DRZ400 REVIEW: DRZ400 vs DR650

A thorough review and my opinion of the 2015 DRZ 400. I also compare it to the 2015 DR650.
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Bikes: 2015 Suzuki GSX-R1000
2015 Suzuki DR650se

[@trevorjameson3213]

Very good review, I like the way you reviewed it from an average rider's perspective. I own both the 400 and the 650. Just like you said, the 400 is really, really good off road. It's also great for around town, but basically useless on the freeway or for long trips on road. The 650 is great on the highway and has a LOT more torque and passing power. And a LOT more comfortable. Plus the 650 is good enough off road for average riders. To me, the 400 feels too much like a toy. DR650 all the way

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Trevor Jameson thanks for the kind words.

[@sheepdog819]

Helped me make up my mind!

[@joshabreu1156]

I was looking for a drz for a while and was either getting bikes that were in poor condition, had questionable histories, or were flat out too expensive. I ended up finding a dr for the right price, needs some small things but overall I got good bang for my buck. Also being able to hang with family and friends who ride street specific bikes on the highways is a huge plus. I'm happy with my bike

[@RiversPlaylist]

I think Suzuki should keep the dr650 in production as a cheap dual sport, but it would be cool if they would make a drz650s and sm that were liquid cooled, improved forks, and other little things like that.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

That would be very cool. I think that is something that they need to seriously think about. Thanks for the comment man. Also if you are not subscribed you should be. 10 min ago I reached my new subscriber goal and I am about to do a giveaway. So if you subscribe keep an eye out on my upcoming video on how to win free stuff. Thanks again for the comment.

[@2clinks]

Great review bro. I had a DR650 for four years and loved it said i'd always own one. Then I tried my wife's DRZ400... Wow... Just like the 650 you throw on a good slip on exhaust, tires and a jet kit you have the ultimate street/dirt bike. Maybe if we didn't also have street bikes I would likely still be on the 650. Minus the freeway speeds I think the DRZ400 wins the fun factor hands down.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+2clinks I agree it is a blast. Thanks for the comment.

[@MM-ig1iv]

I'm thinking of the 400 just because I'm a newer rider at 40. And don't plan on doing any serious freeway riding or far distance. I'm 6' 190 and think it would be perfect.

[@akaixl83]

I’m 40 2 years ago I had a 2017 400s I just trail road on and I loved it. Then wanted a sm so sold it, I’ve currently been riding a 2020 400sm, I’m 6’2 200lbs, the power band on the 400 is a tame power , nothing that’s going to run away from you , I love my bike but I need just a lil more power and I’m thinking a 650 dr would fit me better as I don’t trail ride a lot anymore. But I do gravel roads here in Ohio and some 45 min-1 hour trips on interstate’s to my fishing spots on it . I did the rear sprocket change out for better highway speeds but with the size of it I get pushed around Just my two cents

[@machupikachu1085]

@@akaixl83 agreed. The lower weight of the 400 is great on trails, but brutal on the freeway. It's too light.

[@akaixl83]

@@machupikachu1085 yup since I posted that a year ago I sold my 400 sm and bought a dr650 , favorite bike I ever owned !

[@kennethkrajewski9443]

Having 70 bikes now in past 30 years. 50 of them air-oil cooled. Hillclimbed-dragraced-enduros-and dualsports-you can run race all day long on highway or desert and not tell one difference in power or durability with air cooled guys raced Baja 1000 and 40 years air cooled motocross and not much difference with lap times. Everyone I know. Bought the 650 because it was air cooled. So that's only thing I disagree about your review. Everything else on point

[@utbelegs]

The oil cooler is the real hero of the DR650..my right shin says so...!

[@artiexr222]

Great review buddy enjoyed it,we have not had either in the UK for many years but good low mileage DR,s do come up from time to time and I,m certainly fancying a 400,thanks for posting.

[@HawkGirlMistyV]

Great comparison video, very thorough, great job!

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Hawk Girl (Misty Varner) thanks for watching. I am glad you enjoyed it and thought it was thoroughly done. I actually left a lot out to shorten the video to what it is. It was long. Still is bit longer before.

