Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM - Can I take one off road?

**watermellon** · 2nd June 2010, 18:55

In the market for a trail bike but it has to be road legal too. I like the look of the DR-Z400SM more than the 'E' model. If I fit trail tyres will it be a realistic proposition for trail riding?

Excuse my ignorance. I've had dozens of road bikes over the years but really know bugger all about off road bikes.

Thanks.

**The Pink Panther** · 3rd June 2010, 21:12

Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM - Can I take one off road?. yes you can take it off road but will it work ... No it wont , DRZ SM means it will have shorter diff springs spring rates.
the DRZ 400 is a bike that cannot do both well dirt / tard , they are priced to sell from the shop floor but i gather if you like tard or dirt you will soon sell it for a real bike...
ie a bike that is a heck of a lot lighter and more powerfull. buy a low hr/ km big bore ktm rfs you will have to maintain it ... her the ktm , parts are cheap after market hard parts are everywhere.
go to your local track dirt or seal and use your eyes to see what is being used.

**Ocean1** · 3rd June 2010, 21:26

Realistic? No, it's not a dirt bike.

The "E" is, though. If I read PP right he's pointing out that there's really no bike that does both dirt/road as well as dedicated dirt/road bikes. I agree, but I think the DRZ/KLX is one of the better compromises out there.

**doc44** · 14th July 2010, 13:43

Depends what kind of off road riding you are talking about? If, like me, you want to do trail riding and not motocross the DRZ-E should be fine, but for more serious off roading a more serious bike may be better. But with something like a KTM be prepared for more regular maintenance which would equal higher costs. One of the many things I love about my DRZ is the reliability and economy

I have to agree with Ocean1, the DRZ is one of the better compromises between dirt and road, but an E model with SM wheels would probably be a better bet than an SM with offroad wheels for reasons pointed out by PP. Two sets of wheels is a good idea, not difficult to swap over. Also I think most E models have the FCR carb and bigger bore exaust as standard whereas the SM does not.

**twisty** · 16th November 2010, 08:43

**Crazy Steve** · 16th November 2010, 11:25

Originally Posted by twisty

Noice ! !

A couple of years ago while at the coldkiwi I saw a guy do a massive jump on his DRZ400SM in the Wet on road tyres.....We all waited to watch the crash ! !

He didn't and pulled it off prefectly.

I say a DRZ400SM can be ridden off road (Road tyres will let you down and the really hard stuff of course)

His jump he did was at least 5times the size of the one I did in this photo on my DR650..

Crazy Steve.

**White trash** · 16th November 2010, 11:31

Originally Posted by Crazy Steve

His jump he did was at least 3times the size of the one I did in this photo on my DR650..

Crazy Steve.

Lol. 3, multiplied by "gay jump" = Gay Jump.

Can't argue with Algebra bro.....

**twisty** · 16th November 2010, 12:09

My DRZ sm works fine as a trail bike, I run Dunlop D606's on the front (17' back tyre) and back.

**waynzz7** · 4th December 2010, 22:46

Originally Posted by watermellon

In the market for a trail bike but it has to be road legal too. I like the look of the DR-Z400SM more than the 'E' model. If I fit trail tyres will it be a realistic proposition for trail riding?

Excuse my ignorance. I've had dozens of road bikes over the years but really know bugger all about off road bikes.

Thanks.

How did you get on in your DRZ hunt??? I got myself a drz400e 06 recently and must say I am disapointed in itt ..I have done a few trail rides, ride it to work each day and done some highway riding...and it really is just ok at everything..It is a heavy old beast on the trail, trying to pick up 140 odd kg each time on steep muddy slopes sucks..it is only ok on open road as it can sit at 100k (depending on gearing) but is not comfortable for any great length of time..it is a bit of fun riding to work around the city though..

To make the DRZ work a second set of rims with road tyres, new brake/bracket etc..the other with knobblies for the trails..2 lots of gearing 14-41 (road) and 14-47 (trails). Before you buy one ask yourself if you can put up with a bike that is just ok at things??

I can't so I am going to sell mine for a bigger adventure bike and get a nice light 250 two stroke for the trails..My two cents worth anyways...