Suzuki DRZ400SM Full Review

Year	2012
Name	Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Code	DR-Z400SML2, DR-Z400SL2
Year	2013
Name	Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Code	DR-Z400SML3, DR-Z400SL3
Year	2014
Name	Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Code	DR-Z400SML4, DR-Z400SL4
Year	2015
Name	Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Code	DR-Z400SML5, DR-Z400SL5
Year	2016
Name	Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Code	DR-Z400SML6, DR-Z400SL6
Year	2017
Name	Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Code	DR-Z400SML7, DR-Z400SL7

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.

 

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.

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.