How to Use the Suzuki DR-Z400 S/SM Instrument Panel

In this video we will run through all of the tools available in the DRZ400 instrument panel and discuss how to use them. I wasn't able to focus the camera completely and the audio is shaky in places, but I hope it’s still helpful.

[@xT3N3D3RIZ3Rx]

Seriously a life saver video. I don't have the owners manual and I couldn't not figure this out! Thanks!

[@jaquesa]

Brilliant! I got my bike years ago with the units set to mph. I didn't know it could be changed to km/h until now. It's a big thing since we use metric units here in South Africa. Thank you.

[@ishaanr7779]

I managed to set my odometer to km/h however all my trip distances still record in miles. Were you able to record in km?

[@bobnelson9468]

I would like to buy you a beer!

[@JWoodcock]

I just got my new '21 yesterday... I was laughing at the 24hr clock as soon as I realized that was the only option. Totally fits the character of the mighty DR-Zed!

[@FishStick_ADV]

🤣 good stuff. Couldn’t agree more. Enjoy that thing!

[@ChargerE49VC]

Thanks Man!!! After having bought my DR-Z E new in 2008, I finally learned how to use more than just the speedometer. Now I'll go & set the clock!! Good times aheaed!!

[@paulyC]

thanks for this video. Never knew the DR-Z could do this. A lot of people talk down about this bike, but considering it was released in 2001 (S model), I think it's impressive.

[@FishStick_ADV]

Your welcome, thanks for the comment! You hear everyone say the same things over and over about the DRZ. It looks dated, it uses legacy technology, it only has a 5 speed gearbox, it's carbureted, it's heavy and has underwhelming power output... People sometimes lose track of what the bike is, by placing so much focus on what the bike is not. The list of positives is as long, if not longer, than the list of negatives. It's economical, reliable, heavily supported, well documented, versatile, fun to ride, and (subjectively) the ultimate zero worries hoon tool... The fact that it's still relevant in 2020 speaks for itself.

[@Cyclone716]

Actually released in 2000 - as I have one. 🙂

[@frankdesbaux]

@@FishStick_ADV oath mate

[@jordanepstein1499]

I am not sure to be creeped out or appreciative but just rode my new to me bike yesterday and was trying to figure out which buttons to push to make this work and realized I need a manual, and this shows up today. Thanks Cody great tutorial

[@JustinKork]

The cell phones read our minds.. or the Wifi, I'm not sure which.

[@bubbleballs6200]

​@@JustinKorkcompanies and government can understand what you're thinking by reading synapse firings in your brain.

[@vacountryboylifestyle5097]

Just got a 2022 drz. And i was trying to figure out how tbis works lol. Thank you for the time to make and share this video !!

[@LilManMoe]

I needed this video I just copped the 2022 DRZ.

[@shawnperry5991]

I just bought a DR-Z; you helped me! Thanks!

[@peterorro883]

Thanks! Been under-utilising my instruments…till now. Good clear explanation!

[@trackpackgt877]

I use the countdown trip all the time for my fuel I can go 80 miles before I have to go to reserve so I set it at 80 and start after I fill up and start riding. Thanks for the info

[@801preston]

Mine only goes to 60😭

[@trackpackgt877]

​@@801prestonreally?? weird

[@801preston]

@@trackpackgt877 I do a lot of wheelies and ride like a dickhead so that’s probably why

[@trackpackgt877]

@@801preston lol 😆 so do i bro they are hooligan bikes!! lol

[@kurtkrauspe3484]

Very very helpful and explained brilliant thanks a million

[@guns942]

Answered all my questions. Thanks for doing this.

[@cranerigging3604]

Thank you as it was very helpful as we are looking at a DRZ 400 now and I'm used to 1970's needle speed gage and a mechanical mile counter . 😀👍

[@mjo4981]

Great video! Even the manual is a serious head scratcher... At the top of pg. 3-9 it says "push the MODE-TRIP button" when it means MODE-TIME (makes this mistake twice). Also the adjustment procedure on pg. 3-11 seems to vary slightly from my m/c.

[@Ryder_Off_Road]

Very helpful. Just picked up a DRZ and was struggling with the trip features.

