Suzuki DR-Z400SM reviews

This thing rips. I just got it and it is a blast to ride. I got on it, let the clutch out and popped a wheelie. It is fun. I would tell anyone to buy one. Show less

This bike is designed for anyone who wants to get the feel of super motard riding. It's very entertaining bike to ride and has a surprising amount of power for a single piston 398 ccm engine. The top speed I reached was 90 Mph, and went 0 - 60 in 5 to 6 seconds. It's top speed is not particularly impressive but this bike seems to be setup for in town driving not long trips. In my opinion the DRZ 400SM is very diverse and suitable for a wide variety of motorcycle riders. This bike is very durable, I hit a 90 to 100lbs blacktail doe at 60Mph and the only thing I needed to fix was my steering alignment. The only complaint I have is the tank size, it's just too small. I commute 24 miles a day and I have to refill my tank more or less every two days. Show less

What I've learned after riding this motorcycle for awhile is the jet kit and the exhaust upgrade really help. don't bother cutting the air-box because you will lose some low end and throttle response and jetting become pretty tricky. I fixed the problem by taping over part of the air-box lid and that helped a lot. I recently installed the Suzuki Accessories Super Moto front cowling and the cool factor went way up! This bike is a winner. Show less

I have owned many dirt bikes over about 30 years of riding. The bike is very comparable to the xr bikes of the 90's. It has the same great low end of the xr, but has more mid and top range. The bike has been as reliable as an ax. It is the estart model and has not ever needed to be push started. The previous owner made it minimally street legal. Not a great highway bike but fun on the side roads. Show less

This bike is, in my opinion, the best all around dual sport ever made. It is extremely reliable and unbelievably capable for a variety of different riding conditions. In the first year I owned this bike I put 5300 miles on it which consisted of 60/40 road and offroad. Riding in the Northeast is like riding on a stone row as we have lots of rocks that don't move and this bike handles it like candy. On the road it shines as well with plenty of torque to get around in traffic on a daily commute. More aggressive tread is needed for offroad and gearing is a bit high for tight and technical trail riding. If you are looking for a do-everything dual sport, look no further and buy this bike. Show less

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

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