#3 Suzuki QuadSport Z400
Many riders felt the Z had one of the best-handling chassis of the group and extremely user-friendly ergonomics. It simply lacked the grunt in the engine department to compete against the other machines in this shootout. But when you factor in its price in comparison with the others (especially after taking into account all the updates it received this year), that may be enough for most casual trail riders to boost it to the top of their list.
It also had the most serious problems in our test (maybe it was the racers trying to keep up with the faster test mules). About halfway through the event, the rear shock gave out, mostly blowing through its stroke. Still, it was more comfortable to ride than the YFZ; you simply had to go slower (try telling that to some of these guys). It was actually a good thing we called the test when we did, as we had just run out of round wheels for the Z, and the tires looked like pincushions with all the plugs in them.
What's changed from last year: The Z received a new aluminum front bumper and rear grab bar; a larger (37mm Mikuni) carb with a throttle position sensor linked to the ignition system; redesigned cam profiles for increased power output; an additional clutch drive plate (from eight to nine); a new aluminum gear shift pedal for weight reduction; a magnesium clutch cover, valve cover and ignition cover; and new reservoir-type front shocks.
What broke: While pro Matt Smiley was riding the Z, it suffered a mysterious glitch that killed the engine under power. Smiley eventually limped it back to the pits, and after we cleaned out the carb's float bowl and blew out the spark plug vent hole, the Zook fired back to life. We also encountered numerous flat tires. The wheels were pretty susceptible to flat spots (contributing to the flat total). The rear shock damping and rear brake were lost at around hour five. After that slowed the testers down, there were far fewer "incidents" with it.
+ Great-handling chassis
+ Considerably lower price
- Engine lacks snap
- Rear suspension mildly harsh
= Ultimate "normal guy's" machine
| Suzuki QuadSport Z400 |
| Retail price: | $5799 |
| Engine |
| Type: | Single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve DOHC |
| Displacement: | 398cc |
| Cooling: | Liquid-cooled |
| Carburetion: | Mikuni BSR 37mm |
| Lubrication: | Dry sump |
| Starting: | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Drive system: | Chain, 2x4 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual with reverse |
| Suspension (Type/Travel) |
| Front: | Dual A-arms, independent/8.5 in. |
| Rear: | Swingarm/9.1 in. |
| Tires |
| Front: | 22x7-10; rear: 20x10-9 |
| Brakes |
| Front: | Dual hydraulic discs; rear: hydraulic disc |
| Dimensions |
| Wheelbase: | 49.0 in. |
| Claimed dry weight: | 373 lb |
| Ground clearance: | 10.4 in. |
| Length/width/height: | 72.0/45.9/45.7 in. |
| Seat height: | 31.9 in. |
| Fuel capacity: | 2.65 gal. |
| Electrical |
| Taillight: | Yes |
| Headlight: | Dual 30-watt |
| Instrumentation: | Neutral/reverse, high-temperature indicators |
| Colors: | White, yellow |