[@6226superhurricane]

see a lot of comments asking why it has it all this stuff or why it didn't have this or that. the Australian drz400E was an enduro bike, the trip a & b, countdowns, timers and stopwatch are all for enduro or rally timed sections or distance navigation. there is even an optional remote trip reset button for the bars that plugs into the speedo. why doesn't it have coolant temp, tachometer, fuel level etc etc. simple answer for that is it's completely unnecessary if the bike isn't boiling it's not too hot, if the rev limiter hasn't cut ignition it's not revving too hard, a fuel gauge sender and wiring is unnecessary weight and complexity when you have an odometer and reserve position. even on s and sm models these features are still useful for lap times, distance navigation etc etc and why change something that works.

[@machupikachu1085]

This. I just mentioned it in a reply on this vid. Cheers!

[@lawrencewalraven5137]

Thanks! Just bought a new 2022 Drz400s and was ready to call the dealership about that select button. I was absolutely certain that it was broken lol.

[@FishStick_ADV]

I wouldn’t have blamed you! Why in the world did they make it so hard to depress the select button??? Lol

[@MeRiJohnny]

it's funny that Suzuki gives you all these options but not a goddamn low fuel indicator

[@FishStick_ADV]

Too true! My only argument to this would be… With the stock gas tank, even if it’s full, you’re low on fuel. So there is no need for one. 😅🤣

[@MeRiJohnny]

@@FishStick_ADV hahahaha true. It's less than half the capacity of my Tiger 660 i think

[@franktaylor7617]

Just got my SM this last weekend. Rode it to work and of course it's not a highway burner so I took the side streets (was the whole idea of getting this bike). The clock was off and set in 24 he mode. Figured I'd change it to 12 he mode when I got home. Was almost late to work. Forgot how long the side streets were taking. Quickly learned there's no 12 he mode. My fix was to add a tiny round stick-on clock like my other bikes have. Took two minutes. Definitely a different experience compared to the other bikes in the line up. Should be great fun 👍

[@machupikachu1085]

I rarely ride before noon, so my fix is to set it 12 hours ahead LOL

[@franktaylor7617]

@@machupikachu1085 Sold that DRZ. Picked up a 2021 KTM 690 SMC-R. Purely for the 12 hr clock 😳 Had nothing to do with the extra 40 HP, outstanding brakes and better handling. I just wanted a different clock. 😏

[@rickydaniele]

excellent video, friend. iyou just helped me so much. time to go outside to the cluster!thannks!!!

[@utookmynames]

I assume there’s no way to switch it to a 12 hr clock? No holding select or something while adjusting the clock?

[@FishStick_ADV]

To the best of my knowledge, the 24 hour clock is all we get.

[@kalinduprabashvithanage7583]

You deserve all the happiness

[@ethanaugsburger6462]

I appreciate your video man. Thank you

[@martymcmannis8662]

I'm waiting for November first to set clock.. after set I'll probably take the battery out and bring inside with a trickle charger. Would like to put a switch for the headlight so I can turn it off. Thanks for your understanding

[@collisjoseph4205]

Awesome. Extremely helpful....thanks much

[@nedmacallen]

This is what we needed thanks!

[@RacelifeCo]

Awesome video! Is it safe to assume that changing the coefficient percentage will help with speed being incorrect? According to my phone the bike is showing 5 mph fast

[@FishStick_ADV]

I’m hopefully wrong about this, but I’m 95% sure adjusting the coefficient only affects the miles that accumulate on your trip meter. I don’t think there is a way to correct the displayed speed from the panel. Try it and make sure, though. It’s too easy not to!

[@machupikachu1085]

@@FishStick_ADV last year I tried your mileage compensation trick to get rid of the factory speedo being off. Now the speedo is fast by only about 0.5mph at 65. I'm not sure if the percentage hack did the trick, or me putting on a cartoonishly large MT21 rear tire on the front rim. Either way, my speedo actually works now, so thanks! Cheers!

[@alexandrecosta5369]

my clock doesnt keep count after i turn the ignition off do you why this could be hapening ?

[@pingusbingus3571]

Well thanks for the info, but it just confirms that my select button is messed up because it randomly decides when it wants to be in miles per hour or kilometers Like when I turn it on it's a gamble

[@mikejasper430]

Thanks. That helped me.

[@lophophorawilliamsii9740]

All the buttons on mine are hard to press like your select button :3 2023 DRZ :X

[@FishStick_ADV]

Man that’s kind of annoying!

[@ME-ru4hv]

Anyone who watches this and learns is breaking with tradition

[@FishStick_ADV]

Lol that’s too funny!

