Why not change the wheels,engine and frame. Haha. Cheers from California. Just bought a 2021 $8000 out the door. I’ve ridden various bikes throughout my life. Last was a Yamaha road star. No real off road experience except mountain bikes. I believe that helps more than people realize. Want to keep bike mostly stock and just learn to ride better. Me and my buddy took it in the mountains above Santa Barbara. Most fun I’ve had in a long time. Very happy with the bike.
Very accurate assessment of the old girl. 2017 DRZ400E here with similar mods. 320 mm disk, scotts steering stabiliser, riser bars, bash plate, rear rack, 15 / 44 gearing, heavier springs. Kept the stock tank and run a 5 liter rota pack when needed to keep the weight down. Also have a set of 17" super moto wheels 15/41 gearing which makes the bike a lot of fun to ride. As long as you stay below 100 kph the motor is not too buzzy. This bike is not great at anything but is very versatile. .
A really good in-depth video mate awesome. i’m in the market for one and you’ve taken the time out in which will help me and i’m sure others. all the best safe riding everyone
Really appreciate the practical tips. I have an older DRZ that is incredibly forgiving of a Gumby like me and your Simpson ride convinced me its all I need with a few mods.
Good review mate. I'm in up-size mode (have a CRf Rally which is good, but just lacks power and a decent cruising speed) and the DRZ 400 E looks the most likely candidate. Been enjoying your vids. Keep them coming. Cheers
DRZ only 5 speed still not the best for highway speeds. 15/43 gearing will sit on 100kmh ok and still enough power for trails and over taking - good luck.
Would pay 9k for that bike Today with 2000 on the Clock. You got a excellent bargain. Mate you didnt specify what to do to the back shocks, please tell us.
Are the stickers staying on the tank still? I hear that the Safari Plastic tanks as well as other plastic tanks tend to bubble and peel off. Due to gas fumes apparently.
I don't own the bike anymore. The stickers are perforated so no issues with lasting. I saw the bike last year and stickers still going strong. If not perforated, yes stickers will have a hard time staying on the tank.
Good to know! Thanks for the response. I heard that even perforated stickers come off after a while but these must be good ones. Where did you get them from if I may ask?
Hi mate like your channel 👍 I currently ride and love a Klr650 for ADV but my love for single track from being a mountain biker the Klr650 is out of the question , My question to u is that I want to get a smaller bike like the drz and not mod it and keep it stock for single track Yes there’s lighter bikes but the trade off of being a 400 and reliable and cheap out way every thing else in my un educated opinion I’m 54 and I want to improve my bike skills and do single track which is the best So do u think I’m wasting my time and money and should just stick to Klr650 or can u teach an old dog new tricks
The drz is a great and reliable bike. People get 40,000 ks before a rebuild. I found the front end to wash out a bit, but others don't seem to have a problem. With the drz you can do both single track and adventure riding - with mods. You can do single tracks on the klr but at a very slow pace. For me the drz is the go, but you need to make the call on the bike best for you and the type of riding you do the most. Hey you could buy a cheap drz and keep the klr. Good luck.
I have the older IMS tank and i hear that you can't put a sticker kit on it because the plastic has to breathe and it will lift the sticker. What did you do to it to put on the decals and make them stay? Can you provide a link to the sticker kit? Also if you have a link for the case saver front sprocket cover and also the sheep skin seat cover.
All depends on your adventure. A lot of road work is not the best, but will sit on 100km/h (15/43 gearing). If you're going on a lot of fire roads and secondary dirt roads the bike is great due to its light weight. I had no worries with the subframe.
Woftamduke103 ...this video is really helpful, thanks. Did you ever think about putting the wide ratio gears in? First remains the same, 2nd is 6% overdrive, and by the time you get to 5th it’s around 25% overdriven so it’s effectively like a 6th gear. That’s the “biggest” change I’m thinking of beyond Safari tank, seat, and suspension etc like you’ve done. The hp is reasonable, and people say the overdriven 5th makes it a better adventure bike because it’s great at 70-80mph when you’re on asphalt, and still nimble on the dirt. Any thoughts?
@@ronanrogers4127 Yes I did think about it but just too much -$800 plus a motor pull down. I ran 14/43 sprockets and it was fine doing 100kmh. Does not use a drop of oil. If you're doing a lot of road miles at high speed maybe the drz is the wrong bike. My brother owns the bike now and loves it. Suspension work will make the bike handle a lot better. Get the right springs for your weight. See my my video on my new Husky 701. The 701 In standard trim I rather my DRZ, but after spending a lot of money on the 701 it's now a better bike.
