Suzuki DRZ400 Modifications for Adventure Riding

I've been asked many times if I'd do a video on the modifications I have completed on my DRZ400. The modifications were completed for either of two reasons. One to make the bike look better (in my opinion), or two to make it a more capable adventure bike.
#milemunchin, #drz400e, #adventuremotorbike
To watch the video by BikerBits on how to make the tool box: • DR650 Tool Box Upgrade
Filmed with:
Canon 5D Mark II
GoPro 7+ Hero
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Instagram: / milemunchin

[@gc1862de]

Cheers Rod, that was quick. Presently my mods to date are the same, will look at a damper for sure and a gearing swap to 15/44. Again, thank you

[@dovybar]

What an awesome drz, optimal modifications, just excellent. Subscribed

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Dovydas Baranauskas thank you for watching and commenting.

[@ronaldwhite5670]

Good stuff, enjoyed that

[@irishmike8218]

Yes, that was a good video mate! Thanks

[@yimmeistaryimmeistar7239]

Good job. Liked the vid a lot.👍

[@deltabravo1257]

I’ve had my 2002 DRZ since 2006. I still love it. I have no plans to sell it.

[@mikebrown4429]

I did the wide ratio trans mod to my drz . It was very expensive be cause I had I shop do the install but makes the bike more capable . I haven't done any trips yet but feel that the drz will work out well .

[@stuartjackson3880]

You have re vitalised my passion for the DRZ. I have an 02 e model that is road logal with none of your mods, and after 3 months of ownership i have been thinking "what a god aweful bike" but i will get cracking on some of these simple changes and should be set. especially the seat pad!

[@choke-a-koal657]

If you got the cash seat concepts makes an excellent seat

[@keyboarddancers7751]

The DR-Z is probably one of the most cost effective practical versatile and reliable ADV platforms on the market. Yours looks like a very fine example of the genre. Excellent review. I'm not entirely convinced of the real world value of the bigger ADV options and I'm certainly a little in the dark re the objective of the 1250s, 1260s and 1290s apart from the moto-Schwarzenegger image. (More consistent volume on your vocals and lower volume on the music please).

[@sailingaeolus]

I've had two DRZs and getting ready to buy a third. Fantastic bike for trailing riding and site seeing, especially on the dirt roads of the great American west. "Adventure Bikes" in the USA are becoming the 700cc or larger plus sized monsters that really have no business offroad.

[@mohawkmikemotorcycles9077]

Really cool channel. Awesome videos.

[@joepistorio3970]

Great video. Love your tag line and logo, Rod. "Be Brave and Live" is a saying for the ages, especially this f*n' age. Audio is tough to understand in places. Love the cutaways and extra info. Just got an '07 Thursday. I augered yesterday on Barker Pass and now I need a new brake lever. Now I will get two pairs of levers after seeing your kit. Pysched to be back on a moto.

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Joe Pistorio thanks for the feedback and compliment. Have fun on the bike because that’s what it’s all about, good luck and be safe.

[@JeanFrancoisDufour-bp5si]

Great bike 👍

[@soundzrinmygarden3833]

You learn something everyday. My drz has flamed out before in water crossings and wouldn't restart until I got her out of the water, seemed very odd at the time but now makes perfect sense. Thanks for the breather solution, crisis over, no more wet boots....I hope...haha

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Glad we could help. Thanks for watching.

[@SEP7EMBER10]

I put my shifter and foot brake through the case...good times! Nice Bike DRZ IS KING!

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

That’s no good I hope it’s all fixed now and you’re back riding.

[@drzrider3440]

Love my 2011. Have over 50,000 miles of mostly no issues. The free power mod and carb issues...all fixed and still riding.

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Yes they truly are a low maintenance bike. Thanks for watching.👍

[@gerbear3000]

Hey mate thanks for the run down. Any chance you can tell us a bit more about how you made that luggage rack?

