Suzuki DRZ400 Adventure Bike Build 2.0

[@rmatvmc]

Suzuki DRZ400 Headquarters: rmatvmc.link/suzuki-drz-400-bike-build

[@604rioso]

Justin is really selling these tusk footpegs for the DRZ400-S; and had me sold. The link provided takes you to a well organized page with all the mods he talks about including be tusk footpeg; nice work rmatvmc. UNFORTUNATELY, when I click on the tusk footpegs, the product page says they are not compatible with the DRZ400-S. I emailed rmatvmc about it, even provided the link to this video which clearly shows a happy Justin praising the tusk pegs on the DRZ400S....but I just got an email reply saying sorry this product isn't compatible with the DRZ. Clearly it is compatible otherwise they wouldn't be on the bike in the video, lol. Soooo just looking to the youtube community for clarification. Is it the "Yamaha TW200" version of the Peg that fits the DRZ? Or some other version of the tusk footpeg? Cheers

[@ComfyDadShoes]

The fact that a 2002 Dr-z is capable of modern adventure demands after some TLC speaks volumes to the quality.

[@jcarr0314]

My 2001 currently has 33,000 miles. Still rocking 😊

[@moorepower13]

My drz440sm has been my happy little camper in the Colorado rockies for 5 years now. When other dudes on bigger ADV's see it, its like an epiphany for them.

[@jdl1276]

you influenced my build on my drz a few years back.. I took alot of your ideas and installed the gear you suggested. It was a great bike for sure, had a blast on the trails in big bend tx. Def like the idea of rackless bags though, i had the pannier rack on mine with bags and my foot got caught in between the bags and a rock.. I didn't get hurt but you can bet i pulled the bags off for the next ride. thx for the vid

[@upcountryoffroad2906]

Justin! Love your content and Bike Builds. When are we going to see the next feature length Cheap bike challenge? Keep up the good work!

[@rmatvmc]

Soon! Stay tuned 👀

[@alexandermendoza-kd9qv]

I love my acrebis gas tank ,3x3 air box mod and jd jets work nicely also. Barkbuster forms with blinker s and JNS led headlight really give my bike a more modern look for a 2005!

[@rmatvmc]

Now that's a setup! Nice work!

[@AOL0321]

I had two DRZ-400’s and loved them both. My first I bought off a friend who put a full FMF titanium pipe on it and I added a Dynojet Stage 1 kit to it. It was a real fun machine on the backroads!

[@rmatvmc]

Right on! I bet it sounded awesome.

[@pitchwife7573]

was? what happened to it?

[@cranedaddy678]

I'm pretty sure this video convinced me to buy the 2024 DR-Z400 I picked up new last week. The changes for 2025 were also a factor lol

[@rmatvmc]

That’s awesome!😅 Enjoy your new bike! Thank you for watching.

[@deltabravo1257]

I am so tempted to make my 21 year old DRZ more suitable for longer rides like the WA or ID BDR routes. There's a lot to be said for a lighter weight bike.

[@rmatvmc]

Do it!

[@deltabravo1257]

@@rmatvmc I’m also a bit skittish about my T7 because it’s so big and heavy…. This is what makes me lean towards wanting to make my DRZ a BDR bike.

[@rmatvmc]

I like the smaller bikes. I really liked the T7, but it pile drove me pretty good once! - Justin

[@deltabravo1257]

@@rmatvmc Do you still have your T7? I am tempted to sell mine. I thinks it’s too big and heavy for my riding style.

[@fshwck]

I've ridden my 22' SM from Washington to Nevada, a good seat is a must

[@redbear1935]

I switched to 41T sprocket on the back and love it . Great on the road , gravel and single track no problem .

[@deltabravo1257]

I've had my 2002 DRZ since 2006. It has a little over 19k miles on it. For riding on forest service type roads, I prefer it over my KTM 450 EXF-C.

[@happycamper4429]

Just got a 2004 with 7k on it. Gives me a good starting list of things to check and add on!!

[@emilwojcik8113]

to anyone building up their drz, avoid the stamped aluminium engine case protectors, the adhesive ruins the paint after a while and all the shock from an impact goes straight through into the engine casing, ask me how I know. I recommend the plastic polisport engine protectors, they have better coverage and have saved my ass a few times in a way that the ali ones would have failed me. worth every penny!

[@volkoff6357]

Thanks for sharing, I'll look into them.

[@Gravelcruiser]

My sons and I all have DRZs set up very similar to yours. Great do it all bikes. Also great to see dual sport and adv vids again.

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks. They are good, reliable bikes! I plan on keeping this a long time...Justin

[@roberthallam6824]

Nice ! I’ve been building my 01 DRZ with a lot of parts from you. Very pleased for the most part.

