DRZ400S vs CRF300L Rally First Impressions

This weekend I picked up a low mileage 2007 DRZ400S in good condition. I came very close to buying one before I found the CRF300L Rally. This gives me an opportunity to ride both and compare them. This video is my initial impressions during my first real ride on the DRZ.
Where this video ends my dad and I swap bikes and I'm able to give my thoughts after riding them back to back. I should have that video up tomorrow or the next day.
I also have a Facebook page now for anyone who wants to reach out to me more directly.
/ chasingtrail530

[@lifeoff-road280]

Welcome to the DRZ family, fella. It is really an AWESOME dual sport, one of the best ever made. Solid and competent on the street, a blast off-road. Enjoy.

[@chasingtrail]

Thanks! I do love the DRZ, and if I could only have one bike, it would be the one. I no longer have this bike, but it was my 2nd DRZ and it's very likely I'll own another some day.

[@EricBanner571]

Finally someone who has ridden both and does not look at the CRF with rose coloured glasses. The CRF is more of a road focused dual sport. The DRZ is more dirt focused with fully adjustable suspension and struggles on the HWY with 5 gears. Two different bikes for different purposes. In Australia we can still buy the DRZ400E new which has another 8-10 HP over the DRZ400S. Once you install the correct springs for your weight, set up the sag and geometry, put a larger front brake disk, it is quite a weapon off road.

[@chasingtrail]

Thank you for your comments. I am trying to be fair and cover pros & cons of both bikes, from my perspective. I agree with your assessment. I also wish we could get the E model here.

[@SeasideStrangler]

ya I've got a 400s that i put a 39mm FCR carb on, big plastic tank and full on woods tires. I only ride it in the woods, Thing is basically a Z400 on 2 wheels. Little heavy but it rips

[@EpohDerf]

Thanks for this video. On the strength of this video and several others I bought one and even made my own video! All the best from the UK.

[@ericweber1969]

Excellent video overview! I look forward to seeing more!

[@chasingtrail]

Thank you Eric! Waiting on a render to finish and then uploading another tonight.

[@halredlus4614]

Nice video, and hoping the bike unseats your CRF over time. Nothing would make me happier, and love seeing you out with your dad. Will watch for next, and on and on. Ride safe.

[@chasingtrail]

Thanks Hal! Looking forward to taking it out again this weekend.

[@painsrides3616]

Thanks for the vid 👍 I picked up a low mileage DRz400 over the weekend, I'm very happy to finally have one. I rode borrowed DRz's in the past and thought it was a true do everything dual-sport that was surprisingly capable here in the tight New England terrain. But the engine and power delivery was the high point of the bike.

[@chasingtrail]

That's funny, I just watched your video yesterday. Grats on the bike. It looks super clean!

[@BIG-K]

I honestly thought that you would have preferred the Suzuki so I shall look forward to the next video. I enjoyed the ride and am thoroughly enjoying your channel - good commentaries 👍

[@chasingtrail]

Spoiler alert but I may change my tune a little in the next video. For me it's a testament to the fact both are great bikes. There are a lot of things about the Rally that are very practical and make sense on paper, but when I'm actually riding the DRZ, it truly has a great fun factor the Rally just can't match with the power difference. It's tough, and part of why I wanted to do this, for my own perspective and hopefully it's useful to others in some way.

[@patlong4210]

Hi I thought your video seemed quite familiar i used to live on muletown road where i rode my drz till the Carr fire claimed it ! thank you, pat

[@chasingtrail]

Sorry to hear of your loss. I love Muletown Rd, one of my favorite places to ride. I'd love to live out there, beautiful area.

