Across the globe the name Suzuki has meant high quality engineering and superb handling since the company’s beginnings. This Japanese company has brought impressive cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles to markets around the world and has earned a respectable reputation doing so. Suzuki started out making two-wheeled bikes and has made it a point to continue to do so through the decades. Well known for its attention to detail, the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM takes the company back to its origin with this attention grabbing bike. Originally, motorcycles were made for off road purposes or for street riding, but not both. The DR-Z 400SM manages to combine both uses into one impressive little bike. This history starts back in the 1970s when emissions laws changed and motorcycles had to be brought up to date in terms of their emissions. In order to comply with the new regulations Suzuki started to use a single cylinder engine, but with a heftier four-stroke cycle. It took some tweaking, but the result was a dual purpose bike with strong capabilities both off road and on the track or road. For buyers who didn’t want a bike with limited abilities, this style was the answer to their riding prayers.
The 2008 edition of the Suzuki DR-Z 400SM fits in with the tradition started back then and is an attractive dirt bike with on road finesse. NatUrally there are no unnecessary body work designs that would distract from the bike’s ability to reach impressive speeds for its size or hinder its ability to stick to the trail, track, or road like glue. The minimalist design features a tight body with engine and the other goodies tucked tight under the seat. The seat itself is streamlined and allows the rider to lie close to the gas tank and body of the bike. The handlebars are situated low as well to provide plenty of comfort and support for the rider.
The thought of a single cylinder engine might not get everyone’s heart rate up, but with the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM it’s likely to change your mind. Whether the rider is taking a hill nice or slow or opening it up on a straightaway this engine knows what to do and does it well. Paired with a five-speed transmission that goes through its paces without a hitch, the DR-Z 400SM has the perfect balance of flexibility to perform under any circumstances. Obviously this bike is heavier than the average dirt bike. The extra weight in addition to making the bike street legal, also gives it flexibility and maneuverability lighter weight dirt bikes simply can’t match. The suspension systems in the DR-Z 400 SM give the bike plenty of support and the rider enjoys a greater sense of security in the seat regardless of the terrain the motorcycle is covering. Speaking of security, the single disc brakes in the front and back of the bike are more than sufficient for stopping quickly and accurately. The DR-Z 400SM is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a good bike for off road and on.