Dirt bikes are an economical method of transportation. They also provide lots of fun when you’ve got a sunny day, open fields, and lots of time on your hands.
Several manufacturers produce dirt bikes today that delivers power and control. One of the top names to consider is Suzuki.
With over 60 years of experience creating dirt bikes that serve versatile needs, the DRZ400E and DRZ400S models are great choices to review for beginners and experts alike.
Although some of the differences between these two models are subtle, there are enough changes that make the two bikes incompatible with each other.
That’s why investing in the one that makes the most sense now and in the future is the right choice to make for many riders.
DRZ400E vs. DRZ400S – DRZ400E/S/SM
The DRZ400E is approximately 35 pounds lighter than the DRZ400S. Earlier models also come with five extra horsepower (38 HP for the DRZ400E vs. 33 HP for the DRZ400S). The E is more of a dirt bike option from Suzuki, while the S is for those who prefer to have something street legal.
Anyone wanting to get to know the DRZ400E or DRZ400S better should start with the dirt bike history at Suzuki.
Suzuki is one of the four “big” Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. They’ve won world championships with their bikes in every racing discipline since the 1960s.
Founder Michio Suzuki started that journey in 1909 not by making motorcycles, but by creating textiles for the local cotton industry by investing in weaving looms.
It wasn’t until the late 1940s that his company began manufacturing engines that could go on bicycles.
The change was made because there was an extensive need for affordable transportation in Japan at the time.
Suzuki’s first motorized bicycle was called “Power Free.” It was introduced in 1952, providing a two-stroke engine that worked with a conventional bicycle frame.
It only took 24 months for the company to start mass-producing their engine-bike combo, creating Suzuki Motor Company to support the endeavor. Their famous “S” logo was introduced in 1958.
Since then, the company’s trademark yellow motocross bikes have remained the same color, even though most other manufacturers have made multiple changes.
Each design Suzuki brings to the market plays off of the strengths found in the previous models. When you’ve got a DRZ400E or a DRZ400S to ride, you know an adventure awaits you outside, whether you prefer to be on the street or ride down a dusty trail.
Specs for the Suzuki DRZ400E
When looking at the benefits of the Suzuki DRZ400E for your riding needs, a closer review of the motorcycle’s specs can let you know if this bike is the right one for you.
| Engine: | Four stroke, single cylinder, four valve, DOHC |
| Capacity: | 398 cc; 24.3 cubic inches |
| Bore x Stroke: | 90 x 62.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 12.2:1 |
| Max Power: | 29.2 kW; 39.7 HP @ 8,500 RPM |
| Max Torque: | 39 Nm; 3.98 kg-m; 28.8 lb-ft @ 6,600 RPM |
| Dimensions: | Length: 2,310 mm (90.9 inches); Width: 875 mm (34.4 inches); Height: 1,230 mm (48.4 inches) |
| Wheelbase: | 1,485 mm (58.5 inches) |
You’ll notice improved balance and control with the Suzuki DRZ400E compared to the DRZ400S. Since this bike is meant to carve new paths while off-roading, the design stays light and manageable.
Specs for the Suzuki DRZ400S
If you prefer a motorcycle that can handle stop-and-go driving and some highway wear, the DRZ400S delivers a few upgrades worth considering. A closer review of its specs can let you know if this bike is the better choice for your needs.
| Engine: | Four stroke, single cylinder, four valve, DOHC |
| Capacity: | 398 cc; 24.3 cubic inches |
| Bore x Stroke: | 90 x 62.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 11.3:1 |
| Max Power: | 29.2 kW; 39.7 HP @ 8,500 RPM |
| Max Torque: | 39 Nm; 3.98 kg-m; 28.8 lb-ft @ 6,600 RPM |
| Dimensions: | Length: 2,310 mm (90.9 inches); Width: 875 mm (34.4 inches); Height: 1,230 mm (48.4 inches) |
| Wheelbase: | 1,485 mm (58.5 inches) |
When you’re riding the Suzuki DRZ400S, you can achieve a top speed of 94 mph when the setup is balanced, and your fuel is supportive.
