Suzuki PE400
1980—1982

I have tried to tell the Suzuki PE 400 model history on this page as I know it. The page is still under construction. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

1981 Suzuki PE400, Champion Yellow No.1

Suzuki followed the successful RM motocross bike series with a spectacular enduro, the PE250, introduced in November 1976. The PE series were manufactured from 1977 until 1984. After the PE250 came PE175 and in 1980 the PE400, that was basically the same bike as the PE250, except for the larger engine that offered a bit more power, on lower revs, and much more torque. The PE400 didn't use the RM400 power plant, that was a long-stroke engine. The PE400's overaquare short-stroke engine was engineered for enduro use with much wider power spread with punch at any speed, delivering its power smoothly and predictable.

1980 Suzuki year code: T

The Suzuki PE400 was introduced for the 1980 season. The 397cc (85mm x 70mm) 5-speed engine was specifically designed for the PE Series and did not leverage the contemporary RM400 motocross engine. Instead, the PE400 engine was deliberately designed as an enlarged RM250 and including primary kick. It shares mounting points and some components with the PE250 engine. In addition, all 1980 PE models saw the introduction of major advancements and refinements carried over from the RM machines, such as the alloy swing-arm, better suspension, many engine improvements and the addition of a quick-change rear wheel. This created a successful range of machines covering the PE175, PE250 and PE400.

1980 Suzuki PE 400 Overall Length: 2 165 mm (85.2) Overall widht: 870 mm (34.3 in) Overall Height: 1 220 mm (48.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 445 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 320 mm (12.6 in) Dry Weight: 113 kg (249 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 397 cc 2-stroke, 37.69 hp (27.7 kW @ 7 000 rpm, 40.0 Nm (4.08 kg-m / 29.47 lb-ft) @ 6 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1981 Suzuki year code: X

Effectively, 1981 became the peak year for the Suzuki's PE series. The PE175, PE250 and PE400 models were successful and popular. Only minor changes were made for the models. New grahics, the Suzuki brand name on the fuel tank was moved downwards, on the blue stripes, and was now white instead of black and. The ”400” digits on the side cover were made larger. 1981 was the last full-range year for most countries and with the focus of Suzuki moving to cleaner 4-stroke engines for the majority of their new machines and range.

1981 Suzuki PE400, Champion Yellow No.1

1981 Suzuki PE 400 Overall Length: 2 165 mm (85.2) Overall widht: 870 mm (34.3 in) Overall Height: 1 220 mm (48.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 445 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 320 mm (12.6 in) Dry Weight: 113 kg (249 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 397 cc 2-stroke, 37.69 hp (27.7 kW @ 7 000 rpm, 40.0 Nm (4.08 kg-m / 29.47 lb-ft) @ 6 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1982 Suzuki year code: Z

By 1982, clearly, the PE series was now seriously lacking on-going development. Suzuki was changing its focus, pulling out of serious enduro competition and the Pure Enduro range was being curtailed. 1982 (model "Z") was the last year where all three models could be purchased and even then the 250 and 400 machines were only available in small numbers, in some countries (mainly in UK, Australia and Canada). The PE250 and PE400 underwent a handful of minor changes but could not be described as notable improvements over the previous machines.

1982 Suzuki PE 400 Overall Length: 2 165 mm (85.2) Overall widht: 870 mm (34.3 in) Overall Height: 1 220 mm (48.0 in) Wheelbase: 1 445 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 320 mm (12.6 in) Dry Weight: 113 kg (249 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 397 cc 2-stroke, 37.69 hp (27.7 kW @ 7 000 rpm, 40.0 Nm (4.08 kg-m / 29.47 lb-ft) @ 6 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

Suzuki PE/RS 175/250/400 specifications Dimensions and weight Overall length: 2 180 mm (85.8in.) Overall width: 865 mm (34 in.) Wheelbase: 1 350 mm (53 in.) Ground clearance: 305 mm (12 in.) Dry weight: 104 kg (229 lbs) Engine (PE175 only) Type:two-stroke Power reed valve Bore x Stroke: 62 x 57 mm (2.441 x 2.244 in) Piston displacment: 10.5 cu in. Corrected compression ratio: 7.9:1 Transmission: 6 speed constand mesh Clutch: Wet multi plate Pattern: 1 down, 5 up Chain: 106 links daido D.I.D Electrical Ignition: Suzuki "PEI" Ignition timing: 19.5 degree B.T.D.C at 8 000 r/min Brakes: Expanding type Spark plug gap: 0.5 mm Carburator type PE175: Mikuni VM32SS, VM34SS (PE175), PE250: VM36SS PE400: VM38SS, all round slide mikuni. Front fork psi: 11—18 Oil/gas ratio 20:1 (32:1 with good quality oil is fine) Tyre Sizes: Front 3.00-21, Rear 4.00-18 Recommended Spark Plug: NGK B10EGV (cold) B9EGV (hot) B8EGV (trail riding), Champion RN2C, RN3C,N2C,N3C can also be used (2 is cool and 3 is hot) Transmission oil: multi grade 20W50 motor oil, 800 ml Service & inspection: Check cylinder bore using cylinder gauge @ 20 mm (.79 inches) Standard: 2 mm — 62.015 mm, service limit 62.070 mm (after reboring, chamfer sharp metal away from ports) Piston ring: fit the ring in the bottom of the cylinder and measure the end gap: standard: .20 - .35 mm, service limit: .85 mm (.33 inches) Reed valve: Check for clearance around the valve and its seat. Should be no more than .2 mm (.008 in.) Clutch plate: Check thickness, standard 2.9 — 3.1 mm, service limit 2.6 mm (.10 inches) Clutch spring: If one clutch spring is longer, replace them all at the same time. Cylinder head torque: 14.5-21.5 foot pounds. Source: pe175.tripod.com If you notice any errors, please contact me so that I can correct them!

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