2010 SUZUKI DR-Z400SM SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Engine type: Four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, four-valve
Displacement: 398cc
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
Transmission: Five speed

CHASSIS
Frame Type: Steel tube
Front Suspension: Showa adjustable inverted fork
Rear Suspension: Link-type, fully-adjustable shock absorber
Brakes (front / rear): Single hydraulic 300mm disc / Single hydraulic 240mm disc
Wheelbase: 1460mm

DIMENSIONS
Fuel Capacity: 6.2 litres
Seat Height: 890mm
Weight (claimed): 146kg

PURCHASE DETAILS
Price: TBA
Availability: Now Available
Colour Options: White
Test Bike: Suzuki Australia
www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au

There’s something about Supermoto that appeals to me. I’ve always been a massive fan of Motocross and basically live for road bikes, so meshing the two disciplines together was always going to be a positive in my books.

Supermoto or Supermotard – whatever you want to call it – it’s a cool sport, no doubt.

But it’s not only the serious racing side of the hybrid sport that’s been ever so slightly growing in popularity and recognition over the years, the street segment also has some solid options for consumers.

The Suzuki DR-Z400SM is purposely designed for Supermoto, based off of the top-selling DR-Z400E, the off-road variant of the popular DR-Z range that’s been a mainstay in Aussie off-road riding for many years.

Featuring a 398cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve engine that has a chrome-molly steel tubular frame surrounding it, quality-built components are littered throughout the SM.

The engine has the Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) plated aluminium cylinder bore for durability, weight reduction and superior heat transfer according to Suzuki’s press kit.

It’s also got a dry-sump oiling system, with the clutch, magneto and cam covers made of lightweight aluminium-alloy.

Adding to all of that is a digitally mapped DC-CDI system monitoring throttle position/engine rpm that adjusts ignition timing efficient combustion, plus an electric starter motor and automatic decompression for easy starting.

In the suspension department you’ll find Showa’s upside-down forks up front that are fully-adjustable, stemming directly from the two-stroke RM250 Motocross bike.

The rear of the bike is sprung by an adjustable shock absorber, also featuring technology direct from the RM.

Massive 310mm floating front disc brakes will give you plenty of bite when you’re pulling up in a hurry, surprisingly the same size discs as what comes on the GSX-R1000 sportsbike. The 240mm rear disc brake is also shared with the RM250.

Perhaps the biggest difference on the DR-Z400SM compared to its E sibling is the wheels, made up of spoked aluminium 17-inch rims at the front and rear while also having high-grip front and rear radial Dunlop D208 tyres.

Capping off the tech goodies, it’s got a multi-function digital instrument panel that includes a speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters with both addition and subtraction functions, clock and stopwatch with subtraction capability.

All that adds up to a stunning bike on paper, even if its technology is somewhat dated compared to the latest and greatest 450cc four-strokes of the current age – including Suzuki’s very own RMX450Z.

Suzuki's DR-Z400SM has white bodywork and blue wheels for this year.

The question is, where would you ride a bike like this, and what’s it like to take for a spin?

Well, for starters, the ideal place to put the DR-Z400SM through its paces is for short, focussed rides when you’re looking for a fast blast, or if you’re looking for a super easy to ride commuter.

The thing is with pretty much any Supermoto bike, once you climb aboard it it’s like you’re instantly given a licence to be a hoon. All of a sudden you’re picturing foot paths as race tracks, dirt roads as flat tracks and you’ll be tempted to loft the front wheel at every twist of the throttle.

But you can’t do all of those things legally in the real world, so you’re just going to have to enjoy the light handling, sporty suspension and impressively powerful brakes.

All of those features are what make the DR-Z400SM what it is – an enjoyable ride that equals a lot of fun if you get it in the right environment that is tight enough to enable quick-steering and rapid acceleration.

Its comfort for slow riding and ease of making your way through traffic is almost just as good as a reason to by one of these rides. If you’re a city slicker and are looking for a bike to ride to work without the hassle of the weight of a sportsbike then this is an option for you.

The engine power isn’t massive, but it does sound the goods and is capable of quick bursts off the lights or tight turns as a hinted to above. It’s not ideal for freeway riding and the vibrations are quite high, but it’ll do the job if you really have to.

The clutch operation, gearbox actuation and handlebar quality – Renthal Fatbars – are all as good as it gets in the current 400cc Supermotard segment, with the small things such as the above making the bike a complete package.

It’s a solid ride with good resale value, so if you’re in the market for a Motard then make sure you take a serious look at the DR-Z – a few added sports features and you’ll be a real world racer in no time.