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. 😎
I've had 3 DR 650's over the past 15 years. One of them I rode from Montreal,CAN to Ushuaia, ARG with zero problems. I'm still amazed at the versatility of this motorcycle, how rugged it is and how easy it is to service. With a better seat, a larger gas tank and a few tweaks to the suspension, it's the ideal do it all motorcycle.
They are good fun if you like the old school! I always get a few guys who say 'the DR is just old fashioned junk!' and they try to convince me to buy a KTM 690, AJP PR7 or SWM Superdual. Each to their own. 😊
Done much in the way of mods, Andrew? I left my latest one stock for quite a while and it was still enjoyable (except for the suspension on rough ground).
OK, I have to admit this channel helped me decide on the Mighty DR650 also. Haha! I figured that if it was "Aussie Approved" it had to be a great bike. Cheers!
Got the 650 after following your mods videos and have ridden complete Trans America Trail plus Western USA trails for 8,000 plus miles. Puts a smile on my face when I see it sitting waiting for the next ride. JD ADV channel.
I've owned both the DRZ400S and currently own a DR650. I prefer the 650. They're both good bikes but I spend more time on the street or fire roads than gnarly trails as I mostly ride solo and the DR just suits that better. I also appreciate the simplicity of the DR as a simpleton myself. Can't go wrong with any of them, but it's the Bush Pig for me. Great video as usual, thanks!
Very occasionally I come across guys who say either bike wasn't really their thing, Mike... and eventually they went for something more powerful and that's completely understandable. But it's far outweighed by fans of these prehistoric bush pigs. 😍
Bought a DRZ400E with genuine 1800km on the clock for A$1800, fitted the stroker crankshaft (which significantly increased torque), a big bore kit with J&E forged piston, Barrett muffler, ACT wide ratio gear cluster so 5th is essentially 6th (120 km/h at 5100 rpm), and revalved the forks and shock plus fitted Eibach springs. With the 28L Safari tank it’s now a very good adventure bike that hauls my camping gear, and still very good on trails when I’m in the mountains.
A real shame Suzuki doesn't just put that spread of gear ratios in from the start, hey Ronan? I figure it would essentially cost them nothing if the cogs already exist...
@@crosstrainingadventure Agreed. The gear cluster was reasonably priced, A$930 for gears 2-5, with first remaining stock (which is great for the technical stuff). I did the install myself when I installed the crank and big barrel. A little tricky for a non-pro, but doable. My only dislike with the DRZ is that many of the standard fasteners and the magnesium cases are a bit cheesy - with my other bikes you get a good feel for tightness once the bolt is in contact with the cases, but with the DRZ there’s a mushy feel, and it’s easy to strip a thread. My 1/4” torque wrench helps with the light stuff, most of which is only 5.5 Nm for standard bolts, up to 10 Nm for the higher grade steel 6mm bolts. I guess you get what you pay for...some corners cut on quality, but it would have saved them peanuts
Ouch. That does sound expensive for the gears, Ronan. I guess they have to be custom made in that case? A shame, I bet the stock ones only cost Suzuki a few dollars each when ordered in the thousands each year.
@@crosstrainingadventure ...they’re actually only $250 more than if you bought new OEM gears (2,3,4 &5) from a Suzuki dealer (not that one would). I bought the cheapest of the two after market gear clusters. They’re low volume production made in the US by a transmission specialist, but sold in Australia by several distributors. The other set is made in the UK, and costs around $2500. They weren’t even considered. www.mickhone.com.au/partFinder/fiche/suzuki/2003/dr-z400e/transmission#next adventurebikeaustralia.com.au/product/act-drz400-wide-ratio-gear-set/ looks like they’ve increased in price in the last 18 months
Owned many bikes over the years, have a modded DR650 at the moment, been awesome for lighter adv setups, absolutely capable on trails, even single track, just a little heavier, close mate has the DRZ, we trade occasionally, honestly not the most drastic difference. One is heavier and better on road and taking ADV weight, the other is lighter and more nimble on trails.
I have done a trip from Bathurst to Townsville and return on a drz400. I set this bike up for travel, it was ok but not so much on long highway stretches. I now have a dr650 now and think it is better for me. This bike has upgraded seat and ffrc suspension. As well as what I can afford in other upgrades. Most of my info has come from you. Thank you very much. I’ll finish soon and travel again. I’m from the bush so this my thing. All the best
I commend you for your loyalty to the big DR. You're surrounded by every new dirtbike there is, yet you still praise this bike. I started riding a '75 RL 250 Exacta in local Trials events, but then my father died on a CB 750 four and it put a damper on my bike life.Fast forward to 2017. I went in to the closest dealer and bought a new DR 650 and a new Dl 650. I've ridden the Dr all over the western US in every condition possible and has never let me down.It will follow me into the next life. Both are a blast and dependable as sledgehammers.Thanks for your superb videos.
I was seriously considering the SWM Superdual but I didn't like the extra weight, Frank. All these mid sized bikes (except the DR) just seem to keep getting heavier! Plus I don't like all the electronics coming out on many new bikes... I prefer to go old school if possible. I remember the old RL250! A pity it's very rare to see them nowadays, whereas the Yamaha TY can often be spotted at trials events.
I've had 2 DR's and 3- DRZ's, i now have one of each, love them both and each has it's use in my life, i'll probably always have them. Thank you Barry for having such a great channel! Cheers!
After watching way too many of these clips by you I have finally succumbed and picked up a DR 650 yesterday. Somehow it feels like high praise for the content you provide after years and years of working and managing motorcycle dealerships including Ktm’s and bergs, I’ve now somehow ended up here with a DR in my collection. And this DR is so old school, it should actually come standard with sideburns and a monocle, but yet I look forward to a long list of mods.
Actually it is normal for DR riders to wear a monocle and begin growing sideburns... I hope you don't disappoint us lol. They aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if you like working through the mods the old beasts really become something quite special. I'd say at least 95% agree, but those who really wanted massive power will end up on KTM 690s or similar bikes. 😁
@@crosstrainingadventure haha I have had most big bore Ktm models since 1996 through to 08, including some of the odd stuff like the 540sxc 520sx, and 620sx, but I was a little disappointed with the 690, perhaps it was the ergo’s. Felt like it missed the mark for an adventure bike. The DR I picked up is an as new 2011 with 11000k’s on it, completely stock with almost no makes, has a staintune on it (loud) no jetting or derestriction. I’m picking up a TM42 and all of the other precautionary measures you mention. not sure what I will do with the suspension though just yet. Should be fun.
I'm sure you'll love the bush pig. I couldn't come to grips with the KTM 690 and sold it after a few months. Many feel the same way. It's got a lot of 690 owners upset but I did a video about this a few years back. ruclips.net/video/z_MdmqNQslw/видео.html
Got a DRZ-400E and its had everything done to it and is a weapon the 15/44 gearing i have on it currently is good for all round stuff is still very capable offroad if you want to ride it on road or highways more so then the dirt just use a 15/39 sprockets and a spare chain it's a cheap alternative and you get the best of both worlds the dr650 and drz 400 have to offer.
New 2020 DRZ400S owner. Great Bike! I stepped down from a F700GS and the smaller/lighter DRZ is so much more fun in the dirt. Plenty of power and speed for the road, but I do avoid freeways. The 3x3 mod, Yoshi full exhaust, and JD jet kit made a bid difference in opening up the throttle response - so It's as must in my book.
My choice was the dr650 and at first stock form was good enough. I began enjoying more difficult tracks looking for the more elusive single. About this time I took your advice and fully cogentified my suspension, did the 3x3 and tailored the rest of the bike to suit my needs. Living in the Pacific Northwest part of the USA I have an abundance of all sorts of tracks my favorite being the mountain climbs up to the tops of ridges often over 6000 feet and sometimes over 7000. The only issue is these rides are 60 to 150 miles away making the DR650 the perfect choice. A decent rider with a well set up DR can ride quite a bit and I have had mine up some pretty decent trails. Problem with the DR is I cant ride too many black or double black trails on it. I can on my DRZ though. That is my drz400s model as it will and has traveled the 60-150 miles to get to the trail just not as comfortably. Now the problem with the drz400s is now i'm a broken down old man (not really too broken or too old but old and broken enough) to want a better, lighter, and perfect mountain trail bike so I bought the xtrainer. Now to which to buy. If ya gotta trailbike get the DR, if you don't get the DRZ if you love trails. My DRZ is now slated to be the truck out bike to the woods when it is too cold to ride the DR out. Xtrainer is worth trucking. My Dr is ridden most of the time as it will take me anywhere most of the time. Its biggest drawback being its rider. Rock On thanks OZMann!
The DR650 is a beast when it comes to hills, I've done some snotty ones and occasionally and as long as you can stay upright it just chugs and finds traction!
I have a KLX400R 2005 . Same bike but green. Flat slide carb, opened up airbox and a high flow filter, usual alloy guards fitted. I'm 60 now , suspension if fine for the pace I ride these days. Solid and reliable.
Good move, Eric! I actually tried a CB500X myself last year but sold it within a few months. It felt downright dangerous on dirt roads and I was back to the DR650 in a flash.
@@crosstrainingadventure You don't need for it to seize. I had a leaking gasket. While a friend and I were inspecting the aforementioned leaky gasket said friend commented, " Well your gasket is leaking that means you need to put a big bore kit on it now". He was right, I wish I did it sooner. No more leaky gasket.
i have a dr-z 400 for about 10+ years after firing it up it didn't idle but giving it a new air filter and cleaning the carbe fixed that problem it has done over 1000 miles and still can pop a wheel with ease
I’ve had both, they are both great bikes and this is a great summary. Because of their aged design they are not great at anything but reliability and both will leave you with some disappointments. The trick is to work out which you will be least disappointed with and I think that depends wether you spend more time on dirt, DRZ or the road, DR. Neither is a do it all and seems to me the DRZ is in no mans land. I used to ride an hour or so to and from the trails and would be shattered on the DRZ, which is why many people have a DR, a light weight dirt bike and a trailer.
That sums it up well, Grant. And I think the real key is that reliability if you don't need to be riding the latest and greatest. I certainly don't, I love old school bikes.
I liked my used DR650 so much that I bought a new one to have a buddy bike. Procycle stripped a bored/stroked DR down to around 320lb curb, which is similar to a stock DR-Z400S. With upgraded fully-adjustable suspension, a 320lb curb DR with a performance cam and piston would be my choice over a DR-Z. The big DR is just loafing along at 70MPH on the slab with 15/41 sprockets. I tour 2up with luggage on mine, and still ride it on rutty, rooty, sandy, muddy singletrack. The bike is ridiculously versatile. ABS and EFI might be welcome updates or options for some people though.
