2011 DRZ400S 50,000 MILE RIDE & REVIEW

Reviewing my 2011 Suzuki DRZ400S. riding to find a place to make this video I ended up scratching my front rim and almost sent my bike off the side of hill/cliff. Hope you enjoy it. I am still new to youtube so be patient. Still need to finish other videos. Since last time I did anything we had a death in the family. Richard Schmidt of 15 yrs old. has been hard to deal with at times. Keep your kids in school and off drugs, it can save their lives.

[@rbrucerogers]

Nice to see a video by a real human being. Especially appreciate seeing the issues you faced trying to get around that gate. Adds some nice perspective.

[@joebromberg]

amen 😊

[@Merc399]

I went to the dealership tired of constantly fixing my bike, was looking at a Kawasaki z400 and then I saw the drz used, carbureted, built incorrectly with the exhaust sitting firmly on the coolant hose, got her for a mechanics special, finished a full stage one upgrade. So glad I grabbed it. Dude best bike ever made

[@drzrider3440]

Yes, if not careful, its common to see the hose touching the exhaust. Yeah, not good, but common. The after market hoses are not the exact same as stock one, and if not done just right, they will touch. Also the exhaust header sometimes needs to be turned slightly at the head to gain more clearance ad well. Yes i have worked on a bunch of these bikes. Can fix most anything on them. One guy showed up with an E model in boxes. I took whwat was still together and stripped it down to the frame and engine and rebuilt the rest of it and made a new wiring harness for it too. Its had home cords like vaccum cords for wiring. Did it all for him for free. I dont usually charge people to work on their DRZ's. Just want to see them get out and ide it and enjoy it. Rebuilding my friends water pump tomorrow....no charge, just paying for parts. Love these bikes. Best bike i have own in 35 year of riding.

[@bubbleballs6200]

Wish you were my friend 😂

[@artemusp.folgelmeyer4821]

Your comment about the oil ring and the result of the fuel filling everything up was the reason I replaced the stock fuel petcock. When I park in the garage after a ride, I shut off the fuel and run the carb dry. Any time I park, I shut the fuel off as was common when I started riding in 1965. I am using the stock carb which works very well with altitude changes and gives me all the power I need. I don't do this with my DL650, but I also run the wife's Ace Shadow 1100 dry too. We don't ride much anymore. 1995 Shadow has 30,000+, but the 2011 DL is below 5000, the DRZ is just over 6,000. I too am challenged by a 30" inseam. The bike came with a 1 3/4" lowering links. I had the suspension internally lowered by the shop that did much of my engine and suspenison work when flat track racing. Had it lowered by 2" using Racetech springs. Should have gone maybe 2 more inches. Went to the Sargent seat and replaced the halogen bulb with an LED which works very well. Also installed a kickstarter after I had a battery go bad. It started at home, but when I got in the boonies and fell at 3 mph, it wouldn't start. Long story, but after about an hour of wait, it just barley got it started and back to "headquarters" and a new battery. Made the mistake of charging a lithium battery with a lead acid charger. Have the correct charger now, and no problems.

[@drzrider3440]

Yep. I went through 2 lithium batteries before i learned you dont charge them with a normal battery charger.

[@artemusp.folgelmeyer4821]

An alternate method I used before I got the lithium charger was to disconnect the ground of the battery. Held a full charge all winter and fired up with no problem in the Spring. Last year was my first year with the right charger. At a hundred greenies for those batteries...@@drzrider3440

[@gdav01gd]

Excellent video! Thank You. I'm an old dude and am considering going offroad with a drz. So your video is just what I needed! Us old guys can get lost in a sea of squids! Ride on!

[@drzrider3440]

Have an old dude that rides with me. Well not lately due to his health. He is in his 70's. He got a sweet deal on a 2008 for $3500 with only 700 miles on it. We installed a heavy duty spring due to his weight, and lowered it using Soupy's Lowering links. They are fully adjustable turnbuckle style made of steel, not aluminum.

[@abyields7831]

One of my favorite vids right here, the sound of the bike is amazing!

[@TBOSUMO]

Man, your video was a real treat. Surprised I sat through the whole 40 minutes 😂 Appreciate you taking the time to go over your DRZ because a lot of us had questions. Looking forward to when you release your front fairing set-up, would like to pre-order the carbon-fibre one you've mentioned haha. Excited for more of your vlogs in the future. Cheers!

[@SantinoDeluxe]

im sorry to say it but i think you might be a dr650 rider in the wrong gear, brother. im glad she brought you where youre going

[@SW-Video]

Good on ya for this review and staying with this DRZ through thick and thin.

[@doccops]

Nice one, good to see someone who actually uses their bike properly! I'm.on DRZ no.7, we can't buy them new in the UK and the current one is 21 years old.... I reckon I've done about the same miles as you over the 7 DRZ's - great bikes. Also got a DR350 and KTM500, for comparison ;)

[@PetterIvarsson]

Interesting. My Tenere is too heavy and after tons of research am pointing towards the KTM 500 vs the DRZ as a light adventure-bike. Apart from all the obvious after seeing tons of reviews do you have a personal opinion about the diff between these bikes?

[@doccops]

@@PetterIvarssonThe KTM500 is an incredible bike, amazing power and very light. But... I would not use it for long distance, it needs much more frequent oil changes and is nowhere near as comfortable. The DRZ will feel like toy after the Tenrere, but is best on slower roads, sub 70mph, that is your compromise.

[@drzrider3440]

Well like you i have looked at the T7, but when I heard its very top heavy compared to pretty much all bike, I stopped looking at it. The DRZ400 is not the best for anything. But good at it all. With some mods of coarse. O have cruised at 80mph all day long with 15/41 sprockets. Then when I do BDR rides. I use 14/45. Tops out it about 70 with those gears. So I cane still hit some highways for short trips. The DRZ is hard to compare to the bigger twins. But its cheap, its reliable as can be, easy to diagnose any issues before they get too bad. However, I am going to be buying the new CF Moto Ibex 450MT later this yr. A bit more designed for long pavement rides and forest roads. But lighter with a lower center of gravity than both the DRZ and the T7.