[@rmatvmc]

Right on. Thanks! You can't go wrong with the DRZ! - Justin

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

I did almost the exact same build but with an FMF exhaust and Acerbis tank. I ordered everything from you guys from Tires to Exhaust and received the order in just a couple of days, you guys are awesome.

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks for buying your parts from us. We really appreciate your business, and hope you are enjoying your build!

[@dimsyadventures]

Glad to finally see the video! Hopefully we can ride together next year!

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks! Just waiting for you to come out here!

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I love what y’all do with the DR and DR-Z

[@rmatvmc]

We love em too! Thanks for watching!

[@pineywoodsriders2184]

I love the d sport tires also. Please bring them back bro. I managed to get a rear tire but need the front. I will buy two sets a year and so will my brother in-law.

[@rmatvmc]

The Dsport tire is still available. www.rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/tusk-dsport%C2%AE-adventure-tire-p

[@flipped68]

Another great build👍🏽 Can you bring back the Rocky Mountain Adventure Rides? Sure miss them

[@rmatvmc]

The rides are still up with all the info. have you ridden any of them? We hope to add a couple more in 2024. Thanks! - Justin

[@that1guy449]

Very well done video.

[@jimf4891]

Great vid. Have done most of these upgrades on my 2017, including D-sport tires. I could not get that skidplate to fit though. Even reaming out the bolt holes - not even close. Not a frame issue. Bought a different brand and it fit like a glove.

[@rmatvmc]

Hmmm. I am curious to know more about your skid plate issue. Can you shoot us an email and direct it to me? [e-mail] Thanks! - Justin

[@CalculatingMind]

​@rmatvmc any update on this? I have a 2017 DRZ and was considering this skid plate. Will it fit, or should I look at other brands?

[@paulherron4289]

The DRZ is old a little chunky but tuned it pulls almost 45hp and is dead reliable . I have 2 KTMs love ‘em . But when I do a BDR I run my Africa Twin or the DRZ if it’s hard ( SoCal BDR sec 1 and 2) I know the DRZ will get me home.

[@rmatvmc]

I couldn't agree more! - Justin

[@ryanwilliams4270]

Ive owned a DRZ400 from '06-'20 and used it as an adventure. Currently run a '21 690 which ticks all of boxes for me. Split the case and put the ACT wide-ratio gears in the DRZ and it works. That stock transmission is not flexible enough for adventure.

[@rmatvmc]

I do wish the DRZ had a 6 speed, but for most the rides i do, it is fine. I must agree that the 690 is a great ADV bike as well. I also have the 701, but the short/more offroad rides, I prefer the DRZ. - Justin

[@IRLtrolls]

I sold my DRz so I could buy a plated WR450 and I absolutely love my WR but I will probably buy another drz in the future because it’s just so low maintenance and reliable. I wish Suzuki would update it with EFI

[@rmatvmc]

They have an great bike to start with. Add EFI and a wide ratio transmission (or 6th gear), suzuki would kill it! - Justin

[@alphacapo]

Why does it need efi?

[@royjmcc7]

Nicely done!

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate it! - Justin

[@priyamunera7518]

Nice biuld.! Love this content.!

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate it! - Justin

[@kiwiadventurer]

Thanks for your most informative video. The DRZ has a high seat height standard so how do you find the height of the deeper comfort seat? Over here in New Zealands South Island I frequent remote areas with lots of river crossings and the seat height is singly the most challenging part of riding the bike. If the bike is wanting to fall over my feet don't extend out from the bike enough to give me stability. I guess I just have to live with it. I don't need all the ground clearance and to be able to drop the bike a couple of inches would make all the difference. What do you think?

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks for your message. A lot of people complain abut the seat height of the DRZ. Coming from motocross bikes, It hasn't ever bothered me, but i understand what you mean. it is tall. Surprisingly, the DR650 sits much lower and is a better bike for sorter riders. The Comfort seat didn't change the seat height that i noticed. They may make a shorter one, but if you do that, you are just losing cushion. A lot of guys run lowering links on the rear shock and then drop the forks in the triple clamps (raise the fork, drop the triple clamps) to get better ground clearance. i have never tried that setup, but it seems like the best solution. - Justin

[@kiwiadventurer]

Thanks Justin I appreciate your reply@@rmatvmc

[@SlowishActual]

First? Holy smokes! Would you mind sharing your JD jet settings for that environment, stock exhaust, and the airbox mod? Thanks!

[@rmatvmc]

Sure, I would need to check back to the instructions and I am out of town this week. When I get back I will check. I will say I ran what the instructions said to run for my altitude. - Justin

[@emrichni]

Awesome video! Do you run the additional lights, heated grips and charger port off the stock battery setup, or do you need to upgrade something there?

