Dream or nightmare?
Suzuki DRZ-400S
DREAM OR NIGHTMARE? Its finish isn’t brilliant
Suzuki developed a bit of reputation for so-so finishes during the 1990s and the DR-Z is cut from the same flimsy cloth. Paint will wear off the frame where you make contact and also flake off the engine, and the bodywork will have peeling decals and plenty of ‘patina’. And that’s if the bike has had an easy life; well-used trailies will be another level.
It’ll need looking after
The DR-Z will lap up abuse but the more you’re encouraged by its usability the more maintenance its requires. Spares are cheap and available, and it’s easy to work on, but keep an ear out for bottomend rumbles. Water pump seals leak and if it’s an early example, there might be camchain tensioner bother as well. And exhaust smoke is never a good thing. Spirited trail use can also lead to saggy and leaky suspension.
It’s solid rather than exciting
Suzuki’s claimed 39bhp is optimistic, the chassis is simple and there are no standout features. Yet this is part of the
DR-Z’S appeal. You can get on with riding it, knowing it’ll be the same every time you swing the garage door open, and enjoy a bike with a far better road/ off-road balance then larger dualpurpose alternatives.
They don’t come cheap
Values for trail bikes look crazy next to road bikes. £3500 for a 15-year-old, 30-odd horsepower single? You need to swallow hard and accept you’re unlikely to lose much if you keep it maintained. Double-check you’re buying a dualpurpose 400S too: the 400E has more power and less weight but is a dedicated trail tool with no pillion pegs,
Still a great-fun dual-purpose bike today indicators, instrument panel, steering lock, mirrors or proper lights. The 400SM, with 17-inch wheels, USD forks and beefy brakes, is for tarmac only.
A different approach
Owning a DR-Z makes you a different sort of rider. You’ll avoid popular roads to hunt out lanes and unsurfaced roads. The Suzuki’s flexibility and ruggedness encourages you to ride more, regardless of weather, and to embrace the joy of motorcycling rather than the speed or technology associated with it.