"Convert those to freedom units" got me good lol I don't watch much supermoto content anymore but I'm glad i took the time to watch this, its super well made
Bought a VStrom for my first bike after extensive research. The wind protection, the corbin seat, the stability at speed... It was the perfect commuter bike on paper. But I realized if I wanted all of that and more, I can just drive my car. So I sold the beautiful vstrom and bought a wr250x with 6 teeth up in the rear. 120 kmh requires over 9000 rpm and I feel like I'm sitting on a wooden torture horse after 2 hours. But hey, this is why I ride.
I bought a WR250R and thought I'd outgrow it but I'm never selling that thing. Having a sumo wheelset on top of the stock knobbies makes it super versatile and with the sumos on its just so fun. Kart tracks are also a blast without costing too much, sumos are perfect for em imo
I have a WR125X, it's cool for most small high turns roads here or city but damn boring for what we have close to the highway, the bike is screaming above 100kmph, cars pass-by almost silent lol. Anyway mine is bad around 45k KM, it's eating oil luck crazy, I bought a 180cc kit but I'm still waiting for the mechanic to have free time to take it there for a full rebuild.
I've a 2007 DRZ400SM. I rode it for almost two years to work and back, 26 miles and about 35-40 min one way, from Antioch to Goodlettsville, TN. Route consisted of two lane roads and interstate highway. With the OEM Mikuni carb, it was as reliable as anything; be advised if you upgrade to the Keihin FCR, expect a bit more fickle behavior. My observations is that due to the single cylinder, it vibrates and you will be susceptible to the monotonous droning. It gets about 50-55mpg. If you want to alleviate the pump visits, consider an oversized polymer tank. I have a 4.5 gallon tank on mine. It gets very, VERY squirrely/wobbly at and above about 80-85mph. I hypothesize that the wind causes the front fork to 'tank slap' at higher speeds. Your assessment is pretty accurate.
Damn man, completely caught off guard when you said this was a new channel, and I realized this was your first video. Good stuff! Production quality is already some of the best moto vlogging out there!
From one drz400sm rider to another… Awesome video bro. This is my only transportation as well for the last 2 years and I ride rain or shine to work and to the gym. I love it
This video, man, the editing, the music choice, and how the name of the song pops up for every song is so cool. Love the bike, and ride safe. Much respect from Bulgaria! 🇧🇬
Man you might have a knack for this motovlog thing. What a solid first video! Just got a '17 wr450f that's been mostly street converted and plan on making it my commuter as often as I can. Great points were made in this video. If you're worried about comfort, maybe a supermoto isn't for you. Simple as that.
i ride my 2020 drz400e an hour to work i have a comfort seat and a 28l safari tank which gives me 550km fuel range so i only fill up once a week. the main reason i have the seat and tank though is fuel stops are a long way between in remote australia when i'm doing interstate adv rides.
On Fye-The Simps for the intro had me subscribing instantly! Just stumbled upon your channel because I'm looking to get a DRZ for my first bike Looking forward to watching through your channel more. Ride safe dude!
I've been doing youtube full time for 3 years now, and I was shocked when you said "this is a brand new channel", your video quality is top notch man, keep it coming! Sumo bro here too!
loved the video bro, I commute every day to college and work on my DRZ400 and its always a blast. Thats with doing a lot of highway riding down here in the state of Arizona where the average flow of traffic is 85+ (yes, I know I'm the stereotypical American refusing to convert it to the metric system). You are defiantly right when you say it's as comfortable of a ride as you make it. Some days its great others my back hates me, but always beats being in a car.
Man I fucking love your style,the way that you edit,the song choices,how chill you are about everything,keep doing what you do and I'm sure to come back to your channel ❤
I rode a 400cc single for 6 years daily to school, work, everywhere. As a city bike, 100% agree with you - splits thru traffic well, tall line of vision and sight, tackles the occasional pothole and kerb well, and handles the highway good enough. Great first video. Subscribed. All the best!
I have a British bike called a CCM, it uses the drz engine with a slight tune, a keihin carb and has ktm WP suspension. For the amount abuse and miles I've done on the engine, I really can't complain. The only things to look out for on them depending on the year were the auto cam chain tensioners could go sloppy and the steel collar behind the drive sprocket used to fail. I think the original collar was about 20mm tall and you could get an aftermarket part that was about 25mm with a rubber 'o' ring inside to completely eliminate it failing. Had the bike nearly 16 years now. Brilliant fun
Yep sold my 16sm last Christmas at 94k. Used to ride 600km a week for work, and be a goon on the weekend. So reliable, any weather, any terrain, any traffic (and occasional misfortunes). Brings back memories, esp the comfort of slowing down to 50-80 after sitting at 100 for an hour. Nice vid
really nice sharing of experience, to help consider as a communute vehicule, ive been considering getting a DRZ as my first bike, and maybe wait until summer 2025 for the release of the new DRZ 400SM
I love your attitude and I love how they still make simple air-cooled thumpers like this that are fast enough for the highway when necessary. The seat height is kind of intimidating for someone like me who is only 166 cm and has never ridden before, but I gather there are mods for that. I know Suzuki also makes the Savage but I'm trying to avoid cruisers if at all possible.