[@sheepdog819]

Im 6'1 180lb and do more road than dirt but, I'm still having a hard time choosing between the 2. I love the gauge and liquid cool. Im in Cen Cal.

[@dentalnovember]

Nice close explaining your ultimate decision to purchase the 650 being the highway rpms.

[@MachineSwede]

One correction is the DR-Z400S does not have inverted forks, which is what you are riding. The DR-Z400SM does in fact have inverted forks, albeit they are shorter more for street.

[@brandtagone8487]

If I lived closer to my riding areas that would have been my choice for sure, Good review!

[@jimmytheshark86]

How do you feel about about the WR250R? I’m trying to decide between these 3 bikes.

[@sparkyobrian6417]

i can relate, Im 6'4 235 lbs, so im loaded already before xtras

[@Sum4Seb]

We're a little biased but because of the size difference the DR650 was just the right choice for us. Found the DRZ400sm too skinny, don't get us wrong still an awesome bike to own and ride but because water cooling isn't an issue here the DR650's torque won our hearts ;) Great video man keep em coming! *T4S*

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Sum4Seb thanks for the comment.

[@unclebilly1353]

Great review. Spot on describing the DRZ 400 s. Picked up a 2016 at Las Cruces Powersports. I noticed you're riding in the valley. I love to hook up with you sometime you some riding with you. Just move down here from the northeast. Second thing I bought after a house was the DRZ 400 s I have a ktm super adventure 1290. I don't ride it. As you have said. The bike is just fun to ride. Loving the all year riding.

[@joshparker2795]

online suzuki website has the dr650 listed with an air cooled/oil cooled motor?

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

josh parker yes it's true. Oil cooler is present on the DR650

[@joelcromwell5983]

The 650 is air cooled and oil cooled so how exactly would it run hotter in hotter climates? Liquid cooled bikes are less reliable and require more maintenance by nature.

[@GladiusJon]

I can Tell you put a lot of effort into this review. I Went to look at the DR650 review you did. Saw the Comment put on 1.5 speed. BAHAHAHAHA! You have to admit thats fuckin funny XD!! So Im not gona lie, their is a reason I searched DRZ400 vs DR650. I bet you can figure it out lol. This was a very good video man Big Props!

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Gladius Jon thanks bro. I think I even criticize my past self in this one.

[@GladiusJon]

Voyage2NoWher3 Hey my DR650 review isnt any better. Ever watch your own vlogs from when you started and Cringe / Hit the Delete? Im up to 30 deleted now XD

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Gladius Jon lol. No I leave them up so people can have a good laugh. Lol. Including me. I like using them to critique myself. It's not working though. Lol

[@GladiusJon]

Voyage2NoWher3 I kept my first vlog ever up. I counted like a 45 second dead space at the beginning of the video. Holy shit wow... But hey, you have to craw before you can run right? You and I need to do a dual vlog over the senas one day. Preferably this month while the weather is still nice.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Gladius Jon lol. That sound like a plan. I was thinking that a while back. It would be fun. I am off Sunday's and Monday's. Let me know when. Also should we wing it or get a game plan?

[@BlakeHemmel]

Hey man. Dig your videos. I just bought a DR650. Only thing keeping me from a DRZ is that I wanted something to turn into an ADV bike that I could take also on the highway. Right now I live in Phoenix, and highway is super necessary here, especially for me to reach the trails. One day, though, I'll live in a rural area and get a DRZ. Where you located?

[@JonnyMoto]

Really interested in the 650, glad to see this comparison video :D I'm more toward the 650 because I'll primarily use it for road, commuting or long distant adventures. and comport. I live in a northern climate where it snows and I could winterize my ZX6R and let the DR650 handle the sand and salt they put in the road as well as the cold temperatures. Anyway, I'll be sure to check out more of your videos :D

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Jonny Moto thanks man. I also have a DR650 review video. Be ware though. It was an older video and I wasn't as comfortable with talking. Check it out and subscribe for a chance to win stuff. I have 299 subs currently. At 300 subs I am going to do a giveaway. Thanks for the comment.

