DRZ400E ULTIMATE LIGHTWEIGHT ADVENTURE BIKE SETUP AND MODS. (FULL RUNDOWN)

The DRZ400E is one of the best lightweight adventure bikes on the market.
Take a look at how I have set mine up for adventure riding.

[@BrokenSprocket]

Zed in Australia... Nice look at the DRZ there a great bike...

[@luisjaimegarcia]

Como esta

[@MotoVenture.]

Depends where you live I've never met anyone that says zed always zee lol

[@TwoWheelerSparky]

I just convinced my dad to get a new DR-Zed. I appreciate the video, but definitely Zed in Aus :) I used to have a DRZ. It'll be interesting to see how much heavier it feels compared to my WR250R.

[@slowburner1]

My 2006 DRZ is a work horse in the Northeast US. I put some bags on it and and I camp everywhere. Great bike.

[@nayan1engg123]

I love how you have upgraded your drz400. Great video. Keep it up the good work.

[@andygee8284]

Love your videos mate. I just finished my 2019 drz400e. I bought it new and it took me over 1 year to complete 40 mods.

[@chickentube2229]

Nice mate keeping it simple, nothing too expensive just what you need to go camping in the bush love it mate 👍 I was planning to do something similar to my DRZ before it was stolen, I now have a KTM500 EXC and will be doing something similar to what you have here to my 500.

[@tomkitchen2764]

Yep, Zed in Australia. Nice set up you've got there Josh.

[@kenwolfe5697]

They’re great bikes. A kickstarter is another nice addition. It’s saved me a few times.

[@bazz6670]

Nice mods, I'm doing up one at the moment. Just done total rebuild on the motor lots to do still before getting registration. Subbed look forward to watching your vids.

[@shaddonaghue]

Awesome mate, fantastic build 👍👍

[@dropbear9526]

In Aust, It's X, Y, Zed. In the USA, It's X, Y Zee. So you're wrong lol

[@scottyq_moto898]

Nice post Josh. Thanks for sharing mate!..

[@JoeOnaBoat]

My right ear enjoyed this video a great deal

[@_JoshJB_]

Joe On a Boat what happened to the left? 😂

[@JoeOnaBoat]

@@_JoshJB_ (the audio on the vid is only coming from the right, more obvious if you have headphones on)

[@Thomas-wk5ll]

Thanks so much mate, I have come full circle now I've looked at Swm 300, klr 650, v storm crf 300, crf 650 etc pros and cons efi, vrs carby. I almost settled on the 2022 klr but it was the perment shitty abs that scared me off and the fact that it is not that great off rd The Drz just seems like a more nimble ,more capable bike for the money . The drz just ticks more boxes. It's the closest thing to 🦄 Thanks again.

[@bcgal0004]

Hey, nice bike. Loving the black tank with the yellow. Neat bag setup too - You get what you pay for aye. Would be good to see a video on what you can fit in those 12l bags.

[@rileyoborn8368]

Dream setup mate, looks the goods

[@_JoshJB_]

Thanks mate

[@steveone]

X , Y , Zed Ive said my ABC . We had it drummed into us .

[@_JoshJB_]

Steve Smith lucky this isn’t an English lesson 😂

[@graemesydney38]

C = Zee, Z = Zed; or why would you have two zee's? or are you one of those crazy yanks?

[@tainted1581]

right ear loved this one haha. good video regardless

[@stephencummins7589]

Nice video buddy thanks from Gympie.

[@localsocietymember]

great setup too :)

[@ciccorilla]

Good stuff Josh

[@Horus71]

Josh look up the 3x3 mod for the DRZ. it involves a carby kit and an airbox mod that significantly increases bottom end. Also get a set of JIS or Japanese Industrial standard tools, the phillips looking screws on Japanese bikes aren't quite phillips and are easy damaged. nice video and great mods.

[@joedart2932]

Haha first Ausy I've heard say it correctly! Although I just call it a DR..nice bike 👍

[@MotoVenture.]

Mad Aussie Arvo feels with that intro music

[@l1qu1dm3t4lIV]

Just wanted to say that the grip tape on the frame is a pretty great idea, and i'm going to do that too. i just noticed how scratched up my frame is getting from my boots..

[@utahbones3094]

Great job

[@Glissskate]

He’ll say seven-dean but not DR-ZED ooft, good video regardless!

