Why the DRZ 400s is the best dual sport!!

[@kurthedgecock6313]

Great looking Drz! Agree the drz 400s is great value it will do everything and is the most fun motorcycle I've ever ridden. I've traded one in last year and bought another one 5 months later.

[@Spartansrule118]

what motorcycles have you had compared to it?

[@MadDog-65]

Bought a brand new DRz400e a month ago. Love it. I agree still the best Dual sport on the market to date. Best bang for bucks!! I got buddies that ride the KTM's and Huskys they don't do anything the DRz won't. If you don't think it's up to the challenge buy one and find out, if you think you need a KTM (Keep Taking money) or Husky to have fun you're wrong!! I've owned lots of bikes in the last 23 years and this one rates at the top of my list. Check one out.

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks for the great comment! Excellent bike! Enjoy!

[@MadDog-65]

@@kcoutside7143 cheers mate. Thanks for the great review you hit the nail on the head.

[@jasonhelms424]

i have an 07 16000 miles ...its the best bike i ever owned . also have 02 cr250 but you can ride the drz anywhere all day everyday . its awsome . i been riding 40 yrs

[@99killerb]

Have a 2005 DRZ400E that sat in my brothers garage for almost 10 years after my divorce.. Got it back about 2 years ago, had to do quite a bit of maintenance, ditched the stock CV card for a Lectron, changed all the other fluids, new tires, got a Plate for it here in CA. (pita!) and now I have an almost brand new looking bike that absolutely rips with the new carb.. I can't justify droppin $12K on a new Beta, and this thing does everything well for the majority of my riding.. Just ordered a new front fender, based on how great your bike looks.. Thanks!

[@kcoutside7143]

Awesome! Thanks for watching! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@dalerobert6404]

It so true! I have had my DRZ400 since 2001, you can dress it up and down, and still hang with any others dual sport. Yes some others do some things better. Drz does it all! And also pulls hard out of the bush where others lie dead. That is why I call mine the Mule! Good looking Mule you got!

[@kenreese4484]

ahh, brings a tear to my eye, my 1980 pe 250 made me feel like a rock star,was def the bike,now its just my ole vinson 500,wifey aproved,God forbid anything happen to her, but if so,, I'll be buying a drz!!!

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

Have had a 2010 KLX 250 with a factory 300r head and barrel, StainTune full SS pipe, cut down Kx Snorkel and after much work, jetted correctly for over 18mths now and even though I'm overweight (100kg) it has and is a great all round bike. I put a IMS tank, S.C. seat, wider pegs, bar risers, rear rack, twin rim locks rear single on the front balanced the rims. At times, I get 30 km/Lt (70 us mpg). I had the shock and forks worked over with gold valves and heaver springs to carry my weight, gear and fuel (seals need to be done anyway). And even though it was a big outlay it was worth it, good suspension became well planted in all conditions. Gearing at 15/46 which works out at a tad under standard seams to be the sweet spot as it has more than enough bottom end, especially as I get better with clutch work when needed. Have just picked up a KLX400e with low km, and will see if it solves the seat to peg cramped feeling I feel after hours of riding, especially when seated for long stretches of highway or flowing dirt roads, I can't see how I can lower the pegs on the 300 without doing some cut and weld work which will be problematic & time-consuming. And the 400 should make a better long range travel bike. To wrap up, I found it interesting you place the DRz KLX and KTM in the roles you have, agreeing whole heatedly. And would like to spend some time on the KTM 350 as it sits in the sweet spot me thinks but am not shore of it durability at 20-50k usage, without major work. Cheers.

[@blacklabeloffroad]

100%!! I have a 2006 DRZ400S bought new and never have had any problems at 16.000 miles. I have a 2001 DRZ400S I converted to Super Moto and I have a 17 Husky FE350 all of them modded out. I run just like you where my 06 is my DR650 and my FE350 is more of my single-track trail bike. I have done all the same Black Diamond trails on my DRZ but at 50+ years old my DRZ is my all around dual sport bike. I woke up this morning thinking "Why do i love my DRZ so much" Reliability!!! I'm an Introvert by nature and I don't feel comfortable of the FE350 on long rides by myself. Thanks for this video and your thoughts on the DRZ, I absolutely love it!!