In our DR650 series I was keen to see how much weight I could strip off the bike, but can't remember now. It's surprising how much you can trim down just by taking certain things off.
I went with the DRZ400s. First, my background is motocross and secondly, I'm too tall for any of these bikes. I easily flat-foot the DRZ with no sag (6'8"). The DRZ feels a bit heavy, and torquey, but underpowered in the mid to upper RPMS but that's because I'm used to high-revving 2 strokes. Regardless, I absolutely love the bike. It's so cool to ride on the street and have the option of going off-road. I'm building it out to be a light adventure desert bike. I also bought the JD jetting kit and will do the 3x3 mod and eventually, the full exhaust upgrade to get the most HP I can from it.
@@crosstrainingadventure Me too! Even if it was a 450. What to you think about the SWM 500? Husqvarna parts, fuel injected, 6 gears.. I would have bought that instead but they are hard to find.
They are a great therapeutic motorbike. Had my dr650 for a year now always puts a smile on my face. Done all the mods to it and will never get rid of it. Thanks for all your vids as well. Cheers.
Great overview! I thought about replacing my plated late model dirt DR350 with either a DRZ400 or DR650 for general purpose dual sporting, but came to the conclusion that there wasn't much of a point to swapping as the overall riding experience wasn't really going to change. So, I've been busy rebuilding the DR350 this winter and plan to keep it around as a general purpose dual sport for many more years. Makes more sense to just add a proper dirtbike to the garage to scratch that itch.
No school like the old school, Kestrel! If I was good at mechanical stuff I'd much rather have a shed of old bikes like the DRZ and DR650 than buy new bikes.
Thank you for the videos you present. I've had fun watching them on many occasions. TA.... On my second DR650SE now and had no major trouble with either. Number one I had to replace cam chain tensioner gasket, tensioner was OK just the gasket. That was it. I don't ride hard anymore, I'm no biggy on dirt, and mainly ride gravel roads and about 80% bitumen. Toured on both with a piece of closed cell foam on the seat. Have done Canberra to Adelaide 1200km in one go regularly. Not bragging just showing that these bike are trust worthy. Mine is lowered for road use (Adelaide Hills). I lowered the rear by factory specs and dropped the forks 20mm through the triple clamps, and run fully synthetic auto transmission fluid in the forks to the factory amount. I like they way they feel but I am no expert rider and I don't speed...a lot. I have at one time, opened both bikes 3x3 etc, I didn't cut the airbox but sprag the door open with the opening facing rearward and use aluminium tube spacers and longer bolts. But I ride the current one in standard form and enjoy the peace. 42 tooth rear though. Carries top gear with gear and a head wind better (Hay Plains). Covered 140,000 km. spread over both bikes over 14 years. Covid's slowed touring where I like to go. I'm retired now and go for rides during the week when the roads and gravel roads are a smidge quieter and find myself smiling. It's good to be quiet. These bikes each have their own character (talking for the 650) as the two I've owned did take different tuning and did 'feel' different to run. Maybe it was the colour difference. I run standard tyres at the moment. I would get another DR650SE. Thanks for your time. Ride Healthy. Tim.
1200km in one day, Tim? I assume you had an aftermarket seat lol. Yes they are awesome bikes if you don't need ridiculous amount of horsepower and enjoy the old school nature of the bush pig!
Sorry drz400 from the north. I gave you thumbs down. On just the fact you can't ride! Hope you have an early spring. I moved from the north to southern New Mexico . Great riding all year long. Its worth being poor. Come on down.
Every time I see a DR650.... all I can think of is your video of the piston being forged. I'm still laughing almost a year later. Thanks for the laughs... lol
I live in fear of that massive piston punching through the top end and fuel tank, igniting a huge fireball during a top gear wheelie. Actually... that's not a bad way to go. 😍
Just finished 4400 kms on the DR650 covering much of the South Island Of New Zealand, 2000 or so off-road 600 kms of gnarly off-road, bike was great in all conditions. A little heavy when you get stuck going up a really steep hill with ruts everywhere but apart from that she is great. Had a drz400e x2 and while great a prefer the dr650. purchased for $8200 brand new and added about 2k worth of mods
Sounds like a good trip, Cameron! I heard there is little public land for dirt riding but I assume there are heaps of rough dirt roads from what you say. It will have to go on the bucket list!
I have a drz400sm with S knobby tires. It is an absolute pleasure to ride and a lot of fun on tough trails. It is a true dual sport but definitely leans toward off road/ trail riding. Also despite what some people say, its not suitable for the freeway. The relative lighter weight and less displacement make it unsuitable. It can do 60mph with ease but if you have a lot of mechanical sympathy like myself you can hear the rpms telling you not to push it much past 60. Otherwise for back road routes and speeds 60 or less its a perfectly capable machine on the road. My input
I've got a fair bit of mechanical empathy too, I hate buzzing down the highway at high revs. A lot of guys are fine with this though... lots of comments from 250 or 300 riders saying 'it sits on 70mph all day long'...
I bought a DRZ400SM with RMZ suspension and wheels. Of course the 3x3 and exhaust were done. The head needed to be rebuilt, so I added a 440 cylinder, swapped for "model E" cams, added a keihin fcr39 carb, a kick start and an ACT gear set. With a seat concepts seat, luggage racks and led lighting, the bike is amazing. For offroad adventure riding, the ACT gears are the best thing I've done.... All that, and I still fantasize about the DR650.🤔
Must be a good ride with the RMZ suspension, DJ. Many of us have wondered why Suzuki didn't introduce a sports model based on roughly what you've described.
@@crosstrainingadventure The ride IS great, on and off-road. For anyone considering, imo the "horsepower" mods are not really worth the cost, but the suspension and gearing definitely are. Unfortunately you have to split the cases for a gear change.
Still love my DRZ400E after having owned 3 now and a SM. Also own a DR250R that i bought after missing my old one. Minus the carb being fiddly at times and pain if you have issues they are all fantastic bikes and fantastic to have learnt on.
@@crosstrainingadventure You're right seems like it has no actualy direct competition. Yes its not a master like say a dedicated enduro bike is for that sort of work but it does so much and you go ride dirt and then like myself go home put on your supermoto wheels and ride to work most of the weeks. No wonder it still such a top seller.
Had a drz 400 for about two years just bought a 06 dr650 the low down grunt is noticeable weight difference but can’t wait to get out and do some touring on the big girl.
We will never see it unfortunately... but it would be great if Suzuki put the DR650 on a diet and trimmed the weight down. One episode in our DR650 series looked at weight reduction and it was quite easy dropping a few kg just by taking stuff off the bike.
I bought a 2017 drz400sm and put some dirt wheels and tires on it and been riding dirt for just about 96% of the time the other 4% is just getting to the trails and from if i ride from my home to the trails. I absolutely love this bike and the only issue I've had was the ignition cutting off while riding, but I think that's my fault because of the location I had move it to with out an actual bracket. I will not be getting rid of this bike at anytime soon.
@@crosstrainingadventure well for me it seemed ok, I recently just adjusted the suspension and seems to be a little softer but I have no clue on what I'm doing. Trial and error 👍 I guess the issue I have is not being able to buy a front rotors guard for it. The SM has bigger front brake rotor
@@curtc.6914 yeah I've heard of that issue and have not had that issue yet. I ride with the broken enduro crew and we hit some really good trails. Go check them out on RUclips. Broken Enduro 👍 shameless plug
Ive got the DRZ400sm 2008 great round the bumpy backroads (concrete roads) and jsut after getting the bike i got a set off offroad wheels for it. abit harder then taking the old ktm exc off road but still handled everything thrown at it and didnt struggle. probably the best bike ive owned so far.
Have to love all that suspension travel on bumpy roads, Chris. I tried a CB500X adventure bike last year and was almost thrown off the bike going around bumpy corners lol.
@@ronsexton3685 I have a SM, and they are great for around town, on freeways and in the dirt. Their one weakness is the open road. They are too tall and light to fight the wind. If you plan on more off road and round towning, the SM is your best friend. If you are doing more on road and really any open road tours, I'd consider the DR. Hope that helps. Cheers!
I have the DR650s. I had a DRZ400 at one time. Even lowered a bit it was too tall for me. I also have an older Yamaha XT225. I thought about buying a newer 300cc class bike, but they almost weigh as much as the DR650.
I owned a Drz400s for a short period and loved cruising around the mountains where I live. I’m 5’9” 225# so the seat height was a bit high for off-road for me but was also too soft for travel with luggage. I didn’t mind upgrading the suspension but screaming the rpm’s on the highway was not enjoyable. I think I’m giving the 650 a try next. I like single track but not talented enough to get crazy. I want to plan some adv trips but can’t go on a bunch because 3 kids and a restaurant doesn’t allow right now. Thinking the low cost and reliable maintenance will fit my style perfect
I enjoy both bikes but I'd love to see Suzuki come up with something in between as well...keep the existing weight of the DRZ but bore and stroke the engine to around a 550. They would have the budget dual sport market covered nicely!
I ride a DRZ. I think its the best '"All round"" bike for me. Low maintenance top end, great fuel economy and real easy to get parts for, new and used. I love how I can go trail riding for 3-4 hours and only use 4lt of fuel. It reminds me of riding the good old XR400
You have to wonder what Honda was thinking... when they stopped making the XR400 the DRZ became the top selling non-road bike for years. I'm sure this happened elsewhere too.
I've gone from KLR650 to GasGas Pampera (euro DRZ) to husky TE510 (adv trim) to KTM500 (enduro trim). I spent the most time on the TE510, and it's that reason I'm looking for a DR650 to park next to my KTM, like the KTM but it's just not cut out for a 300km ride in enduro trim, and I can't bring myself to make it more adv friendly as it's just so good for the enduro stuff I do in Coffs. So the logical step is DR650 for the long hauls.
I know lots of guys adventurize the Kato 500 quite happily and I've tried that sort of thing in the past... but nowadays I love the simplicity of the DR650 for longer haul rides.
Bought a DRZ almost 6 years ago and aside from swapping the front sprocket and different tires have kept it stock. Just never felt like there was a lack of power, just lack of skill and trails that don't have a potential side-by-side around the corner deterring open throttles.
I remember a guy saying 'anything over 20hp is just wheelspin once you are off road'. For most of us it's true, you simply don't need that much power even chasing guys on powerful bikes if you have the riding skills.
I have ridden this very same bike many miles off road. It has sufficient power for my needs. The power of the drz (30ish hp)does allow me to easily turn with rear tire wheel spin while my klx250s (18.9ish hp) does not. I like that the klx does not generate excessive wheel spin.
