2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM Specifications

Name: 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM
Brand: Suzuki

Super motard • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM Overview

For 2008, Suzuki offers the DR-Z 400SM as a super motard motorcycle with 398 cc on tap. The 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM is built around a Single cylinder engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.3:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 90 x 62.6 mm. Out on the road, the 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. Flat out, it's quoted at 145 km/h. In everyday use, 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. That's roughly 64.5 kg lighter than the average super motard motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM spec sheet below.

2008 DR-Z 400SM - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the DR-Z 400SM is 29.2 kW @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp and 39 Nm @ 6600 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
Tall seat height: A 890 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Modest fuel capacity: A 10-litre tank keeps things light but means budgeting for more frequent fuel stops on any longer ride.
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.

Carburetor maintenance

Being carbureted, the DR-Z 400SM is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on DOHC-equipped engines like the DR-Z 400SM's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

Single 310 mm floating disc, 2 piston caliper up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Telescopic, 49 mm, oil-damped, 11-way compression damping, adjustable spring preload up front and Link-type, fully-adjustable spring preload, adjustable compression and rebound damping at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the DR-Z 400SM means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The Chrome-moly steel frame, single front down tube chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

DR-Z 400SM - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z 400SM should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept DR-Z 400SM settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a DR-Z 400SM's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A DR-Z 400SM that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a DR-Z 400SM's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

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	-	-	-	-
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	134 kg / 295.4 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	-	-	-	-
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	-	-	-	-
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)	-	-	-	-	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

Engine

Single cylinder

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

Weight

146 kg / 321 lbs

Fuel Capacity

10 Litres / 2.6 US gal / 2.2 Imp gal

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 (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.

Length 2225 mm / 87.6 in

Length 2,225 mm / 87.6 in.

Width 855 mm / 33.7 in.

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

Top Speed 145 km/h / 90 mph

Max Power 29.2 kW / 39.7 hp @ 8500 rpm (rear wheel: 24.9 kW / 33.4 hp

Max Torque 39 Nm / 3.98 kg-m / 28.8 lb-ft @ 6600 rpm

Standing Start ¼ Mile 15.0 sec

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

Cooling System Liquid cooled

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

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 - Rear 140/70-17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.