JE S zukiDR350R
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(Left) Though it has remained basically
unchanged since its debut in 1990, the
Suzuki DR350 continues to please.
(Above and below) The mid-sized
thu mper is perfect for playing, whether
it be in the hands of an experienced
rider, or a beginner.
By Donn Maeda
14
o you want to take to the dirt,
but not necessarily aboard an
arm-wrenching, qu ick-handling h igh-tech motocross
bike? Well, Suzuki's got just
what the doctor ordered, and it's called
the DR350R.
From firs t-time off-readers to more
aggressive, experienced riders, the
DR350 can - and will - bring a smile to
many a rider's face. It's not a rocket, but
that's not what Suzuki had in mind
when they designed the mid-sized
thumper. Fun is what the DR350 is
about. Though a few of the white and
yellow machines can be found entered
in various forms of off-road competition
across the nation, the bulk of the DRs
sold will end up on the trail. Sure, with
extensive modifications the DR can be
made competitive for serious racing, but
why ruin a good thing? In stock condition, the $3999 DR350 may be the ultimate "play bike".
First introduced in 1990, the DR350
was well received, as it filled a void left
whe n Honda discontinued the pop ular
XR350 in 1986. Off-rea ders everywhere
wer e overjoyed to ag ain have a midsized, nimble-handlin g four -s troke to
take to the trails with. In the yea rs since
its introd uction, the DR350 has un dergone on ly minor changes - a stro nge r
bolt here, a new fork there, and oh, we
can' t forg et those bold new g rap hics!
Nevertheless, the DR has remained as
popular as ever, and continues to be one
of Suzuki's most popular models.
SO WHA
r s NEW?
The big news for '94 is an automatic
decompression system that Suzuki
claims will make the DR's four-valve
overhead cam powerplant even easier to
start, but the 348cc single-cylinder fourstroke engine is otherwise unchanged. A
dry-sump lubrication system and compact counterbalancer provide smooth
operation, while a 33mm Mikuni handles the carburetion duties. An electronic ignition powers not only a 55-watt
headlight, but a five-watt tail light as
well.
Chassis-wise, the DR is fitted with a