@Nappa I have 14/44 sprockets on it which splits the final drive difference between the s and the e models. It will hold highway speeds without any issues but 85 mph is it's top speed and wind protection and its light weight is a comfort issue. Also the knobby tires and the tall front forks make concrete highways in urban areas a bit of a pain.
I’ve owned both a 2000 DR-Z400E and a 2003 DR-Z400S. The power difference is way more than 10% according to my butt dyno. Also the power delivery and engine braking provided by the E model and it’s Keihin FCR 39mm pumper carb are far far superior to the 400S. Rebuilding the FCR carburetor is another story however…
There aren't many dyno charts around but they usually indicate about a 10% difference. Although with mods the less restricted E might get more? But 10% makes a big difference! I know the DR650 gains about this with a new exhaust and carb mods and it feels like a completely different bike. But it's only gone from 36 to 40hp at the rear wheel.
My 2019 DRZ400E has 28,000km only issues iv had is countershaft seal at 18,000km and signs of bad valve stem seals around 25,000km replaced with better aftermarket seals
Interesting, Josh. That's still a pretty good run but I know many have zero issues and probably the first thing will just be replacing the cam chain further down the track.
Well put together video with excellent information/ perspective! I have a 2020 DR650 and I absolutely love it! I have been rapidly modifying it this past year to meet all my needs as an adventure style bike. Suzuki has fixed the nagging reliability issues over the years and as has been said before- "The DR650 is a blank canvas which you make into exactly what you want". Your channel is a great source for info on mods for the DR. The DRZ400 is also a great bike with tons of potential also. Reliability and simplicity for both are a huge consideration for me. I have a friend who just purchased a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro ($17,000 USD) and it is a well engineered bike but it has way too much electronic gadgetry for me. I can service or repair the DR trailside - the Tiger, not so much. Sorry for the Long post. Great Video! Cheers!
"The DR650 is a blank canvas which you make into exactly what you want" is a great summary, William. I think it applies quite a bit to the DRZ as well, probably less so. I completely agree with all that electronic gadgetry, it's the last thing I want failing in a remote area. It's partly why I sold my KTM 690 years ago, just so many extra things to go wrong.
@@crosstrainingadventure He has only ridden it once due to it being cold here in the US (North Carolina). He seems to be really happy with it. I will report back to you after he has some more miles on it. Cheers!
@@wcsdiaries I think the DR650 requires less maintenance due to being air and oil cooled. No coolant to change and monitor. They are both close as far as maintenance. Also, what type of riding do you plan to do? If you are looking at 50/50 road and off road, the DR is a great choice. If you will be more dirt oriented, the DRZ is probably the better choice due to better suspension for off road. Both are great choices! Hope this helps some! Cheers!
About the upper chain roller on the 650: when i bought the bike with 65K km i really couldnt find that chain roller and since its an old euro model i just figured it didnt have one (euro models are a little bit different). fast forward 2 years and 20K km later i layed the bike on its left side accidentally and when i glanced at it at the right angle i could see a big hole (about 4x4cm) in the frame, right where the chain roller should be. i closed the hole with quik steel. i was riding a lot in the worst of weathers so for sure water entered the frame. i just dont know if the water was able to dribble out the small drain holes on the underside of the frame or if its rusting from the inside right now. also since i found those drain holes im not sure if water crossings are a good idea with this bike in general.
Yes have owned a DR650 for 11 years stepped up from my very favourite DR500 (an absolute fantastic bike that has taken me alot of places in OZ-still have it) back to the 650 my main gripe would be the unforgiving forks which give zero feedback and will skip and wash out and are harsh. I have done a lot of mods but I think my next splurge will be the plex valves. Oh with the mods plenty of grunttttt. grunttttt.
I bought a 2015 drz sm. Brand new unfortunately I lost it in a house fire after a month. But it was a really fun bike looking at finally replacing it. But I'm thinking I'll go with the drz400s
I've got the DRZ400s here in the US, I love it. You can do pretty much anything you want with it, but nothing super well, unless you want it to last for ever.. it does that pretty well. I would agree with the video though, you just need to go out and ride them both, and then decide what you want to do with it. They are both great and totally capable! Thanks for the video!!
It would be interesting to see how many guys choose the DRZ when they are wrestling with this decision, Brandon. It seems to be a 50/50 split judging by the comments. Glad it's worked out for you!
@@crosstrainingadventure Yes it will, I wrestled with it for a while then I rode both. The main reason I went with it was because of your words regarding the dr650 "please don't let the mighty weight crush our bones" keep the good content coming!
I'm currently looking at buying either a DRZ400 or DR650. Loved this video it has some great points. I'm 169 cm (5ft 6ish) and 100 - 105kg. I'm looking at riding some fire trails without riding anything wild as I'm a newby in off road riding. I can't decide what I really want as there are great points for owning both. I have at least a 30min ride to get to any trails.
I had a DRZ400S - did exhaust, air box mod and JD jetting and a bunch of other mods. It was a nice bike but grossly underpowered and needed a sixth gear for the highway. It was struggle just to get the front up and over obstacles so I had to gear it lower and then it screamed on the highway. I ended selling it and getting a cruiser for road and a KX500 for offroad.
It's similar to the DR650 in that a major update would work wonders for the bike, Phil. I'd love to see the DRZ400 with a sixth gear, suspension off the RMX model, and bored/stroked to a 500...
Once you work out what style of riding you will be doing for 80% of the time then you have found your bike. I ride mostly dirt tracks, single trail and do the occasional camp trip. For me the Aussie DRZ400E is the right choice. Strip off all the unnecessary bits, add the important mods such as bigger tank, firm up the suspension, 15 / 44 gearing and decent tyres and you have a decent lightweight adventure / dirt bike. At 40 HP and 140kg the DRZ is a very capable bike with minimal maintenance. Yes you will suffer a little on the HWY getting to your destination but once there it comes into its own. If you are doing more road miles, then the DR is a better choice. Either way, you can't go wrong
It would be great with a sixth gear. Once I did a big road trip on the DRZ400S and put ridiculously high gearing on it. It just burbled along at 100 to 140kmh happily without revving much at all.
@@crosstrainingadventure If you intend to keep the DRZ long term once the top end needs replacing, add big bore 440 kit, you may as well split the case and add a wide ratio gearbox.
You guys are incredible. Had a DR650 which I used mainly on the road. Did heaps of mods and loved it...unfortunately the wife didn't so had to buy a Bonneville.
I'm riding a 1991 DR650R dakar that I've resored and put a lot off time and effort into. Love the bike and the old school styling but I'm jealous of the 1996 and up models aftermarket support and parts availability.
@@crosstrainingadventure Oh, I forgot to mention, it's was your DR modding series that made me buy it in the first place, the 1991 just happened to be the only one I could afford at the time :D
I bought a Dr650 Tanami and love it! Really enjoyed the series on the bush pig on your site. If anyone buys either one between Vince Strang and Adventure Bike Australia you can build them any way you want to suit your application. You can't go wrong with either one but I wanted a tourer more than a more enduro orientated machine that's why I chose the 650
The range of aftermarket parts is incredible, hey John? I really went to town on the last DR for that video series, but this time I'm trying to keep it a bit lower key and not add too much weight to the bike with accessories.
I have a 2008 Dr650se, bought 2+1/2 years ago, stock. Now has approx. 24,000+km on the clock (I've done 10,000, 3/4 km with my pillion,) cruising around SA's Fleurieu peninsula mostly... Like it lots.. ( a few mods would be great - seat & exhaust especially, but can't really afford it..) I enjoy the grunt, but I'm no trickster, just happy to stay upright (have Parkinsons - so this is still good for the brain, co-ordination, balance etc- on better days) and enjoy the views and fresh air! All the best to anyone who rides a m'bike! God bless, take care & Happy New Year 2021¡¡
No cure for Parkinsons, but like many diseases / ailments, there's tablets and other approaches which reduce severity of symptoms to assist with daily life.. We're told to keep active in mind & body, challenging ourselves, not give in to almost certain decline in mobility, energy, stamina, stability, speech & cognitive impacts, tremmoring and a number of other possible symptoms, thru nerve based decline. The longer we keep trying to do "normal " things the better.. I'm mid-fifties, so yes, figure I'll ride as long as I can.. When my judgement and /or reactions / co-ordinations are too bad, I'll stop!! My pillion will be sad as she loves cruising on it to!! Thank you for your knowledge filled, entertaining videos! Ridesafe everyone... :))
Just traded my 2015 DR650 for a brand new DRz400e first thoughts are wow my DR was like a couch compared to the DRz To ride. But definitely suits my style of riding better. I would take my stock 650 up to tatong no dramas so I’m definitely keen to get this up their once ran in and the high country once it opens up. The DRz stock muffler after some slight modification is loud won’t be hiding from anyone. Cheers for the vid based my decision to trade the 650 after watching it a few months back.
I'd take either for offroad over my 190kg wet, 94 F650, lol. It's a good lil beamer for the road but I'm a weakling, so picking up anything over 160kg from the ground is kind of a pain. Looking to get one of these two next.
Was out on green lanes playing in the mud in the south of the UK today on my Drz400e, I love it! Easy, dependable...long motorway miles you'd want another gear but that's for a different bike!
@@crosstrainingadventure not sure when they stopped selling new bikes but the second hand market is strong, although the e model seems a bit of a rarity nowadays, not letting my old girl go in a hurry, 02 and still runs sweet as.
I've only have some experience an uncorked XR650L, in this class of motorcycle. I've only ridden a DR 650 around a dealership's parking lot, once. The only thing I can say about both bikes, is I believe that the XR650L has longer travel suspension than the DR 650.
My 1st 400 was an S model. Was good to get back into riding, but too heavy for my taste on trails. Fire roads/back roads was good, but too buzzy on fast pavement. I sold it. My current E has suspension mods and is pretty good on all dirt, except gnarly single track. My heavily modified DR 650 is great (stable/smooth) on roads and is good on dirt with proper tires. The 650 is in the most need for suspension work. Washboard dirt and big hits are not it's strong suit. All are low maintenance and reliable!
Very close to my experiences, Tim. Although I didn't find my DRZ400S buzzy on the road though. Mind you, I had it geared up crazy high for all the road riding I was doing... just burbled along with pretty low revs on the highway.
I've had a DRZ and if you have a kickstarter installed I'll recommand checking the oil pump sprocket. If I had known better, I would've replaced mine with a steel sprocket day 1, trust me on this. Also, I found the magnesium stator and clutch covers are way too fragile for offroading. I strongly suggest you stick aluminium plates over yours, at the very least, or swap for aftermarket covers altogether.
@@crosstrainingadventure I honestly don't know if Suzuki recommends checking that sprocket on the E models but they don't mention it at all for the S and SM as the issues seem to only be correlated with the kickstarter. I learned it the hard way unfortunately, my Suzuki mech manager and his team were uneducated on the matter.