I picked up a 2021 400SM for my daily commuter in Edmonton, so happy I did! Like you said, best city bike to pop around traffic. One additional note, this bike is a mental health booster and makes me want to go to work for the rides. Great channel so far, keep it up!
All good points in your video. I used to have a DRZ400SM in Saskatchewan. To solve the fuel capacity issue, I installed a Clarke oversize fuel tank. Not a good looking tank at all, but it gave a range of 300+km.
i love the edit quality. As someone who had a dr650 supermoto and was too heavy for it, I was still able to ride the highway just fine, but again it really is not a master of anything. Its just such a fun bike to mess around with, similar to the drz but fatter. Nice to see canadian moto vloggers.
I own a 2014. It has 45,000 miles on it. I love it. Another owner of a DRZ has 97,000 miles on his (707Lake). I also own a 2023 ZX6R. I would sell the ZX6R in a second to buy another DRZ if mine broke beyond repair (totaled). I commute 45 min. to work if I take ZX6R on the highway. The back roads with DRZ takes about an hour and half. I love the ride. Butt gets sore but, it's worth every second I spend on the bike. I need to do a video of my bike. I have made some changes I think would benefit most DRZ riders. Most of all the stock dash is changed. I can monitor RPM and engine temperature. Ambient temps are handy as well, so I know why my hands are so cold.
A 'Seat Concepts' seat is incredibly comfortable, expensive but probably the best modification I ever did. I ride all day long on mine. Look it up, they're pretty much available everywhere.
Awesome video! Quality is amazing and I agree mindset is everything with these guys. I’ve been commuting on mine for a couple months now absolutely love it they’re such great little bikes
Shouts out to all you guys! seeing the feedback on this vid has been awesome. I couldn't be more thankful. More content is coming soon- In the meantime, I'll be posting some photos and reels on my Instagram @RFLCT.SM If you guys could give that a follow too, it will really help this channel to grow. Hit the link in my channel description (instagram.com/rflct.sm/) or just search @rflct.sm Cheers 🍻
@@ReflectSM If you mainly ride street, it's a huge upgrade. Especially if you already have a pipe and jet. You will lose a little torque, but it will feel like it did bone stock for acceleration. The only downside is that it won't tractor as well in the dirt. It may stall under 10km, so more clutch work is needed. You will have to grind out a little metal from the chain guard at the crankcase to make it fit, and you'll need a new chain and sprockets, but just hold on the stock stuff. The advantage is that you will tach off over 1000rpm less at 100km. Better fuel economy, less vibey, less wear and tear. It's far more enjoyable on the street. I'm looking forward to your new video with your 16/39 review. Cheers!
Owned my DRZ for two years now and it's been both a blast and a pain in the ass. Just now finally getting it dialed in after tons of mods and fixing previous owners shortcomings. I love taking it to work and chilling at regular traffic speed, and blasting it up and down the mountains on my days off.
Im moving from ottawa to vancouver shortly and ive been considering geting a drz 400 because owning a car in vancouver sucks. This is a really informative video and im now 100% onboard with getting one when i move. Ill probably do a few mods like a larger tank and reinforced handgaurds and potentially some extra seat foam, but as cool as sport bikes are, they seem like a magnet for cops and angry drivers. the only other bike im currently thinking about would be converting a dr650 to a supermoto.
I occasionally commuted into work in Ottawa from Russell, ON on my KLR650. With a Corbin saddle, it was very comfortable on the 417, but that's a flatter, wider perch than the DR...
I’ve been looking into getting a bike for a while now and I hadn’t even considered super motos until I randomly stumbled upon this channel, instant sub! Can’t wait to learn more about this style of bikes!
really enjoyed the video and dig the music. i always enjoy seeing other peoples cities with this format like illestrator showing off nyc and bike philospher showing off vegas. just go to cool places play music you like and talk about life and shit people enjoy those vids
I think you have just become more helpful to me than you would have ever thought… I’m a 40 year old child 😅 in the Uk and these dont seem a common choice here although they are out there, im looking at getting one to replace my aprilia Dorsoduro 750 and to use daily, you literally answer 90% of what I want to know and I absolutely loved the FREEDOM UNITS 😅 Keep up the good work
Nice! As someone who has spent the last 5 years in Ottawa - it's a pleasure seeing footage from here in a well-made video edit. (With a well-written and cohesive script too!) Hope to see more of your content :)
Had to pause and comment when he converted the Canadian gas price to freedom units, i was alrdy doing the math in my head and he saved me, and even called them freedom units. He has my approval!
Man, I wish I had a workable backway path to get to the train station, instead of an hour of the 401 pointing towards T.O. Mornings are now 140+ kph and aggressive. But the idea has enough merit to look into it for next spring. Thanks for sharing.
beautiful color grading, transitions, the little decals and fx. video looks really good aesthetically dude. also at 1:55, that is a pretty fwickin crisp nighttime shot, looks like a movie
totally agree, I still have a husky 501fe sumo for fun and the track, but the big high miles and wind was a bit much for me, so I have a big cruiser bike for those long rides and commutes now.
I've never had a problem with the wind. (Also I have only had naked bikes so that might skew my opinion.) Only real thing you have to watch out for on smaller bikes is: If you have a strong headwind. You cannot pass people at speeds. Lets say you're behind someone doing 120kh, and you're in a rush. Normally you'd have enough juice to get up and go. But if you have a headwind your body will act like a parachute. Slowing your acceleration. Which can cause problems if you aren't expecting it.
