GSX-S or Drz 400sm?

ajaxguy

ajaxguy

Well-known member
Forum Sponsor
Ok so I am thinking about buying a brand new motorcycle this year.( 2015 model actually but new). I have always bought used and if you know me it has always been R1's and what not.
I did not ride last year and am not in the market for an SS.

I have always loves the Drz sm for what I would and seems like it holds it value pretty good. Now the new Gsx-s seems like a nice blend of upright bike with more power but not full SS.

I ride to work non major highway, about 30 kms one way. Go for the odd rip at night and on the weekends. The price of these are very similar with the Drz being slightly cheaper.
Now based off all that, could you guys throw on some of your opinions and if you have ridden either, your thoughts?

Thanks!
 
Drz is a good screwing around town kinda bike. Underpowered but bulletproof. You won't be doing any long highway stints on it... super buzzy for long periods.
Seat is terrible too.
Good in the tight stuff.
Lots of head shake/ buffeting at high speeds.

Fun for what it is.
 
I presume you're talking about the GSX-S750.

I can understand not being too excited about getting yet another sportbike... but to me the DRZ is a little long in the tooth. It hasn't changed much (at all?) in 16 years... I definitely wouldn't buy one new, at least. Have you considered splitting the difference and getting something like a Duke 690?
 
Definitely the GSX-S. More suited for street riding, proven engine, great price. With the DRZ you will be wanting for more power.
 
I sat on a GSX-S at Brampton Powersports near the end of last season - compared to an SV650, that bike (mainly the tank) feels huge to me.

The FZ-09/07 seemed like it had better proportions, but not as nice looking as the GSX-S's
 
Can I ask why you narrowed it down to the 2 Suzuki's?

Being an R1 guy an all.
 
DRZ not enough cceez for rip, night or weekend. Need more ripping cubes. Somebody mentioned Duke 690.
 
I am sick of paying for ss insurance prices when I barely get to ride that much and its mostly commuting. I have had my fun with them, time to switch it up.
 
If the GSXS had a baby with the DRZ it would be the FZ-07.

Get an FZ-07, or if you need the I4 why not give the FZ8 a go.
 
Last edited:
the DRZ is great as a 2nd or 3rd bike its bullet proof and fun as hell to ride, but under powered, and as other people mentioned is terrible on the highway.

good luck with the purchase, "new bike time" is always fun
 
I just sold my drz because of my commute being mostly highway. Always riding in the right-most lane otherwise I felt like I was gonna rev the thing loose! Otherwise it was a good bike and never let me down, had a good bit of grunt down low as well.
 
Vladim said:
I just sold my drz because of my commute being mostly highway. Always riding in the right-most lane otherwise I felt like I was gonna rev the thing loose! Otherwise it was a good bike and never let me down, had a good bit of grunt down low as well.
Click to expand...

Could you not have just done a highway sprocket job on it?
 
The highway sprocket does not fix the geometry issues. I sold mine as I was unable to ride it for any considerable amount of time. Soo much fun in and around town and anywhere there was corners, but my Versys is just plain better everywhere.
 
I just looked up the fz-09 as it was not even on my radar and wow.. i think that is what I am leaning towards!
 
If it were me, it would be GSXS hands down, especially the GSXS1000F. I haven't heard anything about whether or not insurance companies are classing it as a sport bike or a standard (like the GSXF1250), but if they do, then it would be the best steal in town! Every review I've seen of the GSXS says if you like sport bikes but don't plan on riding on the track, you'd be stupid to buy an SS over the GSXS. Personally I'm more partial to the Bandit (GSXF1250) but I like sport touring bikes. If you want a bike that will rip it up at night and be more comfortable to ride than an SS, then the GSXS should be your winner. The DRZ is more of a parking lot hooligan bike.
 
ajaxguy said:
I just looked up the fz-09 as it was not even on my radar and wow.. i think that is what I am leaning towards!
Click to expand...
I second this one, the ultimate hooligan bike.

Sent from my Le Pan TC802A using Tapatalk
 
Iceman said:
I second this one, the ultimate hooligan bike.

Sent from my Le Pan TC802A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

ya for sure... butter smooth engine apparently.. comfortable.. stupid fast and I would assume cheap to insure.. and all for 9 grand brand new!
 
ajaxguy said:
I just looked up the fz-09 as it was not even on my radar and wow.. i think that is what I am leaning towards!
Click to expand...

Its a great machine - I'm waiting on the XSR900, which is the retro version. Probably look at doing it in 2017
 
ajaxguy said:
ya for sure... butter smooth engine apparently.. comfortable.. stupid fast and I would assume cheap to insure.. and all for 9 grand brand new!
Click to expand...

What would you think would make it cheap to insure? A 900cc triple is big motor in any insurance company's eyes, no?

Wonder what real-world rates are for this bike.
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom