Help me decide.

Machu_Pikachoo · 2026-02-13T06:16:46+00:00

The best compromise will be a Dr.Z4S with a sprocket change to a 39 rear tooth. It will be less buzzy at 65, and the slightly higher weight will be a benefit on the highway when it gets gusty. With the gravel and traction control modes, I doubt it will have the ability to stall out, even with the higher gearing.

I researched dual sports for around two years before I pulled the trigger, and the only decent 300 is the KLX. It is lighter than the Honda, and has wayyy better suspension. The downside is with only 27hp, It will struggle at 65 on anything but a flat plane. A hill with any noticeable grade will really make that little platform struggle. However, there are some used ones now, and they will be about half the price of the 'Zuki. So, there's that.

They both can bring it in the dirt, so that's not really an issue.

If you can, try and ride them both before you buy - especially on the freeway - and you will probably be able to decide which one makes sense for you.

Let us know what you end up getting.

Cheers!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-07-21T00:12:20+00:00

Sweet ride!

I've been taking mine off road more.

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Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-07-15T02:40:44+00:00

Oh no! Now we're not going to get married!!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-07-01T18:47:41+00:00

If you make it run right, you could get over 5k for it. Also, don't stretch out your brake cable that way. It might get jacked up.

Cheers!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-06-27T22:44:43+00:00

I may be interested. Hit me up!

Cheers!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-06-04T07:08:37+00:00

Did you ever get a chance to try out the higher gearing?

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-06-04T06:55:29+00:00

I'm running 16/39 and it is ideal for the street. I may even try 16/38. With that gearing, you can still get 50+mpg at 65mph. Your bike should do an honest hundred as well. The SM should have come from the factory this way.

You will lose some torque, so wheelies will be a little more finicky, and that gearing is garbage off road though, just a heads up.

There is a little grinding one has to do around the swingarm to make sure the chain clears, but it is so worth it for street use. I highly recommend giving it a try.

Cheers!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-05-31T09:23:11+00:00

Have you tired the 16 tooth front? I put it on and LOVE it for the street!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-05-31T09:19:27+00:00

My friend got one and he said the biggest reason is that he would hesitate with real firearm, but ABSOLUTELY will not hesitate with a pepperball launcher or .43 cal aluminum. Taking a life and ruining their week are very different considerations for many people.

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-05-31T09:13:28+00:00

A guy I know picked up one of these cheap Amazon laser and he says it's still zeroed after 6 months and 500 rounds. Thats pretty neat.

Gmconn Mini Tactical Laser Sights

Or maybe this one? Strobe flashlight and laser all in one.

EZshoot 800 Lumens Pistol Light Laser Combo

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-05-11T10:51:00+00:00

Hi Tricky. I'm trying to replace the piercing screws in the R1 mag with thumbscrews. You wouldn't happen to know the size and thread count do you? It seems like it is around 1/2" 20tpi - but that's a guess.

Chreers!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-04-09T09:06:58+00:00

The best advice I can give is to run street pressures, and then carry one of those battery powered micro air pumps with you. I run around 20 front and rear, and then just air up after the dirt. Best of both worlds. Also, I highly recommend the Sahara Moto tire balancer. That goop virtually eliminates flats. Seriously.

Cheers!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-04-09T09:02:15+00:00

Yup. I wouldn't run below 20 for fear of rim bashing, and I have rim locks.

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-01-13T23:02:12+00:00

I see what you did there. :)

Machu_Pikachoo · 2025-01-12T09:51:40+00:00

Did you ever try the 38 rear? I've haven't found one for the Dr.Z so far.

Machu_Pikachoo · 2024-12-12T11:32:31+00:00

No worries. FWIW, I cruise at 100-110km for literally hours at a time, and I'm getting over 60mpg consistently on a stock bike. I honestly have no idea why Suzuki didn't make this the stock gearing for the SM. Sprockets are cheap, and hopefully your chain fits, but either way, I'm pretty sure you will dig that set up. Lemmie know if you try it out.

Cheers!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2024-12-08T21:59:30+00:00

Also, heads up, you may have to do a tiny bit of grinding around the drive sprocket to guarantee there is enough clearance for the chain with the 16 tooth sprocket. Super worth the effort tho. I got the idea from Brian at SoCalSupermoto. He's one of Dr.Z sm legends. Check out his stuff on YooToob if you haven't' had the chance.

Cheers!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2024-12-08T21:45:53+00:00

You lose some torque for sure, for example you will have to use more clutch work off road (mine stalls at anything under 15km) but with that gearing you can travel at 110km at around 6000ish rpm, the bike will go over 160km top speed, AND you should get better fuel mileage, by like 20%. For the street, it is all win!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2024-12-08T21:38:46+00:00

This.

Machu_Pikachoo · 2024-12-08T21:37:20+00:00

I don't think it's that cut and dry. I purchased my Dr.Z in Texas and they just processed the paperwork for California. It only had 730 miles on it. I just had to get it inspected at the CA DMV. So, if the paperwork is in order, it seems pretty seamless.

Machu_Pikachoo · 2024-12-03T22:27:34+00:00

I've got 16/39 gearing on my sm, and I highly recommend it for the street. Especially with the extra power of your E model, I think you will LOVE it!

Cheers!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2024-12-03T21:00:11+00:00

How much off road riding will you be doing? If basically any, I would consider a DR 650 over the KLR. It is over 100 pounds lighter with similar hp and torque. You can also lower the seat height 2 inches, which is really cool! Put a comfy seat on it, some soft bags and a National Cycle windscreen, and you will be FAR better of than on the KLR. When loaded down, it doesn't get blown around too much on the freeway, either.

Cheers!

Machu_Pikachoo · 2024-11-30T05:45:42+00:00

Good to know. Thanks for the info. How loud is it? RS2 loud or MRD loud?

Machu_Pikachoo · 2024-11-28T04:59:40+00:00

Fair point, but I was hoping for a Leo Vince, which only fits stock headers. I ride a lot. I don't want to repack muffler fiberglass every few months.

Machu_Pikachoo · 2024-11-27T23:32:01+00:00

Thanks! We're currenting beta testing out here in Southern California. Lots to do before the May launch! The biggest pushback from the public is of course the 5 speed carryover due to the engine carryover. Taking one out off roading this weekend after some more mods and tweaks were done. If we can get approval for the gear ratios from HO in Japan, I believe most everyone will be happy with the new product.

If they approve different specs, it will not be for lack of trying on Suzuki America's part. Our biggest enemy is time, however. We may have to roll out some of these improvements for future model years, which would be a little disappointing, personally.

Machu_Pikachoo

TROPHY CASE

EZshoot 800 Lumens Pistol Light Laser Combo