I DD'd an 83 XT550 for about a year a few years back. It looked like hell but was super fun. One of the things that really made a difference was that I installed the smallest rear sprocket I could (37t down from 44, if memory serves). Raised the top speed probably 20mph (or over 30 kunuckimeters per hour). Still so light that could smoke most cages off the line if necessity arouse. Only downside was the vibration. I went through several license plates because the (shop made) mounts would break and one morning, the thing died in the middle of major intersection. The ignition col mount snapped and the spade connector came loose. Bought a zip tie at lunch and off I went. Think I paid $400 for the bike, about $100 for a pair of Shinko dual sports, and insurance was like $70 a year. #cheapthrills
As someone who is looking at a DRZ400 for a learned appropriate bike here in Aus this is very informative and with how customizable they are also makes it a good platform to fix issues like the smaller fuel tank and gearing for highway use
I drive an SMC R and have owned a KLX300SM. I haven't ridden a DRZ but I have chatted with owners I've run into while driving about. For me these three bikes are the same thing. You do an excellent job describing how they are best used. I'm retired so if I look out the window and the weather is good, I will go for a 70 km ride just because I can. Sure the seat is a bit narrow but for rides less than an hour and a half, they are comfortable enough. I have so much fun at mostly legal speeds and without exposing myself to undue risk. I have no desire to ride one of those 200 hp hyperbikes. For me it would be a joyless experience.
Well said! I much prefer a smaller, lighter bike like this where I can mess around on it, rather than a litre bike. It’s just as much fun with half the risk.
great video. i just completed my first season as a rider, went for the budget Hawk 250, but hope to step up to a DR. i hope to kind of get up to your point, riding more comfortably more often, commuting.
Every motorcycle is a compromise. For city, commuting, dirt roads and exploring. I like the Dr-650se, it doesn't do anything great, but it can do everything cheaply. A Drz will win hands down on dirt bike riding, but the longer wheel base and bigger frame of the Dr makes for a better freeway ride.
Had my Drz 400e model since 2009 and wouldn't trade it for anything, 17L tank with stock engine and changed front sprocket to 15 tooth. Had no problems compared to mate's with there ktm's ect road and off perfect!
was definitely caught off guard when you showed the clip of just hopping on the sidewalk lol. I feel like I'm breaking some kind of rules simply riding my dual sport (WITH PLATES) on regular roads. the anxiety of doing anything even slightly not to the letter of the law while on a bike is too much for me. I know I'm legally allowed to ride this thing basically wherever... but it feels so wrong. I'm gonna sell it. it's not for me lol. the feeling that I'm going to be hassled is just too much... well that, and also the bonkers risk profile.
What a great video! It's impressive that you are starting out with this level of quality in your content already. I'm subscribing and hope to see more of this nice bike content
Awesome content and vid. I own a 2017 with 21,800 miles. The perfect bike to go get my coffee every day 27 miles away. Live in the country outside San Antonio, great bike for in town zipping around. 😎🏍
If you sit on a highway at 70mph a lot, you will be putting a 440cc kit in it by 19k becuase they will eat the bore. Maybe longer if you keep up your 1500 mile oil changes. For ref I have a drz with over 30k on the clock and a 440 kit at 18k.
ADV bike is the best for commuting. Perfect ergos. Better comfort including engine strain droning related issues. Also I commuted for years on a breathed on and modded (street tires aftermarket suspension/brakes) second gen KLR 650. From a similar type rural area into a various cities.
Have two dr400 bikes, one a drz 400sm the other a drz400e. I live in South Africa in the mountains on an avocado farm. Both bikes are at least ten years old. Am an ex Suzuki dealer from Pa.. love Suzukis and know their reliability. In ten years have changed oil and filters every three thousand kilos. On each. Have never even had to tighten a spoke and have thousands of kilos on each. I do not use either for long trips have a dl 650 for that purpose. Again never an issue on my 05 dl 650 vstrom now 100,000 km. and counting. You are a tough guy riding a 400 commuting the distances that you do. Helmet off to you. Thanks for the story.cheers from sunny South Africa. Pepe from Tzaneen Limpopo province
I ride 14k miles year round regardless of weather also, by choice. I'm torn on what to replace my Rebel 500 with when I get 100k miles. I Love the thought of the DRZ, CB650R, Thruxton, Speed Twin, Dr650, z900rs, etc.. You're video is awesome, and Thank You for the conversion math. Subscribed, and Safe Travels.
Have a '22. Put over 10k (miles) on it over the first summer with a 80 mile round trip work commute of 95/5% 55mph zone back roads/city streets. I agree with what you've said here. It's not the fastest thing you can get as far as sumo's go, but it does have 3,000 mile maintenance intervals and reliability going for it. Subbed
I ride a dr650 about 30 miles through Ohio farmland to get to school (for diesel tech) it’s not as comfortable as the gold wing but it gets there. I’ve never rode the drz400 but the 650 is pretty decent. My dad gave me a gold wing so I ride that now too but there were times of my life where the dr650 was my only vehicle. In Texas I used to have to ride it 45 miles to work rain or shine. By the time it gets uncomfortable your usually getting to your destination so it doesn’t matter too much that it’s not a goldwing. I’ve even used it to drag a cast iron radiator to the junkyard once. I’d definitely recommend these bikes as a daily commuter.
