Budget Suzuki DRZ400S Adventure Build Review -- Sub $5K Lightweight ADV Motorcycle

The Arizona BDR is a rough, long ride for any adventure motorcycle. This $5K Suzuki DRZ400s adventure bike crushed it and didn't have a single real problem. A BDR motorcycle has to be off-road focused, carry camping gear and be ready for rocks, rain, snow, hail with a great navigation system. Typically an adventure bike costs $10K or more and even with that high price tag, the Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route would put any of them to the test. This little DRZ400 adventure bike cost right around $4900 totally adventure-ready and it did excellently!
Take a look at this video to see some amazing sights that the Arizona BDR brings you too like the desert, mountains, saguaro cactus, Coconino National Forest, Navajo Nation, the San Francisco Peaks, and of course The Grand Canyon. This is a must-do adventure for any motorcycle adventure connoisseur.
#DRZ400AdventureBuild #BudgetAdventureMotorcycle #ArizonaBDR
This video is part of a multi-episode build series:
Teardown -- • Suzuki DRZ400S $5K Bud...
Rebuild & Test Ride -- • Will This DRZ400s Budg...
AZBDR Ride and Bike Review -- THIS VIDEO
Items on the DRZ400 "Arizona Adventure Motorcycle Build"
-Acerbis 3.7 gallon fuel tank
-Garmin 610 GPS
-JNS Engineering LED headlight
-Tusk Rackless Motorcycle Luggage System -- Excursion
-Factory Suzuki kickstart kit
-Tusk heavy-duty clutch kit
-Tusk fat bar kit
-ODI grips
-Billet aluminum rear rack
-Dunlop D606 tires
-Yamaha YZ450f front fender
-JD Jetting kit and 3x3 Mod
-Wrap around handguards
-Aluminum skid plate
To subscribe and follow the build and other dirt bike/adventure/enduro/truck videos, click here:
/ @sourceadv
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🕒 TIMESTAMPS / Table of Contents:
00:00 Start
00:05 Project Overview
00:27 Arizona BDR Footage
01:51 Arizona BDR Route Overview
02:45 Three Likes & Dislikes
03:10 Tusk Excursion Rackless Luggage System
03:58 Positive: Reliability
06:25 Negative: Suspension
08:20 Positive: Smoothness
09:08 Negative: High-Speed Vibration
09:45 Positive: Bike Roominess
11:15 Negative: Bike Power
12:20 What Is It Perfect For?
15:30 Outro
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[@danstaten7767]

Love the DRZ, I can overlook the quirks in favor of dependability. I've ran both gpsKeven's (west to east) and Sam's (east to west) Transamerica Trails, a couple of BDR's and the bike has never let me down... never not started and performed well at over 13,000ft. Very impressive for a 20+ year old school bike. Another 10,000 mile adventure in the wings for 2023. Thanks for the video...

[@SourceADV]

That’s awesome!!! Congrats man! Happy new year

[@speedtoad6167]

I revalved my suspension with racetech valves. That really helps as well as replacing the top triple clamp because the stock clamp puts handlebars in your lap. I'm happy. I bought it for $1000 bucks. It's not my race bike but I'd race it in a pinch.

[@SourceADV]

Heck yeah! That’s awesome to hear the revalve did a lot. Enjoy the ride!!

[@houstonprice4025]

Rode my used drz on GCD. It was outstanding. Only issue I had was a carb failure in Montana. Greatest all around dual sport that's not FI. I will ride it until either it quits or I do.

[@SourceADV]

Great bulletproof bikes for sure!

[@butcherknife59knife46]

Enjoyed you build! Im sure I know why I but the newest bikes I can find. Subbed your channel . Looking forward to some more build it ride it. Around Bend Oregon on 2 wheels

[@korneliusthegrey4923]

Well done. Useful information. Thanks

[@SourceADV]

Cheers!

[@whoisthis4130]

I’m currently looking into bikes to build a SHTF build and the DRZ400 or 650 is so far at the top of my list. Thanks for your review and added info to think about.

