Suzuki DR-Z400SM

The Suzuki DR-Z400SM is a Supermotard motorcycle – Supermotard racing has been around since the 1970’s and has had an immense impact on the design of road motorcycles. The name defines the sport as being a blend of motocross and road racing, the sport relies more on the skill of the rider rather than the performance of the bike.

A typical Supermotard racecourse is about 70% tarmac and 30% dirt; the course tests the riders’ ability to drift around corners on the tarmac whilst getting some air on the jumps in the dirt section. The more torque the better when it comes to a SuperMotard racing, because of the different road surfaces, the speed of the race tends to fluctuate and riders need the torque on tap to maneuver through twisty courses whilst achieving a top speed of about 150 km/h

Specifications 

Motorcycle Type	Dual-Sport/Adventure Compare Dual-Sport/Adventure Motorcycles
Price (Base MSRP)	$6,999
Manufacturer	Suzuki Compare Suzuki Motorcycles
Year	2013 Compare 2013 Motorcycles
Curb Weight	321 lbs
Displacement	398 cc
Final Drive	chain
Front Brake	disc
Fuel Capacity	3 gal
Rear Brake	disc
Seat Height	35 inches
Transmission	5-speed
Wheelbase	57.5 in

ENGINE DETAILS

Displacement	398 cc
Combustion Cycle	4-stroke
Fuel System	36mm Mikuni

DRIVETRAIN DETAILS

Transmission	5-speed
Final Drive	chain

CHASSIS DETAILS

Front Brake	disc
Rear Brake	disc

WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS

Curb Weight	321 lbs
Wheelbase	57.5 in
Seat Height	35 inches

People’s Opinion

I have now had my DR for 4 months. Firstly, lets get the moans out of the way. I have to say that I agree with some comments and you should avoid motorways and it would be great to have a 6th gear. The Dunlop tyres are not great, bit twitchy on the front on a wet road. Okay moans over.

This bike is a great laugh. It is such good fun on normal roads. The engine is bullet proof, it has never stalled and it sounds great. It handles great in the dry and for a 400 single smoto it is quick off the mark. I like the more upright position, given up the crouched over style years ago. I am getting Pirelli diablos fitted tomorrow so hopefully these will make a difference on the wet tarmac. I am putting a 150/60 on the rear.

Overall, the fun aspect of this bike makes the commute to work a real breath of fresh air. Good fun.

 

Bad opinion:

I have a Suzuki DR 2007 400SM. A little underpowered at first but I added a K&N air filter, a stage 2 jet kit, a Yoshi pipe and a 39 tooth rear sprocket. Now the bike is great fun to ride. After the original 140 rear tyre was finished I put on a Conti 160sm. Looks good but it is a little harder to slide out the rear now. Perhaps a 150 would be a better choice. Overall I would say that the 400 SM is good bang for your buck.