Suzuki Marine’s at it again. Ten years after kick-starting the four-stroke revolution, the Brea, California-based outboard manufacturer has released three new four-stroke engines that have been completely redesigned from the ground up.
The New Generation four-strokes include the DF70, DF80 and DF90. Lighter, faster and more efficient than their predecessors, Suzuki’s new engines are once again redefining the popular four-stroke category and providing operators of flats skiffs with an attractive new power option.
With an aim of reducing overall weight, Suzuki engineers began with a new 91.7 cubic-inch, 4-cylinder DOHC powerhead with four valves per cylinder. An offset drive shaft and a two-stage gear reduction facilitated the center of gravity being moved forward, reducing the engine’s overall dimensions.
The new DF90 is nearly 3 inches shorter than Suzuki’s previous 90 hp four-stroke, which should reduce engine vibration and increase stability. What’s more, a new cowl and lower unit have contributed to a significant reduction in weight. The new DF90 with a 20-inch shaft weighs 341 pounds. That’s 75 pounds, or 18 percent, less than last year’s 416-pound model, which should make flats fishermen take notice.
A new gear case and an under-cowl airflow design also reduce drag and help the engines breath better, optimizing performance. Suzuki’s new Lean Burn Control Technology, meanwhile, predicts fuel needs based on operating conditions and also allows the engine to operate on a lean fuel-air ratio.
Speaking of fuel economy, Suzuki engineers also incorporated a new oil pump and improved the hydrodynamics of the engines’ lubrication system, which allows oil to move through the system with less resistance. The engines also shift easier and smoother, thanks to a redesigned shift transmission system that results in a 40-percent improvement in gear transfer on the DF90.
Suzuki’s new four-stroke engines are the only outboards in their class that are equipped with oil-bathed, self-adjusting timing chains instead of traditional timing belts.
It all adds up to three strong, new outboards. For more information, contact American Suzuki Motor Corporation at 714-996-7040 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
Engine: Suzuki DF70
Type: Four-stroke DOHC 16-valve
Disp.: 91.7
Bore X Stroke: 3.0 x 3.3 in.
Max RPM: 5,500
HP/LB Ratio: 0.21
Fuel System: Multipoint Sequential EFI
Gear Ratio: 2.59:1
Weight: 341 lbs.
Alt. Output: 27 Amps
MSRP: $9,000
Engine: Suzuki DF80
Type: Four-stroke DOHC 16-valve
Disp.: 91.7
Bore X Stroke: 3.0 x 3.3 in.
Max RPM: 5,500
HP/LB Ratio: 0.24
Fuel System: Multipoint Sequential EFI
Gear Ratio: 2.59:1
Weight: 341 lbs.
Alt. Output: 27 Amps
MSRP: $9,250
Engine: Suzuki DF90
Type: Four-stroke DOHC 16-valve
Disp.: 91.7
Bore X Stroke: 3.0 x 3.3 in.
Max RPM: 5,800
HP/LB Ratio: 0.26
Fuel System: Multipoint Sequential EFI
Gear Ratio: 2.59:1
Weight: 341 lbs.
Alt. Output: 27 Amps
MSRP: $10,000
_American Suzuki Motor Corp. / Brea, California / 714-996-7040 / _www.suzukimarine.com