[@drzrider3440]

I agree. The 500 is a great ride, but some of my rides I would have to change the oil during the ride. So no high maintenance bikes for me.

[@cranerigging3604]

That's pretty amazing service miles and nice work on the lights and modifications ! 👍 I'm currently riding a 1978 Suzuki PE 175 and love it for short road trips & trails . Looking at the DRZ 400 for longer adventures .

[@Merc399]

I'm seeing a lot of people with Suzuki bikes that have been running strong for ages. Looks like they're pretty reliable

[@drzrider3440]

@@Merc399 yep. Have owned several. My first was a 1983 i think gs550es. Then two 1994 GSXR1100's and now this 2011 DRZ400. Its been incredibly reliable. Never stranded me even once.

[@derekandleonie5636]

Your bike looks great and the mods are all well worth doing. Nice video 👍

[@Livinlifefullthrottle]

Cool video, I didn't realize you are local until you mentioned Smokey Point Cycle Barn. See ya out on the roads man.

[@ryanwilliams4270]

I had a similar setup I ran from 2006 to about 2019 when I finally sold it. I did everything, I cracked the case open did the 470 kit, act wide-ratio transmission gears, FCR... it ran over 50k miles with those mods. The gearing issue was too much for an adventure application, the gears really helped. Ultimately, I sold it because it was a carb and i travel a lot. I went to a '21 690. It's been pretty reliable, little issues here and there that took owning the bike for a while to become aware of but no regrets, loved my time with the Z. I'm thinking about doing a DR650 race build, I'm a fitness freak and I kind of want to challenge myself to push that pig in some local races lol

[@drzrider3440]

Yeah, would love a 690. Since they cancelled the 490, im struggling with buying a 690 versus a new big bagger for those long august night cruising through the mountain passes. Hard to say, but this spring, ill have added something new.

[@ryanwilliams4270]

@@drzrider3440 The 690 is similar in weight, once you ditch that stock pipe. I have a similar setup with the Mosko 35's. I don't have wind protection though and it gets old after about 300 miles. Mine is putting 80hp to the wheel at 340lbs: I've checked a few egos with it, broke 120mph a few times. Vibration isn't really an issue with the 19+ being twin balanced but it still is a big single on knobbies. I can do about 300 miles without an issue, after that I start to do the dance of repositioning. Either way, good luck, I was thinking about getting that new Suzuki V-Strom

[@aaron___6014]

What kind of racing? If you're talking hare scrambles or enduros you'd be better off with a dedicated bike.

[@TheJoshRed]

Hell yeah! I've taken my 2018 up GMR several times since I bought it a few years ago. Great video, man!

[@mikaeljonsson2078]

Great review! I have a similar DRZ, but with different, and long story behind it. A bike I now quite litterary know inside out by now. Very solid bike, that I have no plans on selling anytime soon. I have made it "mine", like you said🙂 I also have a motard wheel kit for it, when I get "sumo feeling":) Highly recommend if you want to increase the fun potential of this bike. True dual SPORT if you will🙂

[@drzrider3440]

Yep. Have ridden a super moto. My friend had me test ride it before he bought it. In fact for the first year he owned it, he followed me all over the dirt, even with his sticky street tires on it. Hoping logs and all. I think he may have sold his wheels. But yeah i have plans on building one. I have built a few of these for friends. No charge, just to get them out riding. One guy in our Facebook club brought me his E model that was in trulg bad shap. Some of the wires were made of something like a vacuum cord. So tore out his wires and made a nee wiring harness for him, added a stock S headlight and shroud due to the tiny tail lightbulb the old E models came with for a head light. Super easy to work on.

[@sailingaeolus]

You mention the "charging system" at 15:50. EVERY DRZ I've owned the ignition coil winding went bad near 12,500 miles. And when it goes bad - bike stops. You can find replacement coils on e-bay for cheap, they last longer too. Cool video. Thanks for sharing.

[@drzrider3440]

First i have heard of this. Still running my stock coil. No issues. 53,000 miles now. I dont know everything thats a common issue. But knowing this now. I may seek out an nice afyermarket one, just to be on the safe side. But my problem was the connections...aka "Free Power Mod", Fixed it.

[@sailingaeolus]

@@drzrider3440 Interesting! So I've had two DRZ's, an 2001 and 2009. Both did the same. However, I ride in hot months. Nevada and Utah in the summer. I wonder if this is causing my insulation to bake and fail prematurely? BTW, I can visibly see the baked winding insulation when it failed, so I'm pretty sure you can pull yours off and inspect it before replacement. Also, I used to race, weigh 230 lbs and really push my DRZ. I know I'm pushing that engine. Yeah, friend. Maybe my burnt coils are from where and how I ride? If you ride in cool and chill trail stuff, might never happen. Worth inspecting now and then, however.

[@drzrider3440]

@@sailingaeolus yeah most times up here it never sees over 100°. I know the temps you are speaking of. I have ridden down there as well at the end of the idaho BDR in NV. I have ridden several hundred miles in 100+ degrees. Not fun, fan turns on a lot. But i run engine ice for coolant too to help cool it down. More upgrades are planned for the cooling system to help too. Like the trail tech fan and the cooler temp fan switch. But when i hear issues like this, i just fix it before it goes bad. As most times i ride solo and have no cell coverage most places.

[@landonlehman5497]

I used to live in Olympia WA and spent a lot of time in Capitol Forest. Your video makes me miss it. Lots of good riding here in Arizona too though.

[@drzrider3440]

Yep. Good riding all over Arizona. Whether its in the woods up by Flagstaff or the hills east and south of Phoenix. Areas where id love to explore. Havent ridden Capital Forest. Bit far from here. Im near Everett...just east of Everett.

[@baddazzriderturner3321]

I am not a suzuki fan but they did some stuff right and the Drz is one of those, I'm digging your ride hats off it a peach ride on brother

[@hennies9509]

Damn you have really made that bike yours and agree with everything you say on how to maintain it. It looks great and I believe they are very good on and off the road. I am looking for something as I have not ridden in years. Keep safe on the roads andd I wish you many miles to come, Cape Town South Africa.