Never owned a DRZ400. Had a VOR 503SM 20 some years ago and ripped it for about 4 years. Sold it off due to parts availability. I had wanted an XR650R supermoto since the build featured in Performance Bikes magazine shortly after the bike released, so I went with that and have never looked back. The 650R is virtually bulletproof, plus it's lighter and more powerful than the DRZ. The 400/450/500s typically don't have the grunt of big bore thumpers for the highway (the VOR 503 was exceptional), and certainly not the longevity. I had a service customer blow up his brand new KTM 450EXC on the highway with less than 150 miles on the odometer (the guy bought it as a commuter dualsport). I eventually picked up a KTM 950SE for longer rides and have kept the 650 set-up SM for ripping around town, as the 950 is far better for commuting on the highway than the 650R, albeit very tall. That said, imo the best, most verstile, capable, smooth, all-around commuters are multi-cylinder super sports. I demo'd a BMW S1000R as my daily for a month, putting some 1500 miles on it. That's bike is just about as good as it gets for high performance commutes.
its so great that we're getting recommended new, passionate creators
Thanks! I appreciate that
righttt, the intro already made me subscribe
I second that!
A very informative and well made Video. I was shocked looking at the subscribers, expecting 10s of thousands.
@@RuBa1Z Thanks!
Same, first 10 seconds I was really impressed with the editing
I like how the track id pops up every now and then. Gives the feeling of a racing game. Cool detail man.
@@kevintitus6088 searching comments for song id sucks. I wish more creators just did a popup like this
This is the most aesthetically pleasing motovlog
Thanks! Definitely what I’m going for 🤘
@@ReflectSM what settings did you use?
These guys do some neat stuff too
www.youtube.com/@FortNine
5:41 This. You're on a bike, ride it and be happy!
"Convert those to freedom units" got me good lol I don't watch much supermoto content anymore but I'm glad i took the time to watch this, its super well made
Haha thanks man! Appreciate it 🙏
I liked that Freedom Unit too, I’m going to start using that term daily!
Bought a VStrom for my first bike after extensive research. The wind protection, the corbin seat, the stability at speed... It was the perfect commuter bike on paper. But I realized if I wanted all of that and more, I can just drive my car. So I sold the beautiful vstrom and bought a wr250x with 6 teeth up in the rear. 120 kmh requires over 9000 rpm and I feel like I'm sitting on a wooden torture horse after 2 hours. But hey, this is why I ride.
😂👍
Haha such a good comment 😂 6 teeth up is committed to the lifestyle
I bought a WR250R and thought I'd outgrow it but I'm never selling that thing. Having a sumo wheelset on top of the stock knobbies makes it super versatile and with the sumos on its just so fun. Kart tracks are also a blast without costing too much, sumos are perfect for em imo
My buddy had a strom. Great bike. He’s on a tracer 900 now. I’ve ridden both and decided I want a drz 400 lol
I have a WR125X, it's cool for most small high turns roads here or city but damn boring for what we have close to the highway, the bike is screaming above 100kmph, cars pass-by almost silent lol.
Anyway mine is bad around 45k KM, it's eating oil luck crazy, I bought a 180cc kit but I'm still waiting for the mechanic to have free time to take it there for a full rebuild.
Quality of the video is crazy, nice vid!
Thanks man! 🫡
I've a 2007 DRZ400SM. I rode it for almost two years to work and back, 26 miles and about 35-40 min one way, from Antioch to Goodlettsville, TN. Route consisted of two lane roads and interstate highway.
With the OEM Mikuni carb, it was as reliable as anything; be advised if you upgrade to the Keihin FCR, expect a bit more fickle behavior.
My observations is that due to the single cylinder, it vibrates and you will be susceptible to the monotonous droning.
It gets about 50-55mpg. If you want to alleviate the pump visits, consider an oversized polymer tank. I have a 4.5 gallon tank on mine.
It gets very, VERY squirrely/wobbly at and above about 80-85mph. I hypothesize that the wind causes the front fork to 'tank slap' at higher speeds.
Your assessment is pretty accurate.
I have used a 2005 DL 650 Suzuki since I bought it new for commuting . It has been awesome. Suzuki makes great bikes.
Damn man, completely caught off guard when you said this was a new channel, and I realized this was your first video. Good stuff! Production quality is already some of the best moto vlogging out there!
Thanks man! I’ll keep at it 🔥
Nice editing Check,
Calm relaxed voice Check,
Bikes Check,
Meme Check,
Liked and Subscribed Check
Keep up the good work dude
Huge thanks man!! Really appreciate that
Dude the production quality is nuts, you deserve so many more subs
I appreciate that! Gotta start somewhere
From one drz400sm rider to another… Awesome video bro. This is my only transportation as well for the last 2 years and I ride rain or shine to work and to the gym. I love it
Dedicated af dude. Respect 🫡
Just picked up my 2024 drz400sm absolutely love it.