[@SourceADV]

I know this sounds crazy, but electric might be the deal assuming you have a good home base… all the fuel is going to go bad in 6-12 months, after that we are all screwed, so a Zero with a solid solar array to charge it would be pretty sweet. Cheers

[@jamesokeefe697]

@@SourceADV get fuel preserver

[@SourceADV]

Buys you two years, max

[@mikemrkacek5091]

Great video! I currently use a DR-650 for BDR rides. I recently rode the CABDR which now has me thinking about a more off-road capable bike. The DRZ really interests me. I don’t want to give up the DR reliability but would like something easer to ride in the sand or tougher single track trails.

[@SourceADV]

DRZ is still pretty heavy and underpowered for sand and a little heavy for singletrack. The KTM 500’s are bulletproof, highly recommend them.

[@Honk_Clank]

high production value 👍

[@SourceADV]

Cheers!

[@JohannesDalen]

Light is right and cheap is right 🤗

[@SourceADV]

Does the trick!

[@billybud9557]

Great vid...thanks........I am about to ride this bike thru Namibia, Africa. Interested to see all mods, Panniers, etc. Ride safe!

[@SourceADV]

That’s awesome!!! Enjoy!

[@unclematt7223]

Doing the New England bdr in September on a drz400, carbs already done and suspension will be all racetech

[@SourceADV]

Sick!! That will be really fun, it will be a great bike for that BDR with those mods. Cheers!

[@lifeoff-road280]

I've ridden a DRZ with a pumper carb and it was absolutely insane! Too much for me at the time, so I will wait a bit to put a pumper on mine. That and I have the SM's USD forks so suspension is perfect on and off-road.

[@SourceADV]

Sick!

[@bicepusmaximus]

Awesome videos!! Totally agree! My DRZ came with a pumper carb and a full exhaust when I bought it used. It’s too much. Too jerky for what the DRZ is best at. I jetted the stock carb and put it back in. It’s such a smooth bike now. Suspension is great on mine. Pretty sure it had work done by the previous owner. I’ve got a CRF450L (stock ECU) and the DRZ. I ride the CRF when I want to absolutely rip - it just wants to go! And DRZ when I want to ride a bit aggressive but mostly enjoy a relaxed ride. It’s so smooth compared to the CRF.

[@lifeoff-road280]

@@bicepusmaximus I've just bought a WR450f for ripping. And boy does it rip! Although like you I'll take the DRZ400 when it comes to longer trips and just weight training in general LOL

[@nathankruse8057]

If you put a new end cap on the exhaust and take out the snorkel it sounds way way better and it adds a bit more hp too. Or you can put a pipe and do the jd jet kit.

[@SourceADV]

This bike already has the 3x3 mod and the JD jetting kit. I put a Lexx can on it before I sold it and it definitely had a little more umph

[@rideyourbike]

Cool. Useful review. It seems that you maybe be ready to test ride the AJP PR7. BTW did you installed the kickstarter yourself? Cheers, mate.

[@SourceADV]

Thanks! I have seen that bike, seems fun!! Yes I installed the kickstarter myself, definitely fun! LOL

[@kirkmulhearn7931]

Totally agree about the d soft suspension and the slow throttle, I moved up to a t7 , but you are so right about 16:37 this bullet proof bike, I’m definitely going redo the suspension -wish it had fuel injection…did you do the jetting?

[@SourceADV]

Yeah man, it’s a good bike just a bit hefty and behind on tech. I did jet mine which helped but would really prefer pumper, Lectron or Fuel injection because the throttle response is just so slow. Cheers!

[@SB-fe4gt]

Go to a 16T front sprocket...it will slow the engine down and reduce the vibration. I also went to a 38T rear sprocket but I use my bike on the highway a lot. IMO the 16/38 still works OK off road as well...at least for me :).

