Suzuki Dr-z 400

"The DRZ400 is the sensible Swiss Army knife of used dual-sports."

The DRZ400 is about as bulletproof as dual-sports get, and the used market reflects that — these things hold value because they genuinely earn it. The carbureted E and S models (avoid the SM unless you're staying mostly on tarmac) run forever if the previous owner wasn't a complete idiot. Check the carb for jetting issues, inspect the subframe for cracks, and ask about valve clearances. Neglected valves are the most common horror story you'll hear, but they're cheap to fix if caught early. The bike wants to be ridden hard and rewarded with basic maintenance — it's not complicated. Performance-wise, don't expect fireworks. The 400cc thumper makes around 40 horsepower and tops out near 90mph, which sounds modest until you're threading single-track or scratching gravel roads at pace. It handles everything competently without excelling anywhere dramatically. Suspension is soft for aggressive riders but adjustable enough to work with. The E model specifically is genuinely happy on trails, logging roads, and light commuting duty — a genuinely versatile machine that doesn't punish compromises.