2008 Suzuki DR-Z400S Bike Test

King of the Understated.

Suzuki is one of those companies where conforming to the latest hype isn't necessarily held in top priority. At least that's the case with the DR-Z400S. We had plenty of time to evaluate the mid-size dual-sport before our riding season ran out, and if there's one thing we discovered, the 2008 DR-Z is completely comfortable in its own skin.

Suzuki has been selling the DR-Z400 since 2000, and since then has developed a huge network of loyal customers. With the ultra-popular DR350 as a predecessor, the 400 has built on that success and continues to this day as a simple, effective dual-sport machine. The last time we tested a DR-Z400 was back in 2003, and the company was still offering a kickstart-only model. These days, Suzuki only offers the 400S (dual-sport) and 400SM (motard/DS), neither of which come with a foot-operated starter.

See photos of the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z400S

However, in this day and age of high-po/high-maintenance 450cc dual-sports, Suzuki has stuck with its winning formula of care-free DS fun in a manageable dirt-oriented package. We were glad to find that the Z400S is undeniably geared toward riders who spend more time off-road. For those that want to spend their time pounding pavement, that's what the SM model is for.

Our 400S test bike came equipped with Dunlop 606 tires, which aren't standard from the factory. But, since we fully intended to beat this thing on the trails, Suzuki was kind enough to mount up a set of the more aggressive DOT-legal knobbies. The 606s weren't ideal for our first voyage which wound up including far more pavement than we anticipated.

Read the 2008 Suzuki DR-Z400S motorcycle review at Motorcycle USA!