[@bradh74]

I don't own a bike yet and have only ridden my friends bikes as a kid but have wanted a bike for a long time. I was looking at the DR650 and the DRZ400. It seems most people say the 650 is a little better on the highway but out of the box they need a front suspension mod for sure and on both a gas tank (high cap) and a nice seat (usually seat concepts). Australians seem to like the DR650 for an ADV bike and run the DRZ400E for hard trail riding but basically turn them into ADV bikes anyway! The guy in Australia I watch says there the bikes have about 50 hp for both of them (they don't have emissions like us here, so they don't detune them)so as far as power they're pretty even though the 650 is a little more torque and is better on the highway the 400 is better in the tight trails but it don't seem like you have any problems with the DRZ400s at all. Have you rode a DR650? If so what do you think about it and if not maybe you could do a test ride and plug the dealer? I'm not sure that I would do much off road riding (we don't have all the forests and fire/logging roads in Ohio) so I wonder if the 650 is worth upgrading the suspension?

[@butcherknife59knife46]

Nice area to ride Washington .. Moved 4 years ago to Bend Oregon and I do Miss Issaquah and Cle Elum but lots to do here . Retired at 59 and enjoying my self,Around Bend Oregon out on 2 wheels

[@samuelfox8126]

Great bike! But replacing valves is a major surgery to those not comfortable opening up the engine. Same with timing chain. Its great you can do everything but to a common person that's at least 1/3 thr bikes value in repairs. That's not "nothing major". Still nice to see an engine, minus the valve job, last that long and still rubbing strong.

[@drzrider3440]

I get it. But to me, replacing valves is pretty simple. Only took about 3 hours. Uts not very hard to do. Yeah i have played around with many of these bikes. Its amazing how easy they are to work on. Have had i think 5 or 6 of these at my house for our club members. One E model i took down to the frame and engine, and installed all new stuff, including making my own wire harness. They guy had a vacuum cord for part of his wiring. I never charge anyone for work i do. Just want them out riding and enjoying these bikes. But yeah i get it. Some might look at a quick valve replacement as major work. I consider them replaceable Expendable parts that will always need to be swapped out. But the bike still was rideable, just started having a hard starting issue. Which is always either the carb or the valves.

[@richardwhitehead4684]

Thanks for sharing. Very informative.

[@nuttyDesignAndFab]

the reason you don't want to lower a bike is because it changes the rear swing arm angle, which lowers the amount of anti squat you get. this is most noticeable if you lower a powerful sport bike a lot.

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

Love your work. Picked up a KLX400r (2005) 1100km/6900miles, hoping it will be a jack of all. Cheers

[@drzrider3440]

Awesome, the green DRZ....you would be shocked at how many times i was told that bike does not exist. My dealer decided to drop suzuki and pick up KTM, but was also a kawasaki dealer too. So since i liked them and had been a customer for 3 decades, i tried to stay with them....until one day i tried to order the little nipple on the bottom of the airbox. They told me there was never a klx400. There was a kx250. So i let them order it just to prove a point. When it showed up, i provwd my point. After that, i have never been back to them. Love the green drz's. Literally made by suzuki, sold to kawasaki for green bodywork. Zero difference other than color. I use Lucas Semi-synthetic oil. I change it every 1200 miles or less. Its cheap and easy. Your bike will thank you and last many years

[@jcdragon77]

Hey mate, Great Work on your bike and channel. Cheers Jordan

[@drzrider3440]

Thanks. Wait for warmer weather and for an injury to heal and well put out some more videos. Also and update on how the new dash is really taking shape and looking way better and more professional.

[@mikemerrill175]

One of the best engines ever put in a dual sport IMO. Owned one for 6 years & finally replaced it with a KTM which was lighter, faster, but not necessarily better for me except for the 6th gear.

[@drzrider3440]

Yeah waiting for the new ktm 490 adventure. Then ill trade up

[@jessecrawford2711]

@@drzrider3440 it's a 5 speed I think it's a 450. I got 86k on my drz I did put a big bore in at 23k with the stage 1 hotcams used a namura cast just out of curiosity it lasted about 36k. The factory bore and piston was still perfect.

[@drzrider3440]

@@jessecrawford2711 very nice. Yeah i have seen a few pit there in the 80k miles before. Not very often. I know the big DR650 gets 100k regularly if taken care of. Im at about 53,000 now. Planning on a few 2000+ mile rides this next summer. Then following year will be riding the Continental Divide ride.

[@jessecrawford2711]

@@drzrider3440 I feel like you could easily get yours there. I won't lie I'm jealous over the looks of that bike. It's a really nice looking bike. I ride mine as much as possible just bc I want to prove it is the most reliable dual sport built. Every time I hear someone compare them to other bikes it motivates me to prove it's a league of its own. I can't count the hours I rode it at 70 mph for hundreds of miles waiting for it to give out but it just keeps going it's all about the maintenance I guess. I feel like people focus a lot on the fact it's a 5 speed and I get why The only bike I enjoyed as much was my dr350se. Great video maybe one day I'll get to ride on that side of the country

[@jamesmealing-gd8jv]

What a life😊

[@environmentsollution]

Great windscreen, I have the same at my Dominator 650 and adjustment from V-strom 650!

[@wsstudiowayneschapp6554]

Thanks for the review very beneficial I have 15,000 on my DRZ and hope to get 50 like you have. I also would be interested in your fairing set up in the future. Gotta love the DRZ!! By the way you forgot to mention which seat you upgraded to. Stay in the dirt!

[@drzrider3440]

Dang it. I knew i forgot something. Went with the seat concepts do it yourself with the stock seat pan. Then shaved down the area right up at the tank, so when i stop, i can touch down easier. But if you ask what i would recomend the most, would be from Fisher saddles. They make custom seats with many color choices and up to 12 inches wide. Worked on a guys bike that had zero idea how to work on it. Asked him to trade me seats for the work i did on it. Wasnt willing to give it up. Kind of expensive, but very nice. Here is a link to their page. fishersaddlebags.com/aftermarket_seats/suzuki/drz_400_esm_seats.html

[@Biake22]

great video.

[@AdamSponheimer-bg9ji]

Thanks brother . Appreciate it greatly . Well done !