[@kcoutside7143]

Great input! Thanks for watching!

[@petebjerkelund5088]

Leaving roadriding after about three decades, and going off-road-hitch-carrier-the-bike-anywhere. I don't have enough luck left to be involved in the complete idiocy of a fourth Killkarz' shenanigans. My remaining moto is a '16 Strom650XA I've set up pretty well for going "off the road", and its great for gravel and double tracks but as much as I love it, it is too heavy, and has the wrong wheels, clearance and suspension for givin'er and picking my way through fun technical stuff. Selling. And just what you have here in view of your conclusive video, are pretty well exactly what I've whittled my Dual Sport choices too (except the KTM on the list was a '06 640(620) Adventure). KLX was out in front for sometime, then lured by the sexy/funky looking' 640Adv...but, for all round power and physical size I need, the DRZ is back out as a pretty clear winner. I don't care about high speed road travel, so that issue isn't an issue. Your video here as an owner/rider is the best practical review of the DRZ I've come across yet. 🤙🤙

[@lastsonofkrypton36]

Pretty easy: It's the right cc, it's not too heavy given its power output, and it nails the reliability/cost/simplicity for old tech. Now, Honda/Yamaha/Kaw could come along and completely loot the market if they'd make a 400cc, fuel-injected, 6-speed bike for

[@truss6282]

Yep it's a great bike and still a contender for sure!

[@tylercollins208]

My favorite mod was the 16/43-44 on a supermoto , but I've never torn into one, and looking forward to it 😁

[@jasonholman1209]

Man that is one sexy looking bike you have. I just got a drz yesterday. Haven’t got to ride it much yet but it was fun tearing up the yard. Haha

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks! Sooo much available for the DRZ’s to make them want you want! Enjoy that thing!!

[@cranerigging3604]

I've always had Suzuki RM's and loved them but it sounds like Suzuki knocked the ball out of the park on the DRZ400 series ! They designed & built a bike at an affordable price to fit a wide market of riders . I'm gonna keep my RM''s for off road thrashing but also looking pretty hard at a 2007 DRZs model for road & trail riding . Thanks for the review 👍

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks for watchin’

[@vonzips]

Just came across your channel and I dig your videos and the mods you’ve done to your bikes! My dilemma is this… I currently have a CA plated xr400r. It’s really got all the power I need and the motor is cherry. The entire bike is actually really great condition. But it’s a 2000 and I keep finding myself replacing part after part. I’m not opposed to older tech. I just think I’m ready for something new (as in model year). At the rate and mileage I ride, I wouldn’t do a valve adjustment for 5-7 years. But when components are 22 years old on my current bike, I find myself spending more time wrenching and maintaining than just riding. Don’t get me wrong; I love the learning and wrenching. It’s just getting in the way of the little free time I have to just get out and ride. I was eyeing the simplicity of the KLX, but already riding a 400 the DRZ seems like it could be a good switch… Decisions decisions…

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks for watching! It is definitely a tough decision, they are both great bikes, you can’t go wrong. It comes down to power, the DRZ has much more noticeable power, especially when jetted, air box opened up & slip on muffler. I love the older bikes!

[@raybaker8726]

I looked at all the 2022 400cc models everyone offered. Ordered a 2022 Beta 390rr-s. DRZ was 317lbs. Beta 241lbs

[@jmjm4860]

Its not fair to compare dry weight to wet weight. My drz is 300lbs with a full tank of gas (I took some of the stock weight off of it). Your beta is 260lbs.

[@captainamerica9353]

@@jmjm4860 , according to Suzuki, the dry weight of a DRZ is 321 pounds, which is much heavier than a Beta. If you don't mind 22 year old technology, a DRZ is cheaper. Still, I'm getting a Beta 500 RRS.

[@royjmcc7]

The DRZ is 317 wet weight.

[@MototalkUSA]

You're spot on with the dealer fees. I went today and they inflated the price to almost 10K with all the fees. There was even a charge for disposing the pallet. Couldn't pull the trigger, I have to shop around now. I dk how other people just say ok and pay all the added fees.

