Suzuki DR-Z 400 S endurance test

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Suzuki DR-Z 400 S endurance test

Hardness festival

Suzuki DR-Z 400 S. Is it suitable for a rally in just a few simple steps? How much off-road can the new Enduro take? MOTORRAD chased them over 850 Greek rally kilometers.

That damn weed. As if on soft soap, the tires slide over the damp stalks, occasionally bite into the ground again, cut stones and whirl them up. Shreds of cloud shimmy along the rugged mountains. The rains of the past few days have left puddles and turned dust into mud. Mud that covered me completely after a quarter of an hour’s drive. No, I had imagined Greece differently.
From Germany the offer had sounded tempting: Suzuki’s new one D.R-Z 400 S test under rally conditions. Namely at the dress rehearsal of the Ionian Trail, the follow-up rally to the Istria Scramble, which the Mattighofen Motorsport Club has been organizing from 2001 (see box on page xx). The requirement is clear: bring a hardly modified production bike to the finish line in one piece. Allowed: two Pirelli rally cross tires, a mechanical road book ?? Cost: around 400 marks. Further preparation: lower the air pressure to 1.2 bar at the front and rear, remove the mirrors and footrest rubbers ?? that’s it.
And now here I am. My tour guide and photo driver Roland Ennsmann, an experienced Enduro World Championship pilot, points upwards and laughs: the sun breaks through the clouds, the mud of the valley is forgotten. We screw our way up into the mountains through sweeping gravel turns. 200 meters acceleration zone in between. The punch of the 400 engine is surprising. It revs up powerfully and without a noticeable drop in performance, hangs neatly on the gas, and does not annoy with frightening chopping even in the lower speed range. And all of this with the standard street gear ratio of 44:15 ?? at least good for measured 152 km / h. The DR-Z remains controllable in all situations and reacts very good-naturedly, is wonderful to balance, cradles your driver in safety, makes it easier for him to concentrate on the route.
Entering a curve, uphill: braking at the back, crossing, gasping with relish and drifting across? the optical impression of the DR-Z is not deceptive. It drives as it looks: playful. Despite her 145 kilograms. Your seat is not particularly comfortable, but it is ideally shaped for all kinds of endural acrobatics. Narrow engine, narrow tank and a bench that you can slide far forward on. In addition, ergonomically shaped handlebars and fittings. Gymnastics made easy.
However, this is not necessary on the morning of the first day of driving. The route allows relaxed gliding. Gravel. Gravel and again gravel. The suspension of the DR-Z 400 even withstands pothole attacks at 120 km / h without complaint. Great. 260 millimeters of spring travel at the front and rear make it possible. High up, between 800 and 1000 meters of altitude, solitude beckons and now and then a shepherd or goat herder. Civilization is represented in the form of small farms. Rusted scrap as a fence, weather-beaten faces, countless small animals.
The break after 120 kilometers of terrain allows a first summary: stones thrown up by the vehicle ahead hit my hands, crackle against the headlights ?? protection would be absolutely necessary. A big plus of the DR-Z is its on-board computer. There are two manually correctable trip meters that are completely glare-free. In the case of wrong turns, the kilometer information in the road book can be compared with that in the on-board computer essential for a rally.
Enough accustomed. Now it’s down to business. Steep gravel runs and descents require concentration. I hate them, those rocks, some of the size of a bucket, that want to take control of the handlebars and send the bikes uncontrollably down the slopes. Here the soft chassis of the Suzuki turns out to be an advantage. At least for every amateur. Absorbs all rough blows, guides the wheels precisely on the ground, sucks itself over all kinds of obstacles.
In the special test on the cross-piste, however, the softly tuned suspension of the DR-Z was fatal. A precise approach is no longer possible on the undulating course. The Suzuki has a life of its own, rocking itself, the damper reserves are overwhelmed in every setting on the cross-piste ?? on everyone in this world. The spring elements acknowledge hard landings with bottoming out. The constant pressure carburetor also causes problems, the membrane of which simply oscillates after jumps or deep waves, causing the gas flow to break off? gave the engine a hiccup. To save one’s honor, it should be said that the DR-Z is jump-neutral and can be easily corrected if the flight path is incorrect. No, this machine is unconditionally designed for enduro hiking in difficult terrain.
There will be more than enough of these on the following days. Winter has struck its claws in the ground, torn roads away, exposed rocks. Trials are the order of the day. No problem thanks to the smooth clutch and the good-natured motor of the DR-Z. However, the first gear could have a shorter translation. If the engine dies, the electric start is relaxed. I enjoy climbing over obstacles and looking forward to every longer straight gravel straight that follows a curve. Speaking of bends: the DR-Z’s brakes are a stunner off-road. Can be dosed well, grab hold of power, and are not overwhelmed even with difficult downhill sections. Reassuring. Because to the right or left of the route it often goes down steeply. 10 meters. 100 meters. 200 meters.
Aside from these tightrope acts, the Greek off-road paradise is addicting. The landscape glides by with all its scents. Seas of flowers, snow-white beaches, olive groves. Often lined with the turquoise of the sea. Driving is done standing. For me, 170 centimeters tall, the distance between the pegs and the handlebars is ideal; taller riders stand slightly bent over.
The conclusion after four days of the rally: The DR-Z surprised a field of hardcore enduros. Brute performance is not everything. It must be feasible. Delivered harmoniously and correspond with the chassis. The DR-Z is exemplary in this look. No annoying vibrations, a cultivated and lively engine in all driving conditions, extremely handy, blessed with well thought-out details for off-road use. The air filter, which is fixed with quick-release fasteners, can be quickly removed for cleaning every evening.
But 11990 marks is a proud price. Too proud. The motorcycle should be perfectly equipped for twelve brown horses. With sturdy hand guards, tire holders, an additional kick starter and maybe even a small luggage rack ?? greetings from everyday life. Little things, okay. But not unimportant.
Nevertheless: The Suzuki is an ideal off-road companion for a part of your life if you are not currently driving in the world championship. Prepared for a rally for beginners in just a few steps and ready to get a roll or a university pizza ice cream bathing lake adventure at the push of a button.

