Suzuki Dr-z 400sm
The Suzuki Dr-z 400sm has a top speed of 145 km/h (estimated; note: varies with rider weight and conditions), produces 40 hp and weighs 138 kg. Motoryk rates it 8/10.
The Suzuki DR-Z400SM (SuperMoto) was introduced in 2005 as a street-legal supermoto variant of the off-road DR-Z400S, featuring 17-inch wheels and sport-oriented suspension tuning. Built around the proven 398cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single engine, it quickly gained a cult following for its lightweight, nimble handling and exceptional urban agility. It remains in production with minimal changes, a testament to its solid engineering and enduring popularity among urban commuters and supermoto enthusiasts alike.
40 hp
Power
39 Nm
Torque
138 kg
Weight
145 km/h (estimated; note: varies with rider weight and conditions)
Top Speed
3.5–4.5 L/100km (approximately 22–28 km/L typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Legendary Engine Reliability
The DRZ400 engine is renowned for lasting well over 50,000 miles with basic maintenance. Its simple, carbureted design makes it easy and cheap to work on yourself.
Watch the Carb & Valves
The stock Mikuni carb is known to run lean and can cause overheating — a JD Jet Kit is a popular and cheap fix. Also check valve clearances, as they are often neglected by previous owners.
Strong Resale Value
The DRZ400SM holds its value exceptionally well due to a loyal fanbase and Suzuki discontinuing it in many markets. Clean examples rarely depreciate significantly, making it a smart used buy.
Generations & Specs by Year
Initial supermoto release based on DR-Z400S; 17-inch wheels, street tires, inverted forks, dual front disc brakes.
"The supermoto that rewired how fun works."
I put nearly 18,000 km on a 2007 DRZ400SM and it changed how I think about riding — you don't need 100 horsepower when every corner is a gift and the thing weighs nothing. The 398cc thumper pulls hard enough from 3,000 rpm to make city traffic genuinely entertaining, and those inverted forks with the dual front discs give you real feedback, not the numb mush you get on heavier nakeds. Highway touring is where the honesty kicks in: 130 km/h feels buzzy and exposed, the windblast kills you above 120, and that 12-liter tank will have you stopping every 180 km. But none of that matters when you're threading weekend backroads on 17-inch hoops — it flicks direction faster than your brain sends the signal, and the motor's torquey thump makes every exit ramp feel like a victory lap.
Pros
Cons
Minor carb and emissions updates; largely unchanged mechanically; graphics and color refreshes only over years.
Used Buyer Review
"The best urban canyon tool that refuses to ever quit."
$3,500-$6,500 usedThe DRZ400SM is one of those bikes that refuses to die, and that's exactly why you should consider one. Suzuki built these things like tanks — the 400cc thumper engine is virtually bulletproof if it's been maintained, and finding one with 30,000 miles that still rips is genuinely common. Check the carb jets (previous owners love to mess with jetting and forget to mention it), inspect the rear subframe for cracks from wheelie-happy idiots, and peek at the fork seals. They're notorious for weeping. Be realistic about what you're getting though. Highway cruising above 70mph turns into a vibrating misery session, and the stock suspension is firmly aimed at someone lighter than most adults. Budget for a respring if you're over 180lbs. The supermoto wheels are a joy in town and on canyon sweepers, but this isn't a sportbike — it's a precision tool for specific riding. Owned right, they're nearly unbreakable. Thrashed and neglected, they'll still probably run.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALRough idle, hesitation, popping on deceleration
Battery draining, dim lights, voltage below 13V
Metallic rattle on cold start at top end
Ask for valve service history, hard cold starting
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Very reliable if maintained, carb issues common
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm
Ducati Hypermotard 796
Suzuki Drz400sm
Ktm 690 Smc R
Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
Husqvarna 701 Motard
Compare Suzuki Dr-z 400sm Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Suzuki Dr-z 400sm vs Ducati Hypermotard 796
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Suzuki Dr-z 400sm vs Suzuki Drz400sm
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Suzuki Dr-z 400sm vs Ktm 690 Smc R
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Suzuki Dr-z 400sm vs Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
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Suzuki Dr-z 400sm vs Husqvarna 701 Motard
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More Suzuki Dr-z 400sm Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm? +
Carburetor jetting runs lean from factory: Rough idle, hesitation, popping on deceleration (moderate) | Stator failure causes charging system death: Battery draining, dim lights, voltage below 13V (serious) | Cam chain tensioner wear causes rattling: Metallic rattle on cold start at top end (moderate)
Is the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm a good motorcycle? +
The best urban canyon tool that refuses to ever quit. Rating: 8.0/10. Best for: City commuters wanting occasional canyon road fun. Avoid if: You regularly need highway touring capability.
What is the horsepower of the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm? +
The Suzuki Dr-z 400sm produces 40 hp @ 8,500 rpm, with 39 Nm @ 6,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 145 km/h (estimated; note: varies with rider weight and conditions).
Is the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm good for beginners? +
Yes — the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm is a reasonable choice for new riders (40 hp is manageable), weighing 138 kg. City commuters wanting occasional canyon road fun
Is the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm, notably: Stator failure causes charging system death (Battery draining, dim lights, voltage below 13V). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm good for daily use? +
City commuters wanting occasional canyon road fun Fuel: 3.5–4.5 L/100km (approximately 22–28 km/L typical real-world average).
How fast is the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm? +
The Suzuki Dr-z 400sm reaches a top speed of 145 km/h (estimated; note: varies with rider weight and conditions), producing 40 hp at 138 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Suzuki Dr-z 400sm? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Suzuki Dr-z 400sm, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/suzuki/dr-z-400sm/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.