Suzuki began manufacturing the DRZ 400 dual-sport motorcycle in 2000. There is a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, carbureted, four-stroke engine with 398 cc (24.3 cubic inches). Furthermore, the Suzuki DRZ 400 top speed is approximately 94mph.
A Suzuki DRZ 400 is a dual-sport motorcycle with a 400cc engine, but it is available in various models. Both engines have liquid-cooled 4 strokes and are very similar.
Let’s learn more about the Suzuki DRZ 400, including its specs, features and top speed.
What are the DRZ 400 Models Available in the Market?
Only two Suzuki DRZ 400 models are available new from a dealer today, but four different models are available. The following are among them:
DRZ 400 – Off-road trail bike
DRZ 400E – Off-road trail bike with electric start
DRZ 400S – Street legal dual sport motorcycle
DRZ 400SM – Street legal supermoto motorcycle with road wheels and tires
Model year history
This engine came from a 350cc air-cooled, dual sport bike called the DR350. Eventually, Suzuki discontinued this and replaced it with a lighter, more powerful 400cc liquid-cooled engine.
Here are the major updates for each model year:
2000: DRZ 400’s first year
2002: The DRZ 400S model received externally adjustable suspension (the same as the DRZ 400E model).
2004: Retired the DRZ 400 off-road kickstart model
2005: The first year of production for the Supermoto DRZ 400SM
2006: A discontinuation of the off-road DRZ 400E on the market
2007: Reduced power and throttle response by upgrading to BSR carburetor
DRZ 400 vs DRZ 400E vs DRZ 400S – What’s the difference?
Although the standard name and model of the DRZ 400 is DRZ 400, you can choose from four options. A slightly higher performance is available from the factory on the DRZ 400E off-road trail model. DRZ 400E models come with an electric start option.
This is the street model and has street-legal lights for dual-sport riding, making it slightly detuned and heavier. A dual-purpose DOT tire is safe for riding on the road and legal, but can also handle some off-road riding since it is more rounded.
DRZ 400E vs DRZ 400S
The 400E is the off-road model, while the 400S is the street-legal dirt bike that can be used both on and off the road. High compression, hotter cams, and a Keihin FCR carburettor made the “E” model more powerful. Until 2003, when the “S” model received the same forks and shocks, the suspension was also more adjustable.
DRS400S vs DRZ 400SM
400 “S” models have wheels and tires for riding on and off-road, while 400 “SM” models have street wheels and tires for road riding.
Furthermore, the 400SM features bigger brakes for better stopping power and inverted forks and swingarms similar to the RMZ.
Suzuki DRZ 400 Specs and Features
We know that you want detailed information about the specs and features of the Suzuki DRZ 400. The following are exactly those, and they include:
| Title | Spec |
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
| Category | Dual-SportOff-Road |
| Engine type | Single Cylinder |
| Engine strokes | 4-Stroke |
| Engine size | 398cc |
| Power output | 29 kW |
| Torque output | 29 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 94 mph |
| Horsepower | 39 bhp |
| Weight | 133 kg |
| Seat height | 935 mm |
| Front tyre size | 80/100-21 |
| Rear tyre size | 120/90-18 |
| Fuel tank size | 10 litres |
| Fuel tank range | 100 miles |
| Fuel consumption | 45 mpg |
| Oil Capacity | 1.8 litres |
1. Dimensions
It is important to know the overall dimensions of the DRZ 400 to understand this motorcycle better. Overall, this piece measures 90.9 inches long by 34.4 inches wide. With a height of 48.4 inches, this is almost appropriate for anyone.
Furthermore, the motorbike’s seat height is 37.2 inches, making it suitable for anyone. It has a 58.5-inch wheelbase and weighs 262.4 pounds dry.
2. Heavy-Duty Engine
In any vehicle, the engine is undoubtedly the most important component. You’ll ride your bike smoothly if it’s powerful, while you’ll have many complications if it’s not.
The DRZ 400 features a single-cylinder engine with a double overhead cam, water jacket, and four valves. You’ll experience fast acceleration and energy-saving riding with its 33.4 horsepower and 25.6 lb of torque!
As a bonus, it has an electric start, which makes it perfect for trail riding. It’s also reliable!
3. Build-Quality
The build quality is top-notch since it’s made specifically for all types of riders. You can ride it effortlessly on mountain roads, muddy or bumpy sites, or off-road terrain.
