Alan Dowds studies…
There have been loads of well-known friends wandering round Birmingham NEC at Bike Reside final month, and we half anticipated to see Marty McFly and Doc Brown on the Suzuki stand. As a result of it was again to the longer term for the Japanese model, which unveiled the brand new DR-Z4S and SM on the present. The neat, light-weight supermoto and grime bike are a 2025 tackle one of many nice little Suzukis from 20 years in the past – the DR-Z400S and SM.
The unique DR-Z was a high-performance machine for its day, however the 40bhp 398cc DOHC motor was fed by an old-school carburettor, and it didn’t survive tightening Euro emissions guidelines, going off sale within the UK and the EU in 2007 with none substitute (although it remained on sale in different international markets). Quick-forward a few a long time, and the market goes loopy for small-bore, well-priced light-weight bikes, and Suzuki’s introduced again an entire re-engineered DR-Z for an entire new era.
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Suzuki says the engine is all-new – but it surely’s extraordinarily just like the unique DOHC four-valve lump, with the identical bore and stroke, crankcase format and five-speed field has gone unheeded, sadly). The overhaul wanted to fulfill Euro 5+ emissions regs has been complete sufficient, although.
In addition to the compulsory ride-by-wire gasoline injection with 42mm throttle physique, O2 sensors and emissions gubbins all spherical, there’s a brand new piston, redesigned cylinder head with flatter combustion chamber, and new titanium consumption/sodium-cooled metal exhaust valves.
Cams are altered, there’s a brand new dual-plug ignition setup, and each the airbox and exhaust system are all-new. Peak energy is 37bhp – not dangerous, however an entire three ponies lower than you bought 20 years in the past. Progress!
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The DR-Z chassis follows the same path, which is to say the identical primary arrange as earlier than, however with a modernised take. There’s a metal tube body with KYB USD entrance forks and rear monoshock, and wire-spoked wheels.
Right here’s the large distinction between the S dirtbike and SM supermoto: the S has a 21” entrance and 18” rear wheel, with IRC grime rubber, whereas the SM will get 17” rims each ends, and grippy Dunlop Sportmax Q5A street tyres in 120/70 17 and 140/70 17 fitments.
Again in 2005, the one electronics on a DR-Z was a tiny calculator-spec LCD show. Now you get masses extra, together with most likely superfluous traction management, switchable ABS and rider energy modes, along with LED lighting and a a lot greater (however nonetheless retro monochrome) LCD sprint. There is no such thing as a phrase on the worth as we went to press, however anticipate an honest tag once they arrive in the summertime.
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