@@6226superhurricane Mine was 15000km when I bought it. I'm told that the sprocket must've been slightly damaged when the kickstarter was fitted (by the penultimate owner) until it failed at 45000km.
Sorry, did I hear that right? The only mechanical issues left to resolve on a new DR purchase is chain roller and fuel filter? Nothing else? They've resolved the NSU bolts, etc., from the factory?
In recent years they started loctiting them at the factory. I guess it depends whether you regard this as a proper fix or not. I've been waiting to hear from guys saying they worked loose anyway but nothing to date...
@@crosstrainingadventure Great, thanks! And, what are your thoughts on the front fork of the DR besides being ancient? Does it need a brace or other stiffening? Apologies if you have mentioned this in a previous vid already.
Fully covered the suspension in our DR650 project series. I can't see any reason for fork braces unless you are riding very aggressively on the road e.g. you've motarded the bike.
Both are great and I have had plenty and them both as well, I would say that what has been said is right on the money, 650 for more road , and drze for bush..
I have owned both, currently have had the 650 for 5 years. The Drz feels like a much smaller bike even though the seat height is greater. The drz is closer to a true trail bike. The biggest issue with the drz is the very close ratio gearbox which in standard gearing is a bit too tall for trail riding and a bit short for long hauls, putting taller gearing on sees it runout of puff when trying to hold speed seeing allot of frustrating gear changes, if it had a wide ratio gearbox or a 6th gear I would go back to one. The future must surely see both redesigned to meet emissions, then again there has been no hurry from Suzuki in the past, cheers
Excellent point... it boils down the the gear ratios on the DRZ like you stated... makes them more dirt oriented. I have an XT600 and like it better overall for light ADV riding. Has much longer legs with less revs on the road.. more comfortable. I also have a 500EXC so no need for speed.
Love my DRZ400S. Seat concepts low comfort seat and a host of other mods have made it quite a fun off-road bike. Here in the PNW of the states it’s just the ticket.
Had a DRZ, great in the bush but a buzzy bugger on road, rev their brains out. They are either geared for bush or road, not both and I want to do both to get to the good spots. Just got rid of my Tiger 800 XC (great on road, capable in the dirt but big, heavy and too many bits to bust and replace in "unplanned dismounts"). Now waiting on delivery of my new DR650, can't wait to start tinkering and farkling. Great base to build the perfect bike for your needs!
The DRZ is crying out for a sixth gear, David. Or at least a wider spread. I geared up my DRZ400S like crazy for a long road trip (15/38 from memory) and it just purred along at highway speeds, they can definitely pull high gearing just fine. Hope you enjoy the DR, they make a fun project!
I had 2 drzs in the uk. I brapped about on the sm and enjoyed it. The E never left my ol mans lounge because 'YOU CANT RIDE THAT HERE' is the law in the UK. I wish i could have brought them to the wild.
It's hard to say if the third gear is even an issue really. I spoke with a Suzuki mechanic who says he's never come across one in years on the job. Was it originally a problem and was fixed when the part number changed years back? Or is it only happening at the same rate as most bikes, but so many DR650s have been sold that online comments made it an issue? Who knows...
@@crosstrainingadventure It is rare, but common enough to be statistically significant, and there have been riders it's happened to more than once. high mileage or brand new bikes too, pre or post new part number as well. latest one just this year, a rider here in canada. i wouldn't hesitate to get another dr for riding around relatively close to home (within a few thousand miles), but it worries me enough that i chose a different bike for my upcoming south america trip.
I owned a drz400 for several years, a blast of a bike, but not suited for the highways. If you have to travel any long distance to get to your trails you’re going to have to load it into the back of a trailer/pickup. Long distance touring wasn’t enjoyable. But if you want something you can take anywhere and have nothing with you except what’s in your bike. Get a Dr650. Glad I made the switch.
I agree. I know some guys don't mind smaller engines screaming away on the highway but I wouldn't want to ride a DRZ on the highway for more than five minutes lol.
@@crosstrainingadventure for me, it's not the revs, it's the wind. I've put over 65k miles on my Vmax touring around the country. I took the Dr.Z for a 200 mile hiway trip, and I've never been so beat up on a bike. Unmitigated misery. It's just too light to be in the open road.
I have a DR350, and I'm absolutely loving it so far! I've wondered a few times, if I should swap for the DRZ, but I think that it wouldn't be a really that big of an upgrade since the power figures are relatively similar.
Just got back from a morning ride on mixed highway, tar and gravel. My weapon of choice, not the Suzuki D'R' 650, but the distant cousin the Suzuki D'L' 650. Brilliant for that sort of thing. No good for single track, but for just blowing out the cobwebs of the mind, nothing better. Nothing like coming home with the bike covered in mud, except for the tyres that are all melty right the way to the edge. For the dirt I like 200 twostroke.
The 650 had a baby brotha, he was perfect in every way. If your legs are short maybe stick with a drz. If your legs are long stick with a dr. I'm no professional, but learned on a tall bike. The shorter the seat now on other bikes is a piece of cake. Both are fun and aftermarket and forum knowledge is rediculous. If you have one, keep it. Last of an era✌
When I first test rode my 2017 DR650, I knew it was the Perfect Adventure bike for Me! So Love especially it’s custom Low seat and it’s well balanced Handling at slow speeds 💃💖
I hope it helps, Tommy. I've had so many questions about both and this seemed to be a good way to sum up the differences. Hopefully it would make a decision easier...
@@crosstrainingadventure I"m leaning toward the 650 as a light adv bike. I already own an fe350s, so my trail oriented bike is taken care of. Thanks again for a great vid.
@@crosstrainingadventure yeah love it! I have been taking my sm wheels off road, I did little red with them the other day!! Haha I was pretty happy. But I love seeing how far I can get with them at glass house
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. 😎
I've had 3 DR 650's over the past 15 years. One of them I rode from Montreal,CAN to Ushuaia, ARG with zero problems. I'm still amazed at the versatility of this motorcycle, how rugged it is and how easy it is to service. With a better seat, a larger gas tank and a few tweaks to the suspension, it's the ideal do it all motorcycle.
They are good fun if you like the old school! I always get a few guys who say 'the DR is just old fashioned junk!' and they try to convince me to buy a KTM 690, AJP PR7 or SWM Superdual. Each to their own. 😊
Wow what i ride. Id like to know more about your trip
How did arg treat u brother, u speak spanish?
I bought my first bike a DR 650 because of this channel. It's been a great choice for me.
Done much in the way of mods, Andrew? I left my latest one stock for quite a while and it was still enjoyable (except for the suspension on rough ground).
Same here...
OK, I have to admit this channel helped me decide on the Mighty DR650 also. Haha! I figured that if it was "Aussie Approved" it had to be a great bike.
Cheers!
You trusted an Aussie? Don't you know we are all descendants of convicts? 😂
Same as well.
Having owned a heavily modified/unrestricted DR650 and a now a more or less stock DRZ400sm, I sometimes miss the grunt of the 650.
Got the 650 after following your mods videos and have ridden complete Trans America Trail plus Western USA trails for 8,000 plus miles. Puts a smile on my face when I see it sitting waiting for the next ride. JD ADV channel.
I'm in next time! Get at me, I wanna hit continental divide trail too I hear its epic.
Is it pretty low maintenance?
I've owned both the DRZ400S and currently own a DR650. I prefer the 650. They're both good bikes but I spend more time on the street or fire roads than gnarly trails as I mostly ride solo and the DR just suits that better. I also appreciate the simplicity of the DR as a simpleton myself. Can't go wrong with any of them, but it's the Bush Pig for me. Great video as usual, thanks!
Very occasionally I come across guys who say either bike wasn't really their thing, Mike... and eventually they went for something more powerful and that's completely understandable. But it's far outweighed by fans of these prehistoric bush pigs. 😍
I have a drz and a klr. The klr is very clunky shifting compared to the z. How does the 650 compare to the z?
I've learned something in the quest to find the perfect motorcycle over my life.. There isn't such a thing and you should just own three bikes lol!!!
Yep, it's like that old mathematical equation... the ideal number of bikes is 'n+1' where 'n' is your current number of bikes. 😁
and bikes are so cheap compared to cars, so why not?
Preaching to the choir 😍
I already have three bikes ,two cars and a boat!
Just sold my 4wd.
It's an illness.
Somebody please stop me!!!
Ps. Love my Dr650.
@@justinbarker3905 I...I...dont understand. Are you looking for a donation to buy the 400E?
Bought a DRZ400E with genuine 1800km on the clock for A$1800, fitted the stroker crankshaft (which significantly increased torque), a big bore kit with J&E forged piston, Barrett muffler, ACT wide ratio gear cluster so 5th is essentially 6th (120 km/h at 5100 rpm), and revalved the forks and shock plus fitted Eibach springs. With the 28L Safari tank it’s now a very good adventure bike that hauls my camping gear, and still very good on trails when I’m in the mountains.
A real shame Suzuki doesn't just put that spread of gear ratios in from the start, hey Ronan? I figure it would essentially cost them nothing if the cogs already exist...
@@crosstrainingadventure Agreed. The gear cluster was reasonably priced, A$930 for gears 2-5, with first remaining stock (which is great for the technical stuff). I did the install myself when I installed the crank and big barrel. A little tricky for a non-pro, but doable. My only dislike with the DRZ is that many of the standard fasteners and the magnesium cases are a bit cheesy - with my other bikes you get a good feel for tightness once the bolt is in contact with the cases, but with the DRZ there’s a mushy feel, and it’s easy to strip a thread. My 1/4” torque wrench helps with the light stuff, most of which is only 5.5 Nm for standard bolts, up to 10 Nm for the higher grade steel 6mm bolts. I guess you get what you pay for...some corners cut on quality, but it would have saved them peanuts
Ouch. That does sound expensive for the gears, Ronan. I guess they have to be custom made in that case? A shame, I bet the stock ones only cost Suzuki a few dollars each when ordered in the thousands each year.
@@crosstrainingadventure ...they’re actually only $250 more than if you bought new OEM gears (2,3,4 &5) from a Suzuki dealer (not that one would). I bought the cheapest of the two after market gear clusters. They’re low volume production made in the US by a transmission specialist, but sold in Australia by several distributors. The other set is made in the UK, and costs around $2500. They weren’t even considered. www.mickhone.com.au/partFinder/fiche/suzuki/2003/dr-z400e/transmission#next
adventurebikeaustralia.com.au/product/act-drz400-wide-ratio-gear-set/ looks like they’ve increased in price in the last 18 months
Owned many bikes over the years, have a modded DR650 at the moment, been awesome for lighter adv setups, absolutely capable on trails, even single track, just a little heavier, close mate has the DRZ, we trade occasionally, honestly not the most drastic difference. One is heavier and better on road and taking ADV weight, the other is lighter and more nimble on trails.