[@brandtagone8487]

Wow thanks my friend!

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+brandtagone no problem.

[@leehyde4132]

I've got a feeling that if you got on a DRZ 400 with a 3x3 mod, exhaust, aftermarket seat, jetted and geared, you'd never look at a DR again. I personally went from DRZ to a street legal CRF 450. Also, IMHO, the honda XR 650 is a better version of the DR 650.

[@GoneRidingPartsCom]

Great review / comparison. I like the 400, but the 650 is great to.

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

Good job on the review!

[@edbataitis]

Great video. Love the comparison with the 650 and the average rider perspective as well as the comments for larger riders; I am 6'5 and about 250lbs and have had a lot of people tell me different things about what bike I should get or 'need' (If a lime electric scooter can get me cruising at 15mph I think a bike like this could handle me ok, I know long term wear is different having been a cyclist for near 30 years however, lol). But, great vid gave you a like and subscribed so please make more, I can live through your vids till I get my own motorcycle;) any advice for a person of my size looking for a first bike and dual sport would be appreciated!

[@Bimble]

...DRZ Supermoto....join the Dark side....it's strawberry flavoured O_o Nice review dude.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Bimble thanks man. Maybe one day I will join. To many bikes not enough time for them all. Lol

[@Bimble]

Ain't that the truth! :)

[@NifBac]

Great review and awesome video man!

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+NiftyBacon thanks brother.

[@amihere383]

actually, the 650 is 2 inches shorter than the 400 so if size was the only issue then the drz400 would have been better for someone taller

[@sdqsdq6274]

lol, good point on the cooling , which many fail to know

[@rodneyjohnston2217]

Fuel injection and 6 speed a little better 50 50 tires and DRZ would be the bomb. Still great like it is.

[@SteelHorseman]

Great job on the review.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+The Steel Horseman thanks.

[@user-nz7od8ff2j]

I have the 2019 model. I really had a dilemma to purchase which of the two types you are describing . i did indeed change the rider's pegs to wider. I have a size 46 in the riding boots and have difficulty raising gears in the shift lever the original one, in standing position. What would you suggest?

[@mountainthrasher500]

Love my DRZ. Great bike for the $. Good review, I enjoyed it👍

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

Thanks man. I am glad you liked it. I love the DR and DRZ. I want them both.

[@sawmilldrz757]

N

[@drmotofrog6658]

great comparison video. I too complicated a drz and chose a DR650 due to highway use.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+DRMotoFrog very nice. Thanks for the comment. The DR650 takes the cake in a lot of ways.

[@drmotofrog6658]

+Voyage2NoWher3 I just posted a video of DR650 on highway. check it out if ya want.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+DRMotoFrog ok. I will after I get off work.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+DRMotoFrog ok. I will after I get off work.

[@angusdunn4507]

Really good comparison! I'm torn between a water cooled (Texas) but i want a 650s power ( im a bigger guy)

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Angus Dunn get water if you can. Be careful and plan well if air cooled

[@MothershipVideos]

I have never ever heard of a DR650 seizing due to over heating. They seem to be able to dissipate heat rapidly. What you need to look at is what you want to use the bike for. Try ADV Rider web site for some more info. My opinion is if you are doing long haul with luggage both black top and off road then get the DR650. If you ride like Voyage2NoWher3 then maybe the DRZ400 is the best option.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Mothership Videos that's probably true sir. Once I move north my riding style will change. Thanks for the comment.

[@progguy10]

my dr has never overheated. i prefer the simpler more full proof design.

[@Mark-ch3gu]

MidnightSun ADV check your grammar, it's "fool-proof"- u uneducated fool!

[@skipdippity]

DR650 does have an oil cooler so that helps…

[@HELacey]

that DRZ does not have inverted forks.

[@bongodave13]

It doesn't. The SM version does.

[@wildone2163]

exactly, besides inverted or not you would not noticed a difference anyway.

[@whatsit2ya247]

A street legal 400e is the way to go if off road is your thing (it's mine) If freeway cruizn is, get a cruizer.

[@sunnysocal07]

Nice review. Been looking at the 400 myself. Im pretty big as well and worry the 400 might be small. Im 6' 230....hate to ask but what do you weigh?

