Suzuki DR-Z400: review, history, specs

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Suzuki DR-Z400
Manufacturer
Production 2000 - 2003
Class Enduro
Predecessor Suzuki DR350
Engine
398cc four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid cooled
Bore / Stroke 88.9mm x 88.9mm
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Horsepower 48.01 HP (35.8 KW) @ 9000RPM
Torque 30.24 ft/lbs (41.0 Nm) @ 7500RPM
Fuel System Keihin FCR39 carburetor
Spark Plug NGK CR8E '00-06
Transmission Gear box: 5 speed, manual

Final Drive: #520 chain

Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain: 520x112 ‘00-12[1]
Front Sprocket 14T ‘00-12[1]
Rear Sprocket 47T ‘00-12[1]
Suspension Front: Telescopic, cartridge-type, oil-damped, adjustable preload, 14-way compression damping and 18-way rebound damping
Rear: Link-type, fully-adjustable spring preload, adjustable high/low compression dampimg and adjustable rebound damping
Brakes Front: Single disc, 250mm
Rear: Single disc, 220mm
Front Tire 80/100-21
Rear Tire 110/100-18
Wheelbase 58.11 inches (1476 mm)
Length 87.99 inches (2235 mm)
Width 32.52 inches (826 mm)
Seat Height 37.2 inches (945 mm)
Weight 113.0 kg (wet)
Oil Filter K&N KN-136
Recommended Oil Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40
Related Suzuki DR-Z400S
Suzuki DR-Z400SM
Kawasaki KLX400R
Competition Honda XR400
Kawasaki KLX400R
Manuals Service Manual


The Suzuki DR-Z400 was a four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid cooled Enduro motorcycle produced by Suzuki between 2000 and 2003. Max torque was 30.24 ft/lbs (41.0 Nm) @ 7500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 48.01 HP (35.8 KW) @ 9000 RPM.

Engine[edit | edit source]

A 88.9mm bore x 88.9mm stroke result in a displacement of just 398.0 cubic centimeters.

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 5 speed, manual transmission. Power was moderated via the Wet multi-disc, manual.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 80/100-21 front tire and a 110/100-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Single disc, 250mm in the front and a Single disc, 220mm in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic, cartridge-type, oil-damped, adjustable preload, 14-way compression damping and 18-way rebound damping while the rear was equipped with a Link-type, fully-adjustable spring preload, adjustable high/low compression dampimg and adjustable rebound damping. The wheelbase was 58.11 inches (1476 mm) long.

The Suzuki DR-Z400 is a motorcycle produced by Suzuki from 2000 to 2006.

2000 DR-Z400Y[edit | edit source]

2000 Suzuki DR Z400Y


  • V.I.N. #: JS1DK423 Y2100001
  • ENGINE PREFIX: K416-
  • ENGINE TYPE: 398cc, Four-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: 29F
  • COLOR: Yellow - 3AE
  • Kick start system
  • Liquid cooled engine with Kehin carb
  • Charcoal RM-style frame
  • Yellow fuel tank with white radiator shrouds
  • Damping adjustment on front forks

2001 DR-Z400K1[edit | edit source]

2001 Suzuki DR Z400K1


  • V.I.N. #: JS1DK423 12100001
  • ENGINE PREFIX: K416-
  • ENGINE TYPE: 398cc, Four-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: 29F
  • COLOR: Yellow - YR1
  • Kick start system
  • Liquid cooled engine with Kehin carb
  • Charcoal RM-style frame
  • Yellow fuel tank, fenders and radiator shrouds
  • Damping adjustment on front forks

2000 DR-Z400EY[edit | edit source]

2000 Suzuki DR Z400EY


  • V.I.N. #. JS1DK433 Y2100001
  • ENGINE PREFIX: K417 -
  • ENGINE TYPE: 398cc, Four-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: 29F
  • COLOR: Yellow - 3AE
  • Electric start system
  • Liquid cooled engine with Kehin carb
  • Charcoal RM-style frame
  • Yellow fuel tank with white radiator shrouds
  • Damping adjustment on front forks

2001 DR-Z400EK1[edit | edit source]

2001 Suzuki DR Z400EK1


  • V.I.N. #: JS1DK433 12100001
  • ENGINE PREFIX . K417-
  • ENGINE TYPE: 398cc, Four-stroke
  • MODEL CODE: 29F
  • COLOR: Yellow - YR1
  • Electric start system
  • Liquid cooled engine with Kehin carb
  • Charcoal RM-style frame
  • Yellow fuel tank, fenders and radiator shrouds
  • Damping adjustment on front forks


2000 Suzuki DR-Z400[edit | edit source]

2000 Suzuki DR-Z400

The 2000 MY DR-Z400 is the dirt-only version of the DR-Z400S, and is tweaked for excellent ground tracking when riding on rough ground Light, slender and punchy, the DR-Z400 packs no-nonsense power which reaches just under 50 hp, and this will put a big smile on the face of any dirt rider.

Compliant suspensions, tough laced wheels, powerful disc brakes, and a sporty riding position complement this tough bike and provide a set of nifty features which will prove their off-road worthiness.


2001 Suzuki DR-Z400[edit | edit source]

2001 Suzuki DR-Z400

Having dropped the final S suffix in its name, the DR-Z400 badge obviously introduces the new off-road model of the acclaimed Suzuki middleweight machine. The 2001 MY DR-Z400 retains all the character of the street-legal bike, but drops the turn signals and other similar amenities which make it road-compliant.

This means that you'll be riding a punchy 398cc liquid-cooled single which can produce 48 hp when revved to 9000 rpm, and whose light weight will make it exceedingly fun along the trails, still without any intimidating factor, and being thus suitable for more than highly-experienced riders.


2002 Suzuki DR-Z400[edit | edit source]

2002 Suzuki DR-Z400

The DR-Z400 is the dirt brother of the 2002 MY DR-Z400S, sharing its feature and tech specs, but ditching the add-ons that made it street legal. The basic version of the sub-liter class, the DR-Z400 is just as efficient and nimble as its city-friendly sibling.

DR-Z400 packs a 398 liquid-cooled single mated to a 5-speed transmission and which can deliver explosive power at a twist of the throttle. Knobby tires, compliant, long-travel suspensions, a slim body with enduring and lightweight plastic bodywork, they are all in place for a thrilling off-road experience.


2003 Suzuki DR-Z400[edit | edit source]

2003 Suzuki DR-Z400

The 2003 MY DR-Z400 is the dirt-only version of the DR-Z400S, but on the technical side, the bikes are almost identical. Since the DR-Z400 has little or no need at all to take on asphalt, the dual-sport tires have been replaced by knobbies, with matching tweaks for suspensions offering excellent ground tracking alongside trails and dist tracks.

The DR-Z400 is a fairly lightweight bike and this makes it feel reassuring when the going gets tough, while being easy to pick up from the dirt. A powerful headlight makes riding in dim light much safer, too.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019.