The SM model can still exist for all those motard fans. What I’m proposing is Suzuki scraps the S version, and has just one off road version. First up, it has a 5 speed transmission with terrible ratios, the stators tend to burn out and the regulator rectifier needs to be upgraded, the seats just too hard, the suspension is way too soft and it’s still running a carburettor. Now the current DRZ still sells by the truck load, but it still has some issues and it could be way better. The new KLX300 and CRF300L will be good bikes, but no doubt underpowered. The DRZ400 is better off road, weighs the same, has more power and is stupidly reliable. To me, it’s hard to recommend a CRF250L or KLX250S over a DRZ400. Now, while I know a lot of people are excited for the new CRF300L and KLX300, I have a strong feeling they are both going to be underpowered and the CRF is going to have rubbish suspension. They have to put up with the shite S model.

Now in Australia, the E model is street legal whereas it isn’t in some overseas markets (I’m looking at you United States). And finally we have the SM, the motard version. Then there’s the S model, a softer dual sport version with approximately 40hp at the crank, lower compression, a smaller carburettor and a stronger sub frame. Ok 48hp is definitely generous, but it’s what Suzuki quotes alright. We have the E model, a more off road biased version which has higher performance, approximately 48hp at the crank and is slightly lighter. So currently there are 3 versions of the DR-Z400. The current DR-Z400 is a good bike, but it could be so much better. I mean, the last update the DR-Z had was in 2007 and that was only to the crappy S model.

I’ve been thinking it for ages, I’ve had multiple people comment on my recent videos and the internet has been screaming out for one for years. So I know it’s not just me who thinks Suzuki should make a new, updated DR-Z400. And you know what I think Suzuki should do? Trump both of them and announce a new DR-Z400.

As you may or may not know, Honda has just announced their new CRF300L and Kawasaki the KLX300 dual sport. This legendary bike off road from Suzuki was first released in 2000 and is still powering on today, basically unchanged too.

Drz400 sm speed wobble