So you think you want a DRZ400 SM??

I know this is an older video but I'll comment anyway. I'm in the market to pickup a SM. The big advantage in not having all the EFI, abs, TC is. You don't have all that stuff. Without abs you learn how to use the brakes. There's nothing to impede your learning curve. Also reliability. If the carb messes up. You can actually fix it with simple hand tools. Maintenance is easy and not nearly as complicated as some of the higher end bikes. These bikes are a starting point. Like a tuner car. You get the platform and go crazy from there. You get a bullet proof motor, decent suspension. The rest is up to you. You can go nuts and build a monster or ride it stock for years and years. The aftermarket community is vast and so is the information available. Parts are cheap (sort of) and readily available. I'm getting one for foul weather riding. I have a short commute and have the choice of using side streets. I have one or more of each common engine configuration (4 cylinders, twin, 4 cylinder two stroke, standard, super bikes, sport tour) but no single. Eventually I'll pick up a set of dirt wheels and tires so I can completely utilize it. Having several bikes reduces the pressure on one bike to do everything. The SM will help improve my skills. Won't cost much is when I fall off if it and make a great rain bike. By the way. I'm 54 years old and can't wait to go get stupid on the new toy. 😏

What??? No, rider modes, traction control, or ABS??? Sounds like my kind of bike.

I’m the 2nd owner of a 06 S model and other than general maintenance have not had one problem. All around great bikes.

Epic, love when audio only come through one side...

on my DRZ since 2014 the 2014 model no major mechanic problems oil changes regularly tires ,chains, fork seals. Soooo fun!

Thanks for your review! I just picked up a 2017 last summer with 1400 miles on it for about 5k. I'm really enjoyed it...on and off road...which is why I guess it is on the higher side for a 400. I'm 60 and have ~500k miles on a wide variety of bikes. For the last 30 years I've mainly been a super sport rider. Not a timid one at that! On back roads, the DRZ is a hoot. On back country roads, I take corners faster on the GSXR's and ZX's I've had. Now, with the Shink 705 tires on it, I can do a little trail riding as well. Very fun! The bike is certainly old-tech with the carb and 5 spd, but it does have great suspension and good breaks. The engine proven tough and dependable. You can get 15 to 20% HP with a pipe/jet kit and some cheap mods. Overall, this is a great runaround bike that can go on and off road....mainly road with the 17's. It is a 400, so you can't expect too much. This bike inspires confidence and makes riding a complete joy! There are several better SuperMoto's out there if you have the cash AND the ability to take advantage of it.

Thank you for the VERY honest review. One of the best reviews out here! Went to the dealer today to check seat height. I'm SO glad that I did because seat IS NOT "37 as Suzuki states, it's only "35. I'm 5'9" with a 30" inseam and she is BARELY manageable for me in complete stock form.

Of👍 all the colorways released for the drz, this is hands down the best combination.

Great review 👍! I have to agree, there is something endearing about the DR-Z, even though it is a bit “dated”. I had a “S” model in 2016, fueling was utter crap, sorted that out with a carb kit, rode it for a couple of years, sold it, regretted selling it, bought a 2020 “SM” 🤪. Fueling is now much better as they have added a passive “air injection” system. Yes, the stock “enduro” seat was the first to go ! Am also planning to install a full stainless exhaust system because where I live the paint on the header pipe is short lived and rust sets in quick 🤨. So another carb kit is in its future 😆. A lot of commentators will immediately scream “Do the 3x3 mod” to the air box, but in my experience you will sacrifice mid range punch for top in power if you do. Removing the snorkel from the air box and re-jetting the carb is all that needed unless you intend to “race”😉.

Have a ‘17 SM, white/blue rims, also bought a set of eBay KKE 21/18 rims and Dunlop 606’s, best all purpose bike in existence...official bike of Colorado. If I didn’t cherish my large IMS tank, I’d consider trading up just to get that grey/blue color scheme - drop-dead gorgeous!

Great review. I own the same bike. If you want a tank bag that fits, look into Wolfman Motorcycle Luggage. I have their Enduro Tank Bag on mine and it fits great. The bag is waterproof and it has quick release buckles on the straps for easy on and off. Also, the straps have keepers so they won’t fall off your bike when the bag is not attached. I made some mods to mine as far as lighting for safety. I upgraded the headlight to a JNS Engineering LED headlight. It’s very bright. I also installed a pair of Denali Electronics daytime running lights on my front fender. I mounted them in place of where the two little stock reflectors are. I hard wired them into one of the power source wires (orange) behind the headlight cover. I also replaced the rear tail light with a 12 OClocks Labs tail light and fender eliminator kit.

Thats the best looking DRZ I've ever seen!!! Now I want one exactly the same

I love the gray color on Susuki's bikes. Good first video. I'm still trying to get the set up down to put some videos up.

I had one back in 2009, it's fun, reliable, but a bit slow, I was very happy with this bike for a long time

Great first video. Ive watched a lot of videos of test rides and many of them have done several videos already and yours was just as good or better. Keep up the good work and let me know when youre ready to sell it 👍

This is a cool video! Thanks for all the info. It was awesome to have the POV of the driver. Thanks for sharing!

I will have to come back and like your vid. It's a 420 and I don't wanna be the guy that changes that lol. I am looking into one. Great info tho. One suggestion however, I recommend putting some DOT knobbies on that baby and taking it off road. You will very quickly realize where that $7500 went. On the road it is good, on the dirt it is sublime. Cheers!

Great first video! You really understated how much fun the bike can be, it's a total hooligan bike!

Fantastic review, just bought one,I’m 5’4 it’s a long way to the ground! It’s manageable ride safe

Good job, have I been asleep for the last 20 years? DRZ400 with it's hallow frame that contains the engine oil for the dry sump system would be a first for me.