Very few bikes can combine all the positive qualities of a super moto and a moto cross bike into one exciting package. But of those few, one that stands out is the Suzuki DR-Z400S.
Packed with impressive performance credentials and all-world handling capabilities, the DR-Z400S allows riders to travel on just about any imaginable surface. The powertrain - a 398cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, dry-sump engine - produces strong low-RPM power while its compact 4-valve cylinder head features large 36mm intake valves and 29mm exhaust valves, helping produce broad, tractable power and torque. Suzuki also added in its own Composite Electrochemical Materials cylinder to provide impressive heat transfer in a lightweight and durable package. There’s also a forged aluminum piston that’s 10 percent lighter than a cast piston and receives additional oil-cooling to the piston crown through a crankcase oil jet.
Besides its impressive performance credentials, the DR-Z400S also comes with a firm and sturdy chassis and suspension set-up that includes a narrow frame that combines thin chrome-moly steel tubes for exceptional torsional rigidity with minimal weight. Meanwhile, the backbone tube, front down tube, and steering head gussets form the dry-sump engine oil tank while a bolt-on aluminum subframe helps reduce weight and simplify maintenance, allowing for an ease-of-use that very few bikes can rival.
The DR-Z also comes with a sturdy aluminum skidplate to protect its underbelly, along with plastic guards that will put up token resistance to defend the water pump and left sidecover. The lights set-up features on-road legal lighting with a bright 60/55 watt H4 halogen headlight and a compact tail/stoplight, as well as lightweight, rubber-mounted turn signals.
Find out more about the Suzuki DR-Z400S after the jump.
Engine
A compact design, 398cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, dry-sump engine produces strong low-RPM power. Its compact 4-valve cylinder head features large 36mm intake valves and 29mm exhaust valves help produce broad, tractable power and torque ready for any terrain.
Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Materials (SCEM) cylinder for durable, lightweight and provides superior heat transfer.
Forged aluminum piston is 10 percent lighter than a cast piston and receives additional oil-cooling to the piston crown through a crankcase oil jet.
A Mikuni 36mm carburetor fed by a 6-liter airbox provides smooth throttle response. The left side cover has quick-release fasteners for easy access to the air filter.
Electric start system provides convenient operation and features a lightweight starter motor and a compact 6.5 amp maintenance-free battery.
Magnesium-alloy clutch, magneto and cam covers contribute to weight reduction.
Digitally mapped DC-CDI system monitors throttle position/engine rpm and adjusts ignition timing to maintain efficient combustion.
Transmission
A compact 5-speed transmission utilizes a cable-operated clutch with separate outer cover for simplified clutch maintenance.
Chassis
A narrow frame combines thin chrome-moly steel tubes for exceptional torsional rigidity with minimal weight. The backbone tube, front down tube and steering head gussets form the dry-sump engine oil tank. A bolt-on aluminum subframe helps reduce weight and simplify maintenance.
Long travel (11.3 in), 49mm cartridge-style forks with protective rubber boots, feature adjustable compression/rebound damping and adjustable spring preload for smooth performance on all types of on/off-road terrain.
Rear shock absorber features 11.6 in of travel, compression damping/preload adjustments and connects to a lightweight aluminum swingarm through a progressive linkage system.
Sure stopping power is supplied by a 250mm front disc with dual-piston caliper and a 220mm rear disc brake with a single-piston caliper.
Compact digital instrument cluster with speedometer, odometer, twin-trip meters with addition/subtraction capability, clock, timer and stopwatch functions.
Compact digital instrument cluster with speedometer, odometer, twin-trip meters with addition/subtraction capability, clock, timer and stopwatch functions.
On-road legal lighting with bright 60/55 watt H4 halogen headlight, compact tail/stoplight, lightweight, rubber-mounted turn signals and horn.
A pouch on the rear fender carries tool kit and the owner’s manual.
Specifications
Bore X Stroke
90.0 X 62.6 mm (3.543 X 2.465 in)
Displacement
398cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC
Compression Ratio
11.3 : 1
Fuel System
MIKUNI BSR36, single
Starter
Electric
Lubrication System
Dry Sump
Ignition
Electronic ignition (CDI)
MPG
65
Overall Length
2310 mm (90.9 in)
Overall Width
875 mm (34.4 in)
Wheelbase
1485 mm (58.5 in)
Ground Clearance
300 mm (11.8 in)
Seat Height
935 mm (36.8 in)
Curb Weight
144 kg (317 lbs)
Transmission
5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive
Chain, RK520KZ0, 112 links
Suspension Front
Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear
Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Front Fork Stroke
288 mm (11.3 in)
Front Wheel Travel
288 mm (11.3 in)
Rear Wheel Travel
295 mm (11.6 in)
Brakes Front
Disc brake
Brakes Rear
Disc brake
Tires Front
80/100-21 M/C 51P, tube type
Tires Rear
120/90-18 M/C 65P, tube type
Fuel Tank Capacity
10.0 L (2.6 US gallons)
Fuel Tank Capacity CA
9.5 L (2.5 US gallons)
Color
Solid Black
Quotes
Ultimate Motorcycling----"Throughout the years, the Suzuki DRZ400S became more technologically advanced, as can be observed on the latest edition, the 2012 model. Some of the technology instilled in the street and trail Suzuki DR-Z400S are the forged aluminum piston and digitally mapped DC-CDI system that monitors throttle position/engine rpm, just to name a new."
This is something for a motocross. But it looks too aggressive and too big for a thin bike. Anyway, I am sure that this can run fast and win every competition that will come.
This has an impressive engine performance and seems like always ready for action. I love the angst that this motorcycle has. The design is cool especially with that spring, but the wheels are similar with others.
Posted on
01.19.2012 @ 05:03