[@kcoutside7143]

That’s absolutely ridiculous! I keep screen shots on my phone from dealers that advertise no freight/no set up fees. I show it to dealers that say they can’t drop the fees. It’s simple, if 1 dealer can’t do it, every dealer can!! Pallet disposal lol! Unbelievable!

[@CrossRdNorth]

Wow- I live in NH and walked out the door this week at 7300. Have you checked AZ or NV? I moved from socal a year ago and saw what dealers were doing with new vehicle pricing. Nuts.I figured at this point the grift was off. I can’t see the dealers continuing to raise the prices above msrp.

[@MototalkUSA]

@@CrossRdNorth lucky you man. So I ended up getting a new Kawi KX250x from CT. MSRP was 8600 but it had $1000 off from Kawasaki until the end of the month. With taxes and significantly less fees than the previous dealer I went to, I got the bike for 8500 out the door. 100 bucks below list price 💪💪

[@SPENJERE]

Great advice, great bike! Thank you.

[@PhilConn]

Great video I own a drz400s I ride it to my local single track and ride it home. It’s a lot of fun.

[@daveross1968]

It is the best for most riders. I love mine !

[@Yollaman2024]

Love my DRZ

[@repetitivemotion]

I have a Blue 2007. It is the best looking dual sport on the planet

[@austin_moll]

Can you tell me where you got those plastics? I love the way the rear one looks - the one covering the exhaust pipe

[@kcoutside7143]

I custom cut it myself with a cut off wheel & smoothed the edge off with some sand paper.

[@austin_moll]

@@kcoutside7143 That's what I was thinking you might have done! Great job, looks great

[@kcoutside7143]

Thank you! Thanks for watchin'

[@NealZ31]

I just did the Wyoming BDR on my 2018 Drz400sm and on 17” wheels front and rear. JD jet kit and was fine up 11,000’ the highest we went.

[@AKAOmnivore]

Hard to disagree with most of what your saying, to me, it boils down to, is getting rid of 75lbs worth the $5k more you would have to pay for a new Beta/Husky/KTM. The DRZ doesn't have the power some of those have, but then it doesnt need anymore power than it already has to do off-roading. The other Japanese DS bikes are underpowered and about the same weight (Honda 450 aside, but it has its own issues)

[@uptown2152]

I want to ride a drz brought a ktm was my first bike I don’t know if it was me or the bike but after 1 ride of learning somehow my a bridge thing broke in half pistons was screwed it was crazy brought all the replacement parts n still couldn’t get it running but I did still sell it not running for 4500 my next bike n still I guess technically my first bike is the klx300 21 n I love it I fell on it multiple times learning got hit by a car on it bent the frame some how learning to wheelie and it’s still here giving my 10,000 percent fun nice video will have to try a drz next

[@stevewasilow5556]

Thanks for all the all info, great review. I love how you did the front forks. Did you leave the rubber boots on and put the seal savers over top? Which seal savers? The long zipper?? Appreciate the advice, nice styling

[@kcoutside7143]

Rubber boots are removed, those are the slip over seal savers, fork needs to be removed to install them. The zip on would work fine, I use those on my bike with upside down forks. Thanks for watching, I appreciate the comment!!

[@slowsteve3497]

The engine and throttle are great. Suspension too!

[@samuelfiset5084]

Hi whats youre front fender on it and did you trim youre rear plastic ?

[@kcoutside7143]

2020 rmz250 front fender, it requires modifications at headlight mask. A better option is a 2006 rmz250 fender, it bolts right on. I did trim the side panels. Thanks for watching.

[@mt1885]

Can you do a video on the front fender and RMZ rear fender? What headlight housing you got?

[@kcoutside7143]

I’ll try to get something up.

[@jonwsin0014]

I know your right about this stuff but for the last few years I’ve had nothing but problems with mine. It’s always had a sticky carb and then a bad stator.. a few bad stators. Now when checking the valves I see scoring on you cams. And maybe I’ve taken it to bad shops but mine hasn’t been right for years. It used to be a work horse. I just donno if I want to go back to Drz or try something else.

