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New Releases - Review
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Suzuki dr-z 400
No Compromises.
You don't have to sacrifice the agility of a two-stroke
motocrosser for the power of a large-displacement four-stroke.
Or lose the sheer power and torque of four-strokes up
rocky enduro slopes in favor of skimming over hare scramble
whoops. Now, you don't have to make any compromises when
selecting your off-road weapon of choice. You just have
to choose the new 2000 Suzuki DR-Z400. The Big Squeeze.
The mission was to build a high-tech, high-torque 400cc
four-stroke no bigger than a 250cc motocrosser.
Here, before you, is the result of an Integrated Design
Approach pioneered by Suzuki. Some of the industry's best
engine, chassis and electrical engineers worked hand-in-hand
to make every part and assembly smaller, lighter and more
efficient. This was a challenging and continuous process
throughout the DR-Z400's development. Consider the goal
of placing the engine as low as possible within the frame
for better control, yet above the frame rails for protection
from debris. The solution was a dry-sump oiling system
to reduce crankcase size, an engine design feature, working
in concert with an engine oil reservoir built into the
frame, a feat of chassis design. And to make for a narrower
and smoother clutch cover, a clutch-actuating pushrod
was designed to go through the transmission input shaft.
The Integrated Design Approach. It created what is now
Suzuki's lightest and most compact four-stroke off-road
motorcycle ever.
Power Packed
Nestled within the snug confines of the DR-Z400's compact
and lightweight frame is a textbook example of high-performance
four-stroke technology and design. 398cc of displacement,
a DOHC with four huge valves and liquid cooling are just
the beginning. Add in forged pistons, 10% lighter than
ones conventionally cast, an L-shaped top piston ring
to reduce blow-by and copious use of aluminum and magnesium
for lower weight and better heat transfer and you have
an engine with power that belies its size. And what you
get is big four-stroke power and torque with all the benefits
of two-stroke stature.
All Together Now
The very same thought and energy spent on the DR-Z400's
groundbreaking chassis and engine went into its components
as well. With rubber boots to protect it from rocks and
dirt, the race-ready, long-travel front fork features
large, 49mm stanchion tubes. And the rear suspension features
an even-longer-travel rear shock connected to an aluminum-alloy
swingarm by a progressive linkage system. Then, for extra
bite, there are the powerful disc brakes, front and rear,
featuring a dual-piston caliper up front and a single-piston
caliper out back. Lightweight wheels are built with necked-down
spokes and aluminum-alloy rims, hubs and nipples. And
well-placed grease nipples keep the swingarm moving smoothly.
One could go on forever. But, simply put, these and a
hundred other refined and reworked components make for
one serious off-roader.
Take It Easy. Hardcore off-roader, yes. Uncivilized, no.
The DR-Z400 features lots of little surprises that make
your life easier. Like removing the clutch cover for routine
maintenance without having to drain the engine coolant.
A large, six-liter airbox with oiled-foam air filter you
can access with your bare hands. A sidestand that when
retracted rides above and close to the swingarm. Or a
forged aluminum-alloy rear brake pedal that features a
folding tip. And don't forget how freely you can move
and shift your weight for easier control on uneven terrain.
For that, you can thank the DR-Z400's super-smooth transitions
between the specially shaped ten-liter fuel tank and seat,
the fuel tank and dual radiator covers, the seat and side
panels, and the side panels and rear fender.
Everything considered, there could hardly be an easier
bike to ride or maintain. With the arrival of the DR-Z400,
you no longer have to choose between the agility of light
weight and the power and torque of four-stroke technology.
You now have the dirt-kicking, mud-slinging and hill-climbing
ability of the DR-Z400 at your beck and call. You now
have everything you've ever wanted in an off-road motorcycle.
Power and agility. It's all yours with the DR-Z400. |
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