HI MATE GOT IN TOUCH WITH RINGMASTER ABOUT YOUR DECAL AND I JUST WHANT TO KNOW IS IT HOLDING UP WELL OR IS IT BUBBLING AND DID YOU INSTALL IT AND IF SO WAS THE FIT AND INSTALL WAS EASY CHEERS
Why not change the wheels,engine and frame. Haha. Cheers from California. Just bought a 2021 $8000 out the door. I’ve ridden various bikes throughout my life. Last was a Yamaha road star. No real off road experience except mountain bikes. I believe that helps more than people realize. Want to keep bike mostly stock and just learn to ride better. Me and my buddy took it in the mountains above Santa Barbara. Most fun I’ve had in a long time. Very happy with the bike.
Very accurate assessment of the old girl. 2017 DRZ400E here with similar mods. 320 mm disk, scotts steering stabiliser, riser bars, bash plate, rear rack, 15 / 44 gearing, heavier springs. Kept the stock tank and run a 5 liter rota pack when needed to keep the weight down. Also have a set of 17" super moto wheels 15/41 gearing which makes the bike a lot of fun to ride. As long as you stay below 100 kph the motor is not too buzzy. This bike is not great at anything but is very versatile. .
Thanks for your comments. I've got the suspension front/back re-valved last month and the result has changed the bike out of sight.
One of the best looking drz s I've seen, great mods .sounds awesome. In the middle of doing my own up . Thanks for posting subbed
best sorted looking 400Z i seen so far
A really good in-depth video mate awesome. i’m in the market for one and you’ve taken the time out in which will help me and i’m sure others. all the best safe riding everyone
Great Review. Awesome bike. I like the mods.
GREAT review.
Simple, Honest, Fair dinkum! NO Krapp!
Thank You.
That is a cracking DRZ mate.
Thanks for the insight I'm looking into what's a good bike to do the Simpson 👍👍
Nice one mate! Really good looking machine. Thanks for the gearing website tip that's gold.
Man, that WAS a bargain! Nice bike.
"...maybe, one."
Classic!
"maybe not thousands, maybe one" ha ha. Nice bike mate
Bloody beautiful bike. Thanks for the vid.
Really appreciate the practical tips. I have an older DRZ that is incredibly forgiving of a Gumby like me and your Simpson ride convinced me its all I need with a few mods.
Good review mate your bike has a interesting look about it I like it ...
Great video
Yep that front wheel washing out is a pain in the arse. I'll try raising the forks like you said but beyond that it's up for sale
Go about 20mm with the forks and check your shock pre-load. Static sag 25mm. Yeah only thing that is really annoying
Had mine 15 years, never tucked under.
Thanks for the vid.
Fantastic looking DRZ love the graphics 👍
Q/ what make front mudguard/fender is that?
Good review mate. I'm in up-size mode (have a CRf Rally which is good, but just lacks power and a decent cruising speed) and the DRZ 400 E looks the most likely candidate. Been enjoying your vids. Keep them coming. Cheers
DRZ only 5 speed still not the best for highway speeds. 15/43 gearing will sit on 100kmh ok and still enough power for trails and over taking - good luck.
Would pay 9k for that bike Today with 2000 on the Clock. You got a excellent bargain. Mate you didnt specify what to do to the back shocks, please tell us.
Change the spring for my weight and revalved. Made a big improvement.
@@wonkywheels1037 Thanks for the replies. Looking forward to the Video on your Brothers DRZ.
I love your bike man, truly beautiful. Jest hoping you could do more videos on it. Have a great day man ✌️
Yep will do. Thanks
hey mate, looking for some safari tank decals cant seem to find any? where about did you score these from?
see link. They made stickers for the 17L tanks. They don't advertise the fact anymore so you made need to send them a message. actionsportsdecals.com/
That one awesome looking drz nice job!! Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks👍
Are the stickers staying on the tank still? I hear that the Safari Plastic tanks as well as other plastic tanks tend to bubble and peel off. Due to gas fumes apparently.
I don't own the bike anymore. The stickers are perforated so no issues with lasting. I saw the bike last year and stickers still going strong. If not perforated, yes stickers will have a hard time staying on the tank.
