Suzuki DRZ400 SM

DUX · 03-18-2006, 3:55 PM

I had to work this morning so I figured I'd make the most of it and rode the RC in, even though the weather-guesser said it was 31F.

On the way home I couldn't resist popping into the Suzuki dealer. They had a black 400SM on the floor. I've been interested in them for a while and asked a few questions about it. Before I knew what was happening, the salesman was wheeling it out the door for a test-ride.

Unfortunately the battery was too weak to start the bike so they're charging it up and told me to come back in an hour.

I'm thinking this bike will fit many roles:
- Daily, all-weather commuter (7 miles each way) with some soft bags
- Gravel/fire road explorer
- Track bike. A dedicated track bike would be too expensive for me considering the # of days I'm likely to do per year, and I don't want to trash the RC
- Teach the wife to ride.
- Squid/hooligan machine

...............just kidding

- Save $14,000 and my marriage by not buying a BMW R1200GSA

Chain, I've read your posts. Please feel free to offer up some more opinions.

Does anyone else have any experience on the bike? How's the aftermarket? Can it be fitted with a windshield, heated grips, etc?

BDA116 · 03-18-2006, 4:42 PM

Be sure to post pics of it when you get it home this evening.

phobiaphobe · 03-18-2006, 5:00 PM

From what I've read they're a blast in the city but a drag on the highway. I think it'd be a fun toy.

Northern RR · 03-18-2006, 5:41 PM

I'd love to have one but they are really not for around here... far too many higways. I would likely loose my license on one too that would suck

Post up what you thought of it though. Be good to hear another review of it.

DUX · 03-18-2006, 5:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDA116

Be sure to post pics of it when you get it home this evening.

Just because it would save me $14k over the BMW, it doesn't mean that I can buy a new $6k bike right now. Sorry, didn't buy it, so no pics.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

From what I've read they're a blast in the city but a drag on the highway. I think it'd be a fun toy.

I haven't owned a bike under 1000cc's in over a decade, so I definitely noticed the power difference. However, it's a completely different kind of bike and I'm sure that it has plenty of power for what it was designed for. It hit 60mph with no problem and was relatively buzz-free.

It definitely emphasized how heavy my RC and VTX are. The SM would be tons of fun on a twisty track, even though you would get eaten alive on the straights.

Chain · 03-19-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUX

I had to work this morning so I figured I'd make the most of it and rode the RC in, even though the weather-guesser said it was 31F.

On the way home I couldn't resist popping into the Suzuki dealer. They had a black 400SM on the floor. I've been interested in them for a while and asked a few questions about it. Before I knew what was happening, the salesman was wheeling it out the door for a test-ride.

Unfortunately the battery was too weak to start the bike so they're charging it up and told me to come back in an hour.

I'm thinking this bike will fit many roles:
- Daily, all-weather commuter (7 miles each way) with some soft bags
- Gravel/fire road explorer
- Track bike. A dedicated track bike would be too expensive for me considering the # of days I'm likely to do per year, and I don't want to trash the RC
- Teach the wife to ride.
- Squid/hooligan machine

...............just kidding

- Save $14,000 and my marriage by not buying a BMW R1200GSA

Chain, I've read your posts. Please feel free to offer up some more opinions.

Does anyone else have any experience on the bike? How's the aftermarket? Can it be fitted with a windshield, heated grips, etc?

Don't eff it up by making it a bagger. Buy the Suzuki aftermarket rear cargo rack and matching bag. You'll be able to carry all you want and it'll still look sporty.

http://www.ronayers.com/catalogs/sga...id=18&type=245

Sure, you can put heated grips on it, but again, don't ruin the lines of the bike by putting a windshield on it. You'll ride totally upright, so you'll be in clean air w/o one. Plus, this isn't an interstate cruiser and sustained speeds at more than about 50 are a chore. Besides, your range is very limited with the stock gas tank.

The bike is a bit of a wheezer without a well sorted jet kit and full pipe. This is a two edged sword, because to really tap into the mill's performance, you wind up with a REALLY loud motorcycle. I loved my full race Yosh RS-3 at first, but it wore on me (my neighbors too, I'm sure). Using the spark arrestor cuts down on the noise, but really hurts throttle response and power.

If you're more than about 175 pounds, you'll need a new rear shock spring. I installed one on mine, put the ass in the air, and came out with a much sharper handling bike on pavement.

