In the year 2000, Suzuki released the DR-Z400S, which was a perfect timing as the motorcycle industry was about to go through significant changes. The four-strokes bikes soon took over the market, and most Japanese two-stroke bikes went out of production. The DR-Z was Japan’s second-best dual-sport bike and was considered the best in its category until the release of the Honda CRF450L in 2019. Even now, the Suzuki sells for $7099, which is approximately $3000 less than the Honda, making it an excellent purchase.
AS TIMES CHANGE
Time flows, and although the DR-Z was built in a different era, it wouldn’t be that different if it were built today. Of course, the carburetor would have to go, but the motor is a compact, double-overhead-cam four-valve with electric start and a counterbalancer. It is not much different from most modern four-stroke motocross bikes. The DR-Z uses a shim and buckets to drive the valves directly, and there are other old-school design elements like the “right-side up” fork, steel tank, frame, and handlebar.
The DR-Z soon became the Suzuki off-road race team’s primary weapon out west since there were no Honda CRF450R or serious motocross four-strokes from Suzuki or Kawasaki at the time. Mike Kiedrowski won back-to-back WORCS championships in 2001 and 2002 on a Yoshimura-built DR-Z against a field of Yamaha 426s.
Despite being an exceptional bike, it’s challenging to find a dual-sport version of Kiedrowski’s DR-Z. It’s still possible but would cost a lot and still not match the modern 450s. Today, the Suzuki DR-Z400S is more of a trail bike than a competition bike. It performs reasonably well in its stock form, with only two horsepower less than a Husqvarna FE350S at peak performance.
There is a range of aftermarket parts available for the DR-Z400S, including Keihin FCR carburetors and DOT-approved knobbies. However, the main appeal of the Suzuki is its low price. It’s more effective than one might think, and with decent tires, it can keep up with more modern dual-sport bikes on moderately difficult singletrack. It has great handling and suspension, and the ergonomics are almost modern-like, giving the rider a comfortable experience.
The only significant limitation is the stock Bridgestone Trail Wing tires, which are street-oriented and unsuited for rough terrain. It would be best to equip the Suzuki with aftermarket DOT-approved knobbies, but it’s important to note that they wear out faster than stock tires, which aren’t ideal for mostly pavement riding. It might be a good idea to have an extra set of wheels with knobbies set aside for special off-road occasions.
The Suzuki DR-Z400S is an