[@kymstock1852]

Great video! I ran 15/44 on my DRZ for a while, but eventually I opted to fit a ACT gear set. It cost about $1800 including labour costs, but now I have 5th where an overdrive 6th gear would be and it will cruise all day at 110 kph easily. With 14/47 ( standard sprockets) first gear is as it was standard and the gaps are bigger between all the gears. It will pull the gaps O.K. The other annoying thing for many riders ( short arses) is that after you fit stronger springs, the seat height is too high. I am 180 cm tall, but more torso than legs, so I got Hoeys in Adelaide to alter the rear shock travel so I could slide the forks through the triple clamps and get the seat about 40 mm lower seat height. Last thing I found was with 30-40 kg of luggage fitted, the front disc brake was not strong enough under emergency stops form speed. I added a 320 mm disc and it works a treat when loaded, but you need to show respect when unloaded. Agree with you on the Barretts muffler. The standard muffler is a joke!

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Thanks for watching and feedback on what you’ve changed in your set up. Sounds like you’ve got it dialed nicely. A 6th gear would be awesome but your set up sounds sweet. I’ve never heard of the ACT gear.

[@kymstock1852]

@@MileMunchinAdventures Nova makes a wide ratio gear set too. Advanced Clutch Technology ( ACT) was a little cheaper .

[@irishmike8218]

Nice job!

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Irish Mike thanks for watching,

[@jamesrobertson4284]

Hey Rod, love this video! Wanted to know the make of your rear cluster lights as trying to get rid of stock broken ones. cheers

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Thanks James, the rear light cluster was called DRC Edge 2. Had it on now for 4.5 years, still going perfect.

[@joseph8852]

Great video mate You mentioned you’ve done a few Kay’s on it Any chance you could tell us about anything that’s broken and your maintenance schedule , how often you’ve checked valve clearances all that fun stuff !

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Bushbanana Joe in 22,400 Kms it’s broken down once and that was an electrical issue when a fuse was blown, easy fix. I’ve only had the valve clearances checked once and that was at 12,000kms they are due again. I change the oil every 3,000 to 4,500 kms depending on how long it’s been.

[@vanveen8472]

well done, I have two of these, a 2000 and a 2021, stock they don't quite suck but there should be a law against the stock tires

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

The longer you leave the stock tyres on the worse they get. The hard compound is not fun at all in the mud.

[@jaydendarby5013]

What pro taper bars do you have exactly and how big are the risers? Cheers mate

[@anticomillennium]

complimenti. Dove hai comprato il copri pignone ?

[@GrubbyPaddler]

Nice work, my dizzer is halfway there... Love the tool box will have to check that out Does that exhaust quieten the beast down a bit... I find mine obnoxiously loud, and I’m sure the whole suburb knows when I go to work at 6am

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

The Barrett exhaust made a huge difference to the sound. The stock exhaust without the baffle is not only loud but it’s a terrible noise. I don’t get complaints from my neighbours.

[@coreyshortland2074]

Hi there, I'd like to know more about your windscreen. How did you sit it further up right? Also the mirrors look great, have a look into double take adventuring mirrors :) same look and they bend out of the way if the bike falls.

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Corey Shortland to push the screen more upright I got a longer bolt and put it through some rubber tube. Then I used the existing holes in the screen. The length of the bolt would’ve been 50mm.

[@Babbolla]

Hi, great video! What make are your super bendy indicators? Cheers Jim

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Sorry James I missed your comment earlier, I’m not sure of the brand but I purchased them from adventurebikeaustralia.com.au/

[@pendles7232]

Good stuff mate, did u need a diode or something to run the LED blinkers or just straight swap to the factory wiring?

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Yes I did not a diode added for the blinkers, they were doing weird things without it.

[@statendrei5]

I've always been afraid of metal things on the bike. imagine if someone rear ended you and the rear rack breaks and severs your spine

[@EricBanner571]

Thanks for taking the time to put this out. What is your preference for a front tyre. I have used the bridgestone OEM Gritty (Not to bad) Just installed the D606 front and rear. The rear is fine in all terrains and conditions but the front follows ruts, unstable above 100 km and sucks on gravel. Do you have a preference?

