Suzuki DR-Z400SM Insurance

The Suzuki DR-Z400SM, introduced in 2005, has quickly become the world’s most popular street-legal supermotard. As compared to a conventional dual-sport, the SM comes standard with dual 17-inch wheels, larger front and rear disc brakes, an RMZ rear swing arm, and upside-down Showa forks. While this 398cc thumper makes only 32 horsepower, the bike excels in the fun department. Says Sean MacDonald of Revzilla:

“With its low-ish weight, upright seating, and dirt-bike-like handling and power delivery, it’s literally the most nimble thing on the road.”

What’s more, insuring a dual sport like the DR-Z is much cheaper than any sport bike. That said, rates can vary massively from one company to the next. For that reason, if you want to secure the best coverage for your money, it’s crucial to compare policies from multiple insurers.

DR-Z400SM Insurance Rates

Rates are notoriously difficult to predict, as they vary according to the rider’s age, driving record, credit score, zip code, make/model/condition of bike, loss statistics, and the way a given insurer classifies the machine in question. That said, we’ve gathered some real-world rates from various DR-Z400SM owners in order to give you an idea of what to expect:

• Male, 25, Full Coverage, Progressive: $613 / year
• Male, 26, Liability/Theft, Geico: $100 / year
• Male, 33, Full Coverage, Progressive: $110 / year
• Male, 39, Full Coverage, Geico: $768 / year
• Male, 44, Full Coverage, Progressive:  $241 / year
• Male, 51, Full Coverage, Progressive: $51 / year
• Male, 53, Full Coverage, Geico: $121 / year

As you can see, rates vary widely, from less than $100 to more than $750. What’s more, some riders reported their DR-Z400SM costing more to insure than larger displacement European models, such as Husqvarna and Husaberg supermotos. This is most likely because of the high rate of thefts and accidents among the DR-Z. This only reaffirms how important it is to shop around. Fortunately, we can help.

Brief History: Suzuki DR-Z400SM

The liquid-cooled Suzuki DR-Z400 was introduced in 2000, a successor to the air-cooled DR350. The engine made 32-39 horsepower and the bike weighed around 320 pounds wet. While this power-to-weight ratio may not sound impressive, the 400-class dual-sport earned a reputation for toughness and reliability. In fact, the Australian Army went so far as to adopt a modified version for their soldiers.

In 2005, the company launched the DR-Z400SM, the supermoto version with 17-inch wheels, sport bike rubber, swing arm and USD forks from the dirt-only RMZ, and several other options. While the bike can’t match the outright performance of European supermotards from the likes of Husqvarna, Husaberg, and others, the DR-Z scores top marks in the fun department and won’t break the bank.

Suzuki DR-Z400SM Coverage Recommendations

If you financed your DR-Z, then the lender will require you to carry full coverage. This includes comprehensive and collision, which protects the bike in the event of an accident, act of God, theft, and more.

If you bought your DR-Z outright then liability-only coverage is an option. While this is the cheapest coverage available, it will not cover you or your bike in an accident — only damages to third parties. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to carry full coverage. You might be able to bring your premium down by choosing a high deductible.

We also advise all riders to attend a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. Not only do insurers provide a discount for MSF graduates, but the skills learned in one of these courses could keep you out of trouble and save your life.

Comparing DR-Z Rates

The single most effective way to keep your premiums affordable is to shop around for coverage. Fortunately, we can help. Enter your zip code to get quotes from multiple companies insure motorcycles in your area.