Since the DRZ400E is meant more for off-roading, you won’t get the same kind of economy while traveling.
How to Choose an Appropriate Dirt Bike
The best way to choose a dirt bike for some riders is to start it and hold it wide open. You’ve found a winner if it doesn’t kick you off the back!
The goal of the modern dirt bike is to grow with you as your interests change. That’s why the DRZ400E and DRZ400S are excellent choices! These motorcycles are adaptable, adjustable, and comfortable to ride in various conditions.
Even if you’re looking at these Suzuki bikes for your kids, both models can grow up with them while continuing to provide speed and support.
If you’re trying to find the best option for your needs today, here are some points to consider.
1. Experience and Skill Level
Be honest with yourself when evaluating the DRZ400E and DRZ400S. If you rode your buddy’s bike around the block a couple of times, that doesn’t mean you’re an expert.
Without experience, trying to go from 0 to 100 means your health insurance payments had better be caught up.
Even though the DRZ400E and DRZ400S are lower in the cc range than a high-performance motorcycle, they get close to what a Harley Davidson rider would expect. 398cc does not ride the same as 200cc or 250cc.
If you’ve never ridden a bike before, get the DRZ400E. The lower speeds and better balance will help you adjust to this design faster. For those who are highly experienced, the DRZ400S is a great option to consider.
2. Weight Considerations
The idea that you shouldn’t ride a bike you cannot pick up is antiquated. You could be riding something with enough power that you’re picking it up all the time because you don’t have the weight and balance to control it upright!
Many riders experience this issue when they step up from their childhood Yamaha to a different brand. With Suzuki’s DRZ400E and DRZ400S, things are a little more forgiving, but you still need to evaluate both bikes carefully.
The bike you choose should fit your frame. If you cannot get both feet on the ground, the equipment is too large for you.
The opposite is also true – if you can stand up and there’s tons of space between you and the bike, it’s too small.
Try opting for the lighter model if you need something manageable because of your physical frame. If you’re tall or top the scales above 200 pounds, the heavier Suzuki might be a better option.
3. Consider the Power Curve
How you plan to use your dirt bike matters when choosing between the DRZ400E and DRZ400S. If you need a hybrid option that gives you off-roading benefits and is street legal, the “S” is your best choice.
If you don’t mind making a few modifications and prefer the extra controls the “E” delivers, that’s the investment to make.
There isn’t a right or a wrong answer here. You’ve got to select the model that works for your current and future riding needs.
As your experience grows, you can start experimenting with other mods to add more comfort and control to your ride.
What Are the Advantages of Buying a Suzuki Motorcycle?
The DRZ400E and DRZ400S bikes from Suzuki are built to last. They have a reputation for operating with fewer breakdowns while delivering a consistent performance with the DOHC engine. This design encourages fast acceleration and incredible power while offering above-average fuel efficiency.
I can still remember riding through the cornfields of Wisconsin with my best friend during my formative years. We’d go out on a crisp autumn day, fire up those bikes, and race each other down the different rows.
The cold air always took my breath away, but in a good way. Whether I won or he did, there was always a shared laugh at the end of the experience.
It’s challenging to find the best dirt bike for your needs when you only have a few choices. When looking at the DRZ400E and DRZ400S, I can see the benefits of riding both.
If you want to race through cornfields, the DRZ400E is the right bike. It delivers power and torque while providing the proper balance levels for soft or unstable terrain.
When you want to explore rural roads or have an affordable commuting vehicle, the DRZ400S delivers impressively.
You can ride longer with the high-displacement touring engine while handling all the stop-and-go traffic that happens in the city.
I love hopping onto my Suzuki to give my kids a ride today. It’s during those times that I share my stories from the past while encouraging them to love off-roading in their own way.
When comparing the DRZ400E vs. DRZ400S directly, both are great options. It just depends if you want to be on the street or in the dirt.