Give it a year or so. You’ll be shopping for a wr450f supermoto. 😂💙
This video, man, the editing, the music choice, and how the name of the song pops up for every song is so cool. Love the bike, and ride safe. Much respect from Bulgaria! 🇧🇬
Respect from Canada bro. Glad you enjoyed the video 🙏
Man you might have a knack for this motovlog thing. What a solid first video! Just got a '17 wr450f that's been mostly street converted and plan on making it my commuter as often as I can. Great points were made in this video. If you're worried about comfort, maybe a supermoto isn't for you. Simple as that.
Thanks dude! That’s a rad bike, enjoy it bro 🫡
Had a white with blue rims 400sm, great bike. So much fun, used to wake up at 5am to ride to work and that crisp morning wind would wake me right up.
Yeah that sounds crisp 😂
Canadian Content Creator around motorcycles. ROCK ON!
Hell yeah brother 🇨🇦 🦫 🍁 🧊
attitude is everything hell yes
‼️‼️🔥
i ride my 2020 drz400e an hour to work i have a comfort seat and a 28l safari tank which gives me 550km fuel range so i only fill up once a week.
the main reason i have the seat and tank though is fuel stops are a long way between in remote australia when i'm doing interstate adv rides.
I like this dudes attitude and outlook on life :D
That’s a huge compliment! Thanks man
Awesome channel man. Love the DRZ content. I just got my third DRZ (I'm an addict) and have spared no expense in making my dream build haha
On Fye-The Simps for the intro had me subscribing instantly! Just stumbled upon your channel because I'm looking to get a DRZ for my first bike
Looking forward to watching through your channel more. Ride safe dude!
Nice to see a quality video about the drz from a local guy!
I've been doing youtube full time for 3 years now, and I was shocked when you said "this is a brand new channel", your video quality is top notch man, keep it coming! Sumo bro here too!
loved the video bro, I commute every day to college and work on my DRZ400 and its always a blast. Thats with doing a lot of highway riding down here in the state of Arizona where the average flow of traffic is 85+ (yes, I know I'm the stereotypical American refusing to convert it to the metric system). You are defiantly right when you say it's as comfortable of a ride as you make it. Some days its great others my back hates me, but always beats being in a car.
bro i’m in AZ too and i was thinking about getting a drz, but i have to be on the 101 for like 7 miles every day, is it a good move or nah?
@doomslayer5549 It's definitely a good choice and yeah it does great on the 101. I just get to the HOV lane and cruise doing 75 to 80 all the time.
@@MexicanSanta dude i gotta look into it more but i’m definitely leaning towards getting one of these, thanks for the insight
Well said dude!! Great bikes, but sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe shit 🤷🏻♂️
Haha the target lock noise caught me off guard. Love it dude. The Z is a great bike.
Haha glad you enjoyed 😂
Man I fucking love your style,the way that you edit,the song choices,how chill you are about everything,keep doing what you do and I'm sure to come back to your channel ❤
Thanks man! I’ve got more videos in the work, will upload soon
Excellent stuff. I miss the old school way of monologs, and this was refreshing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Cool video, good editing, no BS, straight to the point : I liked it.
Enjoy your rides and be safe !
I used to work with a guy that had a DRZ sm. He lived about 40 minutes away and rode it every day. Super reliable.
I rode a 400cc single for 6 years daily to school, work, everywhere. As a city bike, 100% agree with you - splits thru traffic well, tall line of vision and sight, tackles the occasional pothole and kerb well, and handles the highway good enough. Great first video. Subscribed. All the best!
Good point about the tall line of sight. I definitely take that for granted. It’s so nice standing up and seeing over all the traffic
I have a British bike called a CCM, it uses the drz engine with a slight tune, a keihin carb and has ktm WP suspension. For the amount abuse and miles I've done on the engine, I really can't complain. The only things to look out for on them depending on the year were the auto cam chain tensioners could go sloppy and the steel collar behind the drive sprocket used to fail. I think the original collar was about 20mm tall and you could get an aftermarket part that was about 25mm with a rubber 'o' ring inside to completely eliminate it failing. Had the bike nearly 16 years now. Brilliant fun
Yep sold my 16sm last Christmas at 94k. Used to ride 600km a week for work, and be a goon on the weekend. So reliable, any weather, any terrain, any traffic (and occasional misfortunes). Brings back memories, esp the comfort of slowing down to 50-80 after sitting at 100 for an hour. Nice vid
I have a Ktm 400 exc rfs and I agree 100 % on your points in this video.
really nice sharing of experience, to help consider as a communute vehicule, ive been considering getting a DRZ as my first bike, and maybe wait until summer 2025 for the release of the new DRZ 400SM
Just subbed, usually dont watch videos without skipping through them a bunch but this was good man
That’s huge praise man, I’m the same way. Pace is super important
I love your attitude and I love how they still make simple air-cooled thumpers like this that are fast enough for the highway when necessary. The seat height is kind of intimidating for someone like me who is only 166 cm and has never ridden before, but I gather there are mods for that. I know Suzuki also makes the Savage but I'm trying to avoid cruisers if at all possible.
I picked up a 2021 400SM for my daily commuter in Edmonton, so happy I did! Like you said, best city bike to pop around traffic.
One additional note, this bike is a mental health booster and makes me want to go to work for the rides.
Great channel so far, keep it up!
I feel the same way 🔥 Totally gets you out of bed faster knowing you get to ride before anything else
I think this is one of the better videos about motorcycling in general. A must watch if you ask me :) good one! Keep it up!
