Suzuki DRZ400E Owner Review || MotoVlogging Setup.

Suzuki DRZ400E owner review:
I have owned and ridden the DRZ400E for 6 years. I have ridden the bike in all conditions from 5000km week long adventure rides, desert crossings, enduro rides, overnight rides, freeway riding, snow riding and much much more. I believe I have truly tested the bike and put it through some tuff situations where without fail the bike has delivered and proven its worth. In this video I elaborate on my personal top 5 pros, top 5 upgrades and top 5 potential issues about the DRZ400E. Please keep in mind that I am reviewing the bike as a all round dual sports and not just as an adventure bike. This review is based on my own experiences and dealing with motorbike Wreckers in relation to the DRZ400E.
Moto Vlogging setup:
In this video I explain and show what I use when riding and recording. I believe over the years I have greatly improved my equipment and methods through trial and error. This is purely for information purposes to show other like minded riders the items I use, so that you don't do as I did and waste money on items that just don't get the job done. Please see below for a list of brands and products I use.
Camera: GoPro 9 with a Media Mod.
Microphones: Saramonic Blink 500 PRO X (Wireless microphone).
Saramonic MiniMic (Portable direct plug in microphone).
Rode Lavalier Go (Internal helmet microphone, whilst riding).
Mounts: Chin mount (While riding).
GoPro tripod with home made extension arm (Stationary filming).

[@andrewford80]

Appreciate your dedication to good audio dude. Makes all the difference!

[@living-leaflet3745]

Thank you for your advice. Will be getting the suspension done now.

[@gc1862de]

Great to see a new vid Lance, on the ball with all your pro`s and cons

[@jb26]

Great vid mate. Cheers for the pointers.

[@pberardis]

Great review. Thanks for the time putting this together. I picked up an 03 KLX400R and going through it now to get it ready for spring riding. Same bike as 400e so everything applies. Thanks again.

[@NEDS-ADV]

Thanks heaps Lance really appreciate it. and thanks for showing us your video set up I’ve been thinking about getting into myself. On my Drz 🤘💯

[@rememberitsallagame]

Great video - researching the DRZ, I came across this, great review - and more! subbed 👍

[@rsbharley4766]

Excellent video, great info, thanks for sharing. Job well done mate, Cheers

[@spookychief]

damn good info in this video. i had no clue about the swing arm chain guard wearing out like that. Now i gotta go check my bike

[@anotherguyonabike4726]

Great vid mate some solid pointers for future and current drz owner like myself🙌

[@gavrasmussen1305]

Love your work Cobba. Always down the line no BS. The Oldman would be proud.

[@joellaurin9007]

You are one humble beast brother. Keep on doing you, the world needs it!

[@sprintermaximus]

Lance, thanks a ton for the review. From the US, and I have been looking at one of these locally based on your use. Much appreciated.

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

No dramas, good luck with your purchase. 👍

[@1962clarky]

Great video, Lance.

[@blakejohn8374]

Awesome video mate informative and good advice aswell cheers

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Great advice Lance, as I just bought one this week 😎👍

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Enjoy. You’ll love her.

[@701Adventures]

I don't have a DRZ but that was a good, informative and valuable appraisal of the bike. 👍

[@tonymarchant9083]

Great review and top information . very helpful.

[@jordandenmark8443]

DRZ400 owner (2 of them) 100% agree with all points in this video. Love the bike, excellent bang for buck and will go up, over, through or down anything you point it at.

[@wa7215]

Very good review, with lots of info that someone new to the DRZ, like me, really appreciates. Well done Bud, thanks a lot. 👍👍

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

No worries. Happy to help as I have learned the hard way. Still love the bike though 👍

[@Tws5515]

Good to see you back on the bike ✌

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Haha thanks mate. I’m not quite there yet, but yes can handle some road riding at the moment.

