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2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM Overview
The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM is a super motard motorcycle built around 398 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Single cylinder engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.3:1. The bore and stroke measures 90 x 62.6 mm. 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM delivers 29.2 kW @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp of peak power and 39 Nm @ 6600 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 145 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2008 DR-Z 400SM tips the scales at 146 kg, carries a 10-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 890 mm and spans a 1460 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2008 DR-Z 400SM - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM makes 29.2 kW @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp with 39 Nm @ 6600 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Considerations
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Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
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Tall seat height: The 890 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
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Modest fuel capacity: The 10-litre tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Carburetor maintenance
Carburetors on the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM benefit from a clean and re-jet if the bike has been stored, run on stale fuel, or modified with an aftermarket exhaust. Owners frequently mention that fresh jets and float needle clips transforms throttle response from flat to crisp.
Valve clearance checks
DOHC engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
DR-Z 400SM - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained DR-Z 400SM should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any DR-Z 400SM. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Carburetor upkeep
Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the DR-Z 400SM has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used DR-Z 400SM. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM have?
The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM uses a Single cylinder engine with 398 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM?
The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM has a factory-quoted top speed of 145 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM weigh?
The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM weighs 146 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM make?
The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM produces 29.2 kW @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp of power and 39 Nm @ 6600 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM?
The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM has a 10-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 166-200 km between stops.
Is the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM suitable for shorter riders?
The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM has a seat height of 890 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM have?
The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM uses Single 310 mm floating disc, 2 piston caliper at the front and Single disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM use?
The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM runs 120/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM have?
The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
Suzuki DR-Z 400SM Spec Evolution
The Suzuki DR-Z 400SM was produced across 12 model years (2006-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2006 |
2008 |
2010 |
2012 |
2014 |
2016 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
| Max Power |
29.2 kW / 39.7 hp @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp |
29.2 kW / 39.7 hp @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp |
29.2 kW / 39.7 hp @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp |
29.2 kW / 39.7 hp @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp |
29.2 kW / 39.7 hp @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp |
29.2 kW / 39.7 hp @ 8500 rpm |
29.2 kW / 39.7 hp @ 8500 rpm |
29.2 kW / 39.7 hp @ 8500 rpm |
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- |
- |
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| Wet Weight |
146 kg / 321 lbs |
146 kg / 321 lbs |
146 kg / 321 lbs |
146 kg / 321 lbs |
146.0 kg / 321.9 lbs |
146 kg / 321 lbs |
146 kg / 321 lbs |
146 kg / 321 lbs |
146.0 kg / 321.9 lbs |
146.0 kg / 321.9 lbs |
146.0 kg / 321.9 lbs |
146.0 kg / 321.9 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
137 kg / 302 lbs |
137 kg / 302 lbs |
137 kg / 302 lbs |
137 kg / 302 lbs |
80 kg / 176.4 lbs |
137 kg / 302 lbs |
137 kg / 302 lbs |
137 kg / 302 lbs |
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| Engine Type |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Top Speed |
145 km/h / 90 mph |
145 km/h / 90 mph |
145 km/h / 90 mph |
145 km/h / 90 mph |
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph |
145 km/h / 90 mph |
145 km/h / 90 mph |
145 km/h / 90 mph |
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- |
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| Seat Height |
890 mm / 35.0 in |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
890 mm / 35.0 in |
890 mm / 35.0 in |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
890 mm / 35.0 in |
890 mm / 35.0 in |
890 mm / 35.0 in |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
10 Litres / 2.6 US gal / 2.2 Imp gal |
10.00 litres / 2.64 gallons |
10 Litres / 2.6 US gal / 2.2 Imp gal |
10 Litres / 2.6 US gal / 2.2 Imp gal |
9.84 litres / 2.60 gallons |
10 Litres / 2.6 US gal / 2.2 Imp gal |
10 Litres / 2.6 US gal / 2.2 Imp gal |
10 Litres / 2.6 US gal / 2.2 Imp gal |
10.00 litres / 2.64 US gallons |
10.00 litres / 2.64 US gallons |
10.00 litres / 2.64 US gallons |
10.00 litres / 2.64 US gallons |
| CO2 |
- |
- |
- |
58.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
30.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
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- |
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- |
123.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
123.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
123.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
Key Specifications
Power
29.2 kW / 39.7 hp @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp
Torque
39 Nm / 3.98 kg-m / 28.8 lb-ft @ 6600 rpm
Top Speed
145 km/h / 90 mph
Fuel Capacity
10 Litres / 2.6 US gal / 2.2 Imp gal
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Full 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM Specifications
Year
2007 - 08
Colours
Black, White
Colours
Yellow, Black
Make Model
Suzuki DR-Z 400SM
Ground Clearance (mm)
260 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
10.2 inches
Ground Clearance (in.)
10.2 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
260 mm
Seat Height
890 mm / 35.0 in
Seat Height
890 mm / 35.0 in.
Wheelbase
1460 mm / 57.5 in
Wheelbase
1,460 mm / 57.5 in.
Ground Clearance
260 mm / 10.2 in
Height
1,200 mm / 47.2 in.
Height
1,200 mm / 47.2 in.
Length
2225 mm / 87.6 in
Length
2,225 mm / 87.6 in.
Width
855 mm / 33.7 in.
Width
855 mm / 33.7 in.
Dry Weight
137 kg / 302 lbs
Dry Weight
134 kg / 295.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity
10 Litres / 2.6 US gal / 2.2 Imp gal
Fuel Capacity
10.00 litres / 2.64 gallons
Wet Weight
146 kg / 321 lbs
Stroke
4
Fuel Control
DOHC
Engine Type
Single cylinder
Fuel Control
DOHC
Engine Type
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)
24.29 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
398.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)
90.0 x 62.6 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.5 x 2.5 inches
Displacement
398 cc / 24.3 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve
Fuel System
Carburettor. Mikuni BSR36
Fuel System
Carburettor. MikuniT BSR36
Bore x Stroke
90 x 62.6 mm.
Compression Ratio
11.3:1
Compression Ratio
11.3:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
Fuel Consumption
5.5 L/100 km / 18.2 km/l / 42.8 US mpg / 51.4 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction
Mikuni BSR36 CV carburetor
Ignition
Digital CDI
Ignition
Digital/DC-CDI
Lubrication
Dry sump
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12V, 6.5Ah
Clutch
Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final Drive
Chain, #520
Final Drive
Chain
Gearbox
5-speed
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Chrome-moly steel frame, single front down tube
Frame Type
Http
Suspension - Front
Telescopic, 49 mm, oil-damped, 11-way compression damping, adjustable spring preload
Suspension - Front
Inverted telescopic, oil-damped, adjustable compression and rebound damping
Suspension - Rear
Link-type, fully-adjustable spring preload, adjustable compression and rebound damping
Suspension - Rear
Link-type, fully adjustable spring preload, 26-way compression damping
Wheel Travel - Rear
277 mm / 10.9 in
Brakes - Front
Single 310 mm floating disc, 2 piston caliper
Brakes - Front
Single disc
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Brakes - Rear
Single 240mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/70-17
Tyres - Front
120/70-17
Tyres - Rear
140/70-17
Tyres - Rear
140/70-17
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