Bike of the week
Suzuki DR350
In 1991 Suzuki in its infinite wisdom brought out the DR350. The Suzuki DR350 is a bike of many parts and in this case the whole really is a lot greater than the sum of its parts (Aristotle)!
Looking at it with a cool and analytical eye the parts taken individually are a touch ordinary – even mediocre. The finish is a tad poor to put it mildly (the paint job is terrible), the engine is a bit weedy, the suspension is soggy, the 2.3 gallon tank and less than half a gallon reserve, means frequent petrol stops and to be honest we could all do with losing a few pounds including the DR350.
You may feel that this is a bit harsh, but it is really strangely true in the case of this motorcycle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, for all its collection of inadequacies the DR350 is a cornerstone of dirt, trail and road. It is simple and not over-engineered, cheap to buy and cheap to run, with a smooth willing and infinitely reliable engine. It is tough as old boots and with a suspension which is equally comfy. So strangely, despite the litany of criticisms, to own one is to love one.
Why?
The Suzuki DR350 was born out of the Suzuki engineers desire for a dual sport machine which worked out and about on the trail, and could get there just as easily on the road. From pretty much the beginning there were two versions of the bike the DR and the DR 'S' model. The DR was the off roadier version with trail worthy tyres and a plastic tank and rough – capable suspension, while the 'S' was more road orientated with indicators, road tyres and a metal tank.
The DR350 was infinitely user friendly and even beginners were and are happy once they mounted one and felt confident enough straight away to test themselves and push their limits a bit.
Engine
The engine is the DR350's best feature. It is a delightful 349cc single overhead cam four stroke air cooled engine which is always happy to oblige and always brings a smile to the face of its rider even though on paper the powerplant is pedestrian – strange but true! This is because, although it is only 30 horsepower at 7600 rpm, the gearbox ratios are sublime and work perfectly off road so that all the power is available all the time and the bike is pokey as you like on the trails.
On the road it can reach a respectable 70mph with a bit left for overtaking. The oil can be changed at home by any owner with rudimentary mechanical ability, and likewise valve adjustment is easy and can be accomplished without special tools – what's not to like? On the road the DR350 trundles happily along with the Single Overhead Cam single cylinder engine getting you up to a reasonable speed. Because the engine has to work quite hard though and is often running to capacity it does not have the best fuel consumption in the world and getting to about 45mpg is good
True Grit
The DR350's credentials for longevity are excellent – the motor will do well for up to 50,000 miles or further and if you drop it little damage will be done. The suspension lasts well too. The frame is made of steel which makes it a bit of a lardy little beast (weighing in at 290 pounds) but equally makes it pretty indestructible and easy to repair by a jobbing welder.
Buying one
When you are buying a DR350 just check that the downpipes and frames are not rusty and the spokes are firm. . They hold their value well due to their soundness and popularity but it is a good idea to get one with an electric start as this is preferable although not essential. It is also best to avoid one with a noisy race as this will not make you the people's favourite out on the trails.
Handling
If you want to rejuvenate your bike and improve the handling exponentially then it might be good to replace the fork oil which may have thinned and the shock which might be tired after a hard time trailing. The bike has soft suspension which can make it bouncy on fast turns so caning it is not such a good idea especially as the brakes are not state of the art!
The suspension can come in for some criticism for its sogginicity (no that isn't really a word but you know what it means) but it does not claim to be simply a trail bike, it is far more versatile than that and as an all rounder it more than ticks all the boxes. The soft suspension means that it really is a 'recreational trail bike' and as such absorbs all the bumps so that the amateur rider is still in one piece after a full days trail riding and then can ride home using the classic 62.5 degree steering head angle to cruise on and off the motorway. The riding position is not particularly suited to Supercross, but is fine for riding on the road. The saddle is really too soft for off roading too, but great for a day out so the bike is capable of doing many things.
Model history
1991: the Suzuki DR350 was born
1996: The electric start version came out
1999: The last one was made and the DRZ-400 took to the stage
Specifications:
Top Speed - 75mph
Max power - 30bhp
Max torque - 22ft-lb
Weight - 118kg
Tank capacity - 9 ltres
Av fuel consumption - 45 mpg
Range - 90 miles
Engine size - 349cc
Engine spec - 4v single 5 gears
Frame - tubular steel cradle
Front suspension adjustment - compression rebound
Rear suspension adjustment - preload compression rebound
Front brakes - single 220mm disc
Rear brake - 200mm disc
Front tyre size - 80/100x21
Rear tyre size 100/90x17
This one will run and run
The list of negatives at the beginning was harsh but the list of goodies is great as well and easily redeems the bike:
The motor is great
The gearbox is a masterpiece
It is comfy to ride
The engine is truly reliable
It is pretty indestructiblle
It is a real all rounder...
this one will run and run...it is perhaps one of the most reliable bikes ever made.
Zeitgeist
...And it seems that they have slipped into the Zeitgeist and the great motorcycle buying public have recognized their value and decided that they are worth having so they have gone from being dirt cheap to super desirable and now suddenly, when they are in mint condition, they are worth a lot. If you are buying one, this is a bike which should to hold its in value if it is in good nick.
So there it is, the Suzuki DR350 is a diamond in the rough, don't be put off by its apparent ordinariness it is in fact a bike well worth owning and once you have got the bug, it is a bike for life.
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