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

The front tyre I've used for the past 7,000 kms (its ready for a change) is Motoz Tractionator. I've found this to be quite good, it's lasted quite well and I like it in the gravel, sand and mud.

[@kymstock1852]

@@MileMunchinAdventures Pirelli Scorpion Rally work well too

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

@@kymstock1852 yes they do I use the Pirelli Scorpion Midsoft as my rear tyre on my enduro motorbikes.

[@hktcss]

Anyone buy one of these drz400e and wish they just got something like a wr450f or ktm 500exc or a ktm 300exc ?

[@tpv59]

I LOVE your indicators. LOVE them. May I ask PLEASE where did you purchase them from Please? And cost $? Thank You and regards. (Melbourne Victoria OZ)

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Sorry I missed seeing your comment and question. I purchased them from adventurebikeaustralia.com.au/

[@tpv59]

@@MileMunchinAdventures Thank You Very Much.

[@cozwecanadventures]

Top vid what gearing do you run know // thx

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Thanks for watching, 15 front 44 rear.👍

[@coloradoraptorguy9250]

Stupid question, but this is obviously a kick start only drz? No battery under the left rear section of fender where the tool tube installs?

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

775Supermoto Adventures no it doesn’t have a kick start, the battery is right at the end of where the tool box starts.

[@bobdrakeford5731]

Hi Rodney, did you upgrade your front suspension? I upgraded my old KLX400 a few months ago. It was recommended to do both rear shock and front forks at the same time (both had heavier springs installed to suit my fat body ie carrying extra weight). I was wondering how you managed to move the breather hose higher. That'll be a great tip. 👍😁

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Robert Drakeford it’s a good question about the front suspension, something was done but I’m not sure what. The springs may have been changed but I’m not sure. I know they charged the oil but not sure what else.

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Robert Drakeford I found my old front fork springs in the garage on the weekend, so yes I did get the front upgraded as well. Is the Tenere 700 in your garage yet?

[@bobdrakeford5731]

Hi Rodney, everything fell into place last Friday, and I picked my new Tenere 700 the following day (Saturday). I'm very happy, it rides very well. Only short rides so far, did some fire trails Sunday and will be giving it a good run tomorrow. 👍😁

[@EricBanner571]

I am going on a 3 day moto camping trip shortly and as we are going through some water crossings, was wondering which carb hoses you redirected to the top of the air box? Or did you redirect all of the hoses that hang down near the swing arm? Thanks

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

I'll try my best to describe the process. If you look at the engine from the LHS the side (the gear lever is on). Near the choke you will see two clear hoses coming from the carbi. They sit pretty closely to together. These are the two I rerouted up under my seat. Just pull them up, from where they exit near the suspension linkages and push them up and under. Make sure they are tight other wise with a bit of riding they can fall back down. I've had that happen a few times until I found a good secure spot for them. Good Luck, it's really quite easy.

[@EricBanner571]

@@MileMunchinAdventures Thanks for your Help, I am heading off tomorrow to the Bridal Track, I thought I might as well reroute all of the carb hoses (Except the float bowl hose) up near the air box and cable tie them in position. Lets hope it works.

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

@@EricBanner571 I'm sure it will work, sounds like an awesome trip have a safe journey.

[@davidjasonbarrios]

where can you purchase a harder spring for the rear shocker?

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

davison baza that's a good question, my mechanic ordered the spring for me after we did all the weight and sag measurements. But there are plenty of online shops that stock springs for the bike. I get a lot of stuff from the Adventure Bike Australia website, they have the springs.

[@ethanlarson7126]

Ignition key location @ 3:39... Can you explain how and to what this is mounted?

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Sorry for the slow reply, the mechanic fabricated a bracket and attached this to the speedo mount.

[@MrStevoovets]

Some good mods! Going to have to do a few to mine. If you still have the bike check out remotemoto.com he did an excellent DRZ build. If you're looking to further water proof it I recommend replacing the stock pressure clamps on the breather hoses with steel hose clamps.