[@intelligentinfinity]

Great video mate. 👍 Just purchased my first registered dirt bike 2006 drz 400e. Looking at setting up for some overnight trips in northern nsw. Cheers for tips. Better get some locktite on that bolt! 👊✊

[@_JoshJB_]

I did locktite that bolt. The head broke off on my latest trip 😂

[@benhellewell9906]

I'm in the Northern rivers mate, just put a deposit down on my first drz400. I Would love to find some crew to go riding with once I'm kitted up!

[@intelligentinfinity]

@@benhellewell9906 Hey Ben, nice one mate. I'm just north of Byron , hit me up when your ready for a ride . ✌

[@leeperry9381]

Great review thank you for posting. Your bike looks great. I’m about to put Dunlop D 606s on mine. Do you run extra heavy duty inner tubes? I think there’s standard heavy duty and extra heavy duty. Also what tyre pressures do you normally ride with ? Thank you.

[@travispoorter8654]

Only come across the channel today , hooked! Looks like I’m getting a bike 😂

[@jdhoger4034]

Excellent review and great mods Josh. thumbs up buds.

[@_JoshJB_]

JD Hoger thanks mate

[@unclebilly1353]

My Drz is a great base bike . My drz goes through personality changes. Right now it's set up for the desert. Stripped down to nothing. Great desert salad. The little extra weight helps keep the bike pointed in the right direction. When my body needs a rest . I switch the bike out to be the ultimate light weight adventure bike. Not the greatest at anything. But it will do it all.

[@simonsiron887]

I would love to see a vid about you installing a Kickstarter kit and using it

[@pascrew4639]

looks tough bro..I was abit worried about getting the yellow but the black contrast looks mean..

[@jamkyr]

Best bike ever had for enduro and way better than the normal.drz

[@pascrew4639]

Noticed you run your Accelerator cables from tube below the brake.. looks good.

[@_JoshJB_]

Number 1 thanks mate. I flipped it around when I put on some bar risers. Otherwise the cables were too tight if I didn’t do this.

[@gc1862de]

Very well setup and thought out. Mine is setup very similar, and i think they make a very good light weight ADV bike as well

[@_JoshJB_]

Thanks 👍🏼

[@FineLine-Media]

That's the best looking DRZ I've seen yet. reat job! Which tape did you use for your frame and doesn't it scratch the boots up too much?

[@RedBaroness12]

go the drz!

[@malavivius]

Really nice set up. I've been looking at the Kreiga OS system too, but was wondering how they go near the exhaust, heat wise? I'm working on pretty much an identical list of equipment 👍

[@_JoshJB_]

Smacko I knew there was something I forgot! I have a giant loop heat shield on there. Without it the plastic began to melt a little and would eventually effect the kriega bags. So definitely use a heat shield of some kind 👍🏼

[@pb8582]

Nice rig where did you find the heater Shields?!

[@dantemeggetto5804]

Hey im still hunting for the right first bike. Just wondering how tall you are so i can gage if ill have to get some bar riser. Thanks man

[@cakeshoe]

Zed is from British English (which I suppose Aussie English is supposedly closer to), Zee is American pronunciation. But, even as a Brit, I think Zee sounds better. Love your bike! How much stuff can you carry when camping/touring?

[@JR-df1ls]

What material did you go with the seat concept?

[@SAFFmv]

Definitely a DR-ZED. But otherwise great video 😂

[@arinjohnston861]

Tool bag for that pipe bolt?

[@Mrjoeljoel989]

How do you find these bikes go on the highway?, are you having to rev the hell out of them to keep them at 100kmh?

[@richardkenna149]

Looks like was filmed around Vineyard/Riverstone? Top channel mate!

[@_JoshJB_]

That’s where it was filmed 👍🏼 I’ve since moved away from there though. Thanks mate

[@user-dv7hb2sc9m]

I'm late to your party but I did arrive.... lol, I didn't realize there was an, "E" version of the DRz400? The regular & SM I knew of & I was just watching a man when I saw a second radiator? I was surprised, wondering if he had added the 2nd coil to expel more heat from the bike? Heck, that wouldn't surprise me at all, in fact I'd be wondering if I could do that just to protect the bike even better. Anyhow, both were protected w/ a dual shield radiator guard & I learned about the "E" version. So now I'll be watching your video & coming back to ask more - like if you live in America? But I'll be back in a few. So I've watched & one of my biggest questions is about the 2nd radiator coil. The "E" has 2 radiators instead of just 1 & this is something I've thought about doing just to make any bike run cooler but I saw this today on another Aussie Man's "E" version. I didn't know this existed & it's not available here so I guess they discontinued her in the States? For me, I wonder about those 2 coils & the different sprocket setup on this bike? Do you know why this version is like this, I mean it's a lot different than the original or SM models even though it's the same overall stuff? So I'm here asking, never know what I might find used out there & it's better that I know what it is now in case I do have a chance to buy a used one? So far, of the 3 different DRz's, I think I like the "E" best? peace man