[@duko4423]

Came upon your channel last week and am loving it! I just went through the decision between klx300, crf300l rally or the drz-400 in August. Got lucky and found a used drz with low miles and most of the changes I would have made already done. Love it! It definitely has a power surge somewhere around 5000-5500 rpm that makes me smile. I like that you were talking about the carb vs fi. My understanding is that manufacturers tune the fi that way for fuel economy, riding conditions and fuel type. I know there are companies that specialize in remapping an ECU if you are willing to send it off. The point is that it is not necessarily a FI thing, but the fueling from the ecu. Anybody feel free to correct me or add to this. Good stuff man. Keep it coming and ride safe.

[@chasingtrail]

Thank you and grats on the DRZ! I had a CRF450L with an $800 aftermarket ECU and I sent my 300L Rally ECU off and had it reflashed. Those things improved the situation but not completely. Hopefully someday we can have FI with the same feel of a carb, that would be perfect!

[@connor3288]

​@@chasingtrailPart of it on newer FI bikes is likely fuel is cut 100% under coasting/closed throttle for emissions... Then when you open the throttle again, there is a little jerk when the engine starts firing again abrubtly. The fuel cut/emissions under engine breaking is likely why no modern designs would be able to be sold new carb'ed.

[@markydayan]

I´m in the same question... DRZ 400S vs KLX300. I ride 50% on roads going at 60/65mph, 50% gravel. 300-400km per riding day. Some times in altitude (3000-4000 meters). Any suggestion? I know the klx has better suspensions

[@Loshhs]

lmfao i started dying when he kept saying carb-tarded

[@reaperalpha8536]

Dude I just brought a drz400s 05 and it has modifications and it definitely does not feel stock, scary but worth it and I have to get use to it.

[@drewm2763]

I was in same situation. Was going from heavier higher cc bike to lighter. Looked at wr250s for a year looked at drz400s for a year . Went into a honda dealership in June looking at a used bike and there was a 300 rally there. Person who had deposit on it said wife told him no bike so I bought it. No regrets.

[@chasingtrail]

Nice, that was a lucky find! Was meant to be it sounds like.

[@jpdaddy678]

You got some beautiful trails there

[@chasingtrail]

Thanks! It is a beautiful area.

[@jpdaddy678]

Your dad's awesome!

[@kevinfieguth4377]

I just bought an 06 DR650. Love it. My son's call it pop corn. Because it's yellow.

[@chasingtrail]

The yellow models are the fastest!

[@slakk5093]

Looking forward to the next video where you jump back on the 300. I sold my drz400e as it was ruff on long trips and I lost faith in its reliability after a whole host of problems (probably from how the previous owner looked after it). It dropped a valve in the engine, the countershaft seal blew, had carb problems that a rebuild didn't fix, would sometimes not start from electrical gremlins forcing me to push start it in the middle of nowhere.

[@slakk5093]

Oh and the petcock failed and flooded the engine oil with fuel.. other than all those things it was a great and fun bike to ride. But didn't feel confident taking it out in to the bush for multi day rides

[@chasingtrail]

@@slakk5093 Dang, that's shitty! I hope I don't share that experience.

[@andrzejesborodo9608]

probably cause your previous owner was *****, i swapped from crf to drz and imo suzuki is faaaaaar better for my driving style.

[@chasingtrail]

@@andrzejesborodo9608 I agree, I also prefer the DRZ. It's a perfect 50/50 bike.

[@take5th]

I put the 1 inch longer shift lever on mine, moose racing? Works great.

[@milo8425]

I got a 300L and it's... god, it's smooth man. Then I got a $3400 used TW200 for chicks and buddies to tag along with me moto camping. I think I like the TW200 the most 😆 thing is too fun.

[@chasingtrail]

The 300L is a great bike. But then I got the DRZ400S and found I have more fun riding the DRZ. I think the 300L is the "better" bike in a number of ways, but just me personally, I have more fun riding the DRZ.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

Keep an eye on the carb and fuel overflow. The DR400's have a push in float needle seat with an O ring. They are noted for leaking when the bike is standing and especially when the bike has been sitting for some time. The leak can be so bad it can fill the crankcase!!!!

