DR-z400SM thoughts, recommendations

[Thundergod]

Talk to me About the DR-Z400SM -- how is this little bike as a daily commuter for a 6'1" 215lb rider? I was going to swing by the dealer today...
but then I realized that they are closed on Mondays....

Hows the torque, acceleration, suspension.

Im researching this bike for next summer's commuter purchase.

[DogBoy]

Need more info about your commute. Average speeds? Highway on ramps? Highway miles? If your commute is in town, you're probably good. If it includes, staircases, alleys or dirt roads, even better.  

Suspension will be soft but not unbearable for a 215 lb. rider. Upgrade springs are available though I'd recommend a re-valve if changing springs, neither are absolutely necessary for street duty. Acceleration and torque. Uhh...compared to what? Don't buy this bike for acceleration or torque. You can change to lower gearing but that will depend on number of highway miles. Redline is 10,000 rpm but running WOT for an extended time at high speeds for a single (90-100 mph) will kill this engine. Otherwise, its very tough.

Stock seat is a question mark. I've done a bunch of 300 mile days on mine but I always tell myself I'm going to get an aftermarket seat when I pass the 200 mile mark. Then, I forget about until next time.  

I love mine and its been my only street bike for the past two years. Fun bike, but not worth throwing $$$'s at to make it faster beyond a pipe and jet kit. Note: 4-stroke singles are loud with most (OK, all) aftermarket pipes. Make sure the noise won't be an issue for you, your neighbors, etc. before going this route.

[Thundergod]

My commute is an 18mile one way-- 60% Interstate 40% DownTown City Streets.
Interstate speeds average around 75-80mph, but mostly hover around 60 on a good day.

Acceleration and Torque: I don't expect it to even come close to my C14 in either department. Just wondering is with such a large rider if the power and gearing are set up for good acceleration
roll on interstate speeds.

Im also looking at the KTM 650Sm, but price point is a major consideration next summer.

Overall looking for a nice small agile commuter bike something that is easy on the wallet and has an acceptable performance for a large rider. 400cc would be the smallest bike I would consider for my size.

[FirstVtwin]

sv650
IMHO

[DogBoy]

SV650 or Ninja 650. Fun bikes that are cheap to buy and own. The DRZ is a backroads bike. You won't be happy trying to do 75-80 on the freeway. You won't get any "good roll-on" speeds out of any 34hp single at highway speeds.

The KTM690SM is just the 690Duke in different bodywork. Thee 690SMC is lighter and has better suspension with longer travel. You will pay twice the cost of an SV650 or Ninja650 for a used 690SMC.

The DRZsm and 690SMC are really fun bikes but only if you're going to be doing the majority of your riding on great supermoto roads. There are much better tools for commuting.

[Flying W]

My son had one (08) and sold it to buy a FZ1 (09) and regretted selling it from almost the first moment... We took rides up to about 300 miles and he never complained about comfort or vibes. These bikes are canyon carvers that can smoke most sportbikes on a tight road...Very reliable motors, relatively light weight, with great handling and mileage really make these a pretty good  choice for commuting. He bought some used wheels off a S model and had a pretty good dual sport that could be changed back and forth with little effort. He just sold his FZ1 and is going to buy another DRZ.

[spd2918]

I had one I took in partial trade and it was meh.  Spongy front (could have been fixed), super narrow seat (it is a dirt bike, I know), and so-so power.  I am a street bike guy at heart and probably didn't give it a chance.  The batteries are shit within 2 years.

[DogBoy]

My bike was purchased in 2007 and has the original battery. Battery Tender.  

[zrx4me]

I had one I took in partial trade and it was meh.  Spongy front (could have been fixed), super narrow seat (it is a dirt bike, I know), and so-so power.  I am a street bike guy at heart and probably didn't give it a chance.  The batteries are shit within 2 years.

my sm is a '07 with 12,000 miles and the stock battery.

[zrx4me]

Talk to me About the DR-Z400SM -- how is this little bike as a daily commuter for a 6'1" 215lb rider? I was going to swing by the dealer today...
but then I realized that they are closed on Mondays....

Hows the torque, acceleration, suspension.

Im researching this bike for next summer's commuter purchase.

I use my '07 for commuting since '08.As I said above I have 12,000 miles on it and love it.I have other bikes for fun on my days off,but for commuting the DRZ is great.
pro's:
1)fuel economy
2)can squirt in and out of traffic and handles beautifully.
3)minimum maintenence.I change oil every 2000 miles with amsoil 10/40
 cons:
1)not good on highway at speeds over 70mph for a long ride.
2)If you want to go fast it lacks power,but for city streets the power is fine.
3)in my case,chain wears fast.replace with a quality chain.

[spd2918]

My battery was shit within 2 years.

My man at Interstate Battery had a Zuki dual sport and told me he could not get more than two years out of his, either.  But we live in a northern climate and are forced to store our bikes / batteries.  That might have something to do with it.

[zrx4me]

must be the storage/cold winters.Down here the bike gets used 12 months a year.wasn't trying to disagree with you,just a alternative experience.

[Thundergod]

I use my '07 for commuting since '08.As I said above I have 12,000 miles on it and love it.I have other bikes for fun on my days off,but for commuting the DRZ is great.
pro's:
1)fuel economy
2)can squirt in and out of traffic and handles beautifully.
3)minimum maintenence.I change oil every 2000 miles with amsoil 10/40
 cons:
1)not good on highway at speeds over 70mph for a long ride.
2)If you want to go fast it lacks power,but for city streets the power is fine.
3)in my case,chain wears fast.replace with a quality chain.

What is your average fuel mileage? Im pretty well sold on the DRZ400sm -- I would love a Yamaha WR450f into an SM...but yamaha is just blind, they only make their 250SM... :head scratch:
Ive found a DRZ400sm on craigslist for around $3600...Hoping that hits lower during the dead of winter.

[zrx4me]

I average about 55mpg with stock jetting and speeds between 45-60mph on my commutes.

[DogBoy]

I only get 40-42 mpg with full exhaust and jet kit in the standard DV carb. No commuting, thats just general riding.