Offing a product for budding off-roaders, Suzuki Motorcycle India has announced the launch of the DR-Z50. The track-only mini off-roader has arrived at an ex-showroom (Pan India) price tag of INR 2.55 lakh. The motorcycle comes to the country via the CBU route and thus retails at such a premium price. The DR-Z50 joins the RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 in the company's off-roader portfolio. The RM-Z250 and the RM-Z450 were launched in October last year at INR 7.1 lakh and INR 8.31 lakh respectively (both, ex-showroom).
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Targeted at young riders, the DR-Z50 has a low seat height of 560 mm and a kerb weight of just 54 kg. The motorcycle rides on 10-inch wire-spoke wheels that are wrapped in 2.50 – 10 33J section tube-type knobby tyres. This adds ruggedness and better traction on trails and loose surfaces. Inverted telescopic forks at the front and swingarm type, coil spring at the rear, perform shock absorption tasks.
For better safety for the young riders, the DR-Z50 comes with the security of a keyed ignition. The feature is for ensuring that young riders do not ride away on the motorcycle without adult supervision. Being an off-road focused motorcycle, the DR-Z50 does not feature headlight, tail light, blinkers or rear-view mirrors.
Mechanical specifications include a 49 cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder, OHC, carburettor engine that is mated to a 3-speed gearbox with automatic clutch. The dirt bike also gets adjustable throttle limiter that allows supervising adult to adjust throttle opening to suit the rider's ability. Adjustable brake lever allows for further customisation to suit the requirements of the young riders. Drum brakes on both wheels provide the stopping power to the DR-Z50.
RM-Z-inspired styling enhances the compact size of the motorcycle. The DR-Z50 gets bright yellow bodywork and matching graphics that are borrowed from the RM-Z series motorcycles and is the only colour option available in the country.
The DR-Z50 will compete against the Kawasaki KLX110 in the Indian market. The compact green rival to the Suzuki offering retails at an ex-showroom price tag of INR 2,99,500.
