howdy DRZ400 owners. I am new to this thread and I am selling my DR350Se bored to a 440 for a new bike. I am stuck between the DR650 and the DRZ400. My question for you DRZ riders is this: How do you like the dual sport aspect of the bike? I know plenty who use the DRZ400 for their trail bike. I know it is not a true lightweight trail bike, but neither is my DR350 and I used to take it into the woods all the time. How do you feel about 30-60 min on highway doing 65+? Is this doable? I know the DR650 will do it, but is way big for any real wood time.(even though many do it) I have a woods bike, but I like sometimes riding to nowhere and just going offroad, and versatility is why I ride a dual sport. I will also be taking it to work. I need to put racks on it to hold boots, uniform and misc army gear. Thoughts and recommendations would be helpful. Thank you. I have been pondering this for 2 weeks, and just want to make sure I know everything before I make a decision.
I just bought a 2001 drz400e converted to street and I can go 3 hours relatively easy @ 55-60mph. Granted my bike has nice suspension, but if I changed my gearing towards the top end it would be even more comfortable. Hate taking it on the highway or anywhere that has 70mph speed limit but on a stock z400s I could push it to 78-80 for short spurts but was really about it. Short answer yes it's perfect to ride three hours and then hit the trails hard for three more!! Not that hard to throw around a little if you're the man.
is there a difference in road riding with the SM and the S? I know there are street tires, but that is easy enough to fix.
The SM that I bought was completely built for dirt with only country road style on-roading. The S I previously road had slicks and could top out at 80ish. The SM is the way to go plastic tank more simple dash (kinda miss the S digital dash) but lighter weight and less emission BS Depending on your state-- start at trail mode with the drze and modify to your preference.... Or get a v-twin and a motocross bike and have the specialists
i'm missing the south west right now, but trying to make do on the east coast i will be on oak island on the 13-20. planning so back road ride with the mrs. on her zuma 50/70
redleger, On my 2007 DRZ-400S with the stock gearing: 15 tooth countershaft sprocket and 44 tooth rear sprocket, I have no problem keeping a steady 75 mph (indicated on the stock speedometer) on the highway for 45 min. 75 on the stock speedo (8.5% generous) is an actual 69 mph (verified by GPS). I am able to do slow single track with the stock gearing with some clutch work. I use a 47 tooth rear sprocket if I'm heading out to do more off road than on, and can still hit the highway if needed. I think Suzuki got the gearing right for dual sport use. The increased suspension travel and lighter weight of the DRZ over the DR650 makes it a true dual sport in my opinion.
Ok so I guess the real question is would it hurt the bike to travel those speeds for a long period of time? Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
No, there are alot of people who do long distance road trips on the drz. Id run 16/44 or 15/44 for street runs. Ive done long highway rides with 14/47 I just put along in the slow lane at 55-60
Ten days ago, I bought a 2000 DRZ400S with 24,000 miles showing. Remove stickers, several replacement parts, valve clearance check, carburetor Pine-Sol bath, a little paint and rubbing, and voilá ... my new DRZ now purrs like a kitten. Took it for a little 166 mile ride today. Before: After: Major Ingredients:
I don't think it would hurt the bike doing 65 for 30-60 min. at a time with the stock 15/44 gearing, but Like focallength suggested, I would go with 16/44 gearing if I was doing a lot of high speed (more than 70) highway riding. Personally, I prefer the secondary roads at 50-60 mph
Honestly it comes down to personal preference. I put in ear plugs, oil up, and go 140 miles in 4 hours on Roads with little to no other cars --two lane roads some with lines some without. I never go over 65. If you want the most out of your drz these are the ideal conditions to maintain trail worthy performance in my opinion. Mine kills it everywhere I go but I'm getting a v twin for the lady and I to enjoy together and forego the single-track and hit the pavement with a little more zest.