[@muzzarobbo]

legend mate, given me a couple of pointers to check out. cheers

[@KayakAndShiz]

Spot on review, all points covered, and loved the extra vlog set-up info as I'm looking to get into making KZbin videos, subscribed!!

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Thanks mate. Good luck with the videos. The more the better.

[@AusMoto]

Thanks for the video Lance, I was so close to getting the DRZ over the WR250R. Maybe one day if they’re still sold new, I’ll have one 😅

[@garywinkworth3380]

excellent reveiw thanks lance

[@PetterIvarsson]

Very good review. A big reason for no change in many years are emmision standards. If you change the bike you have to apply to them in some countries.

[@keithmclean3627]

Good one lance, as soon as I got mine went 1 tooth up on the front sprocket. Seems to be the butter zone for a good 1st gear while not so revvy on the way to the trail.

[@WarriorPleb]

I bought a used 2015 drz yesterday, watching your videos played a big part in getting one. cheers mate

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Good to hear mate. Hopefully it helped you to buy a good one that has plenty to give still.

[@WarriorPleb]

@@The_Apprentice_Adventurer It got delivered today, I bought it off a mate and is in pretty decent condition. This will just make me keep watch your videos to get some inspiration and to see more DRZ adventure. Cheers bloke, from S.A.

[@armored-clown]

Good video appreciate the tips. I just picked up a 2021 DRZ400S with less than 3000 miles on it. Got a screaming deal on it but holy crap. I could tell the previous owner did not care at all about any sort of maintenance. Thankfully, I’m super particular about taking good care of my things so the bike really got freshened up with all those little maintenance items even ones that are technically further down the line because I could tell that he really couldn’t be bothered to do any sort of maintenance. Crazy how people treat their stuff.

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Yeah that’s the drama with bikes in general. The kilometres don’t really matter. Low or high it comes down to how it has been ridden and serviced. Hopefully you get many good years out of her 👍

[@artiexr222]

Great advice Lance some good pointers to look out for. I have bought a 2007 DRZ SM(UK so we have not had them since 2008) to use during my recent retirement I went for it because I could do without high running costs and ease of maintenance finding a decent one was hard but fingers crossed it will fit the bill plus you never see any about over here any more so it is good to be a bit different.

[@Merc399]

damn dude I'm sorry youre dealing with such an engrained class system and traditionally totalitarian government :/ I mean they try to convince you you guys are "too civilized" to have a constitution so they can continue to abuse your civil liberties it's so frustrating to watch. if we weren't dealing with the same class of people trying to impose the same exact system here in the US... I mean the science doesn't even support the idea that regulating middle and lower class emissions worldwide would help overall carbon levels any more than 2% TOPS. it's just ridiculous it's clearly to increase institutional power and authority. not even mentioning how much less a single cylinder 398cc engine could produce MAX even compared to the manufacturing process of a Tesla it's literally statistically irrelevant. if EVERYONE and there mother were to hop on a drz400 tomorrow the total emissions output would be literally negligible. and this new guy who replaced the abysmal Boris Johnson is a literal shill for the banking system and global elite it's disgusting. I mean y'all need to get control of your country away from low IQ rich kids I wish I could help!!

[@Sean-GPW]

Great video, I would add one essential mod is to delete bike stand cut out switch. It is dangerous going over rough ground and the stand starts bouncing , cutting out engine .

[@mattwarrensocal]

Master class . Thanks!

[@danielphilips2226]

Excellent, well done, thanks

[@danielryle5596]

Great review, very informative! I can see why the drz has been so successful selling bike, there isn't really an opposition brand currently to replace the drz400 on all levels of its versatility and reliability!

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

100%, just a good all round bike. I hope they bring a updated version to the market one day. Plenty of people would jump on board.

[@wayneswenson2464]

Great video, thanks!

[@billivory8582]

Great practical humble. Thanks

[@trinc52]

Bro looks like a firefighter lol

[@drzrider3440]

yep, agree with you. I have owned mine since 2012. its a 2011. I have now about 53,000 miles of zero issues...knock on wood.

