The DR-Z400S, equipped with a 40PS 400cc engine in a lightweight body, demonstrated maneuverability comparable to that of a 2-stroke machine. The DR-Z400SM, which combines the DR-Z400S with 17-inch road tires, is a model that can be said to be the pinnacle of Japanese motard models.
Supermotard born from Racing
Supermotard originally started in America as Superbikers, a race on a course that mixed on- and off-road. Supermotard spread from America to Europe, where it became popular mainly in France, so the French word "motard" meaning "motorcycle rider" came into use. Originally, dirt tracker-style motorcycles were used, but in Europe, the basic style was based on motocrossers and fitted with 17-inch wheels, and it became established as a genre.
European manufacturers such as KTM and Hummer began to include Supermotard-type bikes in their lineups, and in Japan, Kawasaki released the D-Tracker, based on the KLX250, in 1998. In the 250cc class, Suzuki introduced the 250SB, an OEM version of the D-Tracker, in 2002, Honda released the XR250 Motard in 2003, and Yamaha followed a little later with the WR250X in 2007. The first Supermotard introduced by a Japanese manufacturer in the 400cc class was Suzuki's DR-Z400SM, and the following year Honda released the XR400 Motard.
The first Japanese-produced motard model, the D Tracker, evolved into the injected D Tracker X and continued to be produced until 2016.
The Suzuki 250SB is an OEM model of the D-Tracker. Suzuki's off-road image color, yellow, is used extensively.
Honda's XR250 Motard was based on the XR250 and was fitted with 17-inch wheels. It was equipped with a SOHC air-cooled engine with a maximum output of 28 PS.
This motard model was based on the high-performance off-roader WR250R and was fitted with 17-inch wheels. It was equipped with a high-performance water-cooled DOHC engine with a maximum output of 31 PS, making it the fastest motard in the 250cc class.
The DR-Z400SM was released in 2004. Based on the DR-Z400S, it features an inverted fork and is fitted with 17-inch road tires.
The direct rival of the DR-Z400SM is the Honda XR400 Motard. Equipped with an air-cooled SOHC engine that is renowned for its toughness, it is a model with excellent overall balance.
Its specifications make it the strongest domestic motard.
The Suzuki DR-Z400S is an off-road model released in 2000 to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of production of motorcycles with 2-stroke 250cc engines due to exhaust gas regulations. The engine, which produces 40PS, the same as the 2-stroke 250cc off-road model, was mounted on a body that was thoroughly lightened to a dry weight of 129kg, providing high riding performance.
The DR-Z400SM was based on the DR-Z400S. It was equipped with a short-stroke 4-stroke engine in a lightweight body, and demonstrated maneuverability approaching that of a 2-stroke 250cc model.
The DR-Z400SM is a supermotard model based on the DR-Z400S. The engine was developed at the same time as the enduro racer DR-Z400, and is a water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve 398cc engine with a maximum output of 29kW (40PS)/7500rpm and a maximum torque of 39N-m (4.0kgm)/6500rpm. The bore and stroke are a short stroke of 90 x 62.3mm, making it a very lively engine. The rival XR400 Motard's engine was an air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, four-valve, 397cc engine with a maximum output of 22kW (30PS) at 7000rpm and a maximum torque of 33N-m (3.4kgm) at 5500rpm, making the DR-Z400SM a much better spec.
The design of the DR-Z400SM basically has many things in common with the DR-Z400S, but the coloring is more street-oriented.
Its powerful rear view makes it look like a large motorcycle. The 140-size rear tire feels fat on an off-road-based body.
The riding position is based on that of an off-road motorcycle, with the upper body raised. The footpegs are positioned almost directly under the body axis, providing high control.
The seat height is high at 870mm, so when a 171cm, 65kg rider straddles it, both feet can just touch the ground.
The frame and other components are the same as the DR-Z400S, but the suspension is set up for on-road use, and it is equipped with 17-inch wheels and on-road tires front and rear. While the DR-Z400S has an upright front fork, this motorcycle uses an inverted front fork of the same type as the RM series of motocross competition motorcycles, which improves road-following performance, and a tapered swingarm is used at the rear to achieve both supple operation and high rigidity.
The head cowl is made of soft resin, similar to that of off-road motorcycles, and small turn signals are installed.
The meter is a compact digital type, with indicators grouped on the left side, making for a simple and easy-to-use design.
The simple switches are basically the same as those on the DR-Z400S. The bush guard is an aftermarket addition and is not included as standard.
The fuel tank has a capacity of 10L and is fitted with a radiator shroud, giving it a strong sporty image.
The seat is just like that of an off-road motorcycle, with no steps or other obstacles, giving you great freedom in position.
This vehicle is fitted with a fender eliminator kit, but a plastic rear fender is usually installed. The taillights are not LED, and the lenses are red.
The water-cooled DOHC engine has a short stroke setting, making it ideal for sports riding. It produces a maximum output of 40 PS at 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of 39 Nm at 6500 rpm.
A silencer protrudes from the right number plate. The blacked-out silencer enhances the street feel.
The front forks are inverted type, and the outer tubes are finished with Kashima Coat, which is a hard anodized aluminum coating with self-lubricating properties that improves wear resistance.
The 17-inch RK Excel aluminum rims are paired with road sports tires.
The front brake is a single disc type with a 310mm diameter rotor and a 2-pot caliper.
The rear suspension uses a tapered aluminum swingarm. Rear axle sliders have been standard equipment since the 2007 model.
Will the rumored new model be based on the North American model and equipped with injection?
The DR-Z400S/DR-Z400SM domestic model was discontinued in 2009 due to exhaust gas regulations, but the North American model is still being produced. As we reported on Webike+ just the other day, there are rumors that the DR-Z400S/DR-Z400SM will be revived as a 2025 model.
If we think about it logically, the new model will be based on the North American model and will be FI-equipped to comply with exhaust gas regulations (the North American model will still be carburetor-equipped), and will naturally be equipped with ABS. If the rumors of a revival are true, the new DR-Z400S/DR-Z400SM will be a catalyst for the off-road motorcycle world, which has been lackluster since the 2-stroke 250cc model disappeared from the lineup due to exhaust gas regulations.
Now that the only current motard model is the Kawasaki KLX230SM, we can hope that other manufacturers will be inspired by the new DR-Z400SM and release new motard models.
The KLX230SM is currently the only motard model made by a Japanese manufacturer. It is a compact and lightweight sports model that is extremely popular.
CG of the new DR-Z400SM produced by Webike+. It has a more refined body design and is likely to be included in the 2025 model lineup.
DR-Z400SM (2007)
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2225 x 870 x 1195 mm
Wheelbase: 1460mm
Seat Height: 870mm
Dry Weight: 145kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve single cylinder 398cc
Maximum Output: 29 kW (40 PS)/7500rpm
Maximum Torque: 39 Nm (4.5 lbf).(0 kgm)/6500rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10L
Transmission: 5-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=120/70-17, R=140/70-17
Price: $5197.17 (Price at that time)
Filming Support: Motorcycle King Tsukuba Out of Print Museum
A showroom filled with rare, out-of-production motorcycles. Of course, they're all for sale.
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Phone: 0297-21-8190
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