[@FT__Motorcycles_Cars____-zg3fc]

I had a DR650. I tell you what, the way to do it is be patient and find a bike where someone else already added all these parts and got the bike set up. This stuff really adds up and then it's like, why not just buy a Tenere or whatever else...

[@rmatvmc]

I agree. on the other hand, any new bike will need a lot of the same parts to make it a good ADV bike. - Justin

[@9timmer]

Great adventure build for the DRZ. I am having trouble finding the Tusk foot pegs you recommend in this video, for my 2009 DRZ400S. When I enter Dual Sport/2009, there is no coice for Suzuki. How can I locate these Tusk pegs on the RC/ATV website?

[@rmatvmc]

The foot pegs are not available yet but it looks like we should have them around the beginning of the year. Sorry about that!

[@inrptn]

As a former DRZ owner I'm happy for anyone who is enjoying this iconic bike, but the fact that Suziki hasn't updated in it in so long is downright stupid.

[@rmatvmc]

I agree. I would be stoked if it just got a 6th gear! - Justin

[@hollywoodcrash]

Justin, this build is on the money. Did you change the final gearing for off-road? Sacrifice to asphalt speed?

[@moorepower13]

Stock works really well for everything but 90 plus high way days.

[@rmatvmc]

No, I am running stock gearing. 1st gear is a bit tall in certain situations, but I am pretty good at keeping momentum and not being hard on the clutch, so it hasn't been an issue. I would hate to give up anything on the highway as it isn't tall enough for that. - Justin

[@deltabravo1257]

Justin, What's your trick to keeping a tank bag from smashing (kinking) the vent hose on the fuel cap of an aftermarket fuel tank cap? I want a tank bag on my DRZ, but I've never run a tank bag on my DRZ with a 3.2 IMS tank because it would smash the vent hose.

[@rmatvmc]

Fantastic question! Initially I got a vacuum line elbow from and auto parts store and put it on the cap and ran my breather hose off that. It worked great until it fell off and i lost it :). I then just ran some Tusk 1/4" black fuel line and let the tank bag smash it as a temporary fix. Here I am a year later still using it. It is a bit smashed, but not kinked, and it still breathes fine. One if these days I will find another rubber vacuum elbow and try again. - Justin

[@salvatorenicolette6681]

New DRZ owner, recommendations on protective outerwear

[@daveross1968]

Dude if you thinkbthe DRZ seat is uncomfortable, then go try a KTM, Husky or Beta. They will kill your biscuits. DRZstock seat is way more comfortable!

[@rmatvmc]

You're not wrong! The Seat Concepts is a huge upgrade for both if you're spending hours on the bike.

[@Turboexplorer]

Did you leave stock gearing? I have the 3x3 and JD same tires etc but only get 50mpg.

[@Matt-vl1xk]

Love the DRZ400. Although forced to sell mine right now. :(

[@rmatvmc]

That's a real bummer 😢 Stay strong!

[@weaselteat]

What did you do to get more power to run all those accessories? My 2003 struggles it seems with extra power demand.

[@fireinthewhole]

Getting rid of the factory bulbs and installing the LED headlight, taillight, and turn signals will make a lot more electrical power available.

[@fitzfarm8694]

How are all these electronics wired to the bike and can the stock stator handle all the power draw?

[@rmatvmc]

Just straight to the battery. I haven't had an issue yet. I will even run a heated jacket sometimes, but I don't run it when the heated grips or aux lights are on. Putting in the led bulb in the headlight and LED taillight on saves some juice for sure.....Justin

[@garydavis2265]

Gotta have a drz,otherwise how are gonna tow the ktm out

[@L_H1]

Clean build! My 2017 is setup very similar. I run the Traverse bags and a small tail bag for tools. Stock tank too with a rotopax if needed for longer day rides. Currently having my suspension respring/revalve for my weight and load. Have you tried adding the correct fork and shock springs?

[@rmatvmc]

with both DRZs i have owned, I left the suspension stock. would it be better to stiffen up the springs? Yes! maybe that will be my next move, but i am only 140lbs and with luggage, I am never pushing and hitting things that hard. It does surprising well stock. - Justin

[@treestone2724]

where can i get the brackets you used to install the lights? i bought the lights but there's no similar bracket. thanks

[@rmatvmc]

The brackets used came with the kit. If you didn't receive them and purchased the kit from us, contact [e-mail] and they will help you get the brackets.

[@ridgeridermoto]

Love the D Flex handguards but they've been out of stock for a while.... any word on when you'll get some in? Otherwise I'll have to go with something else

[@rmatvmc]

Oh man! Sorry! It looks likes they should be in stock by next week if not sooner. thanks - Justin

[@ridgeridermoto]

@@rmatvmc thanks! I'll wait then

[@ridgeridermoto]

@@rmatvmc looking to get white

[@Socal_adv857]

I have a 2004 drz400 (s model) with tons of upgrades. With the right rider it can easily keep up with 250 2strokes. The real question is can you?🤔

[@cullenmichael34]

This build is awesome! Very purpose-built. Do you happen to know if that skid plate would also fit my 2000 E model?