[@AdamSponheimer-bg9ji]

Is that shooting in the back ground ? Sounds like some heavy artillery .

[@JohnRogers0014]

Great Job, my 03 klx400 I just bought has only 2,500 miles on it, time for me to get riding.

[@drzrider3440]

@@JohnRogers0014 yes, the Green DRZ. Use to have to order my parts for that bike when my dealer dropped Suzuki as one of their brands. Yes, get out and ride. Ride often. Cause some day will come when you cant anymore. Like my retired friend. I and another DRZ are preparing for a run down the Idaho BDR starting the 18th or 19th this week. He has a SM we are swapping out wheels and rotors so he has both the dirt set up and pavement set up.

[@JohnRogers0014]

@drzrider3440 I have a Honda atc 250sx for my senior living days. 😆

[@jonellis5368]

Love the bike. I have a drz too, and I'm loving it. You've given a few ideas to do to mine to make it more subtle for what I want to do. I too have the same steering stabilizer on mine and was thinking about adding some risers to go over it and you showed that it will work. I really liked that you lowered to forks at the clamp. What tires are you running and how do you like them? I

[@drzrider3440]

Thanks. Its been a long journey to where she is now. Actually added up what i have spent on her....about $5000, ouch. Anyway, the tires i think is a Pirelli mt21 rallycross on the back. A MotoZ adventure tire up front. I perfer the MotoZ Desert HT om the back(not the front due to speed wobbles). I got the rear tire from a local dealer that is a sponsor for my club, so i cant complain about a free tire. For a great 50/50 tire, i choose the Kenda K270. The 4.5 wide on the back, you will get 8000 miles kut of them. Great cheap tires with high miles. I just do more adv riding where i have literally every terrain one can come across, so i perfer tons of grip. And the MotoZ desert HT will grip in any conditions...even chews through snow like its dry dusty dirt.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Excellent! Great job with your DRZ 400. 👍 I have a few bikes. I got a KLX300 thinking I could make it into a lightweight ADV bike. Somewhat successful but it isn’t a freeway bike, at all, I have to ride the CA 101 pretty good distance to get to the good stuff. So I’ve been thinking about a replacement for that bike. The DRZ is in serious contention, along with a DR650 and a couple other bikes. The Suzukis are at the top of the list for cost and dependability.

[@drzrider3440]

Yeah the DR650 i was looking at at the same time i went with the DRZ. Chose the DRZ400 over the 650, cause or the deal i got and the weight of the 400 is slightly lighter and more suited for off road IMO. The DR650 is known to get more miles if taken care of. I got my 2011 DRZ with 1700 milee on it in 2012 for $4200 out the door at a dealer. Which is funny, you cant buy a 2011 for that even 11 years later. So I got a great deal. Learned how to work on these bikes, now fix them for several people in our club on FB PNW Dual Sport Riders. Super easy to work on, tons of aftermarket things, tons of used parts as well. So when this engine finally gives out, i will just swap it for a low mileage engine from EBAY. It will be like buying a new bike for $2500.

[@frankseymour4162]

Really interesting video. Well done.

[@carni6319]

Great video. I feel the same about my DR650.

[@drzrider3440]

Yeah for sure. The mighty DR is even more reliable and known for twice the miles i have on my DRZ if taken care of. Its one i may end up adding.

[@raa8201]

Wow, 50,000 and no top end work? Impressive! How about a valve clearance shim? I have around 25k on my 05 DRZ and haven't had any issues either. My riding buddies ask how it's holding up. I'm 60, and tell them I'll probably die before it does! They all drank the orange kool-aid and are having issues and having to work on their bikes constantly. The DRZ ..........just keeps running!!

[@drzrider3440]

Yes, top end work...i had to replace the valves right before this make over i gave her. One valve was out of tollerance with no more to shim. So replaced all 4 myself. Pretty simple. When its starts becoming hard to start, check valves. I didnt need to adjust valves until about 20,000 miles.

[@ryanr4181]

That looks like a great spot to camp too. Fantastic, I’m a Harley rider i ride a 21 street glide I’m looking to buy something lighter to run around with and take off road if I want to my problem is I’m only 5’7 156 pounds I don’t know if I can touch the ground on this bike but now I really want one. Just subbed brother

[@drzrider3440]

There are options. Some avdenture bike sit lower. I had to lower mine. I tool thought I could never ride one of these. But there are lowering kits for them. I use Soupy's lower links. They are adjustable. But you will get endless people telling you not too lower a bike. So many people lower bikes. From sport bikes to Harleys. So for me it was the only way I could ride one. Im glad I did. Yes you loose a bit of ground clearance. But with mine lowered I very rarely ever hit the skid plate. I gave had no real issues with my suspesion since I bought it. I habe lowered many others that love it. The argument is it effects it. Yes it does. About as much a running a full take to an empty tank. Or with a passenger or luggage. So unless you adjust your suspesion for every situation, I just ugnore those comments. I know and asian gal who is 5 foot tall who has a husky 701 lowered. Best way is to buy shorter springs. Most KTM/Husky and fast as offer those. Just dont give up doing this because they are too tall. I waited too long. I rode bikes for about 25 year before trying this because I thought I was too short. Make it work. Its so enjoyable.

[@ryanr4181]

@@drzrider3440 thank you. I put 2 inch legend kit for the front suspension on my street glide and I have air ride too it’s a 900 pound motorcycle I definitely know how to ride I’m just scared of being out in the woods alone and can’t properly touch the ground and drop it and can’t lift it up. The KTM is beautiful but a lot more money and I’m really looking and loving your DRZ but no dealership near me has one so I can try it. The one dealer has the Honda 300l I believe and it’s a little shorter I think I’m going to go up today and sit on it it’s only a inch lower then the DRZ so I’ll know more today

[@dogfeathers5646]

Somewhere was a mention of a worn seal the carb overflowing and filling the cylinder with gasoline. He next said to pull the spark plug and run the starter to clear the gas out of the combustion chamber. BUT he forgot one very important reminder. Shield that plug wire or spark plug if still connected! He got a face full of gas. Can you imagine the result of a exposed spark right next to some vaporized gasoline ? Things could get very disastrous very quickly. Frying you, your bike, your garage or the forest. Ruin your whole day too!

