How's this for a red-hot combination? Take the incredible versatility and performance of Suzuki's renowned DR-Z400. Mix in street-legal capabilities and unmatched handling. Then add a double shot of aggressive Suzuki styling and attitude. The result is the 2008 DR-Z400SM.
For exceptional performance on the street, the DR-Z400SM offers remarkably smooth performance, along with a rush of torque across the powerband. For crisp handling, it features a lightweight, compact design, complemented by advanced suspension front and rear, including an RM250-derived inverted fork.
All this performance at a value that earned the DR-Z400SM "Best Bang for the Buck" runner up in Motorcyclist Magazine's 2007 "Motorcycle of the Year" awards.
Key Features
Suzuki's Supermotard model based on DR-Z400S - combines Supermotard style and features in a narrow, lightweight street-legal package
Engine Features
Lightweight 398cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, dry-sump engine produces strong, tractable low-rpm power
Compact 4-valve cylinder head with 36mm intake valves, 29mm exhaust valves, narrow 28º included valve angle and shim-under-bucket valve adjustment 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% lighter than a cast piston and receives additional oil-cooling to the piston crown through a crankcase oil jet
Compact 5-speed transmission utilizes a cable-operated clutch with separate outer cover for simplified clutch maintenance
Additional weight savings with magnesium valve cover, clutch cover, and magneto cover
Smooth throttle response with a Mikuni™ BSR36 CV-type carburetor fed by 6-liter airbox. The left side cover has quick-release fasteners for easy access to the air filter
Electric start with lightweight starter motor and a compact 6.5 amp maintenance-free battery
Automatic decompression system for quick/easy engine starts
Thermostatically-controlled cooling fan mounted to the left radiator helps maintain consistent operating temperature in traffic
Chassis Features
Renthal tapered aluminum handlebar for reduced vibration and an aggressive look
Compact digital instrument cluster with speedometer, odometer, twin-trip meters with addition/subtraction capability, clock, timer and stopwatch functions
Long travel, Showa-brand inverted front fork derived from RM250 - 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 aluminum swingarm for precise rear wheel control
Strong braking performance supplied by a front disc brake with a large 300mm floating-type rotor and dual-piston caliper, plus 240mm rear disc brake with single-piston caliper
Black-painted RK Excel 17" aluminum rims and radial tires: 120/70-R17 front, 140/70- R17 rear
New front and rear axle sliders
On-road legal lighting with bright 60/55 watt halogen headlight, compact tail/stoplight, lightweight, rubber-mounted turn signals and horn
Narrow profile with smooth transitions between the tank, seat and bodywork
Chrome-moly steel frame tuned for Supermoto 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 subframe helps reduce weight and simplify maintenance
Chrome-moly steel footpegs, aluminum rims/hubs, plus engine guard and rear disc guard
Specs
Engine: 398cc, four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid cooled
Bore Stroke: 90 x 62.6mm
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
Fuel System: Mikuni™ BSR36
Lubrication: Dry sump
Ignition: Digital/DC-CDI
Transmission: 5-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain
Overall Length: 2225mm (87.6 in.)
Overall Width: 855mm (33.7 in.)
Overall Height: 1200mm (47.2 in.)
Seat Height: 890mm (35.0 in.)
Ground Clearance: 260mm (10.2 in.)
Wheelbase: 1460mm (57.5 in.)
Dry Weight: 134kg (295 lbs.)
Suspension Front: Inverted telescopic, oil-damped, adjustable compression and rebound damping
Suspension Rear: Link-type, fully-adjustable spring preload, adjustable compression and rebound damping
Brakes Front: Single hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc
Tires Front: 120/70-17
Tires Rear: 140/70-17
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10 liter (2.64 gal.)
Color: Black, White