Suzuki DR-Z 400S vs. Yamaha WR 450F Riding Impressions Comparison
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- Опубликовано: 12 дек 2024
- So what was it that drew YOU in to DualSport or Adventure riding?
For me, it was my buddy Chaz, tossing me the keys to his Dual-Sport-ed WR450f to attend a weekend road and trail rally with my teenage son.
Now I wasn’t exactly new to off-road riding. I had had some dirt bikes and even an old KE100 “enduro” as a kid, and several street bikes over the years, but this was the first big-bore off-roader I had ridden since my brief stint as a test-rider for Cannondale back in the days of their ill-fated moto division.
Years of work responsibilities and raising kids had put recreational purchases at the bottom of my list of priorities, but this weekend changed that. I left that rally with a better relationship with my youngest child, a head full of amazing memories with friends old and new, and a huge smile on my face.
So now I’ve got to buy a new WR450, right? Hold up a sec - not only do I not trust myself to ride responsibly with that kind of power on hand, I’m not sure I want something with maintenance intervals listed in “hours”. Besides - simple and reliable are my highest priorities.
A little internet research and I began to believe the the legendary Suzuki DR-Z 400 might just be the perfect blend of all my top criteria. I had taken one for a quick ride about a year earlier, and remembered that it seemed pretty impressive, but up against the memory of that amazing weekend fling with the incredible WR, would I be disappointed if I settled for something less than a fire-breathing race-bred trail monster?
Surely someone has done a RUclips comparison, right? Well, not really. There are a couple rambling commentaries with no really helpful comparisons. Sure, there were some opinions, and even some roll-on tests or drag race vids, but I EXPECTED that the DR-Z wouldn’t hang with the WR in an all-out race environment. What I wanted to know, was how the two bikes compared in a more relaxed trail-riding role, which is what I expected to do most with my new bike.
I never did find a really good comparison, but I went ahead and bought a new DR-Z, expecting that I could sell it after a few season if I was not completely satisfied.
Then one day, after riding my new Suzuki for about six months, I had a chance to compare them myself.
* Dual Sport vs Enduro Motocross MX race bike comparison for trail riding, Marienville Penoke trail in Allegheny National Forest GoPro FPV footage MotoVLOG moto vlog interview conversation DRZ DRZ400 DR-Z400 WR400 WR400f*
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Fits: 2022 SUZUKI DR-Z 400S
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Fits: 2022 SUZUKI DR-Z 400S
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This is the comparison I was looking for. Thanks
Glad to help!
Well, I've owned both. They both have their advantages but I would say the WR450 is much more of a track bike and the DRZ is everything else. You can easily drop weight on the DRZ and add a pumper carb... You will put the WR away in the garage for good... When you ad a pumper carb to the DRZ, it will have crazy power, just like the WR. The stock carb vacuum carb is why the DRZ is lacking off the showroom floor. Just a few mods and you have some just like the WR450 just a whole lot cheaper and much much easier to get parts for. Whiskey throttle on a DRZ that has a REAL carb on it is very much the same as a WR450. Just my opinion.
Thanks for sharing your opinion!
I will probably have a pumper carb or a Lectron/SmartCarb variant within a couple seasons.
I’m planning to open up the air box and install the JD Jet Kit in the coming weeks.
The wr rocks mate I own a 2001 250f and 450f. I ride with prosthetic legs and the 450 is great for all round riding even the tight stuff..
@@nothinyaseehere9449 Thanks for sharing that! The WR is an absolute beast!
@@dualsportpa yeah mate I love mine. I own 11 bikes at the moment and I’ve ridden thousands of others. My knowledge comes from decades of riding in all conditions and terrain. I’m taking my 450 in the Tatts finke desert race this year but I also ride it on single trails and I’ve raced it in on an mx track haha
I rode my brothers drz 400, I have a KTM 450 exc for enduro and comparing them is like going from a light nimble bike ( the KTM ) to a tank ( drz ) you could really feel the extra weight, it wasn't half as good at handling and there is a big power difference. I'd take the exc over the drz any day for fun, but if you want a good commuter bike the drz would be the better bike. Better fuel economy and less maintenance. My brother sold his drz and got an exc
Thanks for the video. You guys really miss out not having the DRZ400e. Down here in Australia that’s what we have and it is an absolute beast. From the videos I’ve seen all the mods you make are trying to turn it into one. Keep riding safe!