[@mt1885]

GREAT Video gettin new one next week - !

[@BeanTownTactics]

Random question but do you know the exact size/length of the four bolts in the handlebar bracket

[@FishStick_ADV]

I do not know off the top of my head, but I’d be happy to take a look for you this evening.

[@underthedrone2735]

I really needed this tutorial. I gotta ask though, why did the sound get muffled from time to time (no pun intended)?

[@FishStick_ADV]

So this is pretty lame reason, but the audio quality suffers in places because at times my hands get too close to the microphone, momentarily reducing effectiveness. 🤦‍♂️

[@underthedrone2735]

@@FishStick_ADV I had a feeling it was something like that. Audio and video equipment can be so fickle sometimes.

[@kentsutton12]

excellent work!

[@CoachSteve4u]

Great explanation. Thanks.

[@T.S.-eo7my]

This is a pre-GPS Dual Sport odometer and hits its functional stride when used in combination with a roll chart. (yes, there are actual sanctioned DS competitive events) and it is not entirely unique to Suzuki.

[@chado1802]

Thanks man!

[@FishStick_ADV]

No problem!

[@sameerabukaraki2553]

Thank you 👍

[@the_madhatter8492]

I saw your comment about having electronics training. Do you think the backlight could be changed to a different color?

[@machupikachu1085]

It can be, but cracking open that case will make it's future water proofness dubious.

[@SB-fe4gt]

Awesome...Thank You.

[@lucabazooka1979]

Thanks a lot!

[@josereynoso253]

Where is the gas gauge or how do I find it ? Just got a 2020drz400sm

[@FishStick_ADV]

Unfortunately, there is no a gas gauge on the DRZ400. Basically you either have to just keep an eye on it, use a trip meter, or go until you hit reserve and find a fuel station! Lol. They made the gauge way too complicated for how few features it actually has.

[@the_madhatter8492]

bought my bike used. in my mind I was convinced the select button was broken

[@kevinwilliamlowe3050]

Thanks

[@fiddle24v]

Man, I just picked up my 23 and am too lazy to read the manual right now. But I just can not wrap my head around why the damn gauge cluster is so overly complicated for such a simple unit 😂

[@machupikachu1085]

This bike was made to compete in Enduro racing before cheap GPS, where things like turn offs are measured by kms. Countdown and stopwatch features are used to keep pace between sections. Pretty cool free stuff, I'd say. Cheers!

[@fiddle24v]

@@machupikachu1085 I’ve learned a little bit about these bikes since my original comment, but that is not something I’ve heard of. So thank you lol, now I know

[@machupikachu1085]

@@fiddle24v No worries. How are you enjoying your sumo? I just re - geared mine to 16/39 and I am finally happy with the power delivery. It's amazing on the street, and does not lose much in the dirt. Something to think about. Cheers!

[@rxreyn3]

Thank you so much!

[@fastzx6r787]

Is there anyway to see rpms

[@FishStick_ADV]

Not on the OEM cluster. The easiest way to add a tachometer is to throw on one of those cheap tach/hour meters many of the MX guys use to schedule maintenance.

[@jason-oh6qr]

Thank you

[@roninmotors7466]

Mine says my 2000 drz400 has 1367 total? is that miles? Hard to believe this old bike has so few miles but hours would be insane. What gives?

[@apb7033]

It's miles. Doesn't have an hour meter.

[@FishStick_ADV]

Like @apb7033 mentioned the DRZ does not have an hour meter, so you’re looking at total miles. The only reason it wouldn’t be actual would be if the speedometer cable was broken or disconnected or if the gauge has been replaced with another OEM cluster for whatever reason. Outside of that it sounds like you may have won!

[@samuelreyes4855]

Awesome video👈👍😀

[@tommygun32917]

Can you change it from 24h to 12h clock

[@FishStick_ADV]

That’s a good question. If you can, I don’t know how!

[@Jayelfuerte]

How I change it Frm km/h too miles per hour

[@FishStick_ADV]

The select button on the lower right side of cluster will toggle between those units. It may be difficult to press, but you will feel the button “click” like the others do when sufficient pressure is applied.

[@willyanderson2644]

How do you turn on the backlight?

[@FishStick_ADV]

The backlight should illuminate any time your key is in the “on” position.