[@SourceADV]

Nice! Thank you

[@markalan4026]

I ended up purchasing that tank in black, and also a kickstart kit for my Drz400. I haven't installed the tank yet. I did some research prior to purchasing the tank, as I was concerned with the possibility of having clearance issues between the tank and kickstart lever. Based on information I came across, several people claimed they didn't have any problems with clearance, and even posted photos of their bikes to demonstrate this. And just to be clear, I am referring to the Acerbis 3.9 gallon tank designed for the Drz 400S, not the 3.7 gallon tank made for the E model. I also read that the 3.9 gal tank is mistakenly labeled and sold as a 3.7 gal tank by several online vendors. Anyways, I'm wondering why some people are having fitment issues, while others clearly are not. Then theres another guy that said he had to cut the tank mount pegs off of his frame and reposition them... what the heck is that about? Lol

[@SourceADV]

Jeezz! THat is crazy to know there is that much variability in them... Funky! My kick start definitely would not fit in there and I was worried about catching my leg on it. After some filing down, it tucked in just fine, but at the end of the day it was less than 1/4" of an inch. Let me know how it goes!

[@sebreenWA]

What suspension upgrade do you suggest? Funny. I bought the seat concept and agree with you. I could have purchased the mad dog and put that money into suspension. I have upgraded to Lectron carb. Why? It’s simplicity and reliability. One more thing that makes the DRZ so reliable. Great videos. Thanks.

[@SourceADV]

My buddy Warren at EnduroSpec does all my suspension, he’s awesome and regularly works with DRZ. Check him out!! Thanks!

[@kyjelly5524]

I love my drz. I want to keep it and get something more road oriented too. T7 or Africa twin. I’m not sure yet. Either way I want to get a better seat and bigger tank for the drz. Maybe one day I’ll have all 3

[@SourceADV]

KTM 890 is incredible, can probably do 95% of the dirt riding that the DRZ can do too.

[@kyjelly5524]

@@SourceADV I’ve rented a 1090 twice and a 1290 once. They were both amazing. I just don’t trust ktm. I’ll stick with the Japanese bikes lol. I have 2 Suzukis and 2 Toyotas. All are flawless. I

[@SourceADV]

@@kyjelly5524 There are lots of guys who have done 500-800+ hours on the KTM 500 without even doing a top end, I think the Austrian bikes get a bad rep because the service schedules in the dirt bike manuals are written for racers. In more traditional dual sport/ADV riding these things are bulletproof, but to each their own!

[@abyields7831]

Nice 👍🏻

[@SourceADV]

Thanks!!

[@kymstock1852]

Remove the CS sprocket cover and fit a chain/case protector instead. Suspension tuner can fix the suspension for minimal $. ACT gear set gives the best of both worlds ( road/ dirt) and cruises at 70 mph comfortably, but not a cheap fix.

[@SourceADV]

Cheers!

[@garydavis2265]

Really enjoyed this series. You made no mention of tires and I'm curious what you used.

[@SourceADV]

The bike came with the tires, so I didn’t mention it, sorry about that! D606 rear and pirelli mt21 front. Thanks Gary!

[@deltabravo1257]

D606 rear and MT21 front has been my combo since 2006.

[@milo9429]

Great video! AZ BDR is high up on my list. You seem to be a pretty well rounded rider and similar to my riding style. I'm in the market for a new bike and would appreciate your opinion. My first bike was a crf450 almost a decade ago, that bike took me a lot of places it shouldnt have (not one motocross track lol). I sold that to try the ADV thing on a KLR650. That lasted about 4 months. Now I'm back on a yz450f and hate every minute of it after riding my friends 2022 KTM 500 EXC. My majority of riding is singletrack (mountain and desert) with some enduro with a want to do light ADV riding. I've narrowed it down to 3 bikes. WR450 KTM500 (2020+) DRZ400E (e and kick start) I'd appreciate any insight you'd be willing to share! Thanks in advance.