[@_JoshJB_]

@@user-dv7hb2sc9m I don’t think you Americans got the E model. But we did here in Australia. It’s aimed towards off-road riding unlike the S and SM models. Hence the differences 👍🏼

[@user-dv7hb2sc9m]

Yeah Josh, that happens to be the truth except I do have one guy here who's riding one..... lol, I'm not sure how he came to have one but I'm thinking someone came over from Australia & brought her along but sold it on the way home to keep from having to pay for a used bike? Of course that's a wild arse guess "SWAG"..... lol, I'll have to ask him tomorrow b/c I just posted comments to him yesterday. But yes, I think of the DRz's, I'd prefer the "E" if I had the choice. I'd take it for a few reasons & if I wanted the SM, I'd use the "E" and buy a set of wheels just the color/size I wanted. Besides, the E has more HP from my understanding which is part of the reason you guys buy her? Thanks again for the help!

[@liammurray198]

Hey mate just curious if you have to modify the cape York kit radiator guards to fit the safari tank cheers

[@_JoshJB_]

I didn’t have too 👍🏼 Unsure how it works in the larger 28L tank though

[@EricBanner571]

Nice build. Pretty close to what I have done on my 2017 DRZ400e here in Sydney. I have also added a steering damper and suspension mods. How have you found the tractionators thus far? How many KM's and what is the grip level like on the road and off road?

[@_JoshJB_]

Moto Suzuki suspension is definitely on the list. Done about 4000ks. Can still get more out of it but I will chuck a new rear on before my next off-road ride or trip. Grip is great, as good as a knobby tyre can be on road anyway 😂

[@luisjaimegarcia]

Good

[@bravowhiskyalpha1581]

What speedometer is that? Thanks.

[@antone9751]

So you find the grip tape chews up your boots? Why not go for a smooth tape?

[@alpinebreed1774]

Sooo im right, your wrong XD love it

[@murlyn2]

Niece bike

[@jaymoney9008]

Hey mate. Just wondering about the front fender? Was it a straight swap and where did you get it? Was it just the “rm fender from mx store”? Thanks.

[@_JoshJB_]

Jay Money basically a straight swap, just need to add a few washers to the the back mounts to clear the swing arm. Yea it’s just an rm fender. I might have to make a video on it 👍🏼

[@DragonNova]

Nice mods

[@JohannesDalen]

Bought one used a week ago, came with the same tank in the sama color as yours. How do you gauge how much fuel you have left? Trip meter? Thanks!

[@_JoshJB_]

I just use the tripmeter mate. Fill it to the brim and ride around until you hit reserve and then you’ll know what you can get too. Just always remember to reset it after filling up!

[@JohannesDalen]

@@_JoshJB_ Thank you :)

[@andrewmcgill4957]

Awesome setup! Are those the original handlebars or did you put those on? Just realized the standard quad lock wont fit on the stock bars that came with my bike unless I get the mirror mount kit.

[@_JoshJB_]

They are a seperate pair that came with the bike as part of a ‘cape York’ extras pack. So not the stock ones

[@timrundle5291]

Hi mate. About to do the Simpson and a mate is on a drz. He has stock suspension and seeing what you did re setup as there is not much advice on this. He looks like your size and has a 27lt safari but not carrying as much gear. Any advice is appreciated.

[@_JoshJB_]

I’d be upgrading the suspension mate. I did mine before a Simpson crossing. Should of went a bit heavier rear spring. So just make sure you get that sorted. Makes life easier with all the ups and downs in the desert.

[@heyman8820]

Usb charger for the phone?

[@richpass2]

A Quadlock mount like yours can wreck the camera in phones due to vibration. When Quadlock became aware of this problem they manufactured a silicone damper. I’ve had 2 cameras fail because of this. I just added a damper to the set up. 🤞

[@_JoshJB_]

I had heard of all this. Being an older iPhone I never had an issue. I’ve just upgraded to a new iPhone and I have installed a vibration dampener also. Still hesitant to leave it on there when on the tracks though!

[@richpass2]

@@_JoshJB_ I use my iPhone 11 to navigate too so it needs to be where I can see it. The tank bag map pocket is another option.