[@willyanderson2644]

@@FishStick_ADV mine does not for some reason. The instrument panel works fine, but no back light

[@FishStick_ADV]

Man that’s strange!

[@jayminasi6073]

takes me an hour with the manual to set the clock after i take the battery out. that includes swearing and weeping too. hate that damn thing.

[@FishStick_ADV]

🤬😭🤣 hilarious, but too true.

[@davidhoward8951]

I don't like the speedometer on a DRZ I would go with a Trail Tech Trail Tech gives you RPMs temperature of your radiator outside temperature and it gives you a trip meter

[@machupikachu1085]

In some cities, once you alter the odometer ( like getting a trail tech) You either cannot get a title or have to get a salvage title. Just a heads up.

[@SW400SM]

What you really want to do is get a Trailtech Vapor speedo. Trust me on this as the OEM fails due to water damage and capacitor burnout.

[@FishStick_ADV]

I've seen the Vapor units! They are slick. If this one fails and I can't fix it (I have formal training in electronics) I'll latch onto a Vapor for sure!

[@verbalwidget0919]

I had a TrailTech Vapor fail in a 30-minute heavy rain, the display filled up with water and shorted out the unit. Unit was not damaged and in new condition.

[@SW400SM]

@@verbalwidget0919 hope you had the receipt and got a replacement or refund if your faith was tainted by the unfortunate situation. They are good units when they are working as prescribed. 😁

[@verbalwidget0919]

@@SW400SM No receipt, TrailTech told me too bad we have never had that problem. I do have it on video, I should post it up on YT ?

[@SW400SM]

@@verbalwidget0919 worth a shot as you are still entitled within a reasonable amount of time to prove the product has not performed as described and as such it is not of merchantable quality. In the UK we have certain rights under the consumers legislation act to seek recompense for faulty goods.

[@johndavis2399]

👍🙌👍

[@FreedoomRock]

Thanks but damn they made this so complicated no joke!

[@FishStick_ADV]

No doubt about it! Design team: How many buttons should we incorporate? Suzuki: yes

[@Zego_animations]

We played golf it today😅

[@mattwarrensocal]

Can you add a video to show the tach ?! 😂

[@FishStick_ADV]

🤣

[@jamescornflake1542]

I give you a Like just for trying to show people. I ain't even going to watch the video. I ain't ever going to look at my panel ever again. Good bye))

[@muscleandimports]

You know.. I think I would have traded all of these functions for a simple gear indicator and coolant temp gauge 🙄

[@FishStick_ADV]

I'm with you brother! No doubt, a coolant temp sensor would have been brilliant! How about a tachometer and hour meter? It's like Suzuki was more worried about measuring time and distance than monitoring engine vitals. Maybe it's just Suzuki flexing like - Engine vitals? Pssh it's a DRZ400, it doesn't even need coolant... or oil... We certainly don't need to monitor that stuff. Lol

[@muscleandimports]

@@FishStick_ADV haha, right!? definitely those too! And I certainly hope that's the case, I just purchased a '18 400sm last month with only 340 miles on it.. here's to hoping this beauty ends up being my reliable workhorse! Edit: and a conventional oil setup that allows for a sight glass would be nice too.. oh and of course a 6th gear, a bit more power and fuel injection would've been nice too :P

[@pascrew4639]

I'm a L plate noob... I need gear indicator...

[@MiamiJato]

Horrible instrument panel, in so many ways, wow..., thanks again.......

[@machupikachu1085]

It's brilliant actually. No one says you have to use any of the features on it.

[@ajaxracing]

😂

[@garybranson8383]

Thanks for explaining this. However, while I got some of the information you provided, you made it very confusing. Why go so fast and you were even confused at times.

[@FishStick_ADV]

You’ve pinpointed every insecurity I’ve had about this video. It’s a tough panel to master and I wanted to leave the shortcomings in the video. I thought it made it more authentic and showed how confusing the panel can be.

[@machupikachu1085]

Waiting on your 'better' video then. Chop chop.

[@mysterjd34]

Maybe you spend a large quantity of time with your front wheel off the ground.. lmao what are you trying to say? :p

[@FishStick_ADV]

Uhh. Bike perched up on the maintenance stand. Spinning the back tire for a chain lube? Why, what were you thinking? 😅🤣

[@machupikachu1085]

For some reason, I ride with my friend Lee a lot, and I end up saying "Weee!"😉

[@augustine3173]

Thank you so much!