2025 Suzuki Drz-4s. Light weight REAL ADV?!?!?!

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

We called our local Suzuki dealer in OSAKA for a pre-order. Unfortunately, Suzuki Japan hasn't said if the bike will sell in Japan as of yet (today is Dec. 5th, 2024). The dealer said that all Suzuki models on Suzuki global do sell in Japan if they meet the road standard, which this bike does, but nothing yet on this specific bike. Japanese small license is up to 400cc, which is why the drz was not made to a 450, and so I assume it has to come to Japan (being made in Japan). But most Japanese bikes sell in Japan after in the west, with only Suzuki as an exception. But many Japanese bikes made in Japan do not sell in Japan at all, (ex: tracer 7 and hornet 750). So it is currently not safe to assume it will sell here. If availability does become known, I am leaning towards replacing the Transalp with the DRZ-4S, and I will update this pinned comment.

[@ComfyDadShoes]

After going through a stupid amount of bikes, I’ve found what I believe to be a very nice balance. I bought a 22 DR650, paid it off, then kept my eyes out for something good for a passenger and longer distance travel. I wound up buying a 2012 V-Strom 650 for $3400. The 2 bikes together have completely eradicated my need for anything else. If you do get rid of your Trans Alp, you may regret it. However, as someone that’s partial to the Suzuki brand, my advice would be to get the new DRZ, then buy a cheap, used v-strom 650/1000. Gen 1 or 2 (either are bulletproof) I honestly think you’ll be very happy. Good luck!

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@ComfyDadShoes had a 2012vstrom. Small, cheap clutch issue, but beyond that, it was great, if a bit top heavy. I want the drz, but I do think I'll regret selling this.

[@Weltbummler23]

If your adv needs are truly below 62mph as you say, then this is the ultimate bike for adv conversion right now. Unfortunately most of us need to often go faster than that and need a wide ratio gearbox.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

thanks for your comment. I believe susuzki has widened the ratio of the new 5 speed. But if I was back in the states this wouldn't be something I'd even consider

[@andrew390]

A lot of us are 1-bike-only owners and the new DR-Z4S would be a great reliable, low maintenance light-weight ADV platform to add mods to. Have my name on waiting list for one in Jan-25.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@andrew390 is it supposed to be out in January? Maybeineed to go check my local suzuki

[@cedricparkinson3635]

DRZ 400 is a very good bike and very reliable I had an original 2000 model and rode almost exclusively in the dirt and it was a great hill climber. The reason we got the 400 was the electric start but the bike was pretty good at everything and was easy to maintain and comfortable to ride for a long period. They are basically still the same which is good.

[@erosqing]

I own a SV650. Coming from Honda and a disaster with a Triumph Street Cup and a terrible experience with the official dealer. The SV was the only I can afford by the moment and use it as my everyday vehicle (my wife needs the car). Completely in love with Suzuki and expecting the DRZ S or SM arrive because it will be a perfect second bike to enjoy in holydays and weekend rides.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

Suzuki is the smallest maker here, but generally, what little they make, they make very well.

[@jaide1312]

For offroading it's a no brainer to get a DRZ over a Transalp, for on road riding I'd pick the supermoto version over an adventure bike any day, but I think the question is how fun the regular DRZ is on road. I've never ridden a dualsport, or a thumper for that matter, so I wouldn't know. I do understand your situation with "downgrading" to a bike with better suspension, I'm considering that with my XSR 700 too. With my full license I could get a used CBR600RR that'll run circles around it while getting money back on the trade.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@jaide1312 then you and I would be in the same "is it worth the comfort down grade" conversation 😅

[@moulin680]

By the way, I forgot to tell you you have a good point how about trying 19” front wheel and 17 in the rear for the Transalp ! see what how would you go about it … I think your bike would be more agile and lower to the ground… I know that would generate a lot of interest… anyways food for thought… 👍

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@@moulin680 I'd keep the 18 rear for the computers to not need re programing. Like the adventure sport, but I think it might be a smart way to go.

[@davidm.4698]

Please put a 19” front & 17” rear on TransAlp! I bet it would be AWESOME!!!

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@@davidm.4698 I'm leaning towards that. Adventure sport with 19 keeps the 18 and seems to do great so I'll start there when I have the money

[@davidm.4698]

@ that’s a good idea. Just put 19 “ front first and see how it goes. Keep us posted. We’ll be looking forward to that.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@davidm.4698 for now I don't have the money for it. Ideally suspension would come first to see how well that bridges the gap

[@davidm.4698]

@@DragoniteMotoJP. Why suspension??

[@StevenBryanKnives]

I'm on the bubble right now for buying one. I start fire school in Jan and I'm in the market again

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

Seems like it will do what you need and most of what you want. Not sure about high-speed highway though

[@nappa4317]

If you are below 65 mph drz400 is solid. Or honestly take a good look at the crf300l rally. My drz was sold because it lacked power at anything above 65 mph, and made my hands go numb. Gear box ratios are to close for a good dual sport/adv split. Have to choose which end of the spectrum you get. New update might address some issues but its unknown for now. Personally my dr650 was my fav followed by the drz400.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@nappa4317 because of the licensing system we have a crf250l in japan and no 300l. The dr650 was discontinued a while bike and is now a top dollar collectable. But thank you for the input

[@nappa4317]

@@DragoniteMotoJP No 300L/Rally in Japan, that is a surprise. KLX 300 in Japan? Not sure what aftermarket is like but it was similar to the CRF300L. The drz4 could be a solid choice for ya. Be warned that most of the mods you are looking at may not work on the new model. The old DR650 is basically extinct in many parts of the world. The modern version would be KTM 690, Husky 701, Gas Gas 700. They make excellent lightweight adv bikes if you are will to pay for the mods. Issue you will find either way is the eugronomics. Both the DRZ4 and the 690s fell like dirt bikes. Which for some is not ideal for long drives.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@nappa4317 8n Japan youdont need road inspection under 250cc. So for a simple extra 50cc, people wouldn't want it. And small license is up to 400cc, so other than track bikes, pretty much no 450s or 500s