Regardless of where you ride it, the bike’s good suspension, excellent ground clearance, easy handling, and adequate power make it a superior and enjoyable bike.
Once you set it up correctly, the DRZ 400 will handle any deep water crossing. You won’t have to worry about those water situations with this one!
4. Lightweight
The DRZ 400 is lightweight when compared to other sports bikes. It’s a positive feature since anyone can ride it smoothly without any difficulty.
With this two-wheeler, you can go anywhere as if you were on a road.
5. Perfect Height
When it comes to the height section, it’s neither too high nor too low. With the DRZ 400, any rider can get a smooth ride regardless of height. You can still adjust the seat on this bike if you need to lower it. What’s the process?
It is just a matter of getting a professional to lower the suspension and the seat. You’ll be able to handle your bike more easily, and the suspension performance will improve even further.
As for learning the process, you can use it the next time around.
You can lower the DRZ 400 only up to 1 inch since lowering it further isn’t recommended.
6. Brakes
The DRZ 400’s disc brake is a great option when looking for a bike with incredible control. The first gear makes paddling through the rocks easy, while the high gear reduces runway buzz.
However, its five gears are highly effective for stopping, which also holds a lot of help.
7. Service Intervals
When you take your sports bike out for rides, you understand how important service intervals are. DRZ 400 has a friendly and quick interval system with great flexibility.
You’ll be able to make your trips more memorable and uncomplicated with this easy service!
Suzuki DRZ 400 Off-Road Characteristics
The DRZ 400 excels in this area since it is a very capable off-road machine. This bike has excellent ground clearance, suspension, power, and easy handling. The bike is far from a lightweight enduro, but Suzuki has never claimed it to be one. Off-road machines like this are solid, reliable and capable.
Suzuki DRZ 400 On-Road Characteristics
The DRZ 400 has a shallow five-speed gear cluster, making it more suitable for off-road riding than on-road. The 15/44 sprocket combo allows me to cruise at 100 km/h while still handling technical off-road terrain, albeit with a bit of clutch feathering in the technical areas.
A bike revving at 100 km/h will reach 6250 rpm. As you can expect from any small-capacity single-cylinder bike, it ticks along at 100 km/h without any problems.
On the open road, the bike generally handles well. Although the DRZ 400 only has 400cc of power, it has enough horsepower to deal with steep inclines, and headwinds, overtake slow vehicles, and be enjoyable to ride.
What is the Suzuki DRZ 400 Top Speed?
Fast is a good word to describe this bike. There is no limit to what you can do with it. According to Suzuki, the DRZ 400 Top Speed is 94mph.
Hey, you could go faster than that.
Several people have shared their overwhelming experiences with this two-wheeler, saying they can ride it at 110-120 mph with no problem. The high cc engines of this gem push forward even in muddier conditions.
However, a variety of factors can affect the speed, such as road conditions, wind, maintenance, and altitude. It is also possible for your weight to affect your ride (sometimes)!
It’s possible that some may be able to ride it at precisely 94mph (which is normal), while others may reach 140-150mph.
A good rule of thumb is to keep it between 60 and 70 mph for average rides, which is also highly possible with the DRZ 400. The best thing about this beast is that you can ride it at any speed.
How to Increase Suzuki DRZ 400 Top Speed?
There is already a tremendous top speed on the DRZ 400, but you can gear it higher.
Your DRZ 400 Top Speed need to be increased for three reasons:
1. Your desire to be in front of everyone might be a driving force. You might love going over 120 mph while racing because adrenaline is coursing through your veins! If you’re a professional cyclist, this might be a legitimate reason for adding more speed.
2. If the speed is higher for off-riders, it’ll be able to handle slushy, muddy, or water-filled trails better.
3. You can get tips and tricks from any mechanic or veteran rider without wasting valuable money.
Here, we share the same cost-effective and, most importantly, practical hacks. Please keep in mind that the following tips will only add 3-4 mph to your speed, so let’s begin,
1. Replace the carburetor
It’s certain that changing your motorbike’s carburetor will increase its speed. A carburetor primarily adds air and fuel to your bike and increases its horsepower.
A higher horsepower will allow the bike to accept more fuel and air, increasing speed.
So You should buy a carburetor that provides more fuel with throttle response on your two-wheeler. Your DRZ 400 will be able to reach its top speed this way.