I Keep hearing that! Suzuki has apparently decided that the US has no place for the DRZ-400e. Until they see a U.S. market, we’ll have to add the performance mods to the 400s.
Are you riding the 400e?
@@dualsportpa I sure am. As you’ve said. Simple but it works. Power for days and where you need it. My son had one,as does my brother. We are planning a Simpson desert trip on them and have the advantage that all the parts are the same and we know the bike and how to repair it if it does go wrong.
That’s awesome! I’m growing to love mine, and can’t imagine ever letting it go - especially as I keep improving it.
Enjoy your trip! Be sure to share some pics and videos!
@@dualsportpa
Shall do. It’s a little way off but it can’t come soon enough!! Take care. Stay safe.
Ive just brought a 2023 wr250f street legal here in new Zealand great bike to learn on for the road ive ridden for 45 years on the dirt my next choice will be eather the wr450f because it's so lite or a tenera world Raid
The 250f is an awesome package of suspension and light weight tied to a remarkably-powerful 250cc engine. The 450f is an upgrade for sure, but will feel big and heavy by comparison. You won’t believe the power difference - it’s available anywhere on the RPM scale.
I haven’t ridden the Tenere, but have been thinking that it will be my choice if I ever go looking for a long-distance adventure tourer.
Thanks for watching, and sharing what you’re riding!
Very good show guys! I really enjoyed the conversation. You guys know your stuff.
Thanks for the kind words! Chaz and I enjoyed the ride, and always have fun talking through our adventures at the end of the day.
More comparison videos are in the works, so check back soon!
These are the exact 2 bikes I am considering, great video fellas.
Thanks for the kind words!
Do keep in mind that the WR in this video is an older model, and I’m told that the newer one is a different animal altogether.
I had the opportunity to ride an 08 WR450 a few years ago. I'm an experienced off-roader in southern New England where the trails are tight with rocks and gnar everywhere. The WR450 had beastly power, the first time I hit the powerband it literally launched me from one side of the trail to the other. Luckily there was dead fall along the side of the trail that made a berm which I caught and somehow kept the bike from shooting into the trees. It was a great bike but I knew it was nothing I wanted to manage(or maintain) as my own bike. For our trails I've ridden mostly 250cc 2T Husky & KTM enduro bikes which are perfect for the riding I was doing here. This year I decided its time to ease up on the pounding single track and move to dual-sport riding. I picked up a 2020 DRz400s earlier this month and damn the thing is a hoot to ride and it will go anywhere. My favorite thing is the DRz's engine and power delivery but bike as a whole is just good. The previous owner did the 3x3 mod with an MRD Z-Pro exhaust(I had to install the quiet baffle), it feels like its got the right amount of power but never surprising or dangerous. I'm really looking forward to exploring and maybe doing some rallies with this bike.
Thanks for sharing!
Enjoy that new DR-Z, and welcome to the club!
My drz400s with stage 1 cams fcr39mx and yz jetting NCVQ needle. Quarter throttle brings the front vertical first thru third gear
I recently completed the airbox mod and JD Jet installation, and have noticed a significant improvement in throttle response. I’ll be riding a DR-Z with a pumper carb later this summer, and am interested in comparing them.
The FCR39 mil pumper carb is the trick. I had a 2000 DRZ K model (Enduro without the electric starter). That carb and a pipe (FMF Q) was an awesome combination. Great torque too and a very usable wide power output. Easily over 40 HP in that configuration and a very fun trail bike. Keep it out of race pace, and it will put a smile on your face.
Thank you for the video! I'm 46, 6'4" 250lb Canadian dude. I'm looking at buying my first dual sport. I used to ride Honda 250 Xrs back in the early 90s. I'm going to be using it for around town, dirt rodes, and some trails. I keep coming back to the DRZ. I like the idea of the Honda Rally 300, but I think it'll be too small.