Woah, thanks! 🙏
All good points in your video. I used to have a DRZ400SM in Saskatchewan. To solve the fuel capacity issue, I installed a Clarke oversize fuel tank. Not a good looking tank at all, but it gave a range of 300+km.
i love the edit quality. As someone who had a dr650 supermoto and was too heavy for it, I was still able to ride the highway just fine, but again it really is not a master of anything. Its just such a fun bike to mess around with, similar to the drz but fatter. Nice to see canadian moto vloggers.
I own a 2014. It has 45,000 miles on it. I love it. Another owner of a DRZ has 97,000 miles on his (707Lake). I also own a 2023 ZX6R. I would sell the ZX6R in a second to buy another DRZ if mine broke beyond repair (totaled). I commute 45 min. to work if I take ZX6R on the highway. The back roads with DRZ takes about an hour and half. I love the ride. Butt gets sore but, it's worth every second I spend on the bike. I need to do a video of my bike. I have made some changes I think would benefit most DRZ riders. Most of all the stock dash is changed. I can monitor RPM and engine temperature. Ambient temps are handy as well, so I know why my hands are so cold.
Dude, that sounds awesome. Definitely should make a vid on that. Sounds like something I need
A 'Seat Concepts' seat is incredibly comfortable, expensive but probably the best modification I ever did. I ride all day long on mine. Look it up, they're pretty much available everywhere.
Would you be able to replace that with a tft dash from eBay?
@@frankdesbaux Same here ! Makes all the difference. I also run a 38 tooth rear sprocket and man it's fun to ride fast on the backroads.
Great vid thanks. Despite the perfect weather my 2024 DRZSM is now stored but I'll def look out for you next season in the NCR.
Awesome video! Quality is amazing and I agree mindset is everything with these guys. I’ve been commuting on mine for a couple months now absolutely love it they’re such great little bikes
Shouts out to all you guys! seeing the feedback on this vid has been awesome. I couldn't be more thankful.
More content is coming soon- In the meantime, I'll be posting some photos and reels on my Instagram @RFLCT.SM
If you guys could give that a follow too, it will really help this channel to grow. Hit the link in my channel description (instagram.com/rflct.sm/) or just search @rflct.sm
Cheers 🍻
Very entertaining video, looking forward to more from you man!!
Great first vid! Thanks!
I just put on 16/39 gearing and it made such a difference for the street. What are you running?
@@machupikachu1085 Stock gearing rn, I’m thinking of sizing up tbh
@@joeyh8198 Thanks dude! 🙏🙏
@@ReflectSM If you mainly ride street, it's a huge upgrade. Especially if you already have a pipe and jet. You will lose a little torque, but it will feel like it did bone stock for acceleration.
The only downside is that it won't tractor as well in the dirt. It may stall under 10km, so more clutch work is needed. You will have to grind out a little metal from the chain guard at the crankcase to make it fit, and you'll need a new chain and sprockets, but just hold on the stock stuff.
The advantage is that you will tach off over 1000rpm less at 100km. Better fuel economy, less vibey, less wear and tear. It's far more enjoyable on the street.
I'm looking forward to your new video with your 16/39 review.
Cheers!
Owned my DRZ for two years now and it's been both a blast and a pain in the ass. Just now finally getting it dialed in after tons of mods and fixing previous owners shortcomings. I love taking it to work and chilling at regular traffic speed, and blasting it up and down the mountains on my days off.
Hell yea! I wish we had mountains to blast up around here 😢
Im moving from ottawa to vancouver shortly and ive been considering geting a drz 400 because owning a car in vancouver sucks. This is a really informative video and im now 100% onboard with getting one when i move. Ill probably do a few mods like a larger tank and reinforced handgaurds and potentially some extra seat foam, but as cool as sport bikes are, they seem like a magnet for cops and angry drivers. the only other bike im currently thinking about would be converting a dr650 to a supermoto.
Sweet! With a larger tank and comfier seat a DRZ would definitely feel like a different bike. Good luck on your travels 🫡
I enjoyed this video! Great points too, I rode a CBR600RR around Atlanta every single day for almost 2 years, I can relate.
I occasionally commuted into work in Ottawa from Russell, ON on my KLR650. With a Corbin saddle, it was very comfortable on the 417, but that's a flatter, wider perch than the DR...
I’ve been looking into getting a bike for a while now and I hadn’t even considered super motos until I randomly stumbled upon this channel, instant sub! Can’t wait to learn more about this style of bikes!
That’s cool to hear man, thanks!! 🔥
really enjoyed the video and dig the music. i always enjoy seeing other peoples cities with this format like illestrator showing off nyc and bike philospher showing off vegas. just go to cool places play music you like and talk about life and shit people enjoy those vids
Hadn’t thought about that. Super interesting point - I’ll try to show some of the nicer parts of the city next time 😂
I think you have just become more helpful to me than you would have ever thought… I’m a 40 year old child 😅 in the Uk and these dont seem a common choice here although they are out there, im looking at getting one to replace my aprilia Dorsoduro 750 and to use daily, you literally answer 90% of what I want to know and I absolutely loved the FREEDOM UNITS 😅 Keep up the good work
Nice! As someone who has spent the last 5 years in Ottawa - it's a pleasure seeing footage from here in a well-made video edit. (With a well-written and cohesive script too!)