What mods did you add to your bike? Also what year is your bike?
I have done a trip from Bathurst to Townsville and return on a drz400. I set this bike up for travel, it was ok but not so much on long highway stretches. I now have a dr650 now and think it is better for me. This bike has upgraded seat and ffrc suspension. As well as what I can afford in other upgrades. Most of my info has come from you. Thank you very much. I’ll finish soon and travel again. I’m from the bush so this my thing. All the best
Ditto Rod, I did one long road trip on a DRZ400 and I wouldn't want to do it again.
I commend you for your loyalty to the big DR. You're surrounded by every new dirtbike there is, yet you still praise this bike. I started riding a '75 RL 250 Exacta in local Trials events, but then my father died on a CB 750 four and it put a damper on my bike life.Fast forward to 2017. I went in to the closest dealer and bought a new DR 650 and a new Dl 650. I've ridden the Dr all over the western US in every condition possible and has never let me down.It will follow me into the next life. Both are a blast and dependable as sledgehammers.Thanks for your superb videos.
I was seriously considering the SWM Superdual but I didn't like the extra weight, Frank. All these mid sized bikes (except the DR) just seem to keep getting heavier! Plus I don't like all the electronics coming out on many new bikes... I prefer to go old school if possible. I remember the old RL250! A pity it's very rare to see them nowadays, whereas the Yamaha TY can often be spotted at trials events.
I've had 2 DR's and 3- DRZ's, i now have one of each, love them both and each has it's use in my life, i'll probably always have them.
Thank you Barry for having such a great channel!
Cheers!
Funny how many of us have had multiple bikes in the same model range, RJ!
After watching way too many of these clips by you I have finally succumbed and picked up a DR 650 yesterday. Somehow it feels like high praise for the content you provide after years and years of working and managing motorcycle dealerships including Ktm’s and bergs, I’ve now somehow ended up here with a DR in my collection. And this DR is so old school, it should actually come standard with sideburns and a monocle, but yet I look forward to a long list of mods.
Actually it is normal for DR riders to wear a monocle and begin growing sideburns... I hope you don't disappoint us lol. They aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if you like working through the mods the old beasts really become something quite special. I'd say at least 95% agree, but those who really wanted massive power will end up on KTM 690s or similar bikes. 😁
@@crosstrainingadventure haha I have had most big bore Ktm models since 1996 through to 08, including some of the odd stuff like the 540sxc 520sx, and 620sx, but I was a little disappointed with the 690, perhaps it was the ergo’s. Felt like it missed the mark for an adventure bike. The DR I picked up is an as new 2011 with 11000k’s on it, completely stock with almost no makes, has a staintune on it (loud) no jetting or derestriction. I’m picking up a TM42 and all of the other precautionary measures you mention. not sure what I will do with the suspension though just yet. Should be fun.
I'm sure you'll love the bush pig. I couldn't come to grips with the KTM 690 and sold it after a few months. Many feel the same way. It's got a lot of 690 owners upset but I did a video about this a few years back. ruclips.net/video/z_MdmqNQslw/видео.html
Got a DRZ-400E and its had everything done to it and is a weapon the 15/44 gearing i have on it currently is good for all round stuff is still very capable offroad if you want to ride it on road or highways more so then the dirt just use a 15/39 sprockets and a spare chain it's a cheap alternative and you get the best of both worlds the dr650 and drz 400 have to offer.
New 2020 DRZ400S owner. Great Bike! I stepped down from a F700GS and the smaller/lighter DRZ is so much more fun in the dirt. Plenty of power and speed for the road, but I do avoid freeways. The 3x3 mod, Yoshi full exhaust, and JD jet kit made a bid difference in opening up the throttle response - so It's as must in my book.
My choice was the dr650 and at first stock form was good enough. I began enjoying more difficult tracks looking for the more elusive single. About this time I took your advice and fully cogentified my suspension, did the 3x3 and tailored the rest of the bike to suit my needs. Living in the Pacific Northwest part of the USA I have an abundance of all sorts of tracks my favorite being the mountain climbs up to the tops of ridges often over 6000 feet and sometimes over 7000. The only issue is these rides are 60 to 150 miles away making the DR650 the perfect choice. A decent rider with a well set up DR can ride quite a bit and I have had mine up some pretty decent trails. Problem with the DR is I cant ride too many black or double black trails on it. I can on my DRZ though. That is my drz400s model as it will and has traveled the 60-150 miles to get to the trail just not as comfortably. Now the problem with the drz400s is now i'm a broken down old man (not really too broken or too old but old and broken enough) to want a better, lighter, and perfect mountain trail bike so I bought the xtrainer. Now to which to buy. If ya gotta trailbike get the DR, if you don't get the DRZ if you love trails. My DRZ is now slated to be the truck out bike to the woods when it is too cold to ride the DR out. Xtrainer is worth trucking. My Dr is ridden most of the time as it will take me anywhere most of the time. Its biggest drawback being its rider. Rock On thanks OZMann!
The DR650 is a beast when it comes to hills, I've done some snotty ones and occasionally and as long as you can stay upright it just chugs and finds traction!
@@crosstrainingadventure definitely has shown some hills in this neck of the woods who's boss!
iv owned a DRZ400e for a few years now and love it great little bike
I have a KLX400R 2005 . Same bike but green. Flat slide carb, opened up airbox and a high flow filter, usual alloy guards fitted. I'm 60 now , suspension if fine for the pace I ride these days. Solid and reliable.
Lean mean and green!
I started riding after a 35 year long break... bought a cb500x,,, nightmarish in dirt.... traded in for a dr650. Couldnt be happier.
Good move, Eric! I actually tried a CB500X myself last year but sold it within a few months. It felt downright dangerous on dirt roads and I was back to the DR650 in a flash.
Love my DR650 put a smile on my face every time I ride it.
I sold my DR for a DRZ400E, which I’ve added a 28L tank and suspension to. It makes for a better off-road capable tourer which is what I’m after
I love my DR650, or more accurately DR790. I also live 15 min away from Procycle which is in the Pacific Northwest. Life is good .
I still haven't ridden a 790, can't wait. I'm almost wishing my bike would seize just for an excuse to do it lol.
@@crosstrainingadventure You don't need for it to seize. I had a leaking gasket. While a friend and I were inspecting the aforementioned leaky gasket said friend commented, " Well your gasket is leaking that means you need to put a big bore kit on it now". He was right, I wish I did it sooner. No more leaky gasket.
i have a dr-z 400 for about 10+ years after firing it up it didn't idle but giving it a new air filter and cleaning the carbe fixed that problem it has done over 1000 miles and still can pop a wheel with ease
I have 2 drz 400 and they have never stoped or had a mechanical issue only servicing and are fun with mortard set up
By far the best channel on the tube. Cheers from the USA!
Thanks 👍
I’ve had both, they are both great bikes and this is a great summary. Because of their aged design they are not great at anything but reliability and both will leave you with some disappointments. The trick is to work out which you will be least disappointed with and I think that depends wether you spend more time on dirt, DRZ or the road, DR. Neither is a do it all and seems to me the DRZ is in no mans land. I used to ride an hour or so to and from the trails and would be shattered on the DRZ, which is why many people have a DR, a light weight dirt bike and a trailer.
That sums it up well, Grant. And I think the real key is that reliability if you don't need to be riding the latest and greatest. I certainly don't, I love old school bikes.
Exactly what iv got - motocross bike / DRZ and trailer
I liked my used DR650 so much that I bought a new one to have a buddy bike. Procycle stripped a bored/stroked DR down to around 320lb curb, which is similar to a stock DR-Z400S. With upgraded fully-adjustable suspension, a 320lb curb DR with a performance cam and piston would be my choice over a DR-Z. The big DR is just loafing along at 70MPH on the slab with 15/41 sprockets. I tour 2up with luggage on mine, and still ride it on rutty, rooty, sandy, muddy singletrack. The bike is ridiculously versatile. ABS and EFI might be welcome updates or options for some people though.
In our DR650 series I was keen to see how much weight I could strip off the bike, but can't remember now. It's surprising how much you can trim down just by taking certain things off.
I went with the DRZ400s. First, my background is motocross and secondly, I'm too tall for any of these bikes. I easily flat-foot the DRZ with no sag (6'8"). The DRZ feels a bit heavy, and torquey, but underpowered in the mid to upper RPMS but that's because I'm used to high-revving 2 strokes.
Regardless, I absolutely love the bike. It's so cool to ride on the street and have the option of going off-road. I'm building it out to be a light adventure desert bike. I also bought the JD jetting kit and will do the 3x3 mod and eventually, the full exhaust upgrade to get the most HP I can from it.
Good solid bikes for sure, Steve. I'd love to see Suzuki take it to a 500cc, add a sixth gear, and maybe do an adventure version too.
@@crosstrainingadventure Me too! Even if it was a 450. What to you think about the SWM 500? Husqvarna parts, fuel injected, 6 gears.. I would have bought that instead but they are hard to find.
We did a review of the 300 which is extremely similar. I thought the big issue was the close ratio gearbox which they kep for the 500 model.😢
@@crosstrainingadventure Right. I forgot about that! Not good for highway use.
I bought a new DR650 due to this channel. I love it so far!
Great to hear, John... any mods planned?
@@crosstrainingadventure so far just a rack and ordered a skidplate. Not sure about anything else yet.
They are a great therapeutic motorbike.
Had my dr650 for a year now always puts a smile on my face. Done all the mods to it and will never get rid of it.
Thanks for all your vids as well.
Cheers.
Yes, and the smile just gets bigger as you do the basic mods on the bush pig. 😁
From Brazil, my Drz400E 2009 surprises me every single day.
Great overview! I thought about replacing my plated late model dirt DR350 with either a DRZ400 or DR650 for general purpose dual sporting, but came to the conclusion that there wasn't much of a point to swapping as the overall riding experience wasn't really going to change. So, I've been busy rebuilding the DR350 this winter and plan to keep it around as a general purpose dual sport for many more years. Makes more sense to just add a proper dirtbike to the garage to scratch that itch.
No school like the old school, Kestrel! If I was good at mechanical stuff I'd much rather have a shed of old bikes like the DRZ and DR650 than buy new bikes.
I have a 93 Dr350S kicker and LOVE IT... I have the dirt pump carb and I welded/braced the swing arm much better handling.