Also, some signs indicate it’s time to change the carb. As an example:
- Changing the carburettor may solve your bike’s fast idle
- Low fuel economy will result from a damaged carburettor
- Trying to start it will cause it to flood
- It can’t handle more weight
If you notice any of these issues, make sure you change your carburettor right away!
2. Return the gear ratio to its original state
It is more important to replace the gear ratio than the driveshaft revolutions of the bike’s wheel. TLD will miraculously increase the speed limit of your DRZ 400 once you buy it.
By following a specific process, you can make your bike quite sporty. You can, for instance, drop 1 tooth from the front 14T and go up 3 teeth from the 38T on your bike.
Similarly, you can increase acceleration and top speed by doing the opposite. There are 15 teeth here that you need to get in front of!
3. Install the large piston and cylinder
Adding pistons and cylinders to your DRZ 400 can significantly increase its top speed. This big bore kit makes a massive difference in the mechanical area by scaling the bike’s horsepower.
The kit also includes gaskets. This ensures you replace the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and increase the engine size for increased performance.
Bog bore kits, therefore, are extremely safe. You’ll get thinner cylinder walls as your kit gets bigger. You’ll generate more heat, but everything will be fine once you’ve got a great cooling system.
4. Modification of the ignition system
Have you ever considered the role ignition modification plays? Here’s how it works!
Ignition systems generate spark energy to ignite fuel or air in cylinders. Besides the coil driver and spark plug wires, the spark plugs are also part of the ignition system.
You must observe the igniter control angle on your bike. Changing it as soon as possible if it’s too small will be better. By building more sparks and reducing fuel consumption, the DRZ 400 will be able to increase its speed.
5. Change your exhaust system
It’s beneficial to modify the bike’s exhaust system in two ways:
- By increasing the speed of the bike, it will amplify its performance
- Enhance the sound and appearance
- Gain horsepower by reducing the weight of your bike
If you are an off-roader and love to race, you need these things. You can trust us when we say it will do wonders for the DRZ 400!
There isn’t much complexity to the process, though. In addition to changing the exhaust system, you can attach a slip-on after removing the muffler.
While replacing the entire machine will boost horsepower and speed, removing a specific part will increase horsepower.
Best DRZ 400 Mods for Increasing Speed
Many owners love to upgrade this bike because of its mild engine (by today’s standards), which responds well to most modifications.
Here are the best mods for your DRZ 400 that will make it faster and more comfortable:
- 3×3 Airbox mod
- Jetting
- Suspension upgrade
- Exhaust
- Carb upgrade
- Big bore kit
- Camshafts
- Porting
What are the Pros and Cons of the Suzuki DRZ 400?
Here are some pros and cons of this bike that people liked and disliked!
Pros of Suzuki DRZ 400
1. A superior braking system:
There is no doubt that the brakes of the DRZ 400 are lifesaving. You can protect yourself from unwanted risks with these hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear). As a bonus, the front brake will instantly slow down your bike where you want it to!
2. Comfortable Outcome:
A dirt bike should provide comfort and support to the rider. DRZ 400 provides the utmost comfort and assistance with its high-quality seat and excellent features.
3. Engine with high reliability:
An engine that can handle long trips and races is excellent. You can get all these advantages from the DRZ 400 because it has existed for so long. Whatever the task at hand, people rely on this bike!
4. Suitable for beginners:
Most people don’t know which bike to start with when they want to start bike riding or racing. Beginners will love this one!
The Suzuki DRZ 400 is also:
- Suitable for any rider
- Aftermarket accessories and parts are available for it
- With it, you can easily learn mechanical skills
- Off-road and on-road biking are both possible
Cons of Suzuki DRZ 400
1. It is lightweight:
Some people like the lightweight feature, but others may find it dangerous on long, muddy, or highway roads.
2. Limited Transmission:
While the DRZ 400 is equipped with a 5-speed transmission, its highway performance is still limited.
3. Problems with exhaust:
For better performance, you should replace the exhaust
4. Height of the seat:
This bike may have amazing seat suspension, but it may still be inappropriate for some riders due to their height. There is a need to update the seats for them!
What are the Common Problems of the Suzuki DRZ 400?
You’re bound to find people complaining about one thing or another, but that’s simply because there are so many DRZ 400 bikes out there. It has a few common problems, but there are no major issues with this motorcycle.
