2013 Suzuki DR Review

Intro

Dual sport and off-road riding enthusiasts are surely already familiar with the Suzuki DR series. There have been a number of dirt bikes and dual-purpose motorcycles produced under the DR and DR-Z name in the last decade or so. One of the latest models to carry the DR banner is the 2013 Suzuki DR-Z400S. It’s a great trail bike that happens to be street legal; enabling riders to enjoy the best of both worlds in terms of off-road adventure and maneuvering though crosstown traffic. Dual-sport bikes are machines that combine rugged off-road capability with comfortable on-road manners. Dual-sport models deliver riders absolute freedom to ride city streets and transition to trail busting without missing a beat. The DR-Z400S is a street legal bike that was designed for serious dirt bike riders. It’s a fun bike for taking twisting forest trails or winding around rolling canyon with. The bike’s torque four-stroke engine delivers great performance at low rpms and excellent throttle response.

The 2013 DR-Z400S is powered by a 398cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine that was tuned with low-rev torque delivery in mind. The bike features a dry-sump lubrication system that helps minimize its weight and provides it with the kind of ground clearance needed for conquering rugged trails. The 2013 Suzuki DR-Z400S is also relatively light in weight, thanks to a magnesium-alloy clutch, magneto, and cam covers. The five-speed transmission and manual clutch connect engine power to the pavement with a chain final drive. Out front there’s a 21"" wheel that contributes to the DR-Z’s rugged looks while combining with the bike’s 18"" rear wheel to maximize the DR’s ability to handle boulders, bumps, and gaps in the trail. The bike has a compact five-speed transmission that employs a cable-operated clutch with a separate outer cover. The 2013 Suzuki DR-Z400S also features a digital instrument cluster that’s equipped with a speedometer, odometer, twin-trip meters, clock timer, and stopwatch function. The 2013 Suzuki DR-Z400S has street legal lighting with a 60/55-watt halogen headlight out front, a compact taillight, and lightweight rubber-mounted turn indicators. The instruments are easy to read and the bike is easy to start, thanks to an electric starter. The bike’s throttle position is monitored by a digitally mapped DC-CDI ignition system that also helps maintain efficient combustion. The engine features a forged aluminum piston that’s 10 percent lighter than a cast iron one would be. A crankshaft oil jet provides additional oil cooling to the engine. Throttle response is smooth and even thanks to a Mikuni 36mm carburetor that’s fed by a six-liter air box. The air filter is easily accessible thanks to the left side cover having quick-release fasteners. A tool kit and the bike’s owner’s manual are located in a pouch on the rear fender. The 2013 Suzuki DR-Z400S is built on a narrow frame and features an adjustable suspension. The bike has excellent stopping power provided by its 250mm front disc brakes with dual-piston caliper, and 220mm rear disc brakes with a single-piston caliper.

There is also a DR-Z400SM version available of the 2013 Suzuki DR-Z. The key difference between the DR-Z400SM and the regular DRZ400S is that the SM has inverted forks that reduce its unsprung weight and give it better handling capability. The 2013 Suzuki DR-Z400SM also has different tires than the 400S and two fewer links in its final drive chain. There are also more accessory choices available for the DR-Z400SM version. A rugged dirt bike that’s street and highway legal, the 2013 Suzuki DRZ-400S is capable of taking you just about anywhere you can go on two wheels. It’s now available in a white color scheme that’s new for 2013

New For 2013

  • Both versions of the 2013 Suzuki DR-Z400S are now available in white.

2013 Suzuki DR Specs

  • Model: DR-Z400S, DRZ-400SM
  • Engine Type: 398cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder
  • Bore and Stroke: 3.543 in x 2.465 in
  • Compression ratio: 11.3:1
  • Valve Train: DOHC
  • Induction: Mikuni BSR36 single
  • Ignition: Electronic ignition (CDI)
  • Transmission: Five-speed constant mesh
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: NA
  • Brakes (Front): Disc
  • Brakes (Rear): Disc
  • Suspension (Front): 400S: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, 400SM: Inverted telescopic coil spring, oil damped
  • Suspension (Rear): Rear link type, coil spring, oil damped
  • Wheelbase: 400S: 58.5 in, 400SM: 57.5 in
  • Rake: N/A
  • Trail: N/A
  • Seat Height: 400S: 36.8 in, 400SM: 35 in
  • Curb Weight: 400S: 317 lbs, 400SM: 321 lbs
  • Tires (Front): 400S: 80/100-21 M/C 51P, tube, 400SM: 120/70R17M/C 58H tube
  • Tires (Rear): 400S: 120/90-18 M/C 65P, tube type, 400SM: 140/70R17M/C 66H, tube

Accessories

  • Black Hand Guard Set
  • Tire Valve Caps Suzuki Logo
  • Rack & Tool Box Set Black
  • Supermoto Style Front Cowling Set
  • Complete Supermoto Style Appearance Kit
  • Rack Bag Black
  • Low Gel Seat Black
  • Suzuki No Drag Mach 5 Backpack by OGIO

Key Competitors For The 2013 Suzuki DR

  • Honda XR650L
  • Honda CRF250L
  • Yamaha WR250R
  • Yamaha XT250