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By: Jason Giacchino
Email: offthepegs @ atvsource.com
August 2008 - Off The Pegs
Suzuki Revamps the Z400 for 2009
LT-Z400 White
LT-Z400 Yellow
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At the time of this article’s writing
(mid-July) we are roughly half way through 2008.
Even though the year still has another 6 months
to go, the collective industry has already
closed the book on the 2008 and is poised to
drop the 2009 models on us. Of course, for
those like myself, who are perpetually seeking
ways to max their credit cards, this is good
news and in terms of innovation that goes beyond
“Bold New Graphics,” 2009 offers some perks as
well.
I don’t hide the fact that I’m most concerned
with the sport/performance segment of the
market, nor do I deny my particular affection
toward the
Suzuki Quadsport Z400. I picked
up a 2006 model two years ago and instantly fell
in love with the vehicle’s (well publicized)
charms. Not that I found anything to
complain about in the jetting department, the
big news for 2009 is that like its bigger
brother, the LTR450, the trusty Z400 is going to
receive electronic fuel injection.
According to Suzuki, the decision had less to
do with jetting woes (although riders who change
altitudes frequently or suffer with cold starts
will benefit) the main idea behind the decision
to go for EFI intends to mix fuel and air
delivery to the motor with far greater
precision. On the trails this should
equate to quicker starting (even in cold
environments) and more consistent
power-delivery.
Suzuki decided to remap the electronic
control module (sometimes called “the brain”) in
an effort to smooth out the Z’s power band.
Taking a page from Honda’s new 700XX, Suzuki
realizes that many riders use their 400 for
recreational riding (rather than closed-circuit
competition) and provided a platform that will
maximize traction. We can already hear the
collective sigh of riders (myself included) who
are willing to trade-off traction and linear
power to open up the Quadsport for all its
worth. Not to worry, the machine should
come equipped with a similar electronic
interface as the LT450R meaning a remapped
module like the Yoshimura “Cherry Bomb” will
likely follow the quad’s release.
Additionally, the fuel maps will be programmable
with the proper equipment (sold separately, of
course).
Additionally, what would a new model release
be like without a decal overhaul? The big
S went above and beyond in that department as
well with a whole new styling package that turns
the Z400 into an R450 clone! The new
plastics, color schemes, and styling cues have
been taken directly from the LT450R. So
close in appearance are these two models now
that at a press day, even experienced moto-journalists
(I’m not naming names) had to check the small
fender decals in an effort to be sure of which
they were photographing!
The enhancements are more than skin-deep,
however, as the upper and lower A-arms have been
widened (935mm to 960) to enhance stability and
control. Then to counteract the tendency
of a wider wheelbase slowing the steering, the
Z’s engineers decreased the caster (by
2.2-degrees) and trail (by 7mm). Finally, camber
has been toed inward by 1.5 degrees. All
of these mods are intended to offer a wider
platform without sacrificing any of the Z’s
renowned light & responsive steering.
The new Z should be hitting dealer floors in
a few more weeks and that’s a good thing--my
credit card just absolutely hates gathering
dust.
2009 Quadsport
Z400 Specs
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