[@chasingtrail]

Well that is a bit disconcerting, but I appreciate the heads-up! The previous owner took this bike to his local Suzuki dealer shortly before selling it. They rebuilt and tuned the carb for the 3x3 mod and pipe as well as put new tires on it. Hopefully my carb is in good shape for a while. If it ends up sitting for any length of time it will get sold. I don't keep things around if I'm not actively riding them. Thanks again!

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

@@chasingtrail The problems here with them could be because of the alcohol in the fuel. The carbs predate the additive.

[@billcotton1551]

I have never ridden a DRZ ,before my 250 Rally ,I had a KLR which was not efi. Hard starting was one of my reasons for changing.

[@chasingtrail]

Given the option I will still choose EFI, but there are merits to carbed bikes, particularly in regards to throttle response. I think a lot of the throttle response issues with EFI has to do with EPA/CARB requirements though. Suzuki did end up putting EFI on the LTZ400 sport quad before it was retired, which uses the same motor as the DRZ400. My understanding is the DRZ400 has not changed in 20 years because it would not pass today's requirements. It's grandfathered in, like the DR650 and XR650L.

[@woundedtiger7547]

Thanks again for the review. Hope to buy a bike this year. An I've been looking at the Himalayan, the CRF300 and DRZ400. Wanting to ride on road off road BDR's. But also worried about my weight. (300lbs). I Guess I'll have to find a shop that'll let me test ride them. 🙃

[@chasingtrail]

Hi Dana, sorry for the delayed response. KZbin usually emails me when I receive a new comment but didn't in this instance. Have you considered a DR650? I think you could set it up to perform well for your weight and it has plenty of power. Good luck finding a shop to do test rides. The only shop that allows test rides near me is BMW.

[@woundedtiger7547]

@@chasingtrail I have looked a the 650. An it's been added to the list. As I watch an evaluate how I can setup the bike so it will work for me. I definitely want to ride to the bdr's from home. Thanks for getting back. An when it happens. I'll let you all know what I get. Let's go.

[@chasingtrail]

@@woundedtiger7547 Please do! I'd love to do a BDR someday.

[@6226superhurricane]

a good set of semi metallic brake pads will make all the difference to the drz brakes. would also be worth greasing the slide pins if it's been sitting around all those years and hasn't been done.

[@chasingtrail]

Thank you for the tips, I appreciate it! The bike is with a new owner now, but I know he had the local dealer give it a once-over so hopefully if there was any issue, they sorted it out.

[@pitchwife7573]

For my first bike I'm stuck between the CRF300L and a DRZ400, I'm the type to buy something and keep it forever so would really like to make the right decision here! It really concerns me that so many have described the CRF300L as 'gutless', while everyone seems to praise the DRZ for its power... oh well, better watch some more videos about them, lol. If anyone has any thoughts, I'm all ears. 5'11, 85kg for reference

[@chasingtrail]

Keep it forever speak Honda, but the DRZ is known to be a reliable bike. EFI is just so easy to live with though. There is a large difference in the feel of the power. You really have to ride them to see what's right for you. I like both, but for me, the 300 just isn't enough. It feels like a scooter. Plenty of people love it. There are enough used DRZ's around you should be able to test ride one if you show up with cash.

[@toastopia1]

I currently dual sport wise is a vintage 85 xl600r and I was planning on the 300l but the drz400 may be more for me!? I enjoy the power of my 600 but is a beast and a kick start, which is the main reason I am selling it, so now it's klx 300, 300l or drz400?

[@chasingtrail]

If you are used to the 600 power I think the 300s will be challenging to enjoy. That was my experience anyway. The 300s are more modern and have some nice features for sure. For me, the DRZ just has the fun factor that I look for on a dual sport. If I used a motorcycle for more practical reasons, the 300L is very good.

[@milo8425]

High FPS looks so slick with this kind of footage. What rig/settings are you using?