[@dimebag6675]

WOW! That gas tank is something else!🤟😍

[@HikerBikerMoter]

Very thorough pro 👍😊

[@robertmorrison107]

Fantastic video. I could be wrong but I don't think they sell the E model anymore in the states. I'm really interested in putting a 434 or 440 on one as I'm a bit of a bigger guy and redoing the suspension on an emodel then using it for a pure dirt bike that CAN go on road. I have the KLR which is kinda the reverse, a road bike that CAN go on dirt. Keeping up with the KTM 250 of the brat is becoming more difficult though so I need to pull out something that is really almost motocross capable but with enough HP to pull 250lbs.

[@ScottSillis]

Great video Lance, thanks for all the tips, the vlogging set-up is exactly what I'm looking for, I've had similar issues wasting money, got a Rode Wireless Go 2 and GoPro Hero 11 with media mod and heaps of spare batteries and chargers etc. I've been following you fellas with your trip videos including the latest Cape series. I'm setting up my new Husky 701 atm. I'm in SE QLD myself. Stay safe mate 👍😎🇦🇺

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Thanks for watching mate. I do like the 701. Maybe one day I’ll have one of those. 👍

[@ScottSillis]

@@The_Apprentice_Adventurer you're welcome mate 👍 yeah they are a well proven steed, very reliable and do all bike, that's what got my attention. Not cheap but built to last. Can't go wrong with a DRZ400 or even the DR650 upgraded either to save dollars. But off the showroom floor not many are close to being ready for adventure in a single cylinder. Everything has it's pros and cons. How many litres is in your big fuel tank mate? 🇦🇺😎

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

@@ScottSillis mate that’s a 17L but holds 20ish litres. Get around 400km range.

[@ScottSillis]

@@The_Apprentice_Adventurer awesome, that's pretty good range. 👍mines got 13 in the rear and once I fit the long range another 12 litres so around 560km.

[@garywinkworth3380]

suzuki should be paying you for this. ive watched most of your videos and i know your bike has been through hell mulitple times. i really dont know how you do it. safe travels lance and thanks.

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Mate wrote in to Suzuki for me. I’m happy to be a sponsored rider by them. Lol they hat a dream that would be. Maybe one day. 👍

[@doespider]

Just i watched your simson desert and solo riding videos. I enjoyed a lot while i m watching. Thanks. I m a newbie so after your videos i m thinking to get drz400 but i will use only for going to work and come back to home. 50out50in in total 100 km(20+20 highway/m5/Campbelltown to Concord) i was a out to get vstorm250sx as a newbie. But i m not use drz can suit for daily commuteing duty:/

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Thanks for watching. Its not ideal for commuting but will get the job done. Just change your gearing to a 15-44.

[@stevehicks616]

The mighty Drz best bang for the money!

[@bush7788]

great vid

[@danielryle5596]

Great bikes for sure, I think all those 20 Year old Japanese dual sport bikes such as the Honda XR are in the same reliability and practicality class though the drz400 and klx300 are the only ones left! If only Suzuki could or would add a 6th gear to the drz!

[@6226superhurricane]

suzuki recommend half intervals for servicing if used in harsh conditions 3k km oil changes is what i do but you're absolutely right about being on an adv ride and not having to worry if you do more than 3k between changes. the hub spacers won't ever fall apart they're a solid spacer. when they do need replacing due to wear you can buy stainless steel ballards ones reasonably cheap that will never get grooves due to the harder material. chain slider on the swingarm applies to all chain drive bikes.

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Hi Michael, yeah there were a few other pointers I wanted to throw in but once I reviewed the footage and realised a missed a few things I couldn’t get back out there to film. Your right though. Hopefully the video still gives good advice to most and highlights the bike quality overall 👍

[@6226superhurricane]

@@The_Apprentice_Adventurer yes it's all pretty fair.

[@Resort_Fans]

Fukin' awesome video!!