Good to know! Thanks for the response. I heard that even perforated stickers come off after a while but these must be good ones. Where did you get them from if I may ask?
@@joshbeaus969 Ringmaster Graphics/Images.
@@wonkywheels1037 Thank you so much (:
Hi mate like your channel 👍
I currently ride and love a Klr650 for ADV but my love for single track from being a mountain biker the Klr650 is out of the question ,
My question to u is that I want to get a smaller bike like the drz and not mod it and keep it stock for single track
Yes there’s lighter bikes but the trade off of being a 400 and reliable and cheap out way every thing else in my un educated opinion
I’m 54 and I want to improve my bike skills
and do single track which is the best
So do u think I’m wasting my time and money and should just stick to Klr650 or can u teach an old dog new tricks
The drz is a great and reliable bike. People get 40,000 ks before a rebuild. I found the front end to wash out a bit, but others don't seem to have a problem. With the drz you can do both single track and adventure riding - with mods. You can do single tracks on the klr but at a very slow pace. For me the drz is the go, but you need to make the call on the bike best for you and the type of riding you do the most. Hey you could buy a cheap drz and keep the klr. Good luck.
I have the older IMS tank and i hear that you can't put a sticker kit on it because the plastic has to breathe and it will lift the sticker. What did you do to it to put on the decals and make them stay? Can you provide a link to the sticker kit? Also if you have a link for the case saver front sprocket cover and also the sheep skin seat cover.
The sticker is perforated. Cheers
Has anyone thought about a wide ratio gear sets for the Suzuki DRZ-400
ACT makes a wide ratio gear set - $980 AUS.
Those shift levers aren't stronger and there not meant to be there meant to break instead of your shift shaft
Good review Cobb. Would it make a great adventure bike, is the subframe strong enough?
All depends on your adventure. A lot of road work is not the best, but will sit on 100km/h (15/43 gearing). If you're going on a lot of fire roads and secondary dirt roads the bike is great due to its light weight. I had no worries with the subframe.
my drz e came with the 3x3 by fabric, the airbox has a larger hole in the E i think
Don't need to do the airbox or jets, only the sm model has the closed airbox, smaller carbi and different cams. Nice bike and video
Thanks for the info.
400E has the FCR39. But the JD jetting 3x3 mod certainly makes the most of that setup and much much more enjoyable to ride.
Really nice bike...how often do you change oil?
Every 3000kms or less depending on riding type.
Woftamduke103 ...this video is really helpful, thanks. Did you ever think about putting the wide ratio gears in? First remains the same, 2nd is 6% overdrive, and by the time you get to 5th it’s around 25% overdriven so it’s effectively like a 6th gear. That’s the “biggest” change I’m thinking of beyond Safari tank, seat, and suspension etc like you’ve done. The hp is reasonable, and people say the overdriven 5th makes it a better adventure bike because it’s great at 70-80mph when you’re on asphalt, and still nimble on the dirt. Any thoughts?
@@ronanrogers4127 Yes I did think about it but just too much -$800 plus a motor pull down. I ran 14/43 sprockets and it was fine doing 100kmh. Does not use a drop of oil. If you're doing a lot of road miles at high speed maybe the drz is the wrong bike. My brother owns the bike now and loves it. Suspension work will make the bike handle a lot better. Get the right springs for your weight. See my my video on my new Husky 701. The 701 In standard trim I rather my DRZ, but after spending a lot of money on the 701 it's now a better bike.
Woftamduke103 ..will do, thanks.
Links , Links for tank and light please ....
www.britanniacomposites.com/ The tank is a Safari tank in Australia.
Who and were did you purchase the tank decal I have seen it before and would like one great looking bike
Cheers
Ringmaster Images
Woftamduke103 Cheers Thanks love your the bike👍🏻
HI MATE GOT IN TOUCH WITH RINGMASTER ABOUT YOUR DECAL AND I JUST WHANT TO KNOW IS IT HOLDING UP WELL OR IS IT BUBBLING AND DID YOU INSTALL IT AND IF SO WAS THE FIT AND INSTALL WAS EASY CHEERS
Imagine this guy was your neighbour
Where did you buy your sheepskin seat cover from?
Home made. Used an old rug. It makes a big difference on long trips.
Who knows what brand of headlight is that? i can't get that model with adjustable windshield
See attached link. www.britanniacomposites.com/
“Im not a professional”