QUIKSPIN: Suzuki DR-Z400SM – Motard Magic
If ever there was a model range that lives by the age-old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, it would be Suzuki’s DR-Z400.
The DR-Z400 family consists of three models – the trail-focused DR-Z400E, dual-purpose DR-Z400S, and the DR-Z400SM. All of these models are distinctly similar in most characteristics, but differ mostly in suspension and running gear tailored for each machine’s intended environment.
And as similar as they all are, ever since late-2005 when the SM was introduced, Suzuki has only changed the bars – to a tapered Renthal bar – and added axle sliders to update its 400cc motard.
To categorise the DR-Z, it’s more on the mild side of the scale when it comes to motards; wilder motards use enduro or MX-spec machinery as their base-platform. Power delivery is smooth and constant through the rev range, with the bottom-end lacking serious poke. But there’s great midrange and top-end response from the liquid-cooled four-valve single.
The DR-Z’s shortfall in outright engine performance comes as a direct result of the engine being tuned for longevity and reliability over outright performance. For this reason, it is an entry level motorcycle and falls in the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) too. Though if you decided to open up the engine, the DR-Z can be transformed into a rip-snorter – there is plenty of untapped potential in there. That said, 110km/h is easy enough to get to.
The clutch and gearbox actuation is smooth and light, as we’ve come to expect from any bike carrying the Suzuki badge. As mild as the engine performance is, you get a lot of vibes high in the rev range – particularly at freeway speeds. The rubbertopped pegs do a good job of isolating the vibes, but the competition-spec bar and off-road style seat don’t. And that’s what you expect of a motard.
The ride position is comfortable for tall riders and not too tall or stretched out for shorter riders. Pillions won’t be comfortable on the back, but at least you can carry one!
Handling is excellent on the SM. Running on Dunlop D208s, front-end compliance is superb, while the rear-end was tweaked from standard to a firmer ride. There is more adjustment on the front- and rear-ends of the DR-Z than you’d expect of a bike in this price bracket, and its Showa kit up-front too. Minor suspension adjustments are quite noticeable, and finding the limits of the chassis’ capability takes a fair bit of riding and rider.
Beaut little touches like the soft-pack on the seat that houses the toolkit, helmet lock, lockable fuel cap and comprehensive dash readouts earn the DR points on the value-for-money scorecard, but little annoyances like the old-style switchgear and lack of fuel light/guage do little to detract from the overall value for money, quality of build, and performance of the DR-Z400SM.