[@dcwebb1]

DRZ400 oil return box/tank....a important additional FYI heads-up......Over time the internal plastic filter matrix inside the oil return box/tank can start breaking down and deteriorating from old age and oil acids/additives. It's at this time these deteriorating plastic filter matrix particles can then begin to circulate into your engine oil (you will see the black plastic matrix shaped filter particles when you change your oil). If there is any doubt at all to the oil return tanks age and/or it's condition, just replace the DRZ oil return tank with a new one, it's VERY cheap engine insurance!

[@wazza33racer]

If you buy a bike second hand, and it has a carbie, take if off and give it a clean and rebuild kit. My DRZ factory fitted carb astonishingly never had the fuel/air screw correctly threaded through the casting where it goes up through the bowl, the fuel supply through the screen to the float needle was 50% blocked. People dont use fuel filters are asking for trouble, all petroleum fuel tanks,delivery trucks,hoses etc have dirt and water in them. Dont buy fuel if a site is getting a delivery, the tanks are stirred up......

[@johnschroder2365]

Wow, such a good video. Hope you can share the bars and risers you used? Being six foot stupid too I'd like to be able to stand upright.

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Thanks mate. I used tapered Fatbars about a 1.5 inch rise and a generic brand 1 inch risers.

[@underthedrone2735]

I'm sure you're aware of them by now but the DJI Action 4 ($299 USD) and DJI Mic 2 ($99 USD) pair up nicely with bluetooth making the whole process easy. The only downside is the Mic 2 only has a 3.5 hour battery life when paired but it can also record on its own for much longer so that might be the way to go as well.

[@christinegreen7120]

Hi Lance, thanks for the constructive review. Can you please advise the names of the wreckers you referred to and secondly what sprocket set do you use? Cheers, Simon

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

No dramas mate, I’d recommend North Richmond Moto wreckers. He has always been real helpful in my dealings. Real knowledgeable bloke to. I normally run a 15-47 unless i am doing a big outback trip then I’ll go to a 15-44.

[@gaucelm_05timbal18]

Hey man, love the videos. I’ve been hesitating between a dr650 and a drz400 to go on a world trip across Europe and Asia. Any advice?

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Hey mate, probably depends on the type of riding and overall terrain. The 650 will be better comfort wise, carrying luggage and overall kilometres. The 400 will allow you to traverse hard terrain much easier. Probably the 650 as no doubt you’ll be carrying heaps of gear with a big trip like that.

[@oh7624]

Ive had a dr650 for a few years and just got a drz400e too. For world trip kinda stuff id be taking the dr650. The dr650 is better at highway speed, air cooled so takes the radiators out of the equation for things to break (does have a oil cooler though) and is much sturdier in the rear / sub frame to bold on carry racks and panniers for longer trips. It is also made to carry a passenger, unlike the drz400, and this means you can load it up more and you also have more room. Dr650 all the way for a long trip. Only better thing going for the drz400 in my opinion is that it is lighter and easier to manoeuvre and pick up when dropped, but saying that the dr650 can do it all too just a bit heavier etc. Also so many mods that are worth doing to it - especially suspension, fuel tank and all the guards, racks, bars, seat, exhaust, carburettor, footpegs etc

[@tienofthesouth]

My big upgrade: relocate the carby breather hose!

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Haha the old carby hoses, i learnt the hard way with those bad boys. I had that in my list but was trying to keep it short. It’s a good one though.

[@BrokenSprocket]

There a do it all bike as you say you only need the one bike. I find the gear lever is to short when you have dirt boots on.

[@andrewberg2361]

What about the stator and the carby slide plate ? Major issues for long turn ownership.

