Next Generation DRZ - Speculations, Rumors and an ADVRider Wish List

Is there truth to the rumor / speculation that a new DRZ 400 replacement is under development at Suzuki???

If so, what improvements, enhancements, capabilities, etc. do we (the ADVRider Community) want to see?

Me?
- 6 Speed, Wide Ratio Tranny
- Fuel Injected
- ~40+ RWHP
- HD Subframe (for Luggage Capacity)
- 2.5+ qt Oil Capacity
- 4+ gal Fuel Capacity
- Long Service Intervals
- Long Travel, Fully Adjustable Suspension
- ~275 lbs Target Weight
(What am I forgetting?)

Wow, you're not asking for much, are you!!!

I like the way you're thinking, but it would be hard to meet your target weight with the added fuel & oil capacity and a stronger subframe.

I'd like to see 6th gear, an increase in fuel capacity & more horsepower as well.

What about a DRZ 650?? I would love to see Suzuki make an awesome DS, even better than the original. Something that would give the XR R a run for its money...

I agree. The 650 is overdue for a make-over.

Any thing to a 'new ' DRZ 400 or is it the standard bulls@#$@ ? CMS

DRZ500

Just base it off the RMZ al-la KLX450, 5 speed is OK IF 5th is a OVERDRIVE with a cruise at 75 MPH with good RPMs. Give it a low, low, low first, second gear starts on the street are OK with me!!! 50 HP should be an easy mark.

Make a range of tanks, 2.4, 3.5, 4.5 and 6.6g, a ralley fairing to mount to that 6.6g tank, seat options and a rack system to accomodate soft/hard cases out back. Bike already has FI, cooling fan and maybe an oil tank/cooler. Revalve that already sophisticated suspension and keep it tall for ground clearance, a short version with lowered susp. as an option.

I'm about done right there.

I think they have it about perfect. Maybe more power, less weight, FI, and a 6th gear would be good updates for the 400(or 450). Then build an all new 650 on the same platform, with a bigger tank and all the touring upgrades!

Or just buy a TE610...

Or maybe it will just be an 08 with white plastic.

I separated your wish list into things I want to see and things that aren't priorities for me. I sorted the order by importance to me.

Where did you hear about a new DRZ???

Somebody's trying to start one on another thread. I haven't heard any credible rumors for months, about the DRZ nor anything else. Either the manufacturers are being very secretive or nothing is in the pipeline.

Can't remember where I saw it, but there was a picture from the Milan (?) MC show of a DRZ450. The sales rep for Am Suzuki was at the local dealer recently and kinda said that something "New" was coming...

This is the one I was trying to find..

-6 Speed
-450cc
-MUCH better power/cc ratio
-No more funny engine noises
-Nicer feeling trans
-Aluminum Frame
-Fuel Injection
​

I heard from my local Suzuki dealer, they were developing a off road version of the motocrosser, to compete with the 450X, Kawi and KTM EXC's. He was not sure if the bike was going to be 50 state legal. Even if it was, it wouldn't exactly be a replacement for the DRZ.

I quizzed my local Suzuki area rep when the RMZ450 first came out as to when they were gunna have a enduro version and all he said was that it was in the pipeline.

I'll have to keep my eye on this thread!

Are there any Suzuki "insiders" out there who can speak to a next generation DRZ??? Is it currently under development or is this all rumor & wishful speculation??

I'll go ahead and venture a guess that it will have a ridiculously small fuel tank and a throw away seat. They ought to sell them without tanks and seats, that way customers don't have to waste their time removing them before they put on something useful.

almost an 09 RMZ?
heck if your not looking for "street legal" thats what you just pointed at! (minus the 6-speed)

and guys i have to say, we all want the perfect bike... Oo! hows this sound? KLR price, with EXC suspension performance and weight, and 650GS longevity and service intervals?
my short ramble is over

i personally don't expect too much of a change due to one small factor that keeps them selling well: gas mileage!
if they can still sell it decently why spend the money on R&D?