[@BNatoAk]

You left him speechless on that response lol. My Drz 400 pretty much shit the bed too.

[@jonwsin0014]

@@BNatoAk yea....but I bought another DRZ.... can't beat it for the price.. I'm hoping to fix my old drz and sell it.

[@alNange]

Just bought a 2019 and I’m luvin it

[@carrollmoody7518]

Thanks for the informative video.

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@martinspaulo5649]

I have one drz E 2002, it's a good choise. 👌✌

[@barrylauth6838]

The achilles heel of the DRZ400 is the close ratio gearbox. 1st too high for real technical and 5th too low for cruising. That's the single reason it didn't work out for me.

[@PhilConn]

You just change sprockets for that

[@seanpaula8924]

Bought the drz400s 2022 a few days ago. Msrp+ tax+ temp tag. Kawasaki dealer was msrp + $1000 extra bs for the klx300D. $3 MORE than the DRZ. Got the DRZ 🤷‍♂️

[@sophieharvey9456]

Great bike!

[@Kdjoao]

The drz is just a vibe

[@Alien590]

What front fender is that? Looks great!

[@kcoutside7143]

A 2020 rmz 250 fender, it requires modification to either the fender or the headlight mask for fitting. A 2006 rmz 250 fender will bolt right on & looks good too.

[@Denita6969]

Been enjoying your videos,had to subscribe..thanks for the videos ! CHEERS!!

[@kcoutside7143]

Thank you!

[@AoneT6k]

Great video

[@distilledfreedom1840]

I'm 6'2 205lbs. Looking for a good all around bike that can take me on multi day trips, but mostly I'll be on the trails. I've been told I should just get the EXC 500 do to my size, however being a new rider I feel it might unnecessary. So, now I'm thinking the EXC 350 or the DR 400. Leaning to the DR as I'm buying used.

[@kcoutside7143]

The 350 will have more power & be excellent off road. But the DRZ will be a better multi day bike, without a doubt! Between the 350 & 500, the 500 is a better long trip bike! Thanks for Watching! Enjoy whichever bike you get!

[@redbear1935]

Try run 15×41T sprockets

[@2vford241]

Really like the graphics kit on there, any chance you remember where you got it??

[@kcoutside7143]

Rockymountainatvmc.com

[@tylercollins208]

DRz Dual Sport you mean still enhanced with a few upgrades to be street legal , insured and still carbed and with off road wheels, or fast and fun?

[@antik_adam]

How much do those seal savers cost? I really like the look compared to the stock ones

[@kcoutside7143]

Most on line places right at $21.99. I purchased from rockymountainatvmc.com

[@rideyourbike]

Yap. DRZ400's reliability it's awesome and there's spare parts everywhere. If some day you feel the need for a 600cc maybe you could consider the AJP PR7... Maybe surprises you. Who knows? Thanks.

[@kcoutside7143]

I’ve thought about those, but I have no dealer close.

[@e.l.9589]

Southern California $9k, and $10k out the door. I'm all for supporting a business, I'm just not getting robbed.

[@kcoutside7143]

That is totally insane!!

[@e.l.9589]

@@kcoutside7143 All of these motorcycles being bought at inflated rates will flood the used market. I hardly see any in my daily commute, as well as driving commercially all day.

[@captainamerica9353]

E. L. for that money you can buy a Beta. Which is what I did!

[@e.l.9589]

@@captainamerica9353 Those have great reviews.

[@keldonator]

I got a 2019 for $5500 with 1k miles in Oregon. With these bikes no reason to buy new, so many used ones out there.

[@jimperry4420]

I bought a new 2021 and love it. What front fender and skid plate do you have?

[@kcoutside7143]

Ricochet off road skid plate. Fender is off 2021 RMZ 450, it requires modifying fender or headlight mask where the 2 come together, if you get a 2008 RMZ fender, you won’t have to modify anything & it looks good too. Thanks for watching!

[@kcoutside7143]

It’s a 2006 rmz fender that fit right up for sure, not 2008! I apologize for that!