[@chasingtrail]

Hi Milo, I am using a GoPro Hero 10 Black running at 4K 60fps Superview. The GoPro is in the Media Mod housing which allows an external 3.5mm microphone. I'm using a $6 flexible boom mic which connects from the GoPro to the inside of my helmet. The camera is mounted to my helmet using the Proshot helmet mount. I use Davinci Resolve for the video editing.

[@MfrOffroadRiderNorCal]

I had a 2007 drz supermoto sold it wasn’t riding it much great bike just not great on highway though at speed had too many bikes at the time

[@chasingtrail]

I probably shouldn't have bought a 3rd bike as I don't even really have time to ride 2 but I have a fever and the only prescription is more motorcycles.

[@kyjelly5524]

Wait what. California is overcharging people? Lol. Who woulda thought. I can’t hear my drz fan at all. It works though.

[@dustinarnette531]

How does the Drz compare to the more upscale dualsports you've ridden lately, the ktm, the beta...

[@chasingtrail]

Very well, particularly given how old the design is. I really only moved to the upscale dualsports for the weight reduction. If you're going to be jumping or riding very technical terrain the weight savings is a big deal. If you stick to moderate trails the DRZ is fine and more enjoyable to ride on the street.

[@mattsloop2736]

There are a lot of low mileage crf300l for sale. That means something to me. I know the suspension sucks but how bad is the bike people don't ride them and sell them after a short time.

[@chasingtrail]

My 2 cents are it's a very practical bike that will get the job done, but it's not exciting to ride in any way. There's just not enough power on tap. It'll climb up anything in 1st gear, but it's never going to put a grin on your face when you twist the throttle. Passing power on the street is also lacking and I consider that a borderline safety hazard, for me anyway.

[@MM-ig1iv]

Do you know how much money most dealers ask for when you have to order a certain bike? like the Rally because they are never in stock. it seems like an almost certain thing people are doing to get them. I've got my sights set on a DRZ as well.. I don't mind a carb, or a 5 speed. sounds perfect for me.

[@MM-ig1iv]

I'm not looking to put no 20% down.. maybe can afford 10% But I've heard they charge a certain fee up front to even get it to the dealership for you?

[@chasingtrail]

My 300L Rally had a markup of $750. The 300L are nice bikes for what they are but DEFINITELY not worth paying markup for. If I were choosing between the 2 today, I would get a DRZ. 300L just doesn't have enough power for me.

[@94SexyStang]

I chose the drz400 also!.....money was no option, so I purchased brand new......CRF450 was my first Choice, but I think it's TOO much bike for me, I don't want a massive learning curve off-road........and dr650 is too big, more of a Highway bike....I really want something I can Explore with! I need to navigate Tighter trails, powerlines, etc......I don't have any Open areas near me, everything is fairly Tight.......also looked at crf250's.......but I think it lacks the Get-up power of the 400's for local highways.

[@chasingtrail]

I think you chose well, the DRZ is a great bike! The CRF450(R)L is nice, too, but is definitely more power to contend with and the fueling makes it very difficult to ride in the tight stuff. Throttle response on a well-tuned carb can't be beat.

[@patientprepper2030]

These days no more playing with carbs. Flooding out in cold weather sucks when you need to depend on your ride.

[@chasingtrail]

I love the throttle response of a well-tuned carb but they do seem to be fickle in my experience. Sorry for the long delay on my reply, KZbin didn't send me a notification for your comment.

[@bobrenk5518]

If you don't already have case savers, get some. those covers are magnesium and puncture quite easily.

[@chasingtrail]

The bike did have them, but good tip. #1 must-do mod on a DRZ400.

[@zendiime]

I need a bike... what do you recommend for someone that just likes to send it?

[@IAmYourReflection]

Crf50

[@zendiime]

@@IAmYourReflection Does it have good suspension so I can catch some big air?