[@SourceADV]

No contest, KTM 500 all day. It is a bulletproof, versatile and race worthy bike. I just did a two day 128 mile race on my 2020 and it did great, I got 4th in 30B and I would have no problem changing the oil and doing a 5 day BDR on that same bike tomorrow. It’s an incredible machine and truly is the only do it all bike out there. Cheers!!!

[@SourceADV]

A different race, but I think will answer some of your questions. Racing The KTM 500 XCF-w -- AMRA Sprint Enduro -- KTM 500 Do-It-All Bike Ep. 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKm0qWiFe5mor80

[@Syreious]

I'm looking for a DRZ to take some weekend adventures and wondering if you still have yours. I don't see that you have any recent videos so I'm curious if you plan on making anymore or a side by side comparison. Great series! 👍

[@SourceADV]

Sorry Luis, doing the BDR on the bike was the last part with the DRZ for me. I am currently working on a 2020 KTM 500. The DRZ is a fun bike. Take care!

[@Andrey-hv4co]

@@SourceADV why you sold it ?

[@SourceADV]

I prefer the KTM 500, cheers!

[@Andrey-hv4co]

@@SourceADV because it has more power, right ?

[@SourceADV]

@@Andrey-hv4co a little more power is good, but it’s the 80 Lb less weight and the better suspension, frames and brakes that is more noticeable and harder to upgrade on the DRZ.

[@zapster2412111]

Yoshimura RS2 header and pipe and a jet kit give you that additional power you're looking for.

[@SourceADV]

I really think it needs a different carb, its the responsiveness that is lacking.

[@tieoneon1614]

I'll second Zapster. Just sold an E model with the pumper, and have a S model with Yoshi, air and jetting. Power is almost equal but I liked the CV carb better cuz was smoother. Response was the same, just the pumper had more power with less throttle opening. Turn the throttle 1/4 more for same response on CV carb. But that pumper would have had fits in those altitude and temp changes. Another win for the CV

[@dooo679]

Stock suspension did you adjust preload on the shock or change fork spring preload at all? It has fast and slow damping adjusters too, just thinking maybe they're off for the weight because without weight the suspension seems good on my DRZ and I ride pretty close to factory settings though I think I took out some high speed damping a few clicks.

[@SourceADV]

Yeah, played with it a bunch, I’m just spoiled on the KTM’s with worked suspension and much less weight.

[@johnstone9670]

How does the DRZ do on the AZ highways? I live around Cottonwood and want something that I can get out and explore but need to put down a good amount of miles of interstate to get out there. I am really looking for a lighter do it all bike that I can also bring in a toy hauler without adding too much weight, that is the only thing really holding me back from a DR650 lol.

[@SourceADV]

It’s not great too be honest, the transmission is too narrow so if you gear for highway speeds, it stinks on trails. The KTM 690 or 890 is a much better option if you want to do some highway

[@bradrussell624]

hey bro, if you want more of a snappy responsive throttle, install a pumper carby, it'll even whistle dixie for ya all LOL

[@SourceADV]

Thanks man. Im fully aware of the the pumper carb, this was a budget build just for KZbin, so I wasn’t going to drop that on just the carb.

[@bradrussell624]

@@SourceADV got it, understood, thanks man appreciate you. Honestly all I can say is don't let a few dollars stop you from your goal, plenty of pumpers new or used on the market for next to nothing.

[@SourceADV]

I sold this bike right after finishing the project, DRZ is not for me, sorry man. Way too heavy. Cheers!

[@misterchuck6866]

how do you think this and the yamaha wr250r would compare on the route you did?

[@SourceADV]

WR250R is a great little bike, it would just feel light compared to the luggage and it would probably be pretty wrung out on any of the fast road/two track. The suspension on the WR would definitely feel better. I love that little bike, had one for 2 years when I was 21

[@nathankruse8057]

I have a drz and I had 15/41 gearing and I did 85 in Utah trying to keep up with ktm 790s I don't know how I didnt blow it up.