The most common DRZ 400 problems are:
- ACCT (automatic cam chain tensioner) puts too much pressure on the cam chain – upgrade to an MCCT (check price on eBay)
- Not starting – usually sitting too long
- Overheating – riding too slow or poor clutch control
Just do your simple maintenance, and it will last a long time. The harder you ride it and the less you maintain it, the more likely you’ll have problems, just like any other dirt bike.
How Much is a Suzuki DRZ 400 Worth?
There are many factors to consider to determine the value of a DRZ 400. The bike’s condition, the local market, and supply and demand all play an important role.
Depending on the year and condition, you can expect to pay 1800-3500 for an off-road DRZ 400, while a street-legal model is a few hundred more.
Who are the Major Competitors of Suzuki DRZ 400?
In addition, it isn’t that expensive to run, especially if you do all your servicing, since it isn’t that powerful and insurance is cheap.
In terms of essential maintenance, there is nothing to fear, and you can find plenty of ‘how-to’ videos online if you are interested. When buying one, the DRZ isn’t a good deal.
Due to their popularity and solid construction, even a tatty DRZ can fetch $1500, and tidy bikes over $4000. Considering how expensive they are, you don’t have to pay this much for a modern trail bike.
Buying one for under £2000 is okay, but spending more than that is silly since you can get a legendary Yamaha XT660R for £2500, which is just as rugged. A Honda CRF250L, also excellent for trail riding, has a bigger motor, which makes it better for road riding.
You can also consider a far smaller Yamaha WR250X if you’re looking for a dirtbike-style city commuter but won’t be spending too much time on trails.
You should ensure that you include good quality security in your budget since the DRZ (and any dirt bike, for that matter) can be a favourite among bike thieves.
Is the Suzuki DRZ 400 a Good Choice for You?
If you can only have one dirt bike and want one that can do everything, the DRZ 400 is a good choice. There is plenty of power for almost anything, but it is not overwhelming.
After the bike gets plated, you can ride on the street to reach the trails, then do some mild singletrack riding.
You should get a Suzuki DRZ 400 if you:
- Looking for a mid-weight dual sport bike
- If you’re looking for a dirt bike that can do it all, then look no further
- You want smooth power and good torque
- Would prefer a dirt bike with more stability that is heavier
- Need a reliable dirt bike with a four-stroke engine
- Make your bike stand out with aftermarket parts
You shouldn’t get a Suzuki DRZ 400 if you:
- You will only be riding off-road and are new to dirt biking
- Want to ride a single-track trail bike
- Ride a lot of miles on the road in an adventure
Will the DRZ 400 Make You a Better Rider?
Do you ride any particular kind of bike? The DRZ 400 is too heavy and large to ride single-track trails comfortably.
This dirt bike is the perfect choice for the bigger guy or someone who wants a do-it-all bike that can be used for dual sports, road riding, and some moderate trail riding. In that case, the DRZ 400 is the bike for you. However, you will become a better rider no matter what bike you choose.
A crash can result in injury if you ride too fast for your skills so that one thing depends on you and your riding technique.
Conclusion: Suzuki DRZ 400 Top Speed
What are your thoughts on the top speed, specs, and features of the DRZ 400? Is it the most reliable bike you should ride once in your lifetime? You’re right, that’s true.
DRZ 400’s horsepower, engine, brakes, top speed, and weight capacity make it perfect for off-road and on-road riding without any difficulty.
FAQs
How fast does the Suzuki DRZ 400 go?
Suzuki DRZ 400 top speeds vary based on factors such as rider weight, terrain, and modifications. On average, it can reach around 90 to 100 mph (145 to 160 km/h).
Can the Suzuki DRZ 400 be used at its top speed on the highway?
Due to its off-road-oriented design, the Suzuki DRZ 400 can reach highway speeds, but its primary purpose is to be ridden off-road and for dual-sport activities.
How can I increase the top speed of my Suzuki DRZ 400?
In addition to voiding warranties, it is important to proceed with caution when modifying a motorcycle. Whether you make a performance modification or a safety modification, always consult with an experienced mechanic or tuner.
How can I determine my Suzuki DRZ 400’s top speed?
Proper maintenance and adjustments can contribute to optimal performance, including aerodynamics, tire condition, gearing, engine modifications, and rider positioning.
How does the Suzuki DRZ 400’s top speed differ between years?
The top speed of Suzuki motorcycles may change slightly from model year to model year, but significant changes are unlikely. Always refer to the model year specifications.