One look at the DR-Z70's 10-inch wheels and 22-inch seat height, and you know this is the bike with ideal dimensions for up-and-coming riders. It also has performance features designed especially for youngsters. It includes both electric and kick starting, and its 67cc engine offers a smooth, controllable powerband and strong low-end torque.

 

Introduction

If a motorcyclist becomes a parent it is very likely that he’ll make an agreement with Santa in its first years of parenthood and this toy will appear under the Christmas tree. But Santa Claus will first have to make a stop at Suzuki’s as the new released motorcycle for kids in black or yellow can only be found there. After that it’s just fun and the thought of what next year’s Christmas will bring under the tree or if it will fit there to be more precise.

History

The brand new, first ever produced DR-Z70 will head to the production line next year so we have history being written right under our noses. It is a good thing that the kids have a good sense of smell.

The fact that Suzuki hasn’t manufactured this model doesn’t imply any kind of problem as everybody is aware of the quality, reliability and joy that come with the name.

Deciding to produce the DR-Z70, Suzuki continues the big pages of history written by the JR 50 model which saw production in the late ’70 and until 2005 when a next big step was needed but it became reality by removing the model from the production line as it was a 2-stroke.

Competition

Although it is announced to become a great success, the DR-Z70 will enter on a quite competitive market. That market is already dominated by Honda CRF50F, a bike that has launched countless careers, and the more competitive Yamaha PW80, a two-stroke bike that also provides all the power needed for a great initiation in the world of motocross.

Exterior

Kids motorcycles have always looked as good as the full size versions and they did it from a single motive: their design is simply inspired after the real championship-winning versions. As you can suppose, Suzuki made no exception when it created the look of this initiator in motocross.

For 2008, the DR-Z70 has aggressive RM-Z inspired styling, so young riders can imagine taking their place alongside their favorite Suzuki racer.

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Test Drive

Imagine a fully grown person on a Suzuki DR-Z70 and I won’t be present to face your reaction. In fact, I wasn’t even present on the mini bike so I wouldn’t have any problems at all concerning your reactions.

In order to get all the information I needed for this review, I managed to find some riders who have spend a few hours on the small machine and I obtained some opinions.

The 70cc 4-stroke, SOHC, air cooled engine which is easy and enjoyable to ride provides the bike with all the power necessary in order to obtain a certain speed that brings great satisfaction on the straight line but good after a tight corner, also. I had to draw my own conclusions concerning speed and engine potential because children are progress-oriented and you could read on their faces how they were craving for a bigger model.

The 3-speed semi-automatic transmission with centrifugal clutch is very easy to use and it fits perfectly for youngsters who are just beginning to ride and feel the adrenaline pumping through their veins.

Sufficient 3.8 inches of front wheel travel provided by the inverted front fork are more than enough to offer an enjoyable ride on any kind of terrain but mud is a must on anyone’s lips.

In order to bring mom’s blood pressure on a decent level, the kid will have to use the front and rear efficient drum brakes with their small hands of course. Remember that good things are achieved with small steps.

Price

Your kid can give you the joy and become one of the most know motocross riders out there but a first step has to be made and that involves paying the sum of $1,499 in order to get in possession the horse which will carry him to the road of success and celebrity.

Conclusion

An RM85 in miniature, sold under the name of DR-Z70 will certainly put a big smile on the children’s faces always eager to repeat the experience and get even muddier. At that point the parents will be very upset on Santa but it will be already too late. The bright career will be expecting and they only have to guide him through all the steps needed.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission

Displacement: 67.0cc
Type: four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, air cooled
Bore x Stroke: 48.0mm x 37.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel System: Carburetor
Lubrication: pressure droplet
Ignition: Digital
Transmission: Semi automatic 3 speed wl centrifugal clutch
Final Drive: Chain

Chassis and Dimensions

Suspension Front: Inverted telescopic, oil-damped
Suspension Rear: Linkless swingarm
Brakes Front: Single drum
Brakes Rear: Single drum
Tires Front: 2.50 – 10
Tires Rear: 2.50 – 10
Overall Length: 1,320mm (52.0 in.)
Overall Width: 580mm (22.8 in.)
Overall Height: 790 (31.1 in.)
Seat Height: 560mm (22.0 in.)
Ground Clearance: 135mm (5.3 in.)
Wheelbase: 935mm (36.8 in.)
Dry Weight: 52.5 kg (116 lbs.)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.0L (0.8 US gal.)

Other

Color: Yellow, Black

Technical Features

 

New Engine

-All new 70cc 4-stroke, SOHC, air cooled engine which is easy and enjoyable to ride with both electric and kick starting as standard equipment
-New DR-Z70 engine meets strict emissions requirements including all California Green Sticker requirements
-Keyed ignition for maximum parent control and an easy handlebar mounted start button for convenient operation
-Easy to use 3 speed semi-automatic transmission with centrifugal clutch. Perfect for young riders just starting out

New Chassis

-Aggressive RM-Z inspired styling for a big bike look and appeal
-Inverted front fork emphasize RM-Z inspired styling and offer enjoyable riding on a variety of terrain surfaces producing 3.8 inches of front wheel travel
-Low 22 inch seat height for entry level riders with a slightly forward leaning riding position for maximum rider mobility
-Adjustable front brake lever to fit various sized hands producing optimum control for young riders
-Lightweight and durable steel frame and swingarm
-Strong braking performance provided by dual drum brakes front and rear
-Available in two attractive color options; Factory Suzuki Yellow or Cool Black