I knew I wanted a middle-displacement dual sport from the beginning. 650s were bigger and heavier than I wanted, and 250-300s felt small to me. That said, I’ve ridden a KLX300 since then, and it feels like plenty of bike for any purpose - on or off road, and the Honda 300 probably is as well.
Two things set the DR-Z apart for me: the simple, low-tech carbureted engine; and the fully adjustable (and stout) suspension. The suspension may be the most important consideration for a 200+ lb rider.
I may add bikes to my collection over time, but I can’t see myself replacing the DR-Z.
@@dualsportpa that's exactly my thinking, after some time I'll buy another bike but the DRZ hits all my check points right now. I really don't want to overhaul the suspension on a brand new bike and am pretty handy so I'm going to be doing most of my own work. The DRZ seems to have a million different after market parts as well. A lot of guys seem to make a big deal out if the DRZ only having five gears. Is that really a big deal. That just means the engines rpms stays higher at higher speeds. Hiw do you find it?
Even with the smaller front sprocket I can sustain 70+MPH (112+KPH) on the highway, but I wouldn’t want to do it for any length of time. It’s plenty comfortable around 60 (96KPH).
I wanted a dirt bike that I could ride between trails and take the occasional short trip. It is NOT a touring bike. I wouldn’t want it to be.
@@dualsportpa yes, exactly. I have a truck so for long distances I'll be hauling the DRZ and camping or staying at a motel, etc.
I had an opportunity yesterday to talk with a friend about his experience as a large-ish guy riding a small-ish DualSport. I’ll be posting the video soon.
Great video guys! I have a KLX450R and almost all of what you said about the WR is relatable - particularly the stock torture device Kawasaki calls a seat! But I love having the hooligan on tap when I need it and the suspension is spot on. Won’t be changing it for a DRZ any time soon!😁👊
Thanks for the kind words, and for sharing your experience.
I’m trying not to encourage my inner-hooligan too much, so the DR-Z suits me just fine.
That said, I can understand the appeal of instant power on tap.
Only thing is keep an eye on that cam chain and tensioner the chains were hardly over $20. But if it goes or the tensioner wears which they will you will be sorry in the pocket lol
Odd comparison for a couple reasons 1) the WR is no longer available (except used of course). 2) the WR is not street legal without adding the turn signals, mirrors etc. I think a much better comparison would be the DRZ400S to the Honda CRF450RL. My buddy got a great deal on a very lightly used DRZ400S with all the good mods (JD Jetting, Acerbis hand guards, rear tail rack, RevTEC shock, all the engine protection guards, etc.) Unfortunately, I am the fool who talked him into getting it and I should have bought it myself. After he bought it, I found a (lightly) used stock Honda CRF450RL. I had to sink about $1,700 in accessories to make it really rideable (AiM ECU, Seat Concepts Comfort XL, Acerbis hand guards, rear rack, G2 throttle tamer, etc). I rode my buddies DRZ and he rode my CRF. Honestly, I liked the DRZ better. I preferred the CRF suspension and the 6th gear, but the tractability of the DRZ and smooth power application was perfect. What a great bike.
Sounds like a great comparison, and a bike I’d love to ride, but the WR was the one that originally got me thinking about getting my own bike in the first place.
If you’re up for a Western Pennsylvania trail ride sometime, I’d be happy to do the CRF comparison video with you!
@@dualsportpa wr450 is available on the road here, the Honda isn't
I really appreciate this video. As a big fatty 6'5" 280lbs I didn't think the DRZ would be enough for me, but now I know I'll be fine
We’re glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to also check out my “Big Guy on a Little Dual Sport” video: Does Size Matter? Opinions on TW200 XT225 DRZ-400 WR450f
ruclips.net/video/WWPoDdGrnws/видео.html
I have a 05 wr 450 and I love it but I ride in the desert still need to try a drz
It’s definitely worth a try - but you’ll notice right away that it feels much tamer than the WR. Still plenty to have fun with - especially in the tighter stuff.
Once you try the DR-Z, let us know what you think!