[@rmatvmc]

Thank you! Yes, this skid plate will also fit your bike.

[@xzouix]

Can the 3x3 intake + re-jetting be done on a smaller DR125 as well? If so, do you hold a JD Jetting Jet Kit for that?

[@rmatvmc]

Opening the airbox can help any bike if the stock is fairly restricted. We don't sell a complete jet kit, but we do have a "cold start" jet kit. That kit includes a richer main and pilot as the stock comes pretty lean. If you open the airbox, you would at least want this kit. - Justin

[@xzouix]

@@rmatvmc Thank you for the advice, Justin. I really appreciate it!

[@rmatvmc]

You bet!

[@100868ful]

Nice build! Did you change the springs in the forks and rear?

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks! This bike still has the stock suspension and it's been working pretty well. But some stiffer fork springs might be coming in the future.

[@kobeeknight8696]

Nice Justin! Still doesn't top Purple Rain

[@rmatvmc]

Ha ha. I miss purple rain. Should have never sold it!

[@jimmydickson8854]

I think it’s time for Suzuki to put fuel injection on it and have a six speed gearbox for hwy use then it would be the ultimate bike for what it’s used for ,Come on Suzuki get up to date it’s time, the 400 is a great size

[@spencero1906]

Love the DRZ. Did you do anything with the suspension?

[@rmatvmc]

Great question. I may end up putting stiffer springs in, but it does pretty good stock. I am only 140lbs and don't push it hard when it is loaded with gear. I rarely bottom, but I would think most guys (bigger than me) would want to put in springs. - Justin

[@DualSportDoug]

I'm trying to figure out if your dash panel will work with my Scott's SUB Mount steering stabilizer and all the other junk on my DRZ. I have my 2002 DRZ in pieces right now doing a major refresh on it. ( I posted under my other account (Delta Bravo) when this video first came out)

[@rmatvmc]

We have not tested fitment with the dash panel and that stabilizer so we cannot guarantee compatibility. It does look like they should work fine together but with the other stuff you may have on your bike it's hard to say unfortunately.

[@DualSportDoug]

@@rmatvmc IT FITS! I love the dash panel. It's nice to finally have my heated grip switch mounted , rather than zip ties to the clutch cable, where it's been since 2006

[@denniswilliams5659]

The tusk foot pegs don't seem to be made for the DRZ? I'm I looking in the wrong place?

[@rmatvmc]

We are still working on the foot pegs and it's currently looking like they're a couple months out. Stay tuned!

[@robertwhimpey8445]

@@rmatvmc so those are tusk pegs? I was wondering where he didn't say which pegs they were.

[@DR4WZ]

Get Pivot Pegz. You're welcome.

[@rmatvmc]

Yes, they are Tusk. They are final samples, we don't have stock yet. They are coming, and they are perfect! - Justin

[@royjmcc7]

I might have missed it, but did you change the exhaust?

[@rmatvmc]

Nope, Justin kept the stock exhaust on this bike.

[@kevinwilson3055]

Did you change the gearing for off-road?

[@rmatvmc]

Nope, this bike still has the stock gearing.

[@mikemrkacek5091]

Did you add radiator guards?

[@rmatvmc]

We did not install radiator guards on this bike.

[@deltabravo1257]

Your newly acquired DRZ must have really low miles - it looks like it's hardly been ridden based on how pristine it is.

[@rmatvmc]

It had 3,900 miles on it! It was in great shape. A friend of mine had it sitting in his garage for a lot of years. he was kind enough to hook me up with it! - Justin

[@blocktimj]

Bike looks suspiciously clean for being loaded up with ds gear..

[@max.b92]

Awesome video

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks!

[@kc4sox]

Not so much of an adventure bike build as it is one big commercial for Tusk products

[@thelonewolf666]

unridable on the highway --- was glad to sell mine regardless of what gearing--- they are a 100% dirt bike

[@MikePianoMan85]

Why buy this bike? Would it just be better to get a different bike with more of the features stock?

[@tigerrider6711]

In an alternate universe where the ktm 500 doesn’t exist, a drz would make a lot of sense.

[@blackhatch46]

1. Maintenance intervals 2. Costs. And that's from a KTM owner.

[@rmatvmc]

They still make a lot of sense for many people. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@DR4WZ]

You mean in the exact same universe, right?

[@LtAldoRain629]

I’ll take the drz over a ktm any day of the week

[@DR4WZ]

@@LtAldoRain629 and twice on Sunday...