[@Shaun-o1l]

Drz is a kids bike to me. A Jimny is awesome. I would stick to the Transalp personally.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

Thanks for the input. That must be a tall kid😅

[@Shaun-o1l]

@KairyuRider I mean the whole affair though. Thrashing around over rocks and stuff, you grow out of it. But the DRZ has that cool factor, it could work. I have a Transalp in Australia and it makes sense as the distances are vast. But I am also a kiwi and a DRZ might work in NZ. The only problem with Transalp is budget suspension which I will upgrade down the track. Stock suspension can be resprung and revalved for $1350 which is alright. Thanks KairyuRider.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@Shaun-o1l Japan is more like NZ. The cost of suspension here is most likely 40% the cost of the drz that comes with it. I'd like to do full custom on this bike and see how light I can make it as a former bike builder, but that's big money

[@Shaun-o1l]

@KairyuRider Do you mean the Transalp? Customise that? That is personally what I would do. But a DRZ or maybe a DR650 would be cool AF. One thing I like about my Transalp is it is more roomy than a dr which looks cramped. But it is a great choice too. All the best th with it KairyuRider.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@Shaun-o1l yes, based on t7's I've see, I think I could pull 20kg off then another 10 by making custom light parts. Down to 180kg wet. Afte market tank and such putting the drz up to 160kg. But TA cost more money while drz nets profit after everything

[@winduncan9818]

Here in Thailand I have both an Africa Twin and a CRF250 Rally. I love them both but if I could only have one of them for here it would be the CRF (where I'd choose the AT in America). I'm hoping the new drz is sold here (the SM). I thought a new Transalp with non adjustable suspension was poor value when I could pay 30% less for a used AT with adjustable suspension.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

your probably the closest to my situation with the most similar riding situation. Couldn't agree more, thank you so much for the feed back

[@moulin680]

If you buy Suzuki for content your channel would grow X 3 … but then you’ll have to decide if you’re by the super Moto or the indoor version and if you buy the Enduro, then you have to be doing more Offroad than you are for sure! As a matter fact, I wish you put up more content on the Transalp, specially with Offroad stuff and feedback on suspension riding . PS! Ignore the naysayers…

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@moulin680 I've been busy with the move to Osaka. But now back to work. Have lots coming out for ta in the dirt. Thank you

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

If we all bought what we needed and not what we wanted we'd be eating deep fried crickets and riding Vespas.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

PS in 2023 I bought a new sv650 and traded it within the first month....possibly the worst Japanese motorcycle I've ever owned in my opinion, I traded it for a gsx-8s, the second worse motorcycle I've ever owned in my opinion and sold it after owning it 19 days. No more Suzukis for me, bikes are toys to me, and those two were dull.

[@67daltonknox]

The DRZ is a dual sport, not an ADV. I wish people would not conflate the two. You are not going to want to ride all day on the highway on the DRZ.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

As stated in the video, I don't ride much on the highway

[@terrarecon]

@@DragoniteMotoJP Not ridding much has nothing to do with the fact the DRZ4s IS a dual-sport and not an ADV. If you meant that it might be a great platform to convert for ADV riding with a lean more towards dirt riding, I agree.

[@adr2567]

If youre looking at a single cylinder do it all, im surprised youre jot thinking about the new KTM ADV 390, it looks the bomb, looks super capable, adjustable suspension, great ground clearance and that engine is already proven. Feel the DRZ will be not a good one bike garage bike

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@@adr2567 reliability, price in japan. But my friends are looking at it. Looks only 20kg less than my current bike so not sure it's worth it to me. I would make money trading for drz, lose it for ktm

[@salazam]

The KTM 390 is hands down THE worst bike I've ever owned.

[@adr2567]

@salazam The old gen defn was shit, I'm talking about the new one that's up upcoming, it's going to be a bomb

[@salazam]

@@adr2567 Is it still made in India? Ok then.

[@adr2567]

@@salazam Yes made by Bajaj, hence I know it'll be good quality

[@brianrahuba6919]

Most ADV bikes are heavier by nature . They aint motto cross bikes or duel sports as well . This DRZ is not nor ever be a AVD bike .

[@salazam]

DRZ and "lightweight" in the same sentence. LOL

[@terrarecon]

Yeah well, you can blame EU requirements for a little weight gain Suzuki nor any other bike maker can avoid.

[@podunkman2709]

Single cylinder moped for shorts 🤮🤮

[@terrarecon]

Your comment makes no sense whatsoever. Almost all dual-sport bikes are single cylinder, e.g. Honda CRF450RL, GasGas, ES 700, KTM 690 Enduro R, Husqvarna 701 Enduro...

[@keithquinn5624]

Lmao wtfff why do u want a dual sport in Japan? Ur never gonna go off-road… it’s all just city low speed trash.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@@keithquinn5624 lol. You meant to say Tokyo, not Japan. We don't live in Tokyo anymore. There is endless dirt riding here in kansai

[@keithquinn5624]

@ maybe a hard packed dirt road, can take a 1000cc supersport on…. Terrible offroading everywhere in Japan, I’d just get a normal street bike!

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@keithquinn5624 you've obviously never been to Japan, or atleast never outside of kanto. Kansai is full of rock crawling. Did you think all these mountains were painted on? I was literally on a rocky single track yesterday. I'll be posting that video soon