|
|
|
|
|
1993 Suzuki DR350 |
| Date Added |
March 21, 2000 |
Page Views |
1,832 |
Reviews |
Read 1 Reviews
Write a Review |
Average Rating |
90 |
Photos |
0 |
Specifications |
No |
|
|
|
|
|
|
jocko463
Joined: 11/06/2008
Posts: 1
Location: South of Hartsfield |
|
|
|
|
| Posted: Jul 24, 2009 9:28 AM Back to Top |
|
|
A sleeper ... (Score: +1) |
|
Rider |
5'8" / 160 / Intermediate
|
|
Power: |
It's a big 4-stroke ...can you spell T-R-A-C-T-O-R? The engine just pulls and power is very linear and smooth; classic 4-stroke with all the grunt for my riding style. The big motor has a counter balancer to calm the shakes and it will rev out nicely. The engine is a dry sump motor; all the oil is kept in an integral frame tank under the gas tank. Overall the engine is quite compact and there is plenty of ground clearance. The bike has a 6-speed gear box so you're never lacking for the right gear. The stock sprocket setup seemed too tall for tight woods riding; I installed both a smaller front and larger rear sprocket and this allows for better gear selections on the trail. The sprocket mod also allows for better engine braking. Only stock mods I've done can be found on the KeinTech website:
http://www.kientech.com/AirBoxMod.htm
This simple and just about free mod will really wake up the engine.
A note on the motor ...check this out if you're considering purchasing one of the later models (post-'93) or if you're riding one now:
http://www.kientech.com/toppage1.htm
Jesse Kientz does nothing but DR's and is the man to speak to about upgrading your old or new DR/DZ.
|
|
Ergonomics: |
I am 5'8", 160lbs and the bike is just about right ...not too big, not too small ...but then it's been my ride for the last 7+ years so I've probably "grown into it" somewhat. Stock bars were replaced by a set of Rehthals for a little extra width and stregnth; height-wise they are fine for me. The clutch has a bit of a heavy pull but nothing that'll cause cramps after a days ride. The tranny shifts never-miss sweet and neutral is always easy to find ....use the full-synthetic oil ...it really makes a difference. If anything, the bike is just a tad tall for me. The seat is famous for its hardness; I spend most of my time up on the pegs so I really don't notice it much. It's a heavy bike ...old school 4-stroke machine ...tipping the scales at about 300lbs or so and really only noticeable when you dump it. The bike, despite its bulk, is quite flickable on tight woods trails and that's it's strong suit. |
|
Suspension, Front: |
Outdated ...even by 1993 standards. My best advice....ride the bike, tweak the stock forks as best you can. If you can live with it, press on. If not, there are reams written on upgrading the suspenders ....but then you get into the cost/benefit stuff... |
|
Suspension, Rear: |
Better than the front but the same thing applies. |
|
Handling: |
Given my riding style (smooth, mildly aggressive with the reminder I have a day job forefront in my thoughts) and what I ride (woods trails and fire roads) the bike is a blast. The torquey motor allows me to concentrate more on the trail and my line than having to worry about keeping the motor in the power band. It's a great bike for 6 or 7 tenths trail riding. If you're a more aggressive rider, a heavy rider or just like to motocross ...you're probably not gonna like the handling. |
|
Brakes: |
No problems |
|
Comments: |
Suzuki built the DR in answer to the Honda XR series and while it isn't quite up to the XR's capabilities, it's a pretty close second ...and they don't cost as much on the used market ...if you can find one. Most people hang on to these bikes or regret selling them. There is a big enough following for these bikes that performance parts are still made and, given a modicum of effort, they can be made to handle quite well.
My philosophy about riding is to keep it simple (and reliable), keep it quiet and have fun. I know my DR will start when we get to the trail head, it will run all day and I'll have a blast riding it. I don't need to worry about premix or punching a radiator or fouling a plug and if the suspenders are not state of the art ...well I figure it's a fair trade. I've kept the stock exhaust as it makes the bike a stealth machine; with the airbox/jetting and sprocket mods the ol' DR has more than enough punch and oomph without putting a big bazooka exhaust on it.
If all of this is what you're looking for in a woods bike then wake up and check out this classic sleeper. |
|
Rating: |
90 |
|
|
|
| Log in to report abuse |
|
|
|
|
Keywords:
1993, Suzuki, DR350, , 1993 Suzuki DR350 , DR, 350, review, rate, opinions, photo, image, specifications, Dirt Bike Guide, GOR, georgiaoffroad.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