Hope to see more of your content :)
Thanks!! Appreciate that coming from another local 👊
Awesome editing in probably the best DRZ review on the web.
Appreciate you posting, keep 'em comin'.
Woah, that's some high praise! Really appreciate that
I love my drz for all these things. You nailed it!
Sweet! They’re such great bikes
i thought this youtuber had like 500k subs. But he actually didnt have any. You will get there man.
Thanks man!! I appreciate that 🔥
Had to pause and comment when he converted the Canadian gas price to freedom units, i was alrdy doing the math in my head and he saved me, and even called them freedom units. He has my approval!
Man, I wish I had a workable backway path to get to the train station, instead of an hour of the 401 pointing towards T.O. Mornings are now 140+ kph and aggressive. But the idea has enough merit to look into it for next spring. Thanks for sharing.
beautiful color grading, transitions, the little decals and fx. video looks really good aesthetically dude. also at 1:55, that is a pretty fwickin crisp nighttime shot, looks like a movie
As an editor, it’s so nice when people appreciate little details. Thanks a ton man 🙏
totally agree, I still have a husky 501fe sumo for fun and the track, but the big high miles and wind was a bit much for me, so I have a big cruiser bike for those long rides and commutes now.
Enjoyed this, seems like a great bike. Top video mate, you're on to great things!
Thanks a ton!
Epic video and review mate. Much love from New Zealand.
Banger of a first video, very well edited.
Dude this is an awesome video for someone with no subs
I've never had a problem with the wind. (Also I have only had naked bikes so that might skew my opinion.) Only real thing you have to watch out for on smaller bikes is: If you have a strong headwind. You cannot pass people at speeds. Lets say you're behind someone doing 120kh, and you're in a rush. Normally you'd have enough juice to get up and go. But if you have a headwind your body will act like a parachute. Slowing your acceleration. Which can cause problems if you aren't expecting it.
I DD'd an 83 XT550 for about a year a few years back. It looked like hell but was super fun.
One of the things that really made a difference was that I installed the smallest rear sprocket I could (37t down from 44, if memory serves).
Raised the top speed probably 20mph (or over 30 kunuckimeters per hour). Still so light that could smoke most cages off the line if necessity arouse.
Only downside was the vibration. I went through several license plates because the (shop made) mounts would break and one morning, the thing died in the middle of major intersection. The ignition col mount snapped and the spade connector came loose. Bought a zip tie at lunch and off I went.
Think I paid $400 for the bike, about $100 for a pair of Shinko dual sports, and insurance was like $70 a year. #cheapthrills
As someone who is looking at a DRZ400 for a learned appropriate bike here in Aus this is very informative and with how customizable they are also makes it a good platform to fix issues like the smaller fuel tank and gearing for highway use
Glad you found it informative bro
Amazing production quality, keep it up brother! 🍁
Appreciate it!
Heard freedom units and immediately hit subscribe.
Wtf is a kilometre 🦅 🇺🇸 ‼️‼️‼️
For a brand new channel, it surely took off! Good job!
Thanks man!
Cheers from a fellow Canadian (now in Brazil and riding my motorcycle everyday!)
Dude such a great vid and editing! All great points. I had a DR650 i used to commute with and most of those points are exactly the same.
Thanks man! I always wonder how different the 650 would feel
Not true. They are about same power but DR650 has way more torque and peak power is much lower in rev range making it less buzzy.
I own a 2016 drz. Same color scheme as well. This video is VERY accurate.
I drive an SMC R and have owned a KLX300SM. I haven't ridden a DRZ but I have chatted with owners I've run into while driving about. For me these three bikes are the same thing. You do an excellent job describing how they are best used. I'm retired so if I look out the window and the weather is good, I will go for a 70 km ride just because I can. Sure the seat is a bit narrow but for rides less than an hour and a half, they are comfortable enough. I have so much fun at mostly legal speeds and without exposing myself to undue risk. I have no desire to ride one of those 200 hp hyperbikes. For me it would be a joyless experience.
Well said! I much prefer a smaller, lighter bike like this where I can mess around on it, rather than a litre bike. It’s just as much fun with half the risk.
great video. i just completed my first season as a rider, went for the budget Hawk 250, but hope to step up to a DR. i hope to kind of get up to your point, riding more comfortably more often, commuting.
Every motorcycle is a compromise. For city, commuting, dirt roads and exploring.
I like the Dr-650se, it doesn't do anything great, but it can do everything cheaply.
A Drz will win hands down on dirt bike riding, but the longer wheel base and bigger frame of the Dr makes for a better freeway ride.
Had my Drz 400e model since 2009 and wouldn't trade it for anything, 17L tank with stock engine and changed front sprocket to 15 tooth. Had no problems compared to mate's with there ktm's ect road and off perfect!
was definitely caught off guard when you showed the clip of just hopping on the sidewalk lol. I feel like I'm breaking some kind of rules simply riding my dual sport (WITH PLATES) on regular roads. the anxiety of doing anything even slightly not to the letter of the law while on a bike is too much for me. I know I'm legally allowed to ride this thing basically wherever... but it feels so wrong. I'm gonna sell it. it's not for me lol. the feeling that I'm going to be hassled is just too much... well that, and also the bonkers risk profile.