[@drzrider3440]

Very good point..that would have a been a bad day indeed.

[@gavinearls2935]

Im between the DR400 and the DR650, that amount of oil change time is putting me off the 400 :/ might get some more out of the 650

[@drzrider3440]

Yes, you will get more miles out of a DR650. They are well known for 100,000 mile engines if properly maintained w/oil cooler added. Great bikes. I was in between as well. I just wanted weight. As i have a bad back. The lighter stock the better for me. Its just been shocking reliable. I did finally get stranded in the mountains about a month ago, weird thing is it was my 3 month old battery voltage could not charger more than 10V. Swapped out for an old one sitting around and no more issues.

[@kiriath]

Awesome video! Loved it!

[@bikerjones5618]

Love the commentary! Entertaining video.

[@southerndeth]

That's a good looking bike. Very Eddie Van Halen.

[@drzrider3440]

Wow, only the 2nd one to notice the Eddy reference. Yep, thats what i was going for.

[@HowardianMotoVlog]

super insightful, thanks

[@Legba56]

Thank you good information ... I think it looks fine with the unpainted tank, I like it when people collect travel & club stickers on the tank.

[@captainamerica9353]

"fine"? It looks like something the Beverly Hillbillies would have.

[@drzrider3440]

Can not install stickers onto any plastic tank without doing the sealer thing. Have too seal all plastic tanks or vapor will escape theough it and ruin the Stickers. But once you use the sealer...about $50, then you can paint or install stickers. Its one the top do list. Have other plans too. Its already got a completely new dash from this video...which is way better. But yeah, no sealed tank...no stickers or paint.

[@PissTakeProduction]

Good Advice.

[@daveanddanniejacobs9432]

😂Bless your heart that gate n that log in the trail really messed up didn't it

[@drzrider3440]

Just not worth it. The road ends 100 yards passed the gate. Only wanted to try to get there for the view. Also the bushes next to the gate ard hiding a cliff side. In fact my tire was falling off the edge trying to get around it. With a bad back. I had enough it that point.

[@toddkress9876]

Do you have stock sprockets on your bike? Sounded like she was geared higher than normal to me. If you did raise the gearing is the vibration better at highway speeds? My hands go numb after 20 miles on mine.

[@drzrider3440]

In this video, no, i actually brought them back to stock. If you want excellent road gears, use 15/41 combo. Great high gears. Use www.gearingcommander.com/ to figure oit your choice in gearing before you buy. Enter in your make/model and year. It will give you stock gearing/speed and rpm in all gears. Then enter in custom set up and it will do the same. Even give you propper chain length as well. But i can cruise on hwy at 80 with ease with 15/41 set up. As far as vibrations, it hit or miss. I notice a lot more with stock gearing. But only at certain rpm's.

[@tobynewman5450]

What sprocket ⚙️ sizes do you have front and rear, and chain length? Or is it stock?

[@kirkmulhearn7931]

Thank you so much for all the info, is your carb stock or did you jet it? Also, how high of an altitude have you taken your bike?

[@drzrider3440]

When i bought it, i rejetted it. Makes a huge difference from stock. But a fee years of owning it, I upgraded to the FCR39MM carb. Massive gains. Also stage 2 hotcams. As far as altitude, i was up to 9200 feet on the Idaho BDR. For the most part, for years i stayed from sea level where i live, up to about 5000 ft. With the occasional 7300 at Slate Peak. So the FCR worked great. Now that i do more BDR rides that have big altitude changes, im thinking of switching it to a Lectron. The draw back with Lectron is it doesnt have that fuel accelerator pump, which gives you that big squirt of fuel off the line making power wheelies in 2nd gear very easy. But yeah, 9200 was my highest and it dis not like it very much. The FCR was jetted to 0 to 4000 feet. But it did run.

[@anthonynicholich9654]

Agree

[@keldonator]

I appreciate the video. About the lowering thing though, I can buy a size 15 shoe and stuff a bunch of paper in the end and wear it but it doesn't mean it wouldn't have been better for me to just buy my shoe size in the first place... Just saying lol.

[@drzrider3440]

But if its the only shoe on the planet and its your only real choice, then you would wear a bigger shoe. I have a 30 inch inseam. So not many choices. I rode street bike for 30 yrs oy cause I didnr know about lowering a bike. When I met a 5 foot tall asian girl riding a lowered 701, I was hooked. Rides as smooth as butter, fully loaded with 80lbs of gear at 80 MPH homding on with only two fingers. So id say it completely fine. Yes. You do loose ground clearance, but thats about it. The suspension has been modified for this. Your dont just lower it. Some more work is involved. But I have lowered im guessing about. Dozone of these DRZ's for people in my club and 100% of them are 100% happy with it and have had zero issues. Id rather not lower a bike, but to be able to put it least 1 toe down on the ground, I and countless others lower it. Its a multi-million dollar per yr industry. So there is a need for it. But yes, correct, if you donr have too, don't. But I have had zero issues. So why not so I can ride. No bike is built to fit everyone..so some of us height challenged riders have no choice. But will be installing custom shorter springs and gold valves front and rear next month.

[@klock411]

I ride that area frequently its nice up there

[@drzrider3440]

Well if you ride that area, if you arent a member yet, you should join up with PNW Dual Sport Riders on Facebook. Im an admin there. Great group of people and growing bigger every day.

[@klock411]

I totally would but I don't do social media I don't have Facebook or anything I'd love to get involved with a good group of guys to ride with though

[@yooper42985]

Great video! I also have a 2011 with about one tenth the miles haha! Working on that. I have a question. I also have the Unabiker radiator guards and the IMS 4 gallon tank. I like both. However my tank contacted the edge of the rad guards when I first installed it. This made me nervous given how much this bike can vibrate. I was concerned the aluminum may rub a hole in the tank. I bent an edge on the rad guard and added washers to the bolts that fasten the tank to the bottom of the rads. This flexes the tank out about an inch on each side. I'm not wld about that either. It's either that or cut the top portion off the rad guards, or let em rub. Did you have this issue? Is it even an issue? Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@drzrider3440]

Yes use larger spacers. I had to go to my local ace hardware store and buy some larger spacers. Do yourself a favor, you will need longer bolts too, but is a clip on style nut plate for the nut inside your radiators. You can just slip it up inside to get your bolt started, the. Let it go, the side of the guard to the radiator will stop it from spinning and let you tighen it up without using a wrench up inside there. As its a small space. Then if you need to take the tank off, just grab your socket and unscrew the tank bolts. The nut plate will just fall out. Works great....if all that makes sense to you.

