Suzuki DR-Z250 reviews

I just traded for the DRZ400S and couldn't believe that you could have this much fun on the street. I had a Suzuki Intruder but have always been a dirt bike man at heart. This bike eats up the bumps and jumps you'll find on Oklahoma roads and handles way better than I thought a dirt bike would on the street. It has plenty of power for the highway and rides as well at 100 mph as it does at 50 mph. With some better tires I'd bet it would hang with my RM on the trails. If you want to ride the trails and then ride your bike home or to work - GET THIS BIKE! Show less

This bike is great. I've had it less than a year, and I ride it to work every day, rain or shine. I've already put over 4,000 miles on it, and have only had to change the oil as far as maintenance. One weekend I rode it to Pismo Beach/Oceano dunes from Fresno (170 miles). I rode right from the road, onto the beach, and into the back of the dunes, NOT ONE CHANGE! Show less

To be honest, I've never been compelled to write a review on anything I've bought before. I bought a 05 SM a year ago; I was looking for a dirt bike, but couldn't justify something I'd be riding occasionally on weekends. I also saw no reason to get an 80% dirt / 20% street bike and the SM fit the bill. With the street wheels, this is a 100% road bike that is a blast to ride in tight canyons, and 55mpg for a short commute to work is exceptional. Top speed is about 100 mph, and it will hold it without complaining. I've made several long trips and the only think I can complain about is the monkey butt and short 100 mile range (which I guess actually helps the monkey butt on long trips). But what about the dirt? It cost about $1000 for the whole conversion (new wheels, sprocket, chain, spare brake rotors, and a little engine armor). With about an hour quick change, swap wheels and a chain and you now have yourself a 100% dirt bike. The speedo cable didn't fit to the aftermarket hubs, so I figure I get free dirt miles. The way I see it, I spent my money and got 2 sweet bikes in one package. It's not the fastest bike, but with a 52 tooth rear sprocket it's got plenty of pep in the dirt for climbing steep hills and clearing table tops. The only catch here is the extra 50 lbs or so over other dirt bikes this size. And that's where I say, I am convinced this could be the perfect bike. It's a really fun road bike and an equally fun dirt bike... without sacrifice. I'm either street riding or dirt riding, there really is no in between, so why get an in between bike like the dual sport? Living in CA I will never have to worry about green stickers because it's plated, plus you get upgraded brakes and suspension with the SM, it just makes sense. Best bike ever! Show less

This is the first bike I've ever owned and I could not be happier. I haven't touched a thing on the bike since I bought it a month ago. It's everything a Dual Sport is supposed to be. Good responsiveness, easy to operate, works great on or off road. I need knobbies and the gel seat. The stock seat is painful and the stock street tires are not great off-road, but lots of sandy spots out here. I also need to lower the suspension, but I've been pleasantly surprised at the stock set-up. I'm using it mostly as a commuter bike with some fun on the way home off-road and whenever I can on the weekends. For a newbie with motorcycles, I couldn't have asked for better. It is a great bike. Show less

I just bought this bike about a month ago and I'm extremely impressed with it. I haven't put enough hours on it to really test the reliability on it but so far everything has gone smoothly. I just transferred over from a CR85R Expert and the transition has been effortless. The power is smooth all the way from idle to the top. It signs off a little early but I think I'm still used to revving the heck out of my 85. The comfort is great, the suspension is perfect for me, and once I set the sag, adjusted a couple clickers it handled like no other machine. I like the turning better than on my 85! Overall this is a very powerful but extremely easy-to-use bike with no compromises. I would fully recommend it to anyone. Show less

The most fun ever after owning 5 Ninjas, crusiers, and even more fun than my DR650SE. This bike fits me better too. It has so much more comfort and wicked handling to carve up saddle road, even on the gravel part! Show less

Have rode and raced offroad for 10 years in the deserts of Nevada. Have rode Yamaha's and KTM's both were excellent race and practice bikes. When I decided to slow it down I went looking for a reliable/durable dual sport. I think I found it in the DRZ. Have gone on several day long rides and a couple of 500 mile weekend rides, 90% of it off road. When I get back all the stock stuff still works ie turn signals, lights, etc... My friends on KTM's can not say that. Personally I hade to do a few aftermarket items to improve power and suspension. I did go on a couple of rides prior to the upgrades and the bike was ok, although it did not have the throttle response and the suspension was soft. Went to the a pumper carb, and front springs, did not change valving and large tank. Best of all they are a great $ value even if you choose to do the upgrades it is less money than anything else in it's class. Show less

This is by far the best 250 four stroke out there. It runs great, the motor is really realiable, and the performance is second to none. All in all I'm very very happy that I went with the 2007 RMZ 250 and I think you should do the same. Out of all the bikes I have ridden, the Suzuki dominated in handling and suspension also. It will rip through any rough corner that any other bike would struggle on. Show less

Updating my experience with the DRZ400SM. Had it 6 months now and have 2000 miles. Engine performance improved slightly over time, but I've since added an fcr carb, rejet and air box mod and shortened the gearing slightly. Totally different bike now. Bike handles so well and has good braking feel. Wheelies like a dream. Just down on power...could use about 15hp more. Still an awesome bike for urban environment. don't want to be on anything else around town. Quality is excellent and I've had no comfort problems. Get rid of the stock D208S as soon as you can. Show less

I have a black 2005 DRZ SM. Love it. I have ridden everything big, small, on, and off road. This bike simply rules the asphalt and most other terrain. Burnout, wheelie, and do just about whatever you want without problem. The bike is amazing. I spin around on grass and fly over jumps on dirt - it's hours of fun that I never get tired of. Highly recommend getting one for yourself soon. Show less