The Suzuki DR-Z400S is built tough and has been around almost unchanged for decades because it is bullet-proof. The Japanese adventure motorcycle is all you need when it comes to adventure riding. Back to those woody trails, loose gravel, rocky terrains, or mucky jungles, places that even tricks Wranglers and Broncos. It is all the motorcycle you will ever need for an adventure in 2022.
Despite being 20 years old, the DRZ 400 S remains a popular choice for trail riders. It is a reliable, lightweight bike that can handle any terrain. If you don't want to go off-road, a Supermoto version, the DRZ 400 SM, is also available. This bike was introduced in 2005 and is more road-oriented.
It Will Make You The Raw Motorcyclist
Motorcycles have pretty much been unchanged since the time of their inception. The most significant leap has been the fuel injection systems that keep the engine fed well, no matter what the condition is. But the charm was around the carburetted ones, which you had to tune right: tweak the air/fuel mixture for changing altitudes yourself. And this brings you to the motorcycling of lore. Whereas most of the clan find this a disadvantage on the Suzuki DR-Z400, we see the charming bit.
Being A Japanese Horse
Japanese machines have proven to most of the world what they can be. The screamy tiny engine on the DR-Z as well is quite a remarkable engine. Low temperatures or high, this engine itself sounds like it will pull you through. The spare parts and bits that you might have dented or lost on the last trail can be easily sourced. After all, a motorcycle that hasn’t been changed for a decade has always got you covered.
It's Got Apt Power!
The Suzuki DR-Z400 never feels that it can intimidate you; the engine is on the long stroked edge, which means it delivers power down low. You won’t have to wring the throttle to make her do stuff, and it will chug along, which creates a good platform for a rider who is just venturing into riding. Out of its liquid-cooled 398cc engine, DR-Z for the 2021-year model makes 39 hp, which is excellent for a 317-lb motorcycle. The motorcycle will feel just right even after you’re comfortable with it, as it has enough power to.
Turn It Into A Supermoto
The Suzuki DR-Z400S is suited explicitly to adventure, but it has got you covered if you want to drift your way around corners. The only bit that needs to be changed here is the Supermoto tires, and the DR-Z400S becomes DR-Z400SM. The 2022 model has been updated with the same brakes from the SM variant. The motorcycle is already fun to be around, and slapping on the supermoto tires adds dimension. With such a sweet power-to-weight ratio, it will never feel out of breath.
The DRZ 400 S was created as a dual-purpose motorcycle. Although, the 21-inch front wheel is perfect for knobbly tires or semi-knobbly if your primary objective is road riding. It can be a bit vague with a pillion due to its width and size, particularly in damp situations. This means that there are some compromises in terms of its handling.
Off-road suspension is pretty good but can be a little stiff (the pillion's weight almost causes the shock to stop its travel), and the front caliper, which have only two pistons in, is relatively weak. But, all of these are to be expected on an enduro bike.
Hits The Sweet Spot
The 2022 Suzuki DR-Z400S is priced just right at $6,899, which for beginners might tip the scales. With a 12-month / Unlimited-mileage warranty, Suzuki has got you covered, handing over the keys of an already reliable motorcycle. If the quote “why fix when it ain't broke” had its real-world meaning, it would be for the Suzuki DR-Z400S. That's what makes it the best go-to motorcycle for adventure riding in 2022.
This Suzuki is old and doesn't have much power, so it gets 70 MPG. You don't have to worry about essential maintenance with a DRZ. Regardless, it isn't too expensive to run, especially if you do your own servicing. There are tons of 'how to' videos online if you need them.