What a great video! It's impressive that you are starting out with this level of quality in your content already. I'm subscribing and hope to see more of this nice bike content
Thanks for the sub!! 🔥
I love the humor and your attitude towards everything it's amazing
Haha thanks man 🙏
This is absolutely stellar! Great quality video. Just subbed
Thanks man! Lots more content coming soon 🔥
Great video. Relate on a million levels. Daily’d bikes for 10 years. You really just gotta love it. Superman those roads.
Exactly!! Thanks 🙏
Dude, your motovlogging and editing skills are on point, this is a fire first video. Keep it up!
Thanks dude! Appreciate this so much
Your production quality is fantastic dude. Great vid.
Awesome content and vid. I own a 2017 with 21,800 miles. The perfect bike to go get my coffee every day 27 miles away. Live in the country outside San Antonio, great bike for in town zipping around. 😎🏍
Thanks man! I’m stoked that everyone who owns these bikes agrees on how sick they are 😂
very cool editing and camera work. Keep up the good work
@@jojur2545 Thanks! 🙏
Freedom units with the gun sound 😂😂 love it!
great production work man. makes the vids high quality.
I appreciate that!
If you sit on a highway at 70mph a lot, you will be putting a 440cc kit in it by 19k becuase they will eat the bore. Maybe longer if you keep up your 1500 mile oil changes. For ref I have a drz with over 30k on the clock and a 440 kit at 18k.
Thanks for the insights man! Im prepared to toss whatever this thing needs at it. How’s the difference after the kit?
I rode a drz in Singapore for 12 yrs and don’t regret buying cheap maintenance and easy to find the parts
cant wait to watch your channel blow up dude. The fundamentals are all there keep uploading you're gonna be rich
I appreciate that! I’m always working on new vids
ADV bike is the best for commuting. Perfect ergos. Better comfort including engine strain droning related issues.
Also I commuted for years on a breathed on and modded (street tires aftermarket suspension/brakes) second gen KLR 650. From a similar type rural area into a various cities.
Have two dr400 bikes, one a drz 400sm the other a drz400e. I live in South Africa in the mountains on an avocado farm. Both bikes are at least ten years old. Am an ex Suzuki dealer from Pa.. love Suzukis and know their reliability. In ten years have changed oil and filters every three thousand kilos. On each. Have never even had to tighten a spoke and have thousands of kilos on each. I do not use either for long trips have a dl 650 for that purpose. Again never an issue on my 05 dl 650 vstrom now 100,000 km. and counting. You are a tough guy riding a 400 commuting the distances that you do. Helmet off to you. Thanks for the story.cheers from sunny South Africa. Pepe from Tzaneen Limpopo province
I ride 14k miles year round regardless of weather also, by choice. I'm torn on what to replace my Rebel 500 with when I get 100k miles. I Love the thought of the DRZ, CB650R, Thruxton, Speed Twin, Dr650, z900rs, etc.. You're video is awesome, and Thank You for the conversion math. Subscribed, and Safe Travels.
Thanks! Man there’s just so many good bikes out there - impossible to decide 😂
Have a '22. Put over 10k (miles) on it over the first summer with a 80 mile round trip work commute of 95/5% 55mph zone back roads/city streets. I agree with what you've said here. It's not the fastest thing you can get as far as sumo's go, but it does have 3,000 mile maintenance intervals and reliability going for it. Subbed
Thanks for the sub! 10k miles in a summer is wild! That’s some good seat time
Hell yeah I recently got me a drz too, so much fun.
I ride a dr650 about 30 miles through Ohio farmland to get to school (for diesel tech) it’s not as comfortable as the gold wing but it gets there. I’ve never rode the drz400 but the 650 is pretty decent. My dad gave me a gold wing so I ride that now too but there were times of my life where the dr650 was my only vehicle. In Texas I used to have to ride it 45 miles to work rain or shine. By the time it gets uncomfortable your usually getting to your destination so it doesn’t matter too much that it’s not a goldwing. I’ve even used it to drag a cast iron radiator to the junkyard once. I’d definitely recommend these bikes as a daily commuter.
Ngl bro if I had a gold wing I’d ride that shit too 💀
Lovely little snippets of b-roll
Never owned a DRZ400. Had a VOR 503SM 20 some years ago and ripped it for about 4 years. Sold it off due to parts availability. I had wanted an XR650R supermoto since the build featured in Performance Bikes magazine shortly after the bike released, so I went with that and have never looked back. The 650R is virtually bulletproof, plus it's lighter and more powerful than the DRZ. The 400/450/500s typically don't have the grunt of big bore thumpers for the highway (the VOR 503 was exceptional), and certainly not the longevity. I had a service customer blow up his brand new KTM 450EXC on the highway with less than 150 miles on the odometer (the guy bought it as a commuter dualsport). I eventually picked up a KTM 950SE for longer rides and have kept the 650 set-up SM for ripping around town, as the 950 is far better for commuting on the highway than the 650R, albeit very tall. That said, imo the best, most verstile, capable, smooth, all-around commuters are multi-cylinder super sports. I demo'd a BMW S1000R as my daily for a month, putting some 1500 miles on it. That's bike is just about as good as it gets for high performance commutes.