Stainless brake lines, at least on the front, are mandatory. So are axle sliders. SMEs are the only ones to buy.

http://www.supermotoengineering.com/sliders.htm

Final thought: My last moto-vacation was on this very bike (before I sold it, the busa, and my gear and got out of riding). I put the SM in the back of my pickup and drove to southern Ohio where a couple friends and I did Ohio's Triple Nickle and assorted backcountry twisties. Very good riding with lots of undulating pavement. The bike excelled in this environment, easily a match for machines with three times the power. This bike may cause you to ride irresponsibly, be warned.

sheepofblue · 03-19-2006, 11:41 AM

May be a bit tall for a learning bike depending on your wifes height.

I agree with everything Chain said except the clean air. Although it is a much different bike in seating, engine performance and air it is similiar to my Ascot. If you go long distances (100+) the buzz will be more noticed. Also the pull from the wind will add up (and be a bit cooler).

Mojave954 · 03-19-2006, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chain

This bike may cause you to ride irresponsibly, be warned.

See this every Sunday. Speaking of which, time to suit up.

Nice write up Chain.

DUX · 03-19-2006, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojave954

Nice write up Chain.

All things considered, it would be an awesome toy but I don't think it's the right bike.

Chain · 03-19-2006, 8:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

If you go long distances (100+) the buzz will be more noticed.

The 400 is hopelessly lean from the factory and that's the source of most of the buzz at the hands. Once suitably richened via a good jet kit, the bars are virtually vibe free.

Chain · 03-19-2006, 8:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojave954

See this every Sunday. Speaking of which, time to suit up.

Nice write up Chain.

Thanks brotha.

G-Force Junkie · 03-20-2006, 2:19 AM

Find another deealer if they are incompetent enough they cant bump start a 400 single. Sheesh, I can bump my 929 and 1150 alone.

SomeStrangeGuy · 03-20-2006, 4:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Force Junkie

Find another deealer if they are incompetent enough they cant bump start a 400 single. Sheesh, I can bump my 929 and 1150 alone.

that was my first thought.

Doesen't sound like your into it anyways Dux, but just to add my $.02 and as someone who has actively pursued the d/p bike thing...the best way to put it is that d/p bikes are semi-ok at alot of things but not really (truly) palateable for any one thing unless that one thing is going from street to trail and back again, because that IS where it shines. It's like anytime you try to take it off center you end up with a nonlinear loss at the other side, in the bike mod world of things....

A 400 on the highway for anything over about 20 miles...come on now, it never did anything to you did it

.
I wouldn't go anything less then 600cc if your planning on doing highway or any sustained driving about 55 (ie: 15-20 minutes worth).

DUX · 03-20-2006, 7:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Force Junkie

Find another deealer if they are incompetent enough they cant bump start a 400 single. Sheesh, I can bump my 929 and 1150 alone.

I could have done it myself too, but it was their machine and their rules.

I guess they were afraid I'd stall it out in traffic and not be able to get it started again.

ND4SPD · 03-20-2006, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chain

Final thought: My last moto-vacation was on this very bike (before I sold it, the busa, and my gear and got out of riding). I put the SM in the back of my pickup and drove to southern Ohio where a couple friends and I did Ohio's Triple Nickle and assorted backcountry twisties. Very good riding with lots of undulating pavement.

Chain · 03-21-2006, 11:23 AM

I know, I know, I was gonna look both you and HD up when I was there, but my trip got cut short and I had to drive home overnight to get back to Omaha for what turned out to be a funeral. I didn't talk about much at the time, it was too much of a bummer.

Heavy-Dee · 03-21-2006, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chain

I know, I know, I was gonna look both you and HD up when I was there, but my trip got cut short and I had to drive home overnight to get back to Omaha for what turned out to be a funeral. I didn't talk about much at the time, it was too much of a bummer.

werd. No worries. I don't want to hang out w/ you anyway. Loser.

HD

Chain · 03-21-2006, 12:10 PM

pirate929 · 03-21-2006, 2:22 PM

I just put a Yoshi pipe, and a new carb on one yesterday. Those bikes are too much fun. It's more than enough power for really tight curves. Wheelie monsters too. Don't plan on hanging out with liter bikes though. I ride my friend's whenever I get the chance.

Chain · 03-21-2006, 4:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pirate929

I just put a Yoshi pipe, and a new carb on one yesterday.

Full pipe w/a Keihin flat slide??? Serious powa!