snoopy
Guest
I took the plunge and bought a DRZ. Lost about 2.3k on the BMW over 18 months as the market is saturated with 1150's. Sure it's nice to ride but there is no getting away from the fact it's too heavy, complex, and drinks fuel. Having averaged 35-38mpg commuting over March I decided enough was enough. I've also wanted to do long distance touring - where I don't have to worry about the obscene cost of BMW spare parts or picking the bloody thing back up (cue Morocco incident).
I wanted a DR650. Supply has dwindled because Suzuki hasn't imported them over the last few years - while demand for uncomplicated large thumpers has soared. A knackered 1999 model with 22k miles on it was going for £1,500 and that's about all I found in three month of hunting.
The DRZ400S however has been imported and sold like no tomorrow, and second hand prices are rather low. A 2002 low mileage can be had for around the £1,500 mark. The DRZ costs more than the DR650 in the US and for it you are getting more sophistication in terms of excellent suspension and a water cooled engine.
So off I went and bought a 3,000 mile, 52 plate DRZ400S for £1,700, which comes with a few extras I'll sell for £200. It's in great condition but I have to say I was full of fear. Firstly, I'd never riden one. Secondly I'd just sold the 1150GS - a bike I loved - and regarded by many as the best bike ever built.
But it's not.
The DRZ400 has an engine a generation ahead of the 1150 and 1200. Watercooling has allowed for reduced tollerances and power and torque is brilliant out the box. There is significantly less vibration and the engine fires instantly without choke from cold. It's throaty and feels responsive.
I was expecting the DRZ to be slow. Sure it'll only do 85mph but it gets there quick - not far behind the 1150 put it that way. It's got enough punch for adventure touring and I'm relieved that I'm not disappointed going from a 1150 to a 400.
After a day of harsher green laning on the BMW I would have blisters from the heavy clutch. I'd be aching from picking it up. That tractor gearbox occasionally would get a gear wrong or clunk or jerk. And when it gets dark you can't see where you're going because the light gets thrown to the left.
The DRZ doesn't have these issues. Instead you get a seat that REALLY doesn't work (15 mile and my backside was screaming) and zinc plated bolts. The finish is quite poor, sure the BMW wasn't great, but Suzuki still haven't put any effort into this area at all.
But who cares? Motorcycling isn't about the bike, it's about what you do with it. The DRZ400 will do more than the GS. I think it's a belter, and I will never, ever, sell it.
Pro's:
Super fuel consumption
Less vibration
Half the weight
Stonking engine
More reliable
Less complicated
Great riding position
Less turbulance even without the screen.
Gearbox
Suspension
Cheaper tax
Cheap parts
1/3 the price to buy
Perfect light
Cons:
Suzuki finish
Takes a bit of work to make it tour.
Aweful seat
Small tank
Pictures of my new DRZ400 coming tomorrow. Get out and buy one now!
I wanted a DR650. Supply has dwindled because Suzuki hasn't imported them over the last few years - while demand for uncomplicated large thumpers has soared. A knackered 1999 model with 22k miles on it was going for £1,500 and that's about all I found in three month of hunting.
The DRZ400S however has been imported and sold like no tomorrow, and second hand prices are rather low. A 2002 low mileage can be had for around the £1,500 mark. The DRZ costs more than the DR650 in the US and for it you are getting more sophistication in terms of excellent suspension and a water cooled engine.
So off I went and bought a 3,000 mile, 52 plate DRZ400S for £1,700, which comes with a few extras I'll sell for £200. It's in great condition but I have to say I was full of fear. Firstly, I'd never riden one. Secondly I'd just sold the 1150GS - a bike I loved - and regarded by many as the best bike ever built.
But it's not.
The DRZ400 has an engine a generation ahead of the 1150 and 1200. Watercooling has allowed for reduced tollerances and power and torque is brilliant out the box. There is significantly less vibration and the engine fires instantly without choke from cold. It's throaty and feels responsive.
I was expecting the DRZ to be slow. Sure it'll only do 85mph but it gets there quick - not far behind the 1150 put it that way. It's got enough punch for adventure touring and I'm relieved that I'm not disappointed going from a 1150 to a 400.
After a day of harsher green laning on the BMW I would have blisters from the heavy clutch. I'd be aching from picking it up. That tractor gearbox occasionally would get a gear wrong or clunk or jerk. And when it gets dark you can't see where you're going because the light gets thrown to the left.
The DRZ doesn't have these issues. Instead you get a seat that REALLY doesn't work (15 mile and my backside was screaming) and zinc plated bolts. The finish is quite poor, sure the BMW wasn't great, but Suzuki still haven't put any effort into this area at all.
But who cares? Motorcycling isn't about the bike, it's about what you do with it. The DRZ400 will do more than the GS. I think it's a belter, and I will never, ever, sell it.
Pro's:
Super fuel consumption
Less vibration
Half the weight
Stonking engine
More reliable
Less complicated
Great riding position
Less turbulance even without the screen.
Gearbox
Suspension
Cheaper tax
Cheap parts
1/3 the price to buy
Perfect light
Cons:
Suzuki finish
Takes a bit of work to make it tour.
Aweful seat
Small tank
Pictures of my new DRZ400 coming tomorrow. Get out and buy one now!
i look forward to seeing the pics of it
But then again that might be my own failings