Low maintenance? I immediately thought 2-stroke. Good bikes for trail riding and/or competitive off-road racing? KDX 200. If you *have to ride on road, just add a mirror and some turn signals. A proper enduro bike will smoke a dual sport on the trails all day.
Loved hearing you guys talk about your riding experiences. Looking forward to more.
I have owned exactly one two-stroke bike in my life, and that was almost 40 years ago. Chaz is the guy who will rebuild a top end with no sweat - but the mere thought of that pushed me to four strokes right away.
As it turns out, much of my riding this season has been between trails on the DR-Z (a video about that coming soon), so it’s probably best that I’m not laying down pavement miles on a 2-stroke bike.
There may come a day when I purchase another, but it will be in addition to my beloved DR-Z.
We appreciate your comment, and are glad that you enjoyed the video!
My 2001 XR650R, I haven't done any maintenance on it except oil and filter. I ridden the hell out of that bike since new.
It’s hard to beat a Honda for reliability and durability - especially the XRs.
The 650R is an absolute legend. We don’t see many of them around here.
Great comparison, I was looking for content like this before I bought my DRZ (first bike) 2 years ago. I only ride offroad, single track and desert. Love the DRZ, but I'm starting to want something lighter (and maybe with EFI). WR450f is one of the bikes I'm looking at, this is helpful.
Thanks for your input! I'm glad you enjoyed it - Chaz and I had fun doing it.
I really didn't feel the weight difference - from a handling perspective - on the trail. In fact, the additional mass of the DR-Z may actually be an advantage for my riding style - which is to clumsily plow through rocks and logs rather than delicately balance and float over them.
If I wanted to reduce weight, I'd also consider a Beta or KTM/Husq. @everide has done some excellent reviews and commentaries that you should definitely watch, especially since he often uses the DRZ as a comparison platform.
Must watch:
ruclips.net/video/FMSUf0uv2Co/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/RT0f69MKW0k/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/Tuyv13cmBSc/видео.html
Let me know what you think about his conclusions here - especially about the final three minutes of the Husq video (from 7:01).
Not sure if it matters where you live (I'm in Nevada) but fuel mileage and therefore range is much, much better on the DRZ. We can go 300 miles with no fuel stops out here. The state is essentially vacant. With my desert tank, the DRZ can do 300 miles without stopping.
That’s an important consideration. Most of what I’ve done here in PA has been either short loops or close enough to fuel stops to keep running all day. If I rode in the desert, I’m sure I’d take an emergency fuel canister on every ride.
I’m planning some longer ADV-style rides for this season, and I’m guessing that my stock DR-Z tank (100 mile range) will require a packable fuel supply for those. I’ve seen a 3.4 gallon tank for the WR (136 miles at 40MPG), but that still limits the range quite a bit - especially when compared to an available 3.9 gallon tank on the 45+MPG DR-Z.
Truth is, I’m usually ready for a break within 100 miles, but that may change once I upgrade my seat.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I’d like to hear your thoughts on our trails once I post some trail reviews.
@@dualsportpa If you are curious, my DRZ gets roughly 65 mpg on the dirt road stuff, goes down to mid 40s on rough trails or playing hard. Yeah, the west has vast, vast distances in some areas. I call it "Dances with Wolves Country" and it is absolutely beautiful. I'm lucky to have seen it. The east is cool too. Lots of trees, green...stuff actually grows.
That sounds like an amazing place to ride. My only experience is the mountains, forests and strip mine ground of Pennsylvania. I hope to ride out West some day, but have a goal to fully explore the routes and trails in my home state first. I haven’t managed much more than 50MPG on my DRZ, but it may be because I enjoy twisting my right hand too much, or perhaps I spend too much time on high-speed roads and not enough on the forest trails.
Pretty spot on. I have a WR450 and my dad has a DRZ
Thanks for watching, and for sharing that!
I’ve heard that the newer WR is much different, and doesn’t compare at all to the DR-Z. What year is your WR?
I’d be interested in hearing what your dad thinks of your WR. My son calls the DR-Z an “old man bike”.