Necessity is the mother of learning how to work on your stuff. Or something
Thank you for the videos you present. I've had fun watching them on many occasions. TA.... On my second DR650SE now and had no major trouble with either. Number one I had to replace cam chain tensioner gasket, tensioner was OK just the gasket. That was it. I don't ride hard anymore, I'm no biggy on dirt, and mainly ride gravel roads and about 80% bitumen. Toured on both with a piece of closed cell foam on the seat. Have done Canberra to Adelaide 1200km in one go regularly. Not bragging just showing that these bike are trust worthy. Mine is lowered for road use (Adelaide Hills). I lowered the rear by factory specs and dropped the forks 20mm through the triple clamps, and run fully synthetic auto transmission fluid in the forks to the factory amount. I like they way they feel but I am no expert rider and I don't speed...a lot. I have at one time, opened both bikes 3x3 etc, I didn't cut the airbox but sprag the door open with the opening facing rearward and use aluminium tube spacers and longer bolts. But I ride the current one in standard form and enjoy the peace. 42 tooth rear though. Carries top gear with gear and a head wind better (Hay Plains). Covered 140,000 km. spread over both bikes over 14 years. Covid's slowed touring where I like to go. I'm retired now and go for rides during the week when the roads and gravel roads are a smidge quieter and find myself smiling. It's good to be quiet. These bikes each have their own character (talking for the 650) as the two I've owned did take different tuning and did 'feel' different to run. Maybe it was the colour difference. I run standard tyres at the moment. I would get another DR650SE. Thanks for your time. Ride Healthy. Tim.
1200km in one day, Tim? I assume you had an aftermarket seat lol. Yes they are awesome bikes if you don't need ridiculous amount of horsepower and enjoy the old school nature of the bush pig!
@@crosstrainingadventure Just a piece of $10 yoga mat for a pad. Yeah enough power for what I do. Thanks. Tim.
Watching this up in Canada with negative 20 out while sitting next to my dr650 in my living room.
Great video, thank you sir!
Brrrr... I have friends in Kamloops and they are getting good falls already.
I get that ..... here in Ontario with a Africa twin freezing in the garage.
@@crosstrainingadventure greetings from interior BC. I'm riding a 1990 dr 650 and looking at getting a slightly newer one!
Sorry drz400 from the north. I gave you thumbs down. On just the fact you can't ride! Hope you have an early spring. I moved from the north to southern New Mexico . Great riding all year long. Its worth being poor. Come on down.
I bought my dr650 new in 03. Love the bike. I ride in almost totally on road so I know it was the better choice 18 yrs ago.
Every time I see a DR650.... all I can think of is your video of the piston being forged. I'm still laughing almost a year later. Thanks for the laughs... lol
I live in fear of that massive piston punching through the top end and fuel tank, igniting a huge fireball during a top gear wheelie. Actually... that's not a bad way to go. 😍
Just finished 4400 kms on the DR650 covering much of the South Island Of New Zealand, 2000 or so off-road 600 kms of gnarly off-road, bike was great in all conditions. A little heavy when you get stuck going up a really steep hill with ruts everywhere but apart from that she is great. Had a drz400e x2 and while great a prefer the dr650. purchased for $8200 brand new and added about 2k worth of mods
Sounds like a good trip, Cameron! I heard there is little public land for dirt riding but I assume there are heaps of rough dirt roads from what you say. It will have to go on the bucket list!
I have a drz400sm with S knobby tires. It is an absolute pleasure to ride and a lot of fun on tough trails. It is a true dual sport but definitely leans toward off road/ trail riding. Also despite what some people say, its not suitable for the freeway. The relative lighter weight and less displacement make it unsuitable. It can do 60mph with ease but if you have a lot of mechanical sympathy like myself you can hear the rpms telling you not to push it much past 60. Otherwise for back road routes and speeds 60 or less its a perfectly capable machine on the road. My input
I've got a fair bit of mechanical empathy too, I hate buzzing down the highway at high revs. A lot of guys are fine with this though... lots of comments from 250 or 300 riders saying 'it sits on 70mph all day long'...
I bought a DRZ400SM with RMZ suspension and wheels. Of course the 3x3 and exhaust were done. The head needed to be rebuilt, so I added a 440 cylinder, swapped for "model E" cams, added a keihin fcr39 carb, a kick start and an ACT gear set. With a seat concepts seat, luggage racks and led lighting, the bike is amazing. For offroad adventure riding, the ACT gears are the best thing I've done.... All that, and I still fantasize about the DR650.🤔
Must be a good ride with the RMZ suspension, DJ. Many of us have wondered why Suzuki didn't introduce a sports model based on roughly what you've described.
@@crosstrainingadventure The ride IS great, on and off-road. For anyone considering, imo the "horsepower" mods are not really worth the cost, but the suspension and gearing definitely are. Unfortunately you have to split the cases for a gear change.
have the same setup, except the rmz suspension!
Still love my DRZ400E after having owned 3 now and a SM. Also own a DR250R that i bought after missing my old one. Minus the carb being fiddly at times and pain if you have issues they are all fantastic bikes and fantastic to have learnt on.
Good all rounders for sure! It's strange how it's so popular (at least in Australia) but has no competition in its class for dual sport on a budget.
@@crosstrainingadventure You're right seems like it has no actualy direct competition. Yes its not a master like say a dedicated enduro bike is for that sort of work but it does so much and you go ride dirt and then like myself go home put on your supermoto wheels and ride to work most of the weeks. No wonder it still such a top seller.
Had a drz 400 for about two years just bought a 06 dr650 the low down grunt is noticeable weight difference but can’t wait to get out and do some touring on the big girl.
We will never see it unfortunately... but it would be great if Suzuki put the DR650 on a diet and trimmed the weight down. One episode in our DR650 series looked at weight reduction and it was quite easy dropping a few kg just by taking stuff off the bike.
I bought a 2017 drz400sm and put some dirt wheels and tires on it and been riding dirt for just about 96% of the time the other 4% is just getting to the trails and from if i ride from my home to the trails. I absolutely love this bike and the only issue I've had was the ignition cutting off while riding, but I think that's my fault because of the location I had move it to with out an actual bracket. I will not be getting rid of this bike at anytime soon.
How does the SM suspension go off road? I've heard some guys say it can be too firm?
@@crosstrainingadventure well for me it seemed ok, I recently just adjusted the suspension and seems to be a little softer but I have no clue on what I'm doing. Trial and error 👍 I guess the issue I have is not being able to buy a front rotors guard for it. The SM has bigger front brake rotor
If the kickstand flops around in rough trails or jumps that will kill the engine. You can bypass the kickstand sensor. Utube has videos out there.
@@curtc.6914 yeah I've heard of that issue and have not had that issue yet. I ride with the broken enduro crew and we hit some really good trails. Go check them out on RUclips. Broken Enduro 👍 shameless plug
Ive got the DRZ400sm 2008 great round the bumpy backroads (concrete roads) and jsut after getting the bike i got a set off offroad wheels for it. abit harder then taking the old ktm exc off road but still handled everything thrown at it and didnt struggle. probably the best bike ive owned so far.
Have to love all that suspension travel on bumpy roads, Chris. I tried a CB500X adventure bike last year and was almost thrown off the bike going around bumpy corners lol.
I am trying to decide between a DRZ400SM with offroad wheels or a DR650. What wheels and tires did you do and did you keep it?
@@ronsexton3685 Which one did you end up getting?
@@machupikachu1085 Didn't. Leaning towards a DR650.
@@ronsexton3685 I have a SM, and they are great for around town, on freeways and in the dirt. Their one weakness is the open road. They are too tall and light to fight the wind. If you plan on more off road and round towning, the SM is your best friend. If you are doing more on road and really any open road tours, I'd consider the DR. Hope that helps.
Cheers!
Love my DRZ400E. Very good for off road use. Easy maintenance and not expensive
I have the DR650s. I had a DRZ400 at one time. Even lowered a bit it was too tall for me. I also have an older Yamaha XT225. I thought about buying a newer 300cc class bike, but they almost weigh as much as the DR650.
I owned a Drz400s for a short period and loved cruising around the mountains where I live. I’m 5’9” 225# so the seat height was a bit high for off-road for me but was also too soft for travel with luggage. I didn’t mind upgrading the suspension but screaming the rpm’s on the highway was not enjoyable. I think I’m giving the 650 a try next. I like single track but not talented enough to get crazy. I want to plan some adv trips but can’t go on a bunch because 3 kids and a restaurant doesn’t allow right now. Thinking the low cost and reliable maintenance will fit my style perfect
I enjoy both bikes but I'd love to see Suzuki come up with something in between as well...keep the existing weight of the DRZ but bore and stroke the engine to around a 550. They would have the budget dual sport market covered nicely!
I ride a DRZ. I think its the best '"All round"" bike for me. Low maintenance top end, great fuel economy and real easy to get parts for, new and used. I love how I can go trail riding for 3-4 hours and only use 4lt of fuel. It reminds me of riding the good old XR400
You have to wonder what Honda was thinking... when they stopped making the XR400 the DRZ became the top selling non-road bike for years. I'm sure this happened elsewhere too.
I've gone from KLR650 to GasGas Pampera (euro DRZ) to husky TE510 (adv trim) to KTM500 (enduro trim). I spent the most time on the TE510, and it's that reason I'm looking for a DR650 to park next to my KTM, like the KTM but it's just not cut out for a 300km ride in enduro trim, and I can't bring myself to make it more adv friendly as it's just so good for the enduro stuff I do in Coffs. So the logical step is DR650 for the long hauls.
I know lots of guys adventurize the Kato 500 quite happily and I've tried that sort of thing in the past... but nowadays I love the simplicity of the DR650 for longer haul rides.
@@crosstrainingadventure agreed, I'd hate to be middle of nowhere with a stuffed fuel pump or a broken wire to the ecu.
I just realised some of this is filmed on my local, its a shame that little climb off the undulla rd doesnt continue
Bought a DRZ almost 6 years ago and aside from swapping the front sprocket and different tires have kept it stock. Just never felt like there was a lack of power, just lack of skill and trails that don't have a potential side-by-side around the corner deterring open throttles.
I remember a guy saying 'anything over 20hp is just wheelspin once you are off road'. For most of us it's true, you simply don't need that much power even chasing guys on powerful bikes if you have the riding skills.
I have ridden this very same bike many miles off road. It has sufficient power for my needs. The power of the drz (30ish hp)does allow me to easily turn with rear tire wheel spin while my klx250s (18.9ish hp) does not. I like that the klx does not generate excessive wheel spin.
@Nappa I have 14/44 sprockets on it which splits the final drive difference between the s and the e models. It will hold highway speeds without any issues but 85 mph is it's top speed and wind protection and its light weight is a comfort issue. Also the knobby tires and the tall front forks make concrete highways in urban areas a bit of a pain.