[@SourceADV]

Hahah! Yeah, it gets upset for sure

[@sethfg]

From what I’ve read. Here and there, so grain of salt: the DRZ is ok at high rpm for extended periods of time. Yeah it sounds like hell but it’ll do it. Get some noise canceling earbuds. I’ve got an sm so a little more road oriented. I did 80 for like a half hour on the highway the other day. With the noise canceling earbuds it wasn’t nearly as bad (the feeling like it’s going to explode). Have fun be safe. I usually keep it below 70, but I was late.😂

[@SourceADV]

@sethfg haha! I’m sure the bike will be fine it’s my mind and body I’m worried about. lol. Thing sounds like a washing machine full of bolts at super sonic speed. Haha The bike is bulletproof though

[@mt1885]

I see you got the Acerbis fuel tank does the kickstarter still fit with no issues?

[@SourceADV]

Not really, I had to file off about 1/8” off the top of the kickstarter

[@mt1885]

@@SourceADV Thanks - I can handle that was wanting to get that tank and the kickstarter.

[@SourceADV]

You can use the table of contents in this video to go to Kickstart adjustment around 10:30 kzbin.info/www/bejne/moCYZpZ-jsmEerM and see it in detail. Cheers!

[@SourceADV]

Don’t click on the 10:30 link in that comment, just click the KZbin link

[@579aragon]

Hi Drz400 vs Honda crf300l which one is better?

[@SourceADV]

What kind of riding?

[@Merc399]

hey dude not sure if it's cuz I have JD jet kit 3x3 mod and full yoshi exhaust but I can go 84 comfortably on the highway with enough power to whip it to 93 . I seem to cap out at 93 but it still doesn't sound like it's dying.. ahh just got to the sprocket adjustment

[@SourceADV]

Yeah, gearing was the issue. Cheers!

[@Merc399]

@@SourceADV ahh gotchu makes sense! Sick build dude! Looking to copy a little of your build here this spring

[@SourceADV]

Nice! Enjoy man!

[@artemusp.folgelmeyer4821]

Have a 2006 and the 3x3 mods were done. I didn't ride it much when I bought it used stock, so I can't really say how much the mods did for it, but had it to 97 (indicated) with the 15/44 gearing. Tried a 47 rear, but went back to the 44. I have had the suspension internally lowered 2" (short legs) and Race Tech springs. The stock carb works just fine for me, and I save $1000. Now if I could pick up an FR or Lectron for say, $300...

[@SourceADV]

@artemusp.folgelmeyer4821 check out the smartcarb for it! I’m super curious to hear how it runs with a 4 stroke bike

[@KenpachiZarakiX]

I wonder if you would benefit from a Lectron carb where you're at. I hear the throttle response is smooth. I'm planning on investing in one in the near future.

[@SourceADV]

That was next on the list for this bike! I ending up selling it and moving to a KTM 500. I heard the same things though

[@sebreenWA]

I did buy the Lectron. Highly recommend! And had I seen this video before I bought the seat concept I could have applied this dollars toward the carb. He is right l, the mad dog seat cover is the 1st purchase for anyone complaining about their seat.

[@SourceADV]

That’s great to hear some real world positive feedback about the Lectron! Is the power better??

[@Andrey-hv4co]

I want the same seat on DRZ, where i can buy it? thank you )

[@SourceADV]

Hey Andrey, its just a seat cover from Amazon: amzn.to/3Gxcasp Called the "Coleman Mad Dog" I believe, hope that helps!

[@vondrz1391]

Fcr carb and you can pop it up anything. Rides more like a dirt bike

[@SourceADV]

Yeah, sadly it wasn’t in the budget for the $5k limit in this one. Heard great things though!

[@94SexyStang]

Not a good bike for tight Trails....just too big, clumsy....but it's SO good for jumping logs, and it's good in Open areas.

[@SourceADV]

For sure, old faithful!

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Sub $5000. Add $3k to that in 2023.

[@SourceADV]

Haha ain’t that the truth! Pricey market out there still