@@dualsportpa one is a 2007 and the other is a 2015. My dad thinks it's too fast. He says it's the fastest dirtbike he's ever ridden. I do like the DRZ, it's fun to try and handle the weight. The powerbands are so different which makes it interesting.
I would like to see a video with more info on the YZ490 :)
I’ll be talking with Chaz about that old bike, and if anything fun happens, I’ll be sure to post a video. Maybe we can find someone who has one we can ride!
drz400E has 25% more power than the 400s, it's easy enough to swap in E cams, carb and base gasket to get most of that extra power. but you can also rejet the stock s carb, open up the airbox, fit an exhaust and get yourself halfway between standards s and E model.
I’ve heard this, but haven’t been willing to make the mods to a brand new machine, and I wanted to give it a chance to break in before deciding if I wanted to make the changes.
I have the JD Jet Kit, and will be opening the air box and re-jetting this season, and will likely add an FMF Q4 in the future.
DRZ has less engine braking because it has a carburetor. Fuel injected bikes have more engine braking especially if using a fuel cut at closed throttle.
This particular WR is also carbureted, but with a pumper carb, compared to the mild-mannered CV carb on the DR-S.
I think Chaz is on to something with his flywheel theory.
That was very usable info, thanks. Have a drz, always looking for something better, lighter, snappier. I wonder less about wr now.
I’m glad it was helpful for you. Thanks for letting us know.
It’s worth reading the comment from Joel Eaton below - and also the others here. The WR is an amazing machine, and IT HAS GOTTEN BETTER SINCE 2005, but the DR-Z is remarkable in its own ways, and capable of being modded for additional power.
Have you made any performance mods to yours?
@@dualsportpa thanks. I’ve done 3x3, pipe, jetting, removed everything I don’t need. Pumper carb may be next. I’ve come to love the drz after taking a couple of years to get comfortable on it. Plus everything new so expensive, and really nothing available used. I’m 66, not sure I should venture out of drz territory at this point. Reliable as a pair of pliers, paid for, etc. at 15k miles rides great. If I get a chance to try a newer, lighter, more powerful bike I shall, but guess I’m sticking for now. Also, wonder if anyone has checked out the flywheel thing and tried drilling some weight out of that? Since you guys brought that up.
There is a thread at ThumperTalk that discusses this: www.thumpertalk.com/forums/topic/1182547-drz400e-light-weight-flywheel/
Pumper carb or one of the Smart/Lectron variety should offer better throttle response.
I’ve thought of buying a used two-stroke motocrosser to play with a lightweight bike, but plan on holding into the DR-Z for a long time.
@@dualsportpa not to bore you, but I last rode off road in 1979 on a Honda Elsinore 250 in New York State. Then no dirt riding, little street, for 45 yrs, then got the drz. So, had to learn/get used to the height, weight, engine inertia and braking all in florida sugar sand. Finally comfortable! But my mx memories make me want to have some throttle snap like the old days as well as some tractor power. Since dirt riding area limited where I am, and since I’m no spring chicken, prolly best to just stick and wait for an opportunity to try or buy something new. Check out my last sand blast video if you got a few minutes to kill. Thanks for the link and your time. Stay safe.
I’ll check out your videos for sure. You might be interested in my “Big Guy on a Little Dual Sport” video for a brief mention of the 70’s Elsinore.
I own two Cannondale E440 Enduros, one dual sported runner and the other was stored almost twenty years in a barn with supposedly 100 miles on it. Im getting parts before running that one. Impeller, aluminum valve cover etc.
Anyway, I thought your comments on being involved with Cannondale (complex, poorly mapped, and unreliable, my words) and your desires for simplicity and reliable low maintenance was interesting, maybe there's a video there? Did the Cannondale traumatize this man?
I’d love to do something together - especially if it involves the incredible, if somewhat troubled, Cannondale E440.
Chaz was always a yammy guy!
Some things never change…
You are comparing a 2022 DRZ400 to a 2005 WR450 that has been lowered. Compare it with a 2022 WR450 and everything you have said is totally different. The new WR450 is a totally different bike. It’s higher with better suspension, aluminium frame. It has a button for 2 ECU map modes so you can have one for full power and one for less power in the slow technical stuff. I have a 2020 WR450 and a friend has a 2006 and they are totally different to ride.
