- Joined
- Oct 10, 2006
- Messages
- 506
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Austin, TX
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- Hare
...errr, I mean MOTARDED!!!
I am now the proud owner of a practically new 2005 Suzuki DR-Z400SM. I love it already.
To those of you who don't know, a supermoto is essentially a dirt bike with bigger brakes and sticky tires on wider rims. They weigh in between 250 and 300lbs, typically, and have an AMA race class all their own.
I have only ridden the thing 30 miles or so, mostly highway, but I am in love already. It has comparable power to the GS, but weighs about a hundred pounds less. It only has a 5 speed gearbox, but the gears are tall and the powerband is as wide as the RPM range. The thing is very light and very tossable. It has a practical top speed of about 80, but it can go higher if you give it the room. But below that... and look out.
I can honestly say that I have never laughed as much as I did when I rode home on the DR-Z than I ever have in my life. I was laughing so much and so loud that my friends could hear me; inside the truck; with the windows up; and the engine on. It's not exactly the quietest engine, either. It's a 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel (F-250). I am still laughing and giggling about it now.
The suspension is fantastic for my weight. The front springs are perfectly matched for a 130 lb rider, and they are fully adjustable inverted forks. The rear is a bit stiff for my weight according to RaceTech, but I didn't notice a problem with it yet.
But seriously. It's an absolute blast to ride.
Pictures later.
Thanks Chirpy!!
I am now the proud owner of a practically new 2005 Suzuki DR-Z400SM. I love it already.
To those of you who don't know, a supermoto is essentially a dirt bike with bigger brakes and sticky tires on wider rims. They weigh in between 250 and 300lbs, typically, and have an AMA race class all their own.
I have only ridden the thing 30 miles or so, mostly highway, but I am in love already. It has comparable power to the GS, but weighs about a hundred pounds less. It only has a 5 speed gearbox, but the gears are tall and the powerband is as wide as the RPM range. The thing is very light and very tossable. It has a practical top speed of about 80, but it can go higher if you give it the room. But below that... and look out.
I can honestly say that I have never laughed as much as I did when I rode home on the DR-Z than I ever have in my life. I was laughing so much and so loud that my friends could hear me; inside the truck; with the windows up; and the engine on. It's not exactly the quietest engine, either. It's a 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel (F-250). I am still laughing and giggling about it now.
The suspension is fantastic for my weight. The front springs are perfectly matched for a 130 lb rider, and they are fully adjustable inverted forks. The rear is a bit stiff for my weight according to RaceTech, but I didn't notice a problem with it yet.
But seriously. It's an absolute blast to ride.
Pictures later.
Thanks Chirpy!!