Suzuki DR-Z 400 S endurance test – Greece rally

The Ionian Trail, which will take place in 2001, is the follow-up event to the Istria Scramble. The rally for beginners lasts four days and leads over 850 kilometers through the mountains along the western coast. Driving is according to the road book. Orientation with a compass is required on a day of driving. There are special stages on two days: a motocross and a beach race. 90 percent of the route consists of gravel. The organizer is the MOTORRAD ACTION TEAM. Information under the phone number: 0711/1821977

Rally tips for beginners
The air pressure should not be too low on gravel. 1.2 to 1.8 bar have proven successful. The mounted Pirelli rally crosses are ideal, also grip on loose ground or in small mud passages. Tire holders should generally be installed when driving with low air pressure. They protect the tube from tearing off the valve if the drawn slips on the rim. Tea road book should ideally have electric propulsion so that the hand does not have to be removed from the handlebars to turn it further. Hand lever guards are recommended. Not only as protection in the event of falls or falling rocks, but also against involuntary braking or coupling when driving through woods and undergrowth. The footrest rubbers should be removed for a secure hold. A smaller pinion is helpful for a faster, shorter gear ratio. Equip headlights with stone guard. A minimum of spare parts should be carried with you: front wheel hose (also fits the rear if necessary), clutch and brake lever, replacement disc for the cross goggles. Refueling: clarify in advance which stages will be driven, a larger tank may have to be installed. Drinking: very important; either mount a special handlebar bottle or carry it with you in your backpack. Rally equipment is available from: Touratech, Tel 07728 92790 or Buse, Tel 02471 12690

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