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

I weigh in at 255 right now. :( Hitting the gym though and that will change.

[@sunnysocal07]

Thanks! That really helps. Well Im big because Ive gone to the gym for the last 30 years...lol But Ive paid for it. Remember its not how much you lift. Its the form that matters the most. My joints will tell you. Good luck with that and keep up the good work on the videos !

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

Thanks man. Hope you continue to check out any future videos. I also will keep what you said about the gym in mind.

[@tennyis28]

the 400 is bigger then the 650

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Tenny80 I am not talking about taller but rather larger. The dr is wider and heavier.

[@rubickon]

great thanks! any chance hearing from you about 660 Tenere?

[@JuanDinger265]

You need to get your ADD under control. That indicator cancelling switch is pretty much worn out after one ride !!

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+JuanDinger265 lol.

[@ronsexton3685]

They are NOT inverted forks. That's the DRZ400SM, not DRZ400S.

[@GM-he3um]

What? Inverted forks???? Since when???

[@tennyis28]

Interesting comments about the size i'm 6'3 and find the DRZ a lot roomier, the DR was to low to me.

[@tennyis28]

P.S agree with your comments about the freeway! If you are looking for a bike to ride on the freeway do NOT buy a DRZ!

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Tenny80 agreed

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Tenny80 it is lower but it is wider witch gives a bigger guy like me more comfort.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Tenny80 thanks for watching and commenting.

[@tennyis28]

+Voyage2NoWher3 true I did a seat concepts seat so it's much wider at least in the seat.

[@ezntertainment3601]

Did your buddy trade it in at a local shop? I’m looking into a used one and it’s the same color and it looks like we’re in the same area and wasn’t sure if it’s the same. I’m wanting to get into riding and want to get a used dual sport

[@ezntertainment3601]

Nvm I just looked your channel up... looks like you moved up north maybe

[@tripmoto5886]

its a dirt bike, and you failed to ask permission to go off road?!?! When ever my buddies barrow one of my dual-sports, i encourage they take it into the dirt and mud, thats what it was made for man

[@brandtagone8487]

Have you had cooling issues with your 650? Just curious if I ever get down South.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+brandtagone yes. I have to turn the bike off at stop lights. I also can't go slow in the heat. If I am riding with someone who is slow it is hard. I have to stop and let them get ahead a ways. Then I catch up and do it again. Better safe than sorry when it comes to it. Even liquid cooled down here can be taxing on the bikes in some of our more extreme heat.

[@caharkness]

Sounds like something somebody from Arizona would say. Where are you at?

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Conner Harkness New Mexico. Close to AZ

[@kyjelly5524]

I got a quote of 7350 Out the door for a new drz400s. Is that a good deal? I called a few dealers and they said they won’t beat that price.

[@revtech2917]

You can get a used 2015-2019 with under 1k miles for 5k or less. If you really want a brand new 2020 then yeah 7k after tax seems right.

[@kyjelly5524]

RevTech thank you. I ended up buying a 2019 because I like the white one more than the black. It’s so much fun. I got it for 7350 otd.

[@bikewolf7455]

i have never managed to overheat the DR650 or to come even close. when i installed my performance header and took out the baffle of my leo vince exhaust i had real trouble to get it to operating temperature, even with a lean mix. at 100F outside i got it once to 200F in a traffic jam but usually its not getting over 175F

[@machupikachu1085]

What performance header did you get to fit the Leo Vince? I'm looking into one as well. Cheers!

[@rokbottom999]

Hey is that n buckey,Az ?

[@thomasfiedler5176]

Just let u know bud that the forks on the drz are not inverted forks the are same style as the 650 has. The drz 400sm has inverted forks. Just saying

[@michaelblencowe4241]

OK thanks

[@kyoakland]

I just sold my dr400sm and got a dr650 turned in to a sm and man my 650 rips just a lil heavy but love my dr650...

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Kyle Malone nice. I probably won't ever supermoto my bike but I would like to ride one sometime.

