Suzuki's Z400
(LT-Z400)

One look is all it takes to appreciate the QuadSport Z400's sporty, aggressive styling. A sharp nose with stacked dual headlights, twin air intakes and high-mounted, deeply-flared front and rear fenders make the QuadSport the most unique-appearing Suzuki ATV ever built. Even standing still, the QuadSport Z400 looks like it's moving.

The twin air intakes--positioned just inboard in front of each fender--direct more air to the radiator. The fuel tank holds 10liters (2.7 US gallons), and the tank itself weighs just 1.3 kilograms (2.9 pounds) and is easy to remove for routine maintenance.

Suzuki's own T-shaped seat is narrow at the front, and flares out over the rear fenders, making it easier for the rider to comfortably shift his or her weight back-and-forth, and side-to-side. Seat height is 810 mm (31.9 inches), and smooth transitions between the seat, bodywork and fuel tank contribute to rider maneuverability. And the QuadSport Z400 is as light as it looks, weighing just 168 kilograms (370 pounds) dry.

Proven Engine Performance, With Emphasis On Torque

When it comes to moving a machine off-road, what really counts is plenty of engine torque, delivered over a wide rpm range. The QuadSport Z400's 398cc engine delivers a flat torque curve and strong response from 3,000 rpm all the way up and over 8,000 rpm.

This is an engine that can serve as a case study in advanced, lightweight, state-of-the-art design. An aluminum-alloy, oversquare, 90.0 x 62.6mm, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC single-cylinder powerplant with four valves actuated by cam lobes riding directly on bucket tappets. The cylinder head features a narrow, 28-degree included valve angle for a compact, efficient combustion chamber, with an 11.3:1 compression ratio. The narrow valve angle allows the use of a straighter intake tract between the 36mm Mikuni carburetor and the cylinder head, improving charging efficiency. The valves themselves are relatively large, 36mm intakes and 29mm exhausts, all with narrow, 5mm stems to improve port flow. High-tensile steel-alloy valve springs with aluminum-alloy retainers are more compact and lighter than conventional valve springs and steel retainers. A dry-sump lubrication system helps make the engine itself more compact, and allows the engine to be placed lower in the frame, lowering the center of gravity.

The aluminum-alloy cylinder is plated with Suzuki's ownrace-proven nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating, known as SCM (Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material), which reduces weight and improves heat transfer, allowing tighter, more efficient piston-to-cylinder clearance. The piston is durable forged aluminum alloy, reducing weight. A counterbalancer shaft reduces vibration, while an automatic cam chain tensioner and an electronic CDI ignition system simplify routine maintenance. If those engine specifications and features sound familiar, they should: The QuadSport Z400's engine is based on the well-proven DR-Z400 Suzuki motorcycle powerplant.

The QuadSport Z400 features a manual clutch and a five-speed manual transmission with reverse gear. A handy knob mounted on the right front fender releases the reverse interlock, and allows the shift pedal to be used to select reverse gear. Final drive is via an O-ring-sealed chain.

Lightweight Tube Frame With Long-Travel Suspension


The QuadSport Z400's chassis features a lightweight, rigid, high-tensile steel-alloy tube frame and subframe.

Independent double-wishbone front suspension with preload-adjustable coil-over shocks delivers 210mm (8.3 inches) of wheel travel.

The aluminum-alloy swingarm rear suspension system features a single, fully-adjustable piggyback-reservoir shock and produces 23 mm (9.1 inches) of wheel travel.

Wheelbase is 1,245mm (49.0 inches) with 262mm (10.3 inches) of ground clearance.

A tube-steel front bumper and a high-impact-plastic skid plate are standard equipment. The skid plate is lighter than conventional metal plates, is resistant to dents and corrosion, and slides easily over terrain high-spots. Durable, serrated steel footpegs are vented to reduce mud build-up.

Aluminum-alloy wheels are standard on the QuadSport Z400, 10.0x5.50-inch front and 9.0x8.00-inch rear, carrying Dunlop AT22x7-10 front radials and AT20x10-9 rear radials.

Hydraulic disc brakes are featured all around, dual discs up front and a single disc in the rear. A convenient parking feature allows the rear brake to be set using the left handlebar lever.

The QuadSport Z400 is the first ATV with vertically-stacked, dual multi-reflector halogen headlights. Both headlights use a dual-filament, high-beam/low-beam 30/30W bulb. And the QuadSport Z400 comes standard with a multi-reflector combination taillight and brake light. Neutral selection, reverse selection and coolant temperature indicator lights are mounted on the handlebar cover. A 175-watt generator and maintenance-free battery are standard.

Using Technology to Escape Technology

In a way, the Suzuki QuadSport Z400 is a case of technology versus technology. It is a machine incorporating state-of-the-art engine and chassis design, with an advanced, aggressive look to match. Yet the Z400 is best used to escape the modern technological world from which it came. A machine meant to transport its rider into the moment: Concentrating on carving across the face of a dune instead of concentrating on the reaction of a customer. Concentrating on picking a line through a corner instead of answering a phone line. Concentrating on doing what feels right instead of doing what is expected. In a world of work, the QuadSport Z400 stands ready. Engineered for fun.