[@trashpandatrailadv]

I sneak into this guys garage and steal gas from that huge ass gas tank every night, and he has never noticed.

[@elis51501]

I have a 1984 Xl 350 with 12,000 miles,it runs really good. My next bike will be a DRZ.

[@coburna5]

Sundy Fishin’

[@johnmclaughlin4802]

👍

[@rileybilyeu4167]

What bars are those... Thinking about upgrading my drz and adding the scotts damper

[@drzrider3440]

Protaper fat bars. Love them. Not sure of them bend. But I also have them raised up a bunch.

[@DroidLocks6971]

I Want A DRZ400 sm or DRZ400 dual sport so daggone badly . Ive a new 2023 Honda XR150L And Its Fun But Just No Real Power Especially In 5th Gear

[@drzrider3440]

Yeah id like one of those to putt around on the trails a bit. Easy to pick up if you drop it too. Used DRZ's are everywhere. Just keep looking. As long as it hasnt been abused, you can feel relatively safe buying a used DRZ400 or a honda 250/300L used cheap too. I just like the DRZ. Has been the most reliable bike i have ever owned. Cheap and easy to fix and modify.

[@EdwardBondellio]

My DRZ is similarly modded in ways, but I’m intrigued by your carb upgrade and stage two hot cams. Any starting issues or changes in gearing? Rest in peace Richard Schmidt.

[@drzrider3440]

No, zero starting issues. I ran 15/41 gears for ever. Great for adv style highway riding. Stock gears are prettu good for everyrhing else but single track. I run 13/48 for single track.

[@drzrider3440]

And as far as starting. Its like turning on a light switch. The instant i hit the start button, its running. If your A/F mix is right and your valves are properly shimmed, its should fire right up instantly

[@Motosportz]

Ha ha, just watched this. I have a DRZ, was wearing the same same shirt, and had the counter shaft leak. Funny.

[@drzrider3440]

Oh cool welcome to the PNW group. Im a moderator there. One of the first few to join. Worked with Jesse.

[@user-nz7od8ff2j]

Thank you for the review DRZ Rider! I own a 01-2020 with 7300 miles on it. I love the bike, use it for dirt riding on weekends only. Want to ask you about a part , located in the frame and its part of the oil system as i understand. Its a strainer that seat on the down part of the frame an has a connection tube(half rubber half metal ) to the bottom of the engine. What is the recommend Maintenance to this part, do you know?

[@drzrider3440]

I check it about every 3rd or 4th oil change. So around 5000 miles. I have only ever had 1 tiny bit on it once. Jusy undo the hose clamp, pull down then unscrew. Most refer to it as the hidden oil screen. Most of my friends also have only really once or twice have ever found anything on it. Good to check it once in a while and spray it with carb cleaner or something similar.

[@user-nz7od8ff2j]

@@drzrider3440 Thank you!!!!

[@pitchwife7573]

I'm looking at a DRZ400 with 18k miles on it... I'm just worried that it won't have much life left in the engine! It looks really well maintained... any thoughts?

[@drzrider3440]

Depends on price. The normal expectations of these bikes is over 30,000 miles my bussy got arond 40k on his SM before he had to do any real work to it. Hard to say. Its right at the miles that things, if they are going to go bad, they will. Like clutch starts showing wesr aroynd 20,000 miles. Juet check it over really good. Bring a volt meter to check voltage, its a.common issue but an easy fix, check for leakage around front sprocket and shift shaft. If signs of lealing, can use that as a way to lower the price cause they will need replaced if they havent been dont yet. Cheap and easy fix also. Check for any seepage from fork seals. Hope that helps.

[@pitchwife7573]

@@drzrider3440 hi, i went with a different bike, still a DRZ400, this time with 16k miles on it from 2005. The owner looked after it very well, and it's a real beauty! i just back to re-watch this video as i remember it being great :)

[@lcjjr.6714]

Have you ever had to adjust/ shim the valves? If so at how many miles?

[@drzrider3440]

Yes. 3 times. Nothing before 20,000 miles. At the 50,000 mark, i had to replace the valves. Just wore down too much to shim anymore. Quick and easy. Just pull off head. Use valve lap cream, lap valves to match head really good and install. Took about 3 hours. Pretty easy, just time consuming....how did I known I had to replace? Even with no shim in, they were still out of spec. 4,000 miles later, she still starts like and electric switch. Just hot the button and its running. Love it. Planning a canada to mexico ride this Sept. Then head back north tk Bonneville Salt Flats and stay the night Om the salt flats....kind of a bucket list thing to do. Then back home to Everett, Wa.

[@andrewberg2361]

What gearing are you running for it to stall that many times trying to get around that gate ?

[@drzrider3440]

The gearing wasnt the real issue. The fact that i was literally on the edge of a hill and at times my front tire was slightly over the edge. So i was being really careful. But 15/43 gears..plus im.not happy with the EBC clutch i installed at 30,000 miles. It likes to slip really easy once heated up. Where tge stock one did not slip under same circumstances. So planning on spending the extra money on a nicer clutch soon. Noticed this the first time i got got into deep snow the first time after installing the clutch, gets hot, it slips.

[@xsailor1970]

Did you ever end up making the kit for the front rally mod?

[@drzrider3440]

Its still a work in progress. Looks way better. Need to do some udjustments slightly. And also adding better assembly for ease of install and maintenance. Like adding rivet nuts to the inside. Looks way more closer to where I want it to be. Will be doing an update on that next.

[@zaetke87]

Where in Washington did you record all this?

[@drzrider3440]

This was mountain loop hwy. From Granite Falls. Which is 25 minutes east of Everett, Wa.

[@mattf3238]

Did you do any of the loctite fixes in the engine?