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Your not wrong no doubt. There are plenty more positives and issues like with everything in life. Just trying to make a shorter video about my top 5 that I have experienced. Fortunately I haven’t had any other issues other than what I have mentioned 👍

[@Shrouded_reaper]

You sure can get new plastics from the dealer. Darwin dealer wanted to charge me $300 for the plastic chain guard 💀

[@pmg2590]

In my years of anecdotal experience with japanese dual sport bikes, you seriously need to thrash them or try to break them on purpose to have them let you down. Most of my reliability issues with them were due to extreme negligence of previous owners. Some of these bikes feel like they are going to outlive me.

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Haha your spot on. My poor bike has been totally abused in its use, highly looked after in its maintenance though, so hopefully I have found a good balance. 👍

[@ravi3457]

hello Lance. this bike is 11k brand new these days. Do you reckon buying second hand for like 6000- 8000 is worth it. Im planning to use this mainly for adventure and touring and i would like to keep it for a long time ??

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Hi Ravi Mate it’s a good price providing the bike is in good condition. It’s hard to say what is worth what without seeing it. But if it’s near new and running well then it’s not a bad price to pay these days.

[@TT-R08]

That gas tank in HUGE😂

[@garywinkworth3380]

now thats a petrol tank.

[@hazcat640]

Been around for 23 years. Huh, that's when mine got its latest update. (TW200) 😉😆

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Haha awesome.

[@johntiller4327]

Yes. I totally agree But it has one big problem Lance, No kick start. You're out doing the simpson.solo and your battery goes flat, you can't clutch it because it flat and sandy. you are fucked until a traveler passes by. That could be hours or even days. That is the only down fall it has in my book. I do endure day rides because I live next to a nation park on the far south coast NSW so no need to ride the backtop to get where I am going So I carry only myself and essentials in a backpack. So I opt for the DR 200 SETrojan ( Farmer best friend ) Yes I can hear you pissing yourselves. It is 850 cm with still the same clearance as the DRZ but the seat is lower. Has a kick start, Has a back rack with side racks also has a front rack. It has stands on both sides which come in handy quite often and I never get over 90 km because the trials won't allow you to do much faster and because I got no weight the 200 performance is not far below the 400 when the 400 is load up with your camping gear. I know the 200 would not suit you and your riding because you are city base. But for me and my riding enjoyment I will ride the 200 than the 400 ever time.

[@victorsturdivant4731]

What kind/size of fuel tank is that?? I like going into the boonies for days w/o worries about petrol.

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

It’s a 17l safari tank. Good for 400kms or more.

[@victorsturdivant4731]

@@The_Apprentice_Adventurer Thanks brother. I've pretty much decided to go with my gut and buy a thumper as that's what I like. Currently ride an Africa but I enjoy off-road and the Africa, while great on-road is too lacking off. My oldest is pushing me towards the KTM but I like thumper riding and building.

[@bushycraig8681]

Get Video, What gearing do you use ??

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Thanks mate. On this ride and in general I use a 15-47. Will go to a 15-44 for big outback trips.

[@EricBanner571]

I have 20,000km on my 400E with no issues. How many Km/s do you have on the bike now?

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

That’s a good run mate. I’m at 25000 with still no issues other than the bits I have broken with the enduro riding. The swingarm thing I put down to not knowing and a big desert crossing I did that absolutely wore my sprocket and my chain was so loose which I didn’t pick up on until I finished the desert.

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

The wrong oil is better then no oil

[@justincase8901]

Hi! Kind of a weird question, but would you mind sharing how tall are you? I’m 180 cm and want to see how tall the bike is! Thanks!

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

Mate I’m 194cm. It is a tall bike though. Perfect for me 😀

[@dash4177]

How tall are you mate im 192cm

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

194cm. Getting shorter every passing year though. 😉

[@alfonsonorris3589]

*Promosm*

[@deejay4837]

But the bike is the same price as the DR650 and even more in some cases.....

[@The_Apprentice_Adventurer]

No when I bought it. Under 8 grand. But they have increased in price a lot since Covid.

[@MarvinJHM]

That gas tank it’s a crime 💀

[@rohanmanning6029]

Who cares what the tank looks like, it's purpose is far more important