Great point, and I’d love to try the new one - BUT, the older WR really is an excellent comparison with the DR-Z because both machines are late-20th-century era designs.
I’m sure the new WR is a blast!
@@dualsportpa also a good point here
2022 drz is actually 1922
@@craigd123 Be nice!
I agree 100% I have a 2001 DRZ 400e and a 2022 WR450F and they aren't at all the same. Some comments mention that you can make a DRZ as powerful as the WR450 but that's absolutely incorrect (for the 2022 model which I "uncorked") my WR is not to be underestimated, where the DRZ is docile in comparison. I leave it in "mild" all day
what part of pa are you from. I'm centre co.
I’m in Centre County occasionally, but spend most of my time in Blair and Bedford Counties.
Which is more durable drz or wr..??
That’s actually a tough question.
This particular DR-Z is a practically-new bike with around 1,000 miles on it, while the WR has been ridden and enjoyed for nearly twenty years.
That said, the reliability and durability of the DR-Z400 is legendary, and little has been changed since this model was introduced in April of 2000. It is extremely common to see older DR-Zs in the wild.
Some may argue that the smaller number of older WR450s still in use demonstrates that it is not as durable, but I suspect that this has more to do with the type of rider who is attracted to each platform. WR riders probably tend to be more aggressive riders, and drawn to newer technology - leading to the average WR being subject to more wear and tear in a typical lifespan than the average DR-Z, and the Average WR rider may be more likely to replace their machines more often.
All of this is just guesses, of course.
The truth is that any modern machine manufactured by the major Japanese moto brands is pretty reliable, and quite durable.
Where are you riding at in Pa
These videos were shot on the Marienville Trail system in Allegheny National Forest. I’m hoping to get out to roads and trails all across PA, but you’re most likely to find me in Centre, Clearfield, Blair or Bedford Counties, where I am most familiar.
I plan to ride Rock Run, Mountain Ridge, SSRTA and the PA Wilds BDR-X this summer, just to name a few.
@@dualsportpa BDR-X is fast fun on any bike I've done it on my AT1000 and KLX650 them switchbacks come up too fast lol..
I’m eager to do the BDR-X, and am hoping to take some folks with me. What are your thoughts about a novice taking on this route?
@@dualsportpa Easy all dirt roads are fast and you can get 50 over on a lot of them. We ride out that way a lot and don't see others on the roads making them awesome roads for ADV and DS bikes.
I would take my XT1200 on them and that is my road bike. Maybe we'll run into you sometime..
Drz is best bike for anything
Thanks for watching!
The DR-Z400s may not be the best for anything, but is definitely one of the best if you want a bike to do everything!
Drz...boring sensible choice. Wr.....fun
There’s definitely some truth to this, but everyone has their own needs.
If I can have MORE than one bike, the WR is definitely on the list!
I had a lot of enduro and dual sports. Everyone always say how good the DRZ is. I went to go buy one, and after test riding it I didnt like it all. They are not for everyone
That’s for sure.
It’s tall, and not exactly a lightweight. For some those are serious drawbacks.
It’s probably not the best at anything - except being good at almost anything.
What are you riding, and what do you like most about it?
Great video. Both are good bikes but they both have 5 speed transmissions which is a deal breaker for me. Any modern dual sport or ADV bike must be a 6 speed IMO.
Thanks! I appreciate the kind words.
If I were taking longer trips, I’m sure I’d want another gear, but I haven’t missed it so far. I’m running around 6500 RPM at 65 MPH, and the DR-Z doesn’t seem to mind that at all.
My son has a wr450, it throws a rooster tail 100 ft
The WR is definitely a rush to ride. It’s tempting to mod the DR-Z to open up that kind of power, but I’m sure I’ll abuse it if I have it!
I can’t take anyone seriously that considers a DRZ at all
Thanks for watching!
You definitely shouldn’t take me seriously.
boomers
I do not think that means what you think it means.