[@drzrider3440]

No, i think its later than 2003 or 2004 you do not need to. So no i did not donit and never had any issues. Good idea to do it anyway, just never did since mine is a 2011.

[@jimperry4420]

Just bought a new 2021. Love it so far. What would you do to a brand new one?

[@dmackle3849]

Ride it.

[@dmackle3849]

.. like you stole it.

[@drzrider3440]

If i could go back, i would go with the Lectron carb vs the FCR. Only because i do a lot od long rides where elevation is from 1500' to over 9000'. The Lectron carb acts more like fuel injection in that it stays tuned at all elevation due to in no jet design. When i ride the idaho BDR, at 9000 feet i have to compression start it only. So set it and forget it with a lectron, or get the throttle up wheelie power, but need to jetted to set the altitude you ride. I love the power and can power wheelie in 3rd. But planning on changing it up to lectron. Then i would get rid of the stock seat and buy one from fishersaddlebags. Install bigger footpegs and exhaust....these and protection for the bike would be a must for me right away.

[@crypticreality8484]

@17:47 "Weellllllph!"

[@patrickbc8649]

Should i be afraid og getting a drz400sm 2006 with 18k miles and has a full service history?

[@drzrider3440]

I would not be afraid. But would suggest not paying much more than about $3k or so.

[@daveanddanniejacobs9432]

Damn bro. Really there was literally a trail going over the log. You're on a mountain bike dude. You need alot of riding practice.

[@drzrider3440]

If your mean the log in the other side of the gate. Its about 2 feet tall with it dug out on the other side a bit. Yes I could have made it over. But the stuggle to get the bike around was a bit taxing. The bushes you saw were passed the side of the road...aka cliff. Just struggled to get it around and kept slide more off the road and down the embankment hidden by the bushes. So really wasnt worth the struggling to get around the gate. But you are right, I dont brag about my offroad skills. As for most of my life i was on crotch rockets. Aka sport bikes. My first big i bout new in 1987. Was a hold over 1986 ninja 600R. Never even rode a dirt bike until 2012. Im also old. 54 yrs old with a horrible back. When i was 20 yrs old, I hit a telephone pole going 75mph. Broke my bike and many other bones. Lost all prior memory of my life, and shrank 1 inch due to compression fractures in my back. Planning in taking a class this yr after the Touratech rally. Bret Tkacs from youtube does a class then. Things like kicking out the back e d around corners at speed it can not do either. Hoping log up to about a foot in diameter I find very easily done. But 2 feet. With a ditch in the other side is not worth it to me since the road is only about 100 yrsd long to the dead end after the gate. But thanks for watching and pointing out my flaws. Im working on my skills. Doing the idaho BDR then continuing down on the Nevada BDR then back up to stay the night on Bonneville Salt Flats then home this Spet. So I will.be getting a ton of practice this summer.

[@darrylpaterick3108]

What specific front fender are you using?

[@drzrider3440]

Just the stock supermoto fender off of a DRZ400SM. To me, it the one Suzuki should have put on it.

[@dailylife3975]

What's all that stuff you got on your bike looks like you got a navigation and then the typical speedometer on a DRZ400 but you got other stuff too

[@drzrider3440]

I run the stock speedo mainly to keep track of mileage. And the signal light and oil light thing. I know its over kill. Its still in the works. But has cigarette lighter. And usb. Has a trail tech Vapor unit. Gives you rpm, water temp, actual speed, not the missleading stock speed thats off by about 5% to 7%. Has over heat warning light, shift lights trip, its pretty handy. Bought it about 8 years or more ago. Still works great. But sometimes the speedo pick ups get dirty and stops working. So the stock is the back up. Knowing your rpms is great while riding and while tuning your carb, water temp to me is a most know at times. Its well worth the money. But soon upgrading to the Trail Tech Explorer. Maps built it. And my friend has one and it will show his location on mine. Pretty cool and well worth the money add ons. Hoping to complete the whole fairing set up the way i want it by spring time.

[@pist71on]

@@drzrider3440 La velocidad del velocímetro original se puede ajustar , mire el manual de usuario.

[@MrPhunka21]

What is this stabilizer he's talking about?

[@drzrider3440]

Its a steering damper. Scotts steering damper. Game changer when riding off road.

[@amazonmoe3398]

Very informative; can you state your windshield type?

[@jasonhammond8858]

What tyres are on the DRZ?

[@drzrider3440]

The front tire is a MotoZ Adventure tire. The rear tire, in this video is the Pirelli rallycross. I perfer the MotoZ desert HT for the rear. But this was given to me by my local dealer for my idaho BDR ride. So i didnt complain. Was a very good tire too. Held its line great in the dirt, and climbed right out of ruts with ease. The MotoZ on the front is slightly better for all around riding over using the motoz desert HT on the front. As the desert ht will give you speed wobbles above 60mph. Goung to be using a different front tire than this MotoZ adventure next time too. As it still has a little wiggle to to above 65 mph.

[@lw3918]

Can this bike be made to a fun desert trail bike for an older rider. I'm thinking a Honda 450X might be a bit much for myself nowadays.

[@drzrider3440]

Yes. Just change the sprockets to lower gearing. Many guys buy thede bikes and only use them off road. One in case was my friend bike bought a 2008 with 700 miles on it. All off road trail riding. I have done hudreds if miles of single track and use 13/48 sprockets for that. Really fun with those gears.

[@lw3918]

@@drzrider3440 What about more power? Header and can?

[@drzrider3440]

Yes. Full Yosh RS2 exhaust. Header too. The header is much larger than stock. If you are a horsepower cruncher, the MRD is suposed create like a half to 1 full HP more....but damn, loud as hell. I heard my friend ride away from me for 5 miles at least. Granted it was in a canyon, but even he said he doesnt like the noise. The RS2 also has a spark arrestor that if removed makes it pretty loud if you want.

[@lw3918]

@@drzrider3440 Not looking for loud per say. Just horsepower to where I'm happy. I'm coming off a molded 450X specifically for desert racing.

[@drzrider3440]

Yeah im pretty happy with my Yoshimura RS2 system. Its also a crap tn lighter than that stock anker of an exhaust.