[@antone9751]

Ah, yeah….it is x, y, zed! Unless your singing an American song 😏

[@mainerj]

What phone do you use on your quad lock? I run a quad lock with vibration dampener for my iPhone 12 and it messed my camera up first ride this season. That’s not supposed to happen 🤔

[@_JoshJB_]

I used to have an iPhone 8 and it never had an issue. But yes the newer phone cameras have issue. I now have the vibration dampener on both my bikes but I only put my phone on there when on road. Off-road it goes in my pocket or tank bag instead. Not worth the risk

[@MegaRich7]

It’s x y zed in Oz.

[@bcgal0004]

Hey mate, how ya finding the Motoz Tractionator on the front? Thinking about going this!

[@_JoshJB_]

I like it mate. I’ve recently just chucked a new front on and went the same way.

[@localsocietymember]

and the quadlock charger mate did you do any fancey wiring or just what the instructions say?i just gt quadlock stuff but yet to install thanks mate

[@_JoshJB_]

josh ingya nah no fancy wiring mate. Just attach the supplied wiring to the battery and away you go.

[@localsocietymember]

@@_JoshJB_ easy as thanks for the reply. have a good

[@Engenia]

Have you ever tried to pass a twin trailer road train with the DRZ? My experience north of Laura on the Peninsula Development Rd is that you need a bike that can do at least 150, or you run out of bitumen before the job's done.

[@_JoshJB_]

Engenia can’t say I’ve tried that one mate. I’m sure with a change of sprockets you could get some more speed out of it.

[@Engenia]

@@_JoshJB_ let me know if you try it. I've got a TR650 that can do it, but it's too heavy for me when the going gets really tough. A DRZ or WR450 would better suit me except that I don't want to be stuck behind a road train all day eating dust, and no-one can tell me from experience if either could pull off the pass.

[@nickwhite6717]

An A double will only go along at 100kph at most. Ballpark 34ish metres if memory serves me correct. 120 and youd be past in no time

[@christinegreen7120]

Hi Josh, In Australia it's ZED not ZEE. The latter is American but like many other nouns we are slowly but surely becoming American - unfortunately.

[@mobydick126]

Hi Josh, Nice build. Wich gear ratio are you using? And the exhaust? is stock? Thanks

[@_JoshJB_]

Thanks mate! 14 - 44 for me. Yea just a stock exhaust too 👍🏼

[@3bertface01]

very nice setup mate, this is basically exactly what I'm after - just out of interest, what was the total cost of the bike with all your mods + Cape York kit? Cheers

[@lumberjaxe8910]

A year ago Probably 11.5 kregistered now in 2022 13.5k reg

[@anthonymarsden100]

What model is the tank bag? Do Nelson Rig only make one or is it a particular bag?

[@_JoshJB_]

Anthony Marsden I just looked it up. It’s called NELSON-RIGG CL-1045 SPORT ADVENTURE SLIM MOTORCYCLE TANK BAG.

[@myriad860]

Turned a DRZ into a KLR 👍

[@balintmajor5416]

Hi, do you use a radiator guard? If yes, then what type, and would you recommend it?😅

[@_JoshJB_]

Sure do. They came with the bike as part of a cape York extras pack

[@krazed0451]

I dunno about you, but I've always said x, y, zed.

[@adriandunn9051]

Hey mate, luvin the DR setup. What exact RM fender did you go for ? Cheers.

[@_JoshJB_]

Thanks mate. It’s an RM fender

[@adriandunn9051]

Yea cheers for the reply Josh, theres millions out there, was meaning just more specifically did you just go an ebay job or go thru an mx store or Suzuki..? Cheers

[@_JoshJB_]

@@adriandunn9051 just from eBay 👍🏼

[@mattw9943]

What gearing are you running on the bike? Sits on 100kph alright?

[@_JoshJB_]

Matt w this was another mod I missed 😂. I have changed the rear sprocket to a 44 tooth. I can sit on 100 comfortable enough I find and didn’t lose much down low either.

[@jlovassy]

ZED in aus mate zee in USA

[@OffTheBlacktop]

Zed mate it’s Australia. We don’t live in America mate

[@OnTwoWheels]

Mate, you got your rear light upside down! :)

[@_JoshJB_]

On Two Wheels you’re joking 😂. I better take a second look 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@OnTwoWheels]

@@_JoshJB_ Actually sorry mate, you might be correct. I googled "tail tidy drz400" and there IS one that slopes outwards. Mine and every other that I have seen to date slope inwards.. haha! Also the big gap between the light and the fender looked off.