I’ve owned both a 2000 DR-Z400E and a 2003 DR-Z400S. The power difference is way more than 10% according to my butt dyno. Also the power delivery and engine braking provided by the E model and it’s Keihin FCR 39mm pumper carb are far far superior to the 400S. Rebuilding the FCR carburetor is another story however…
There aren't many dyno charts around but they usually indicate about a 10% difference. Although with mods the less restricted E might get more? But 10% makes a big difference! I know the DR650 gains about this with a new exhaust and carb mods and it feels like a completely different bike. But it's only gone from 36 to 40hp at the rear wheel.
My 2019 DRZ400E has 28,000km only issues iv had is countershaft seal at 18,000km and signs of bad valve stem seals around 25,000km replaced with better aftermarket seals
Interesting, Josh. That's still a pretty good run but I know many have zero issues and probably the first thing will just be replacing the cam chain further down the track.
I love my DR650, my Son loves his DRZ400, hope that helps clear things up at all.
Sounds about right!
doesnt help at all :D
Started on a DRZ400sm with 3x3 mod and jetting, upped to GSXS750. DRZ was friendlier to get around car parks, etc.
Well put together video with excellent information/ perspective! I have a 2020 DR650 and I absolutely love it! I have been rapidly modifying it this past year to meet all my needs as an adventure style bike. Suzuki has fixed the nagging reliability issues over the years and as has been said before- "The DR650 is a blank canvas which you make into exactly what you want". Your channel is a great source for info on mods for the DR. The DRZ400 is also a great bike with tons of potential also. Reliability and simplicity for both are a huge consideration for me. I have a friend who just purchased a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro ($17,000 USD) and it is a well engineered bike but it has way too much electronic gadgetry for me. I can service or repair the DR trailside - the Tiger, not so much. Sorry for the Long post.
Great Video!
Cheers!
"The DR650 is a blank canvas which you make into exactly what you want" is a great summary, William. I think it applies quite a bit to the DRZ as well, probably less so. I completely agree with all that electronic gadgetry, it's the last thing I want failing in a remote area. It's partly why I sold my KTM 690 years ago, just so many extra things to go wrong.
Forgot to ask, is your friend enjoying the Tiger so far? I haven't got to ride one yet.
@@crosstrainingadventure He has only ridden it once due to it being cold here in the US (North Carolina). He seems to be really happy with it. I will report back to you after he has some more miles on it.
Cheers!
@@williamdickson9908 which is less maintenance 400 or 650? Want my first bike :D
@@wcsdiaries I think the DR650 requires less maintenance due to being air and oil cooled. No coolant to change and monitor. They are both close as far as maintenance. Also, what type of riding do you plan to do? If you are looking at 50/50 road and off road, the DR is a great choice. If you will be more dirt oriented, the DRZ is probably the better choice due to better suspension for off road. Both are great choices! Hope this helps some!
Cheers!
About the upper chain roller on the 650: when i bought the bike with 65K km i really couldnt find that chain roller and since its an old euro model i just figured it didnt have one (euro models are a little bit different). fast forward 2 years and 20K km later i layed the bike on its left side accidentally and when i glanced at it at the right angle i could see a big hole (about 4x4cm) in the frame, right where the chain roller should be. i closed the hole with quik steel. i was riding a lot in the worst of weathers so for sure water entered the frame. i just dont know if the water was able to dribble out the small drain holes on the underside of the frame or if its rusting from the inside right now. also since i found those drain holes im not sure if water crossings are a good idea with this bike in general.
Maybe squirt some kind of rust preventative up the drain holes?
Yes have owned a DR650 for 11 years stepped up from my very favourite DR500 (an absolute fantastic bike that has taken me alot of places in OZ-still have it) back to the 650 my main gripe would be the unforgiving forks which give zero feedback and will skip and wash out and are harsh.
I have done a lot of mods but I think my next splurge will be the plex valves.
Oh with the mods plenty of grunttttt. grunttttt.
Great bikes for the Grunty McGrunt riders of the world lol
I bought a 2015 drz sm. Brand new unfortunately I lost it in a house fire after a month. But it was a really fun bike looking at finally replacing it. But I'm thinking I'll go with the drz400s
Regarding no recent reports on the water pump leak on the drz, my 2002 has started dripping. Must be an early model problem.
I've got the DRZ400s here in the US, I love it. You can do pretty much anything you want with it, but nothing super well, unless you want it to last for ever.. it does that pretty well. I would agree with the video though, you just need to go out and ride them both, and then decide what you want to do with it. They are both great and totally capable! Thanks for the video!!
It would be interesting to see how many guys choose the DRZ when they are wrestling with this decision, Brandon. It seems to be a 50/50 split judging by the comments. Glad it's worked out for you!
@@crosstrainingadventure Yes it will, I wrestled with it for a while then I rode both. The main reason I went with it was because of your words regarding the dr650 "please don't let the mighty weight crush our bones" keep the good content coming!
I'm currently looking at buying either a DRZ400 or DR650. Loved this video it has some great points. I'm 169 cm (5ft 6ish) and 100 - 105kg. I'm looking at riding some fire trails without riding anything wild as I'm a newby in off road riding. I can't decide what I really want as there are great points for owning both. I have at least a 30min ride to get to any trails.
Try to ride one that has the lowered foot pegs. I rode one w the stock foot pegs and it felt a bit cramped. The opposite of a drz400.
I had a DRZ400S - did exhaust, air box mod and JD jetting and a bunch of other mods. It was a nice bike but grossly underpowered and needed a sixth gear for the highway. It was struggle just to get the front up and over obstacles so I had to gear it lower and then it screamed on the highway. I ended selling it and getting a cruiser for road and a KX500 for offroad.
It's similar to the DR650 in that a major update would work wonders for the bike, Phil. I'd love to see the DRZ400 with a sixth gear, suspension off the RMX model, and bored/stroked to a 500...
Once you work out what style of riding you will be doing for 80% of the time then you have found your bike. I ride mostly dirt tracks, single trail and do the occasional camp trip. For me the Aussie DRZ400E is the right choice. Strip off all the unnecessary bits, add the important mods such as bigger tank, firm up the suspension, 15 / 44 gearing and decent tyres and you have a decent lightweight adventure / dirt bike. At 40 HP and 140kg the DRZ is a very capable bike with minimal maintenance. Yes you will suffer a little on the HWY getting to your destination but once there it comes into its own. If you are doing more road miles, then the DR is a better choice. Either way, you can't go wrong
It would be great with a sixth gear. Once I did a big road trip on the DRZ400S and put ridiculously high gearing on it. It just burbled along at 100 to 140kmh happily without revving much at all.
@@crosstrainingadventure If you intend to keep the DRZ long term once the top end needs replacing, add big bore 440 kit, you may as well split the case and add a wide ratio gearbox.
@@crosstrainingadventurehow high of a final gear did you go with on your DRZ for that road trip?
You guys are incredible. Had a DR650 which I used mainly on the road. Did heaps of mods and loved it...unfortunately the wife didn't so had to buy a Bonneville.
My wife bought me my used DR650 for Christmas. Maybe you need a new wife. 😬
I miss very much my DR650. Yellow 2001 with almost all the mods. One of my favorite bikes!
I love seeing older Suzukis in the traditional yellow.
Hi, 0:57 say in your opinion is the Husaberg FE 390 a more suitable/oriented dirt bike then the DRZ400e? I'm an absolute beginner... Thanks.
I can't say Fanni, there are so many variables when it comes to choosing the right bike. And the DRZ more of a dual sport bike, not a dirt bike.
@@crosstrainingadventure I see, so in other words the FE 390 is a real dirt bike? Thanks
It depends on how you define it, Fanni. Some would say yes, some would disagree.
I'm riding a 1991 DR650R dakar that I've resored and put a lot off time and effort into. Love the bike and the old school styling but I'm jealous of the 1996 and up models aftermarket support and parts availability.
I'd love to ride the older models some time and see how different they are. I'd especially like to ride the DR800 some time!
@@crosstrainingadventure Oh, I forgot to mention, it's was your DR modding series that made me buy it in the first place, the 1991 just happened to be the only one I could afford at the time :D
I bought a Dr650 Tanami and love it! Really enjoyed the series on the bush pig on your site. If anyone buys either one between Vince Strang and Adventure Bike Australia you can build them any way you want to suit your application. You can't go wrong with either one but I wanted a tourer more than a more enduro orientated machine that's why I chose the 650
The range of aftermarket parts is incredible, hey John? I really went to town on the last DR for that video series, but this time I'm trying to keep it a bit lower key and not add too much weight to the bike with accessories.
I have a 2008 Dr650se, bought 2+1/2 years ago, stock. Now has approx. 24,000+km on the clock (I've done 10,000, 3/4 km with my pillion,) cruising around SA's Fleurieu peninsula mostly... Like it lots.. ( a few mods would be great - seat & exhaust especially, but can't really afford it..) I enjoy the grunt, but I'm no trickster, just happy to stay upright (have Parkinsons - so this is still good for the brain, co-ordination, balance etc- on better days) and enjoy the views and fresh air!
All the best to anyone who rides a m'bike! God bless, take care & Happy New Year 2021¡¡
All the best for 2021, Jonathan! I figure you'd be making the most of riding while you can? There's still no cure for Parkinsons is there? 🤔
No cure for Parkinsons, but like many diseases / ailments, there's tablets and other approaches which reduce severity of symptoms to assist with daily life..
We're told to keep active in mind & body, challenging ourselves, not give in to almost certain decline in mobility, energy, stamina, stability, speech & cognitive impacts, tremmoring and a number of other possible symptoms, thru nerve based decline.
The longer we keep trying to do "normal " things the better..
I'm mid-fifties, so yes, figure I'll ride as long as I can.. When my judgement and /or reactions / co-ordinations are too bad, I'll stop!! My pillion will be sad as she loves cruising on it to!!
Thank you for your knowledge filled, entertaining videos! Ridesafe everyone... :))
I have put about 50,000 miles on a DR650. Rock solid reliable.
Just traded my 2015 DR650 for a brand new DRz400e first thoughts are wow my DR was like a couch compared to the DRz To ride. But definitely suits my style of riding better. I would take my stock 650 up to tatong no dramas so I’m definitely keen to get this up their once ran in and the high country once it opens up. The DRz stock muffler after some slight modification is loud won’t be hiding from anyone. Cheers for the vid based my decision to trade the 650 after watching it a few months back.
Glad you enjoyed the switch, Josh. Sometimes I'm still tempted to get a DRZ for the lighter weight, but I'd miss the 650's grunt too much.
