Suzuki DR Z400 Aftermarket Parts and Accessories Buying Guide
Suzuki has been making motorcycles and dirt bikes that perform for so long, their designs have both followed and dictated classic style lines most riders recognize at various points in their history. They’re known for rides that are fast, responsive, and easy to use in tight situations on the track and city streets alike, and their dirt bike models offer performance and customization possibilities to riders at all skill levels. If you’ve never owned a Suzuki dirt bike before, it can be a little different from a street-only model. It practically defines the DualSport market, partly because of its recognizable design and partly because of the ease with which you can optimize it for the track or the road.
DOT Upgrades for Street Riding
The right options package will include these features out the gate, but that’s not always an option. If you buy the DR Z400 without a full set of road upgrades, you’ll need to make sure you have them all.
- Street legal brakes
- DOT approved lights
- DOT approved helmet
- Signals and other required gear for everyday traffic
You’ll also need to register it as a road bike, which isn’t exactly an upgrade but is an expense you will need to budget as you price aftermarket mods for motorcycles.
Upgrades for Performance in Competition
Suzuki builds bikes with a great stock setup, but they do have to contend with state-imposed standards that can hamper performance to sell the bikes. Upgrades can elevate the performance beyond state standards or bypass choices that limit power to service cost goals. Here’s a short list of essentials to consider.
- Airbox and carb mods to help the engine breathe, giving you better performance from the whole system
- Water pump upgrades for endurance and efficiency
- Upgraded gaskets for a higher compression ratio
- Exhaust upgrades for performance and aesthetics
- Aftermarket performance cam shafts
- Racing suspension is a must-have for riders over 180lbs on this model
All of these upgrades can help you get better performance on the track without invalidating the DOT upgrades you’re making to ride on the street, as long as you purchase carefully to make sure any systems with DOT-approved components are upgraded to retain that characteristic or you plan to change components out, optimizing your build for the day’s ride.
Modifications Moving From Track To Street
Some of your DOT-required Suzuki DR Z400 aftermarket parts and accessories add weight you don’t necessarily need at the track. As you trim off the pounds by removing extra weighted components and unnecessary accessories, remember to remove any street riding gear you won’t need for the day’s competition. This can help you lower your weight and get the performance you want during competition, and it is easy to add those back on when it’s time to ride home. Plan to arrive and check in with enough time to shift between bike modes to get the most out of your ride wherever you take it. Find your Suzuki parts where you can get the widest selection, and then you can use the same source for upgrades when you start searching for Honda XR250 OEM near me.
