2001 Suzuki DR-Z400S Sport Bike reviews

I own an '01 DRZ400S and I love it. On road and off it is awesome. I mostly like it because it is light enough to go off road with it and have no problems (you might need a pair of dirt tires, handles much better). I have mine all upgraded and off road I have to hold on tight. For anyone who needs a dual sport this is the one. Show less

I bought the bike new in 2001 and though I haven't put that many miles on it, I've enjoyed it a lot. It's really a great all around choice for riders. With the Drz-400S I can ride anywhere, anytime of the year. It's fun on roads but too light for the freeway. It's fun in the dirt but is too heavy for serious dirt racing. If you plan on riding mostly street the stock Bridgestones are okay tires, BUT if you plan on riding much dirt GET RID OF THEM! They'll mess you and your bike all up. I went to DOT Kenda trakmaster II's after going down twice, much better now. don't expect to be able to throw this bike around like a KDX 200 either, it's heavy, as a dirt bike at over 300lbs with a tank of gas it's NOT the bike to take to the supercross track but it performs well as a trail bike. This bike has lots of power and torque. I can climb some really steep hills from a standing stop at the bottom. The DRZ-400S is a great ALL-AROUND bike but it's not a great dirt bike or a great street bike. It does what it does pretty well and is probably the best four-stoke street legal Enduro. What can I say about the magic button (electric start)? It saved me several times from some bad situations. Would i recommend buying a "S"? Simply, yes. Show less

I have one of four bikes, all bought at the same time. All are 2001's and all are used for the same thing, average dirt/trail riding, nothing harmful. The bike has a strong engine and good suspension for what it is suppose to do. The only thing I can't get past is this: All four bike's batteries went south within 3 to 6 months! At $90 a pop and no kickstarters, let me tell you I'am pissed off! I contacted Suzuki and they pretty much said "its on you!" you must have done something to make it happen. Four bikes ridden by 30-40 year old guys, come on! I've ridden long enough! The clutch has a little problem in really tight areas and causes the bike to stall if you don't rev and slip it. Other than those two problems I like it, one hell of a strong engine! Show less

I Recentley Purchased a new 2002 400 the diffrence betwwen the 01 is the suspesion. The 02 is fully adjustable and identical to the dirt model. This bike is awsome I have owned may cycles my last dirt dirt bike was a 97 yamaha wr250zj this was a wide ratio 2 stroke desert bike that was know for its offroad prowess and performance. The DR almost matches it but can be ridden on the street. The DR has a much softer suspension system that works well at less than race speeds. The motor is potent even in its stock choked form and is more than adequate to propell this motorcycle to a top speed of 96 miles an hour. The bike will cruise happily all day at 65 to 70 with no vibration or heavy breathing. So far I can find nothing negative about this bike accept for a small amout of valve clatter at 300 miles. I ride both dirt and street with it commuting to work 35 miles one way I average 60 miles to the gallon. In the dirt I ride with friends who are local racers they mainly ride WR426 and various 2 stroke moto-crossers converted to desert racers. The DR gives a good showing and can top end all those guys. I love the smooth ride very unintimidating. Show less

Well I am not sure I should be writing so fast, since I've only had the bike a week, but I've been smitten and need to pass it along. I had bought a 2001 XR650L in Feb, I liked it and wished I had a chance to get to know it better, (it was stolen after I had it 2 months) while I was waiting for the insurance to settle I did alot of comparing between the Honda and what everyone else had to offer, I took a chance with the Suzuki and am really glad I did. The seat is much better for longer rides, (the XR was rough after 30 minutes or so) and it seems much lighter than the 30 pounds or so. As far as performance it seems just as quick, but more balanced the the bigger XR. I also checked out the KLR650 but it was just too big for me, although the windshield idea is cool, I wish someone made one for the DRZ. My plans include more dirt worthy tires and a few other items, maybe a lowering link, anyone else tried those things? Well thats my two cents worth, keep on riding safe. Show less