I'd take either for offroad over my 190kg wet, 94 F650, lol. It's a good lil beamer for the road but I'm a weakling, so picking up anything over 160kg from the ground is kind of a pain. Looking to get one of these two next.
Was out on green lanes playing in the mud in the south of the UK today on my Drz400e, I love it! Easy, dependable...long motorway miles you'd want another gear but that's for a different bike!
Good to hear they are available in the UK, I don't think they've been sold in Europe for years, have they? 😢
@@crosstrainingadventure not sure when they stopped selling new bikes but the second hand market is strong, although the e model seems a bit of a rarity nowadays, not letting my old girl go in a hurry, 02 and still runs sweet as.
Glad I brought a 2021 Drz 400e
that's cool! in Europe you don't get any new drz or 650 because the euro regulation, you can't imagine how that sucks :(
I've only have some experience an uncorked XR650L, in this class of motorcycle. I've only ridden a DR 650 around a dealership's parking lot, once. The only thing I can say about both bikes, is I believe that the XR650L has longer travel suspension than the DR 650.
We did a recent comparison vid, the Honda is definitely more dirt friendly in terms of suspension and lighter weight.
DR: Adventure bike
DRZ: Day tripper bike
My 1st 400 was an S model. Was good to get back into riding, but too heavy for my taste on trails. Fire roads/back roads was good, but too buzzy on fast pavement. I sold it.
My current E has suspension mods and is pretty good on all dirt, except gnarly single track. My heavily modified DR 650 is great (stable/smooth) on roads and is good on dirt with proper tires. The 650 is in the most need for suspension work. Washboard dirt and big hits are not it's strong suit.
All are low maintenance and reliable!
Very close to my experiences, Tim. Although I didn't find my DRZ400S buzzy on the road though. Mind you, I had it geared up crazy high for all the road riding I was doing... just burbled along with pretty low revs on the highway.
I've had a DRZ and if you have a kickstarter installed I'll recommand checking the oil pump sprocket. If I had known better, I would've replaced mine with a steel sprocket day 1, trust me on this. Also, I found the magnesium stator and clutch covers are way too fragile for offroading. I strongly suggest you stick aluminium plates over yours, at the very least, or swap for aftermarket covers altogether.
When do they suggest that plastic sprocket is replaced? I know it's an issue on Beta four strokes as it can fail as early as 100 hours use.
@@crosstrainingadventure I honestly don't know if Suzuki recommends checking that sprocket on the E models but they don't mention it at all for the S and SM as the issues seem to only be correlated with the kickstarter. I learned it the hard way unfortunately, my Suzuki mech manager and his team were uneducated on the matter.
@@6226superhurricane Mine was 15000km when I bought it. I'm told that the sprocket must've been slightly damaged when the kickstarter was fitted (by the penultimate owner) until it failed at 45000km.
Love my drz 400, it's my first adventure bike
I've had both and I still can't say which one is better. They are both brilliant.
Sorry, did I hear that right? The only mechanical issues left to resolve on a new DR purchase is chain roller and fuel filter? Nothing else? They've resolved the NSU bolts, etc., from the factory?
In recent years they started loctiting them at the factory. I guess it depends whether you regard this as a proper fix or not. I've been waiting to hear from guys saying they worked loose anyway but nothing to date...
@@crosstrainingadventure Great, thanks! And, what are your thoughts on the front fork of the DR besides being ancient? Does it need a brace or other stiffening? Apologies if you have mentioned this in a previous vid already.
Fully covered the suspension in our DR650 project series. I can't see any reason for fork braces unless you are riding very aggressively on the road e.g. you've motarded the bike.
Both are great and I have had plenty and them both as well, I would say that what has been said is right on the money, 650 for more road , and drze for bush..
Both are awesome machines
Wouldn’t hesitate to have either of them anytime and use around the around the world in a minute.
I have owned both, currently have had the 650 for 5 years. The Drz feels like a much smaller bike even though the seat height is greater. The drz is closer to a true trail bike. The biggest issue with the drz is the very close ratio gearbox which in standard gearing is a bit too tall for trail riding and a bit short for long hauls, putting taller gearing on sees it runout of puff when trying to hold speed seeing allot of frustrating gear changes, if it had a wide ratio gearbox or a 6th gear I would go back to one. The future must surely see both redesigned to meet emissions, then again there has been no hurry from Suzuki in the past, cheers
I see there are gear ratio kits available Glen, to spread them out but man are they expensive. I reckon you'd only do it if the gearbox failed.
Excellent point... it boils down the the gear ratios on the DRZ like you stated... makes them more dirt oriented. I have an XT600 and like it better overall for light ADV riding. Has much longer legs with less revs on the road.. more comfortable. I also have a 500EXC so no need for speed.
Love my DRZ400S. Seat concepts low comfort seat and a host of other mods have made it quite a fun off-road bike. Here in the PNW of the states it’s just the ticket.
@David Squibular Pacific North West
Had a DRZ, great in the bush but a buzzy bugger on road, rev their brains out. They are either geared for bush or road, not both and I want to do both to get to the good spots. Just got rid of my Tiger 800 XC (great on road, capable in the dirt but big, heavy and too many bits to bust and replace in "unplanned dismounts"). Now waiting on delivery of my new DR650, can't wait to start tinkering and farkling. Great base to build the perfect bike for your needs!
The DRZ is crying out for a sixth gear, David. Or at least a wider spread. I geared up my DRZ400S like crazy for a long road trip (15/38 from memory) and it just purred along at highway speeds, they can definitely pull high gearing just fine. Hope you enjoy the DR, they make a fun project!
I had 2 drzs in the uk. I brapped about on the sm and enjoyed it. The E never left my ol mans lounge because 'YOU CANT RIDE THAT HERE' is the law in the UK.
I wish i could have brought them to the wild.
A 7 gallon tank for a Drz400e?
My DRZ has been perfectly reliable but maybe I should check that stator.
@Johnny Blue look at the regulator/rectifier connector. If it looks burnt, it is going out. Change that r/r regardless.
Loved my dr650, had the cs seal pop out as mentioned, no other issues. Thing that worries me about the dr though is possible 3rd gear explosion
It's hard to say if the third gear is even an issue really. I spoke with a Suzuki mechanic who says he's never come across one in years on the job. Was it originally a problem and was fixed when the part number changed years back? Or is it only happening at the same rate as most bikes, but so many DR650s have been sold that online comments made it an issue? Who knows...
@@crosstrainingadventure It is rare, but common enough to be statistically significant, and there have been riders it's happened to more than once. high mileage or brand new bikes too, pre or post new part number as well. latest one just this year, a rider here in canada. i wouldn't hesitate to get another dr for riding around relatively close to home (within a few thousand miles), but it worries me enough that i chose a different bike for my upcoming south america trip.
still a great bike for the money, way better than a klr, but definitely good to be aware of 3rd gear issue if planning a big trip
I did hear somewhere that the DR650 has never been sold in most south American countries so parts are hard to come by?
I owned a drz400 for several years, a blast of a bike, but not suited for the highways. If you have to travel any long distance to get to your trails you’re going to have to load it into the back of a trailer/pickup. Long distance touring wasn’t enjoyable. But if you want something you can take anywhere and have nothing with you except what’s in your bike. Get a Dr650. Glad I made the switch.
I agree. I know some guys don't mind smaller engines screaming away on the highway but I wouldn't want to ride a DRZ on the highway for more than five minutes lol.
@@crosstrainingadventure for me, it's not the revs, it's the wind. I've put over 65k miles on my Vmax touring around the country. I took the Dr.Z for a 200 mile hiway trip, and I've never been so beat up on a bike. Unmitigated misery. It's just too light to be in the open road.
I have a DR350, and I'm absolutely loving it so far! I've wondered a few times, if I should swap for the DRZ, but I think that it wouldn't be a really that big of an upgrade since the power figures are relatively similar.
I’ve owned the Dr350,and recently purchased a 2018 drz400sm. There is a big difference in power delivery. Test ride a drz400 and you will see.
I've never actually ridden the DR350... 😢
@@curtc.6914 Did you run your 350 stock or with mods? But yeah, I'll definitely be trying a 'Zed, when I get the chance!
@@crosstrainingadventure I can lend mine, if you ever find yourself in Finland somehow. 😄
@@Fasnfip. No both the bikes are completely stock. The drz400sm will smoke the DR350. You need to test ride one and form your own opinion. Good luck👍
Just got back from a morning ride on mixed highway, tar and gravel. My weapon of choice, not the Suzuki D'R' 650, but the distant cousin the Suzuki D'L' 650. Brilliant for that sort of thing. No good for single track, but for just blowing out the cobwebs of the mind, nothing better. Nothing like coming home with the bike covered in mud, except for the tyres that are all melty right the way to the edge.
For the dirt I like 200 twostroke.
We reviewed the DL recently as my brother has one, although he'll probably sell it now he has a DR650 instead.
@@crosstrainingadventure saw that. Great review.
I've owned both of em and I gatta give it to my drz400 sm,moded of course.
The S model only had a softer suspension than the E model for the first two years. After that exact same suspension.
Yeah, just different settings. 👍
The 650 had a baby brotha, he was perfect in every way.
If your legs are short maybe stick with a drz. If your legs are long stick with a dr.
I'm no professional, but learned on a tall bike. The shorter the seat now on other bikes is a piece of cake. Both are fun and aftermarket and forum knowledge is rediculous. If you have one, keep it.
Last of an era✌
Good video. I have wondered about these two for a while.
When I first test rode my 2017 DR650, I knew it was the Perfect Adventure bike for Me! So Love especially it’s custom Low seat and it’s well balanced Handling at slow speeds 💃💖
I hope it helps, Tommy. I've had so many questions about both and this seemed to be a good way to sum up the differences. Hopefully it would make a decision easier...
Did you lower it any further using that second linkage position, Tracy?
@@crosstrainingadventure I"m leaning toward the 650 as a light adv bike. I already own an fe350s, so my trail oriented bike is taken care of. Thanks again for a great vid.
P.S. the compression ratio is not low. Currently for the SM is Compression Ratio 11.3:1
Love my DR650 for it's simplicity, and can do all attitude. If I didn't do many hwy kms I would definitely have a drz400.
A good review Barry. I am still enjoying the perfection of your old DR. Well set up and still running well and the handling... wow!
Those basic mods make a huge difference!
Danke für dieses schöne Video......
welcher Motorschutz ist an der DR Z verbaut ?
had the 400s 10 years love it
I love my drz 400e to bits, I also have SM wheels for it
Very cool little SM bikes!
@@crosstrainingadventure yeah love it! I have been taking my sm wheels off road, I did little red with them the other day!! Haha I was pretty happy. But I love seeing how far I can get with them at glass house