[@OnTwoWheels]

@@_JoshJB_ This was mine kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3u6dZ6Ff7mYqbM

[@_JoshJB_]

On Two Wheels I’ve looked up the original ad from where I purchased it. It shows it the other way around. Ive never noticed though 😂

[@autonomousindividual7780]

Legendary bike. Even if that is so corny and cliche to say. I must have $10k into mine by now. It never ends.

[@TwoWheelerSparky]

I bought one second hand for around $4K years ago, thrashed it out the bush for a couple of years and then sold it for around 4K. Aside from the pilot jet clogging up, it didn't miss a beat!

[@DoubtlessLamb]

Where did you get your boots and bags? 😃

[@_JoshJB_]

I ordered them from MXstore I’m pretty sure 👍🏼

[@DoubtlessLamb]

@@_JoshJB_ thank you!!😃👍

[@DoubtlessLamb]

@@_JoshJB_ what are the boots called? How do you like them? What are some pros and cons you have experienced with them? 🤔😃

[@dropbear9526]

RM front guard.

[@johnnyst.4372]

The only thing that I hate on this bike is that there is no a kick starter. Whyyyyyy😣

[@_JoshJB_]

Johnny St. you can add one if wanted as far as I’m aware. If the electric start somehow fails then you can always roll start it to get you out of trouble anyway.

[@allaussietraveller9879]

Pretty sure it's zed, like the well known band Zed Zed Top... 🤣 But I still say DR Zed...

[@_JoshJB_]

I do love me some Zed Zed top

[@bazphoon1]

the footpegs?

[@_JoshJB_]

bazphoon just standard at the moment

[@bazphoon1]

@@_JoshJB_ oh i thought u had changed them. regards

[@chickentube2229]

What riding gear are you wearing mate ?

[@_JoshJB_]

Allan Snackbar helmet is bell mx9 adventure, jacket and pants is a set from dri rider and boots are alpine star tech 7s

[@chickentube2229]

@@_JoshJB_ sorry to be a pain but I'm interested in the pants and jacket set if you could let me know what the model is I'd appreciate, cheers.

[@_JoshJB_]

Allan Snackbar it was dririder rally cross pro 3

[@chickentube2229]

@@_JoshJB_ Thanks mate

[@rowanthomas6428]

D R zeee because it sounds better haha :)

[@denverniles9489]

It's X Y zed and in words it's pronounced as Zee so Ur wrong. It's the letter Zed

[@TechnikMeister2]

Its zed if you went to school in Australia. 17lt and 400kns is not a big enough range if you are heading on an outback trip. You need a 600km range so that means carrying another 10lt somewhere. Add all your bags etc and the DR650 is looking a better option.

[@_JoshJB_]

Done an outback trip a few months ago. The 17Ltr was good 90% of the time. I had a 5L jerry can for that little bit extra on some occasions. Except for the desert crossing where i carried two 6Lt fuel bladders as well

[@chrisdsm9148]

Love your video but it is DRZ

[@The_Kayak_Guy.]

Be careful with that quad lock, it’ll break your phone camera gimbal with the vibes. Ask me how I know!

[@grahamcrowle7664]

Yeah sorry mate! But if you are an Aussie it is Zed..the USA use Zee.. Australia uses Zed. You are actually wrong. But I'll keep watching despite that. 😂😂

[@53kezza]

X y Zed. ZED! You are not on Seseme Street!!

[@_JoshJB_]

Kerry Parke in my next video I will have an English language lesson 😂

[@broncoridesagain3176]

​@@_JoshJB_ both are acceptable, unless you are in Australia or speak English outside of America, then it's "ZED" and not "ZEE" (as per the original etymology from latin and greek). I wonder how the Japanese pronounce it though?

[@johnratcliffe2426]

It pronounced Zed in Australia and Zee in the US genius. If you are Australian then it's pronounced Zed

[@_JoshJB_]

X,Y, Zeeeeee. I don’t actually care but so many get worked up over me saying Zee 😂

[@braininavatnow9197]

Such a cute boy for a foreigner. He's correct, it's zee not zed. Bike is much too clean.

[@Shrouded_reaper]

Its not lightweight anymore when you fill up the monster tank 😂

[@_JoshJB_]

I’ll just run it empty 🫠

[@armadilllo]

I hate when people say zed

[@jonsteele1783]

no, its exx why zed........ zeeee sounds lame and american.