[@kyoakland]

Yeah I have a few videos of both of them check it out! I Put the 16t sprocket on and on the freeway it's a blast as well

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Kyle Malone I went down to a 14

[@kyoakland]

+Voyage2NoWher3 I bet that thing kicks like a horse lol

[@kyoakland]

+Voyage2NoWher3 I bet that thing kicks like a horse lol

[@progguy10]

has your dr ever over heated? i have ridden them drs in arizona and i had zero issue

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+MidnightSun ADV I have once. No damage resulted. I just changed the oil afterwards.

[@GM-he3um]

The wheel base is the same.

[@robertbowman3406]

What is the purpose of that yellow button he keeps pushing?

[@maxbrap]

Cancels turn signal

[@Tristanschannels]

May I ask what song you used for your introduction? Your intro is sick and I was wandering where I could find it. Thanks

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

Tristan Mason his name is Greydon square.

[@Tristanschannels]

Thanks - called Dopamine Kata. What's your opinion on 250cc trail bikes? Bikes like the Yamaha YZ250, Honda CRF250L and similar.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Tristan Mason it's ok if you're a smaller rider.

[@blueeyes5442]

Did Seth McFarlane do your voice over for this

[@kaosbc]

so instead of doin a little light off road...you rode his tires off

[@shanedogaviation]

how big are you? just wondering because im thinking about the DR650

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Shane Watson I am 6'1" 260 lbs

[@shanedogaviation]

ok thanks. im 5'10" 200 lbs. think the 650 will be ok for myself?

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Shane Watson most definitely.

[@brianfisher3774]

Is a Drz 400 great for a guy who is 5'8"tall guy like me or the 650

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Brian Fisher the seat height is nearly the same. Either would be a great choice.

[@brianfisher3774]

Ok

[@brianfisher3774]

I live in Indio California and we are loosing dirt riding area but I am looking at the those bikes it seems the 650 could me more for 6ft men to ride not 5'8 man like me.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Brian Fisher either one is a good choice.

[@jasons44]

this is a dual sport reviewer

[@adam1885282]

Reviewing a dual sport ... won't take it off road.

[@repetitivemotion]

Ah, the DRZ400S does not have inverted forks. I think the 400E had them, but not the S model. Wish it did.

[@Mark-ch3gu]

The E didn't have them. Only the SM- the Super Moto. It's only got about 3/4 of suspension travel that the S and E have.

[@beforeiaddmorecontent]

dirt roads are dual sport highway... off road? not so much...

[@michaelblencowe4241]

I'm torn between the drz400 and modded crf250l. Which is better?

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Michael Blencowe my opinion is the DRZ400. 250L seems to be underpowered.

[@aaronhansen8037]

Michael Blencowe get the DRZ 400 over the 250L. I bought the 250L, and have regretted it. Not enough power.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+Aaron Hansen my wife has the 250L also. It's not great.

[@Mark-ch3gu]

Get the Z. More power than the 250L and it weighs less. Also the Z's front and rear suspension is multi adjustable. (it's still considered very competitive amongst newer bikes.) The 250L doesn't have adjustable forks. In fact it's only got 1 spring in front- on the right side!

[@wildone2163]

liquid cool is only good in a form of a beer.

[@SolomonsMartialArts]

The dr650 is a great bike except for bad suspension and bad seat if suzuki fixes thus 2 things they will sell a lot.

[@RKmndo]

The aftermarket offers plenty of fixes.

[@SolomonsMartialArts]

@@RKmndo yes but how much will it cost to get a new 2021 dr650 with good sear and suspension? I Prefer that to a 450lbs 10000$ yamaha t700

[@RKmndo]

@@SolomonsMartialArts I'm fine with the stock seat. Seat Concepts is decent for under $200 if you're not. Suspension can be over $1K, or it could be almost free. DR-Z400S suspension could be cheap to swap on. Sell stock parts to recoup some cost. Spring it appropriately. New DRs for $6500 OTD still aren't a stretch.

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

$200 plex valve into the dr650 will blow your 400's fork away.

[@cadenwendt19]

I am 6 5 and about 200lbs......650 or 400??

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

Caden Wendt either. They have similar seat heights.