In the world of Suzuki, PE stood for “Pure Enduro.” Their first PE model was the 250, which was introduced in late 1976. They followed that up with a 175 soon after but it took until 1980 for them to come out with their Open Class variant, the PE400.
The 397cc two-stroke engine was specifically designed for enduro work and was not simply pulled from their RM motocross bike of the time (long stroke versus oversquare short stroke, respectively).
In their review, Cycle World noted that “the first glance at a PE400 will tell an enduro rider the bike was designed by enduro racers: ground clearance is good, bolts and nuts are sized so most items can be worked on with a 10, 12 or 17mm wrench, hand levers are protected from mud with covers, fenders are wide and long, the seat is wide and thick and comfortable. the silencer has a forestry approved spark arrester, lights are enduro legal and the wheels are quickly removable. Just saying the wheels are quickly removable doesn’t give the design engineer proper credit. Both can be removed quicker than any enduro bike we have ever tested. The front has a pull bar to remove the axle and loose parts amount to a 17mm axle nut and one spacer. But the rear wheel is the great one. Removal of the rear wheel takes a slow person about 15 seconds! Honest.”
They also call out a specific tool mounted to the triple tree: “Suzuki’s nifty six-day wrench has been updated and now contains a removable 12mm end wrench with an axle puller pin. The smaller wrench connects quickly to the rrïain wrench that has been standard for the last couple years. The complete wrench will fix or adjust many pieces of the PE. The largest end loosens the axle adjuster sleeves, the other end removes the spark plug and the back side of the plug wrench fits both axles. The 12mm wrench adjusts the rear axle and handlebars, tightens the engine bolts and many other attached parts. A definite effort has been made at using as many 12mm sized nut and bolt heads as possible. The wrench is mounted to the right side of the triple tree and it’s quickly removable.”
This example is VIN: JS1PK11A0B2100137, Engine #: PE400-103614. The seller acquired it from a private party through a Mecum auction in 2017.
During his ownership, the seller has not ridden the bike. There is a tripmeter but no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Dirty
Headlight High Beam: N/A
Headlight Low Beam: N/A
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light (Front Switch): N/A
Brake Light (Rear Switch): N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: N/A
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: Drum Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum Ok
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 310
Tire Date Code Rear: 280
Tire % Remaining Front: 80+% Cracking and Dry Rotted
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80+% Cracking and Dry Rotted
Tire Press. Front: 24 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 22 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: N/A
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: Runs Poorly on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Oil Dipstick is broken
-Chain is dirty
-Decals are peeling
Recommendations:
-Poor Running Diagnostic
-Replace Dipstick and O-Ring
-Chain Service
-Carburetor Clean
-Front and Rear Tire
Modifications:
This PE400 appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sports K290 tires that have aged out.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Suzuki is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Iconic’s White Glove Service can assist with getting a Tennessee state title for roughly $650. Have any PE400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