[@TheDeerhunter42]

holly damn!!! i was fixing to buy a 2022 drz400s the dealer ship told me $9026.35 out the door!!! are they trying to screw me!! i thought that was high, i had plans on buying it this week end!! now im thinking wth ? is this to high. im new to dual sport bikes. i have owned a dr250 growing up your thoughts

[@kcoutside7143]

In all the years prior to Covid, in PA you could get any new bike out the door for the MSRP . Some dealers in my area still advertise no freight or set up fees. This day & age a fair price is MSRP + tax + tags. No additional bs charges. Of all the atv’s , SxS’s & bikes I’ve purchased the last 20yrs. I have never paid freight & set up! But if you want the bike it’s hard to say no. The dealers in my area have more drz’s coming in in April. You could wait until dealers get more inventory, then shop around or get a clean used 1. $9000 is a lot of money for a carbureted , old school fork bike!

[@CoffeeAndBusiness]

I bought one last week and have already put 200 miles on it.. it was like $8,500 out the door

[@alexhurtado4708]

Getting ready to pull the trigger on a drz400 as my first bike, so this video is much appreciated. What website(s) do you recommend for mods..specifically the plastic covers for color change?

[@kcoutside7143]

Rockymountainatvmc.com Ufoplast.com

[@LukeesCZ]

My biggest dilemma now. What to get after klr the drz or a 690. Not sure I can justify so much more money spent on 690... Damn drz looks good too.

[@kcoutside7143]

The 690 is a sweet bike if you can swing the extra cash. Just seems like every time I watch a adventure video with 690, guys have a fuel pump issue or electric issue, albeit minor fixes. But I do love ‘em!

[@andrewauman40]

Love the look of your drz. Looks clean. Been thinking of yellow plastics. Got black carbon fiber

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks! Thanks for watching!

[@nalinpremaratna925]

Hi have you come across carb issues on high altitude on the DR ...?

[@kcoutside7143]

I’ve, never been over 2200’ with any of my DRZ’s so I don’t have much info on that. I did always use JD jet kits.

[@BNatoAk]

Klx 300 master race!

[@garywinkworth3380]

hey mate whats that front gaurd off? i want one for mine

[@kcoutside7143]

2020 rmz250, it requires trimming of fender or headlight mask where the 2 meet, a 2004 rmz250 fender bolts right on & looks good too.

[@tomskinner6640]

Bring back the Honda xr650r

[@EvolATV]

great vid, just bought a 2022!

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks! You’ll love it!

[@antik_adam]

What tire's do you recommend for an offroad set up?

[@kcoutside7143]

Trakmaster 760 is DOT approved, it’s my favorite tire even for our straight up off road bikes.

[@irod2821]

Agree👍

[@uncletom1971]

I'm looking on internet, there's the DRZ400E and DRZ400S, what are the differences?

[@kcoutside7143]

In the USA the “E” model was an off road model , the “S” is the dual sport model. The E was tuned for more hp also.

[@uncletom1971]

@@kcoutside7143 Thanks. Ok so the "S" model then. I'm in Sweden and the market here is kind of none. Perhaps I could import.

[@JeanFrancoisDufour-bp5si]

Where Do you buy this graphiks ?

[@kcoutside7143]

They were from Dennis Kirk.com, but they may be discontinued. Check rockymountainatvmc.com also.

[@JeanFrancoisDufour-bp5si]

Thanks! You are a great bike 👍

[@motokev2727]

Do they still offer the 400e ?

[@kcoutside7143]

Not in the USA.

[@tieoneon1614]

Disagree! I went to go buy one, after sitting on it and riding it dirt/street I hated everything besides the motor. The handling, ergo's, suspension. Iv had a lot of dual sport, enduro and ADV bikes and always tried to make one into a do-it-all. It just has just made me miss out on more by compromising aggressive single track, or miles of back roads....cant do both with tires/sprockets favoring one. For me, having a dedicated enduro bike and a lighter ADV bike was the ticket. I bought both brand new for the price of a new FE350/501 also.

