Today let’s talk about one of the best supermoto bikes ever
made Suzuki DR-Z400SM. This bike was first released as a non-street legal bike
as DRZ400E in the year 2000. This bike didn’t include any road-legal components
such as a meter, headlight, signal lights, etc. along with DRZ400E Suzuki also
released the DRZ400S which came with all the street-legal components. In 2005
Suzuki releases DRZ400SM as a Factory Fitted Super Moto motorcycle.
There are no major changes to the bike related to the
manufacture year, only the sticker design changed along with the years same as
the WR250X. Because of this people used to change 2005 bikes to 2009-2013 to
sell for a higher price. We also have to be careful about that. Refer below for
product codes according to to manufacture year.
|
Year |
2005 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SMK5, |
|
Year |
2006 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SMK6, |
|
Year |
2007 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SMK7, |
|
Year |
2008 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SMK8, |
|
Year |
2009 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SMK9, |
|
Year |
2010 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SML0, |
|
Year |
2011 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SML1, |
|
Year |
2012 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SML2, |
|
Year |
2013 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SML3, |
|
Year |
2014 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SML4, |
|
Year |
2015 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SML5, |
|
Year |
2016 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SML6, |
|
Year |
2017 |
|
Name |
Suzuki |
|
Code |
DR-Z400SML7, |
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Engine
Suzuki has given this bike a 398cc DOHC, single-cylinder, 4
strokes, and 4-valve engine. Which can produce up to 39.5bhp and can achieve
0-60 in 3.2s and 0-100 in 6.1s. top speed is 176kmph. Also, with some racing modifications
such as a flat carb, and a big bore racing kit we can achieve 50bhp. DR-Z400E
enduro model comes with a 48bhp stock engine.
This engine is very powerful, maintains and spare parts can
be costly as the previously discussed Yamaha WR250X. This bike is equipped with
a liquid cooling system like most Supermoto bikes. That can help keep the
engine cool on long rides.
Fuel
Supply
This bike is equipped with a Mikuni BSR36 carburettor which
can achieve 18Kmpl to 25Kmpl. If Suzuki gave this bike an EFI (Electronic Fuel
Injection) system same as the Yamaha WR250x it could have achieved more fuel
efficiency and more power, but at the same time maintenance and repair costs
have been slashed in half. For someone who buys this bike to have fun fuel
efficiency doesn’t matter much.
Also, this bike is equipped with a 10-litre fuel tank. This
bike has one of the biggest fuel tanks in the supermoto category. With 18Kmpl
to 25Kmpl fuel efficiency, this bike requires a bigger fuel tank compared to
others.
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Gear
and Clutch
If we talk about gear and clutch Suzuki has given this bike
a 5-speed gearbox. Some can argue Yamaha has given a 6-speed gearbox to their
WR125X, even though this is a 400cc bike Suzuki has only given a 5-speed
gearbox. Most 400cc-450cc Enduro and supermoto bikes manufactured at this time
were equipped with a 5-speed gearbox. Also, with a mapped DC-CDI system,
throttle position and RPM can be managed properly. Because of this DRZ400SM can
achieve good speed control and fuel efficiency and that’s why having a 5-speed
gearbox is not a con. Suzuki has given this bike a wet multiple-disc clutch.
With this, we can change gears without any lags.
Meter
Panel
If we talk about the meter panel Suzuki has given this bike
a fully digital meter. This is equipped with speed, ODO, trip, Time, and
stopwatch. But it’s missing the fuel gauge and RPM. This is except for CRF450X
rare thing to include in SM/dirt bikes.
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Chassis
and Design
When we look at the chassis of this bike, Suzuki has given
this bike a Chrome-moly steel frame which is lightweight and stronger. This
helps reduce vibrations and helps stay upright. With this frame, you don’t have
to worry about rider comfort.
The seat height of this bike is 855mm (33.7’’) which is
adjustable. But with this height and engine capacity and weight of 147kg for
someone inexperienced in riding a motorcycle is so risky. This is not a
beginner supermoto and we will recommend trying Yamaha WR250X if you’re
learning to ride supermoto bikes. Also, if you’re planning to buy this bike for
daily usage, we recommend that you’re at least 5.5’’ in height.
The ground clearance of this bike is 260mm (10.2 inches).
Because of this, we can ride this bike in any terrain and any road, which is
unique to enduro and supermotard bikes.
Suspensions
As for front suspensions for this bike, Suzuki has used Oil
damped USD also known as Inverted telescopic and for back suspensions, Suzuki
has used coil springs. With this combination, we can achieve a very comfortable
ride on any terrain. When we are servicing the bike, we have to give special
attention to the front suspension oil limit. Otherwise, it will affect the
comfort of the rider. Because Suzuki used oil-damped Link type coil spring
suspension, we can adjust the bike height 20 times.
Breaks
and Tires and Rims
When we talk about the breaks of this bike Suzuki has
equipped this bike with a front 310mm disc with Nissin callipers and a back 240
disc with Nissin one-piston callipers.
With this configuration, this bike can achieve a good breaking response.
Also, Suzuki released a limited version In the Japanese domestic market known
as DRZ limited edition with a front 310 mm Petal Disk and a back 240 Petal
Disk.
Suzuki has equipped this bike with a front 120/70-17 tire
and a back 140/70-17 tire. Which helps
to maintain a good grip when speeding, cornering and breaking. But these tires
are a bit costly to change compared to enduro tires. Also, this bike is
equipped with both front and rear 17-inch Excel brand rims and spokes.
As for the headlights Suzuki has used 60/55W halogen lights
which helps in foggy and dusty environments.
Lastly, this bike was released in 2000 as an Enduro
Non-Street Legal motorcycle which only had a kick start and without any
equipment needed to legally ride on a road. As time goes on Suzuki released
this bike as the well-known DRZ400SM which attracted most supermotard
enthusiasts. As the competitors of this bike, we can name bikes such as Yamaha
WR450F, Honda CRF450X, Kawasaki KLX400, and KTM 450SMR.
As of today, this bike retails at $7,399 in the United
States. Which is more expensive than 300cc-400cc category bikes such as Twin
cylinder Kawasaki Ninja, and Yamaha YZF-R3.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us
through Facebook.
Until the next post, be safe and keep riding.
Copyright WML©2022.


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