rode the Hatfield McCoy trail in WV with my son on the back, and I’m no off -road legend by any means. It just went where I pointed it and had no problem negotiating the trails even two up. I think the DRZ is an excellent all round dual sport, and if a CRF 300 is better, it must be a heck of a bike.

[theodoremorgan]

I recently purchased a 2021 drz400s. I haven't been on a bike since late 70s early 80s. I did all the mods myself. Pretty simple. I basically have it set up as 80% off road. Only on road to get fuel. Thank you for your videos. 👍🏼

[telefrk]

Great video....I'm buying a 2024 DRZ 400s today!! I've ridden ny whole life. I've never owned a DRZ, but have ridden a few ( actually drz 350's ) and always loved them! So much fun!! I'm 67 now, own a a new Harley Road Glide and totally excited for a new old bike!!