Suzuki Dr-Z 400
Suzuki DR-Z 400
Thumping to talk about
S URPRISE! WHILE WE WERE SIT ting around waiting for news of Honda's XR600 replacement (it is coming!), Suzuki pulled the wraps off its four-stroke enduro and dual-purpose models. The all-new machines are being touted as serious off-roaders with an eye toward compe tition. There will be three versions: the standard, kick-start DR-Z 400; the dirt only, electric-start DR-Z 400E; and the street-legal DR-Z 400S.
Information is scarce, but the specs paint a revealing picture. All three bikes are powered by a dohc, fourvalve, liquid-cooled, 398cc Single that is new from the drain plug up. In fact, the only trait the engine shares with the previous DR350 is its dry-sump oiling system. The 90.0 x 62.6mm bore and stroke and 12.0:1 compression ratio lead us to suspect a relatively quick-revving engine with plenty of traditional Thumper character. The dirt versions are each fed by a 39mm Keihin FCR carb, while the D-P version gets a 36mm Mikuni CV and lower, emissions-pleasing 11.0:1 compression. Keeping weight to a minimum, the clutch, ignition and valve covers are magnesium. The cylinder is nickel-silicone plated and uses a forged piston similar to those of the RM motocrossers and GSX-R sportbikes. The five-speed transmission works through a cable-actuated clutch, easily accessed through a quickchange, two-piece cover. The oil filter is a simple, three-bolt affair.
The chromoly steel chassis is said to be similar to that of the RMs, while the suspension is more RMX-like. The 39mm conventional fork may not be a twin-chamber unit like the RM’s, but it has adjustments for compression and rebound damping. The shock sports spring preload plus compressionand rebound-damping adjustments, and rides through a progressive linkage. (The S-model has lesser-grade components, with compression clickers only at either end.) Adding to the trickness is a bolt-on aluminum sub-frame that should make shock access easy. The entire package is pretty narrow, too.
Other neat bits include an LED taillight, a 55-watt headlight and a standard tripmeter. The S employs a traditional, DOT-legal taillight, and comes with a digital odometer, dual tripmeters, stopwatch and clock. Airfilter access is a simple quick-release get-at. The aluminum swingarm is equipped with snail-type chain adjusters for ease of use.
So, it appears Suzuki is taking a serious shot at the middleweight four-stroke market, aiming to take on Honda and Yamaha with a potent, onetwo-three punch. With a target weight of 250 pounds for the kick-start DR-Z, the bikes should be right in the hunt. Factor in typically light, agile Suzuki feel and you could have one mean trail-warrior. Suggested retail prices are not yet set, but they should be competitive. Expect the off-road versions to be in dealerships before the end of the year, and the D-P version in January. Is this the year of the fourstroke dirtbike or what? -Jimmy Lewis
