VOLUME ISSUE AUGUST , P119
for greater durability. The seat
padding is stiffer, and you can
no longer adjust the seat's
height between its former two
position options. Regarding
rider position, the handlebars
are cantered slightly back, and
the footpegs are positioned
a tick forward to improve
comfort while standing and
reduce effort while transition
-
ing from sitting to standing.
The windscreen is smaller,
mainly because off-road riders
don't like to look through a dirty
windshield. Less windshield,
less obstruction. It is, however,
hand-adjustable over a two-
inch height range.
Since you'll be riding the DE
off the pavement more, Suzuki
expects you to drop the bike
from time to time, so they were
nice enough to give you crash
bars as standard equipment.
An aluminum skid plate is also
standard now.
Not much has changed in
the engine department, but
there are a few notable up
-
grades from the XT. The DE
features hollow sodium-filled
(Above) We're likin'
the DE's new TFT
screen. Clear and
easy to read. (Left) A
little bit more ground
clearance and a little
bit more wheel travel
greatly improve the
DE's effectiveness
off-road. (Right) The
DE's 21-inch front
wheel improves
handling off-road yet
still performs well
on-road.