[@chasingtrail]

I recommend we go 2-up and we can nut-to-butt like we did that day on your Raptor 700. Or you can ride one of mine, but you better hurry, because you know me...

[@zendiime]

@@chasingtrail i feel like this is the best advice... pick me up at 9

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

I love my CRF300L Rally. My only second guessing is wondering if maybe I should’ve got the standard non-Rally version instead 🤔

[@chasingtrail]

I wondered the same. I had the opportunity to buy the standard model at the same time and would've got a better deal on it to boot. I also just seem to prefer naked bikes. Love that smooth clean air. The Rally is a great machine though, especially for longer road rides.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

@@chasingtrail I love the look of the standard model (less plastics, better looking headlight, and no windshield). The only thing I like more about the Rally is the big stock gas tank, which by the way is awesome. My buddy really wants the Rally model so I might try to convince him to buy the standard model and then just trade with me. Sounds like a win-win 😁

[@chasingtrail]

@@2wheels.are.better.than4 Oh nice! If I could do it again I'd prob get the standard version, especially now that IMS is taking pre-orders on the 3 gallon tank.

[@MadDog-65]

You won't have any dramas with the carby as long as you leave it alone. Bomb proof motorcycle we don't get the S in Australia we get the E and its got more power again.

[@chasingtrail]

Someone had already messed with carby. I was told it had been rebuilt, but I can tell you after pulling it apart it definitely had not been rebuilt. The S model comes with a CV carb unlike the FCR on the E model. Had I kept the bike, I would've put an FCR on it.

[@MadDog-65]

@@chasingtrail what are you riding now

[@chasingtrail]

@@MadDog-65 Beta 430 RR-S.

[@jimmiller1510]

After 20 minutes of heaping praise on the DRZ, your “only have one” pick is the CRF300L?

[@chasingtrail]

Is that what I said? I don't remember, made this video a while ago. If so, then I've changed my mind. I would get a DRZ over a CRF300L. Those 300s just don't have enough power for me.

[@mikeschlup5279]

Power band probably is more about the cams...I have always thought DRZ were top heavy...off road especially...engine ice helps with temperature.

[@chasingtrail]

I don't notice a huge difference in weight versus the CRF450L. The 450L definitely weighed less but I think it was also taller. I'm going to end up drinking the orange Kool-Aid eventually, but I'm taking the long way there.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

What PSI do you typically run?

[@chasingtrail]

22. I don't want to be bothered with airing up and down and feel this is a good compromise for street and offroad use without having to worry about running a rim lock and also reducing my chance of flats. I'm no expert, though. This seems to work ok for now but I'm open to any suggestions.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

@@chasingtrail I also run 22 and don’t want to air up and down. Just set it and forget it. I’m going to try 20 and 18 also for giggles to see how I like it.

[@chasingtrail]

@@2wheels.are.better.than4 I'd be curious to know your thoughts after you try it out.

[@EricBanner571]

@@chasingtrail 20r and 18f on pirelli mt21 is the perfect compromise between dirt and road.

[@stavencapp]

pitty u guys in the US dont get the drz400E like we do in Australia. SOOOO much better.

[@chasingtrail]

Agreed, would love a street legal E model!

[@stavencapp]

@@chasingtrail Thats basically all thats avail here. love mine.

[@coburna5]

Just got a 2009 with 3k miles on it for 4500. Clean as a whistle though. I don’t know how those prices compare to California. You guys can’t own cool guns either. That’s what I hate for you guys stuck behind communist lines.

[@chasingtrail]

Amen. Sounds like a good deal to me, nice work!

[@Broxty]

Oh you have the rally..... the rally is pretty trash to be fair..... crf300L standard destroys it.

[@chasingtrail]

Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your opinion. The Rally is a great bike. However, it has helped me to realize I do prefer naked bikes. Windscreens seem to always cause a lot of buffeting and dirty air for me. I like the clean air.