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Thank you, I’ve actually done some reviews for remotemoto.com it’s a very helpful website. Thanks fir watching.

[@Nitrisbot]

its a shame safari dont make those tanks in yellow anymore :(

[@glock19gen3]

what front sprocket/case saver are you using?

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

It’s a B&B case saver made in BALLARAT. I think they sell them all over the world.

[@ronanrogers4127]

I’m after a set of white side covers for my E, yours fit well, are they Acerbis, UFO, Rtech or something else? I’ve seen a few makes that have weird cut outs from new, but yours match up to the seat well

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Ronan Rogers these white covers in the video are OEM, but I have some replacement versions which are Acerbis and they also fit very well.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Mile Munchin' Adventures ...good to know, thanks for your reply. If I can get the OEM in white in might pay the price premium. I assumed they were all in yellow.

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Ronan Rogers no you can get them in white mine came standard as white with the bike.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Mile Munchin' Adventures ...and the steering damper, did the Ralle Moto come with all the risers etc shown on your bike to just bolt on, or do you need to get extra bits elsewhere?

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Ronan Rogers I'm not sure exactly because I didn't install it. I ordered it through my mechanic and he installed it. I did already have risers on the bike but they removed these, so maybe it did come with its own risers. I didn't have a whole lot of mechanical knowledge at that point. I would be able to install myself now though.

[@JohannesDalen]

You dont have any panniers when you go camping, you just strap a huge 50l duffle across that plate?

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

I use what’s called a saddlebag 55 litres as well as the 50 litre duffle bag.

[@JohannesDalen]

@@MileMunchinAdventures Saddlebags as in soft panniers? Thank you for replying.

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

@@JohannesDalen they don't call them soft panniers technically, it is a banana shaped bag which wraps around your seat, you tie it to the frame off the bike both sides and at the back. Works great.

[@JohannesDalen]

@@MileMunchinAdventures okay thank you, sounds a lot like a Giant Loop Coyote or Great Basin.

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

@@JohannesDalen yes it is. Mine just wasn’t anywhere near the cost of those. Purchased it from Third Gear website.

[@jamesanderson562]

I didn't buy a tractor mate I bought a dozer 😂 I love it

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Thanks I think Dozer is a more accurate name, love my DRZ. Dozer has just had a major service by getting the valve clearances checked at 30,000kms, timing chain, cylinder checked and my mechanic couldn’t believe how good the valves were. Just needed new timing chain, new rings and good to go. Inside of engine looked amazing.

[@samizdat113]

Cool bike. RHCP suck.

[@AfroSnackey]

I've got glutes of steel. The seat stays lmao!!

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Good for you, you’ll need your gluts of steel on a DRZ. Ha ha! 👍

[@SEP7EMBER10]

☠️ Dead Ass.

[@Eric-nb7vg]

ve seen i guy crack open his nose because of the longer screen...very dangerous

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

Did that guy happen to be? I’ve done that.

[@Eric-nb7vg]

@@MileMunchinAdventures nothing really special. regular backroad with some rocks he did no have enough momentum and the bike bounced back and he was left with a horrible cut and a broken nose...

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

@@Eric-nb7vg when the screen cut my nose it was after flying through whoops. I got back on the bike and didn't feel anything, the blood on the seat was the give away. I ended up having nearly 60 stitches, 49 internal and 12 external, made a hell of a mess. By the time I got home after a 30 minute ride it was a bit sore, spent a night in hospital. Two plastic surgeons put if back together again.

[@Eric-nb7vg]

@@MileMunchinAdventures yep. pretty much what happened to the guy. they've performed a good surgery on you. no tell on the video!!!

[@philipbond9896]

I put an after market seet on me dr , its a sargent seet from the states .money weel spent

[@MileMunchinAdventures]

philip bond I’m glad to hear it’s an improvement, sounds like money well spent.

[@avonlearebel]

You need to do some modifications to your workout routine.

[@smokesandalloy9487]

DZRDRZ