Suzuki DR-Z400SM - Opinions?

[Fezz]

Hey Guys,

I'm pretty hell bent on getting myself one of these bikes to do my L's & P's on.

http://www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/images/upload/working/Original07_DR-Z400SM_K7-1.jpg

Has anyone ridden one or have any feedback on the bike? I'm looking at getting a 06' 2nd hand or a 07' brand new. I don't plan to take this bike off road.

Now I realise these aren't full on race spec'd super motard bikes like the Husqvarna's, KTM's, etc, but it looks like a good bike to learn on the road with and take it for the ocassional spirited ride.

I currently ride a motocross bike (04' KX250) so I'm not a total dummy.

Thanks in advance.


Cheers,
Matt

[bpm]

i can only speak for the dirt going version (regod) but they are a damn good bike, very reliable and handle well. a little heavy and a little underpowered though, i can only imagine that version would be worse on those counts. i could see it being a top learners bike though.

[Satansfist]

Fun fun fun fun fun...:bday: :yahoo:

I had a WR400 I turned into a Supermoto, great fun on the road, flat out everywhere and still legal.

[MARRA]

I cant comment about this version but I had the '00 Non ADR'd model. I only got it to be different as everyone had WR's or YZF's. I fitted a Youshimura Full Pipe & opened up the air box it went really well. Flogged the hell out of it for 3 years & never had a problem with it.

[hell-met]

Good commuting bike, but...
You will feel the difference from the Kx250 to the drz400.
Nothing a pipe, jet/carb upgrade and cam won't fix...
.
I had one for about 5months, then sold it for a Husaberg fs650e, i still scare myself silly on the berg...
.
cheers

[VU_SS_UTE]

I've ridden a DRz-400 which had been "motarded" and it was awesome, one of the most fun bikes ive ridden. 4th gear on the back wheel simply leaning back and gassing it!

[tuffrangie]

Good reliable bike, supermotard is great as well, not as much of a big power bang as the lighter 450's but has some good low down torque

[volt]

Here is a short review mixed with a couple of others.

http://www.bikepoint.com.au/portal/alias__bikepointau/tabID__5760/ArticleID__120194/DesktopDefault.aspx

I like the DRZ, but for me the Aprilia super motards are bike porn :drool:

http://www.aprilia.com.au/images/site/sxv3.jpg

[Bravo Brad]

If your not planing much offroad, you might want to concider a DR650,

[Bana]

Hi mate DRZ400 is a great bike to start with and move on from if you want to race or so on. I race my DRZ400.

[VYR8HSV]

Over there dont you guys have an engine size limit
for when you 1st get your motorbike licence???

Here in WA it is 250cc So this couldnt be used as
a "L" or "P" plate bike....

Pete

[Satansfist]

Over there dont you guys have an engine size limit
for when you 1st get your motorbike licence???

Here in WA it is 250cc So this couldnt be used as
a "L" or "P" plate bike....

Pete

Power to weight thing over there I'm pretty sure.

[bpm]

it used to be nothing over 250cc over here with the execption of rgv250s and the like. now its a power to weight thing, and the rta has a list of learner legal bikes. for eg the xr650l is legal but the xr650r isnt.

[duke5700]

I ride a DRZ400e for my dirtbike fun.

Good points

Good fuel consumption - crusing you will get 220kms per tank

Great reliability- Only issue with the older ones was timing belt. Has been fixed on the newer versions

Perfect bike for a learner. good spread of torque and great bike to learn to do bulk wheelies on.

Bad-

to heavy

not enough poke for when you get better, though a staintune and a re-jet makes a big difference

doesnt handle super well sits to high is the main problem.

Other than that its basically the bike that replaced the XR400 as the perfect little maintenance easy to ride bike. With an electric start.

[Fezz]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I ended up getting one a week ago. :love:

So much fun it's not funny, everytime I get off the bike I have a grin from ear to ear.

Maybe the off road model handles like shit but the Super Motard handles like a demon!

Highly recommended for anyone else looking for a fun bike to start on.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~ferry/kx250/DSC_5632.jpg


Cheers,
Matt

[turrican]

Hi,

I was looking at getting this bike [drz400sm] for my L's aswell but it turns out that this bike is illegal for a learner bike in N.S.W.
So you already just bought one?? were you aware that they aren't legal?

[Fezz]

Hi,

I was looking at getting this bike [drz400sm] for my L's aswell but it turns out that this bike is illegal for a learner bike in N.S.W.
So you already just bought one?? were you aware that they aren't legal?

Who told you they were illegal?

Cause whoever did is telling you lies, it even said LAMS on the rego label.

Even the big banger Husqvarna motards are legal and they have heaps more power.

[turrican]

Well , i couldn't find the bike on the RTA LAMs list , only the drz400e is on it ...not even the "s" model which is made more for the road than the "e" model.

I talked to the guys at the bike shop and they say its the motor on the "sm" is de-restricted
but the "e" model is restricted.

I don't know... i hope your right as i still want one bad.

I have emailed the RTA and am still waiting for an answer...it just doesn't make sense if its illegal.

BtW i found the bike on the Tasmanian LAMs list heheh so its definately legal there.

Will post more info if the RTA gets back to me.

[duke5700]

def legal dude.... I think it even has revised cam profiles to meet new emissions laws etc etc. I think the exhaust is quieter to than the dirtbike. The dirtbike is def legal so Im sure it would be.

[Fezz]

Don't believe sales people, haha.

The E off road model has more power than the SM model due to a better carby and other goodies in the motor.

Definately learner legal bud, the list is sort of there as a guide they are hopeless at updating it with the newer models that come out.


Cheers,
Matt