[@yrn_aj1005]

What exhaust is that

[@kcoutside7143]

Pro circuit T4

[@kylecampbell6954]

What front fender is on the bike and what kind of fork covers? I have a 2003 drz 400 e and need a new front fender and I would like to get those fork covers instead of the stock rubber ones

[@kcoutside7143]

Fork covers are SealSaver brand. Fender is a 2020 RMZ, this fender requires trimming under headlamp mask. A 2006 RMZ fender will bolt right on without any trimming, looks just as good.

[@kcoutside7143]

@@MT1LAD I took some measurements & had a sign shop make them for me.

[@hooligantimes9132]

Take out the yellow and see my garage!

[@JeanFrancoisDufour-bp5si]

Acerbis fuel tank?

[@kcoutside7143]

Yes. It fit well, no leaking issues.

[@JeanFrancoisDufour-bp5si]

Thanks ! Where Do you live?

[@JeanFrancoisDufour-bp5si]

Fcr carb?

[@kcoutside7143]

Factory carb. With JD Jetting kit

[@BrokenSprocket]

What is the front fender you are using

[@kcoutside7143]

That was a 2020 rmz 250 front fender, but you have trim the fender or the headlight plastic for it to fit. A 2006 rmz fender will bolt right on.

[@BrokenSprocket]

@@kcoutside7143 thanks mate 👍

[@localresident7826]

It's the best dual sport but you no longer own one. The question is which one has taken its place, the CRF, KLX, KLR or KTM ?

[@kcoutside7143]

I no longer have one , due to needing other bikes for KZbin vids, if I was going to only be able to own 1 bike, it would be a DRZ, none of the bikes i have now could single handedly take the place of the DRZ, the closest would be the KLX.

[@localresident7826]

@@kcoutside7143 It's surprising you would take the KLX over the CRF considering the CRF has better low end grunt.

[@kcoutside7143]

@@localresident7826 I'm basing that 1 on the better suspension out of the box, if I would do any light ADV work.

[@mt1885]

This may be the last year for them - seems like 2023 is last year of the DR650 and DRZ400. Due to the 'ink pen' mandates.

[@CrustyMac300]

If only it was Fuel Injected. 6 Speed would be nice too...

[@Ammothief41]

Seems like it's old and clunky, maybe weighs too much but you won't be laying down in the dirt cuz it flamed out either.

[@stavencapp]

the 400e is EVEN BETTER

[@frankcastillo3871]

Wr250r buddy is the best

[@sk8moto]

how about the lack of sixth speed?

[@kcoutside7143]

6th gear would be nice! But even with my other current bikes with 6 speed transmissions, I still change gearing to suit slow trail riding or high speed cruising. They could keep it a 5 sod. & lower 1st & 2nd gear. As long as I can cruise 70mph I’m good.

[@6226superhurricane]

the drz400s isn't the best dual sport.....the drz400e is thankfully they're street legal and you can still buy them new in aus.

[@bryceholland-yi5lf]

It’s not road legal in the states

[@6226superhurricane]

@@bryceholland-yi5lf i know, but the e model has been street legal in australia for 24 years. its 14lb lighter and has 20% more power.

[@roycemartin9068]

Great value? Sure. Best dual sport bike? No shot. Crf450rl and ktm 500excf trump the drz by a lot. Doesn’t mean the drz isn’t a good bike, just means there’s bikes out that have taken advantage of the technology that’s been discovered over the last 20 years.

[@jackh3522]

Sorry no bike with carb and 5spd is best dual sport many better choices never had fuel inj bike or battery fail me

[@mt1885]

The DRZ400 is better than the 'cast iron cylinder' 300L at least the DRZ400 has a plated cylinder and 100% better suspension than the rubber band 300L

[@jackh3522]

I have klx300 which as u know has as good suspension as drz and is much lighter can handle high elevation gets 75 mpg just better alaround bike

[@mt1885]

@@jackh3522 Will pass got a DR650 that idles around it.

[@jackh3522]

Sorry I would lose you on single track 650 to big and heavy

[@RedboneUnincorporated]

@Aris Torm not a chance, bud. Open highway and a bigger tank are the only advantages you have on that lugger.

[@sonnyriddles9371]

oil every 1000 miles if your smart.

[@rigobertobarajas8495]

Electric start,better then kick start