Supermoto

 Suzuki DRZ400SM

Today let’s talk about one of the best Supermoto bikes ever made Suzuki DR-Z400SM. This bike was first released as a non-street legal bike as DRZ400E in the year 2000. This bike didn’t include any road-legal components such as a meter, headlight, signal lights, etc. along with DRZ400E Suzuki also released the DRZ400S which came with all the street-legal components. In 2005 Suzuki releases DRZ400SM as a Factory Fitted Super Moto motorcycle.

There are no major changes to the bike related to the manufacture year, only the sticker design changed along with the years same as the WR250X. Because of this people used to change 2005 bikes to 2009-2013 to sell for a higher price. We also have to be careful about that. Refer below for product codes according to to manufacture year.

Engine

Suzuki has given this bike a 398cc DOHC, single-cylinder, 4 strokes, and 4-valve engine. Which can produce up to 39.5bhp and can achieve 0-60 in 3.2s and 0-100 in 6.1s. top speed is 176kmph. Also, with some racing modifications such as a flat carb, and a big bore racing kit we can achieve 50bhp. DR-Z400E enduro model comes with a 48bhp stock engine.

This engine is very powerful, maintains and spare parts can be costly as the previously discussed Yamaha WR250X. This bike is equipped with a liquid cooling system like most Supermoto bikes. That can help keep the engine cool on long rides.

Gear and Clutch

If we talk about gear and clutch Suzuki has given this bike a 5-speed gearbox. Some can argue Yamaha has given a 6-speed gearbox to their WR125X, even though this is a 400cc bike Suzuki has only given a 5-speed gearbox. Most 400cc-450cc Enduro and Supermoto bikes manufactured at this time were equipped with a 5-speed gearbox. Also, with a mapped DC-CDI system, throttle position and RPM can be managed properly. Because of this DRZ400SM can achieve good speed control and fuel efficiency and that’s why having a 5-speed gearbox is not a con. Suzuki has given this bike a wet multiple-disc clutch. With this, we can change gears without any lags.

As for the headlights Suzuki has used 60/55W halogen lights which helps in foggy and dusty environments.

Lastly, this bike was released in 2000 as an Enduro Non-Street Legal motorcycle which only had a kick start and without any equipment needed to legally ride on a road. As time goes on Suzuki released this bike as the well-known DRZ400SM which attracted most supermotard enthusiasts. As the competitors of this bike, we can name bikes such as Yamaha WR450F, Honda CRF450X, Kawasaki KLX400, and KTM 450SMR.

Until we meet, be safe and keep riding ✌