[@timothym2241]

How long would you drive it on the highway, if the speed was say 65 mph?

[@drzrider3440]

As far as i needed or wanted to ride. I rode it from Salt Lake City, Ut to Everett, WA fully loaded. 80 mph all day long. UT and NV are 80mph speed limits. So yeah, I plan on riding to Sturgis this next year, so thats 1200 miles each way.

[@justinloftis2307]

@@drzrider3440 Is that with stock gearing

[@drzrider3440]

@@justinloftis2307 no. When i plan more of a long pavement ride, i run 15/41 sprockets. With those gears, using my tach on my trail tech vapor, its 500 rpm lower than your speed. So say at 70mph, your rpm is around 6500. And kinda stays that way. Well up to about 95mph it does...thats as fast as i have had the balls to take it. Only once. But yeah you can cruis all day long at 80 mph without super high revs. Dont use those gears for single track riding or like a BDR ride, you would not be happy. But for years, all i ran was 15/41. Did a lot of long pavement rides years ago. Now for average riding i run 15/43.

[@drzrider3440]

@@justinloftis2307 also can look up to see what gearing does what to your ride, before buying. Put in what gearing you want to try, it will tell you what rpm's you will be in at a given speed. Swap em around. Very cool tool to use. Go to www.gearingcommander.com/ Pretty self explanitory when you go to the page. Best on a computer, but works on phones too.

[@Amatt3050]

You wouldn’t be in Pennsylvania by chance?

[@drzrider3440]

Nope..love PA though. Been all through there many times though. I am i NW Washingtin state.

[@Mike-uh2gw]

How much does this bike weigh loaded?

[@drzrider3440]

About 380lbs fully loaded, give er take a few lbs depending on what i bring for tent. That adding the bigger tank full of fuel. Bit top heavy but use to it. Has all heavy duty suspension upgraded springs

[@lokeshdeshwal5288]

Any engine work done till date...??

[@drzrider3440]

The only engine work i did was just over 50,000 mile mark. I had to install new valves. As one of them was worn down i could no longer shim it. So i just put in all 4 new ones. Noticed it was becoming harder and harder to start. Usually carb or valves. New my carb was good. So checked valves. And yep. Started needing to shim valves at around 20,000 miles. Other that the valves, no other engine work was done. So i spent about $100 on the actual engine as far as required to be fixed. Did normal maintenance. Just took good care of it, not jumping it or beating the crap out of it.

[@lokeshdeshwal5288]

@@drzrider3440 is suzuki engines are more durable than yamaha??

[@drzrider3440]

@@lokeshdeshwal5288 to be honest, id say normally i would trust yamaha engines ober suzuki...but this has been thee most reliable, problem free bike i have owned in my 35 years of riding. Own and raced several sport bikes, cruisers too. But this was my first dual sport and has never left me stranded. Even at 20,000 miles the clutch plates still measured with brand new specs. Heck, i havent even changed the factory turn signal light bulbs. To answer your question, most would say yamaha is more reliable. But hard to beat what this bike has given me.

[@lokeshdeshwal5288]

@@drzrider3440 ok... and what about Honda vs suzuki... reliability?? One last more question..

[@lokeshdeshwal5288]

@@drzrider3440 and thanks for your valuable feedback..

[@daveanddanniejacobs9432]

Why did you say you were hanging a right when in the video you clearly hung a damn left. Yall make shit so confusing. Are you doing that extentionaly or what n why? I had to comment on that n call u out what am I missing here.

[@slalomking]

What hasn’t been changed?

[@drzrider3440]

Other than the internals, not much. I have since refined the dash quite a bit. Now doesnt look so thrown together. Also ditched the stock cluster for a trail tech voyager. Will post a video soon on that. Getting close to bringing it to market.

[@lesterhutchins1621]

Had one short rides only you are young

[@Solo_adv]

Q. I have a chance to buy a 2009 DRZ400S all stock runs good no issues with only 440 mi on it, for $3,800 the guy won't go any lower. it has some oxidation around the handlebars the hubs and the forks no leaks anywhere in new to dual sport riding I'm just wondering if I should not even think about buying it because it has only 440 mi on it? It's been sitting all this time basically. I just don't have anybody around who knows enough about motorcycles to even ask this question. thank you

[@drzrider3440]

I would buy it in a heart beat. As far as oxidation, i would worry about it. If its all over handle bars, just replaced them with a mice set of fat bars and adapters so they will fit in stock mounts. You may want to change out some cheap seals since it has sat for a while. Like the output shaft seal under the front sprocket or ride it for an hour or so, then go over it good looking dor leaks due to dried up seals. Look for leakage around thr front sprocket and the shift shaft seal. I messed up one of my forks during a rebuild and bought a 2004 replacement and was fine. So dont worry about your forks if they have any oxodation on them, they should be fine. I know many guys that would buy that bike right now sight onseen for that price. I only paid $4200 out the door for my 2011 in 2012.

[@Solo_adv]

@@drzrider3440 I really appreciate your input. I think I'm going to buy it. Aloha from Maui

[@keithquinn5624]

Looks like u shoulda got a dr650

[@drzrider3440]

DR is nice. Bit more heavy. But about same reliability. Have thought about it for next ride. But every DR i come across, my bike seems to be faster and more nimble. Both are some of the easiest bikes to work on as well. Main thing is I rebuilt I think six of these I can rebuild the engine in a weekend so kind of stick with what I know. I'm in the process of building another motor when this one kind of gives up on me I'll just pull that motor and put a new one in

[@keithquinn5624]

@@drzrider3440 yup amazing bikes I do good amount of highway so that's why I went with the 650 otherwise I woulda did the 400, quick bikes once you uncork them!

[@drzrider3440]

@@keithquinn5624 yeah a stock DRZ400 is a weed wacker in my opinion. Dyno run put it at 40.5 HP. But with dirt tires its not real accurate. But im the neighborhood of 40HP at the wheel isnt bad. Big carb, cams and port. Would live a DR. I know some guys get around 100,000 miles from theirs. So super reliable.

[@keithquinn5624]

@@drzrider3440 Nice! That's good to hear I bought my 2021 3 months ago already put 11000k on it lol