2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM Review

2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM
2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM
2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM
2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM

 

 

BRINGS SOUL AND FUN TO PAVED ROADS.

Suzuki’s SuperMoto DR-Z400SM is based on the proven DR-Z400S so it combines Supermotard style and features in a narrow, lightweight street-legal package. This bike brings off-road soul and fun to paved roads. It’s not uncommon to take the SuperMoto down a twisty forest road, around tight canyon corners, or glide through commuter traffic. Its 398cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine provides strong low-rpm torque and crisp throttle response for any of these occasions. Key difference between the DR-Z400SM and the DR-Z400S are the inverted front fork, wide, spoke-style wheels, and 300mm diameter floating front brake rotor. The inverted fork contributes to less unsprung weight and improved overall handling, while the large brake and wider rims with high-grip tires offer an exhilarating sportbike experience.

Live in a concrete jungle? Here’s your vine. Grab hold of our supermoto, the street hybrid that’s 80% dirtbike and 100% fun. Ride nice and tall in traffic, then dominate in rough road conditions where most other bikes have to back off.

 

2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Suzuki’s Supermotard model based on proven DR-Z400S – combines Supermotard style and features in a narrow, lightweight street-legal package

Versatile and strong 398cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, dry-sump engine with push-button starting

Fully adjustable suspension, strong spoke wheels featuring high-grip sportbike tires on wide aluminum rims

New black bodywork with fresh yellow and gray graphics complement the motorcycle’s styling. Bright, gold anodized EXCEL wheel rims exude performance

 

2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine Features
Lightweight 398cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, dry-sump engine produces strong, tractable power

Compact 4-valve cylinder head with 36mm intake valves, 29mm exhaust valves, narrow 28-degree included valve angle and shim-under-bucket valve adjustment system

Simple electric starting via a lightweight starter motor with an automatic mechanical decompression system

SCEM-plated cylinder (nickel-silicon-phosphorous) is lighter and more durable than an iron liner with excellent heat transfer properties

Forged aluminum piston is 10 percent lighter than a cast piston and receives additional oil-cooling through a crankcase oil jet

Smooth throttle response with a Mikuni™ 36mm carburetor fed by 6-liter air box. The left side cover has quick-release fasteners for easy access to the air filter

Thermostatically controlled cooling fan mounted to the left radiator helps maintain consistent operating temperature in traffic

Additional weight savings with magnesium valve cover, clutch cover, and magneto cover

 

Transmission Features
Compact 5-speed transmission utilizes a cable-operated clutch with a separate outer cover for simplified clutch maintenance

Low-maintenance, long-life sealed O-ring type drive chain produces minimal sounds when riding

 

Chassis Features
Wide, blue-anodized RK Excel aluminum rims with stainless steel spokes are fitted with sporty radial tires: 120/70-R17 front & 140/70-R17 rear

Strong braking performance is supplied by a front disc brake with a large 300mm floating-type rotor and dual-piston caliper, plus a 240mm rear disc brake with single-piston caliper

Long travel, SHOWA inverted front fork is derived from a RM250 and features adjustable compression/rebound damping and alumite coating on inner tube surfaces for smooth action

A fully adjustable rear shock absorber with high/low speed compression damping adjuster and a tapered RM-inspired aluminum swingarm combine for precise rear wheel control

Renthal tapered aluminum handlebar has an aggressive look, reduces vibration and has a great bend for spirited riding

Chrome-moly steel frame tuned for Supermotard style riding is torsionally strong with minimal weight. The backbone tube, front down tube, and steering head gussets form the dry-sump engine oil tank

A bolt-on aluminum sub-frame helps reduce weight, simplify maintenance and contributes to the trim rear fender appearance

Front and rear axle sliders help protect against damage in the case of a tip-over

 

Electrical Features
Compact digital instrument cluster with speedometer, odometer, and twin-trip meters with addition/subtraction capability, clock and stopwatch functions

On-road legal lighting with bright 60/55 watt halogen headlight, compact tail/stoplight, lightweight, rubber-mounted turn signals and horn

Electrical systems, including the easy push button starter, powered by a compact 6.5 amp maintenance-free battery

 

 

 

2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $7299  USD

Engine

Engine  398cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC

Bore x Stroke     90.0 x 62.6 mm (3.54 x 2.44 in.)

Compression Ratio          11.3: 1

Fuel System       MIKUNI BSR36, single carburetor

Starter  Electric

Lubrication          Semi-dry sump

Drive Train

Transmission      5-speed constant mesh

Clutch   Wet multi-plate

Final Drive           Chain, RK520KZ0, 110 links

Chassis

Suspension Front             Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped

Suspension Rear               Link type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preload

Brakes Front       Disc brake, single floating rotor

Brakes Rear        Disc brake, single rotor

Tires Front          120/70R17M/C 58H, tube type

Tires Rear            140/70R17M/C 66H, tube type

Fuel Tank Capacity           10.0 L (2.6 US gal) / 9.5 L (2.5 US Gal) California model

Color     Solid Black

Electrical

Ignition Electronic ignition (CDI)

Spark Plug           NGK CR8E or DENSO U24ESR-N

Headlight             12V 60/55W (H4)

Tail light               12V 21/5W

Dimensions

Overall Length   2225 mm (87.6 in)

Overall Width    855 mm (33.7 in)

Overall Height   1200 mm (47.2 in)

Wheelbase         1460 mm (57.5 in)

Ground Clearance            260 mm (10.2 in)

Seat Height         890 mm (35.0 in)

Curb Weight       146 kg (322 lbs)

Warranty

Warranty             12-month, unlimited mileage, limited warranty*

Extensions          *Longer coverage periods with other benefits available through Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP)

 

 

2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $  CDN

TBA

 

 

2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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