Jeff Webster•3 Mar 2016

REVIEW

Suzuki 200hp Four-Stroke: Engine Review

DF200A combines power with light weight and efficiency

Suzuki launched its DF200A onto the Aussie market late in 2014 with little fanfare, yet this slim, smooth, in-line four cylinder, EFI four-stroke outboard motor is impressively appointed and has much to offer engine buyers in the new and repower trailerboat markets.

OVERVIEW

- Four cylinder engine weight with V6 power

The battle for the lightest weight four-stroke outboard in the various size classes continues to wage between the leading Japanese brands. In 2012 Yamaha trumped the competition with the launch of its 227kg (incl. propeller) F200F/G.

In late 2014 Suzuki joined the party with the release of its own super lightweight four-stroke, the 226kg DF200A/AP. Weights are now comparable between the two Japanese heavyweights, though Suzuki has the edge in displacement with its 2867cc block vs Yamaha’s 2785cc in-line four cylinder.

For boating consumers this heavy competition between brands is a win-win situation, keeping a lid on prices, and bringing major advances with each new engine generation.

With the Suzuki DF200A comes a range of refinements and innovations to boost power and economy from a lighter weight package. We tested the DF200A recently to see how it fairs against the competition.

DESIGN SPECS

- Proven design with new innovations

The Suzuki DF200A shares the same proven 2867cc block as the smaller DF150 and DF175, along with several of the key features – including an offset drive-shaft for better balance and reduced vibration, two-stage gear reduction system, maintenance free timing chain, multi-point sequential EFI and Suzuki’s 'Lean Burn' control system for improved economy and engine efficiency.

Like its direct Yamaha competitor, and smaller Suzuki 150/175 siblings, the DF200A is an in-line four cylinder, DOHC 16 valve four-stroke engine.

The DF200A has bore x stroke of 97mm x 97mm and a gear ratio of 2.5:1 – which allows the use of large propellers for diverse applications.

Interestingly, the DF200A was introduced to the Suzuki range to compliment the 31kg heavier V6 DF200, not to replace it. This would appear to be an acknowledgement that there really is no replacement for displacement, and that the extra torque of the larger capacity V6 model may still be preferred in certain applications where carrying more weight on the transom is of no consequence.

Having noted the above, Suzuki claims that the performance of the DF200A is very much on par with the bigger model, yet it consumes less fuel – some 32 per cent less at a 5000rpm high cruise speed. Across the board, Suzuki suggests that the in-line four 200hp is around 19 per cent more fuel efficient than the larger V6.

Despite sharing the same block and configuration as the smaller 150/175 hp models, the DF200A looks quite different. The cowling has been re-designed to provide cool air flow directly to the engine’s intake manifold. This has been achieved while ensuring the internals are still well protected from salt spray and water ingress.

The re-designed cowl with increased air-flow works with Suzuki’s variable valve timing system (new for this engine size) to assist the engine to breathe better, run cooler and more efficiently. The result is said to provide a boost to acceleration and top speed.

In addition to the improved cooling and airflow, Suzuki engineers have found power by adopting a relatively high 10.3:1 compression ratio.

Other innovations include a knock sensor to allow the engine’s computer to adjust ignition timing for optimum efficiency, along with an O2 sensor to monitor fuel/air mixtures and a water detection sensor to pick up on any moisture in the fuel system.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

- Competitive price, lots of features - including Selective Rotation

The Suzuki DF200A is available in five models. They include the DF200AT, DF200ATX ( extra-longshaft 25” model), DF200AP, DF200APX (extra-longshaft 25”) and the DF200AZ (counter-rotating longshaft only).

The models differ in that the more expensive DF200AP/APX comes with keyless start (with proximity key-fob) and Suzuki’s Precision Control digital fly-by-wire remote controls instead of having mechanical throttle cables, etc.

The DF200AP/APX is also available with Suzuki Selective Rotation which allows the dealer to set-up the engine for standard or counter-rotation. The gearbox is designed so that the dealer can select the appropriate rotation electronically. There is no need to order a special counter-rotating engine or gearbox.

Having noted the above, you do not have to order the premium, AP series models to achieve a counter-rotating twin-rig installation – providing the install is for a 25” transom. You can save money by ordering a regular DF200ATX along with a DF200AZ. The latter is a specific counter-rotating model but only available with the 635mm, 25” drive-leg.

Of the four models, the DF200ATX and APX extra-longshaft models are the most popular and best suited to offshore boating/fishing applications. Suzuki lists an RRP for the base model of $25,985 – including mechanical controls, digital engine gauge, GPS antenna harnesses and stainless steel propeller.

The premium DF200APX retails for $29,241 with similar equipment, but with Suzuki Precision Control fly-by-wire setup. Note however that these prices do not include dealer installation.

Service intervals for the DF200A are similar to other four-strokes. After an initial 20 hour/3 month service for checks and minor adjustments, the service schedule runs annually or every 100 operating hours.

For reference the run-in service should be priced from around $480, while the first 12 month, 100 hour service should lighten your wallet by around $750.

The DF200A is a modern, high-tech outboard engine so you can expect it to be well equipped with many user-friendly features including malfunction warning systems, instant starting, cowl mounted trim switch, tilt-limit switch, dual flushing ports, start-in-gear protection, 12V, 44 amp alternator (not as big as some, but it kicks in at just 1000rpm)) NMEA 2000 compatibility, speed and fuel flow instrumentation, and more.

POWER & PERFORMANCE

- Great power, strong hole-shot performance and exceptional fuel economy

On the water, the Suzuki DF200A proves to be a refined, powerful, smooth and economical outboard engine.

We tested a Suzuki DF200ATX on the back of a 6.3m Tournament 2000 Bluewater fibreglass half cabin. The boat is listed as having a hull weight (dry) of 960kg. The DF200A was well matched to the hull, though we can see the engine being used to power both lighter and heavier loads.

The Suzuki test engine was rigged with a 16” x 20” (pitch) three-blade stainless-steel propeller which enabled the engine to run to a wide open throttle of 6200rpm - which is close to optimum.

At WOT we achieved a top speed of 40.1 knots. In itself, and without a means of comparison, this 40 knot plus speed does not mean a lot – but we did feel the engine to be very strong throughout the rpm range, and with a bit more punch out of the hole than its nearest competitor.

With regard to fuel economy the Suzuki DF200A ranks among the very best we have tested. At its most economical 3500rpm cruise speed the Suzuki burns just 16.9 lph while pushing the test rig along at an easy 19.8 knots. This equates to an impressive 1.17 nautical miles per litre – or a maximum range on 95 per cent of the standard 155-litre fuel tank of 172.2 nautical miles.

VERDICT

- Terrific engine for re-powers, twin installs and weight sensitive hulls

In designing the DF200A, Suzuki set out to produce a modern, high-tech outboard engine with the power of its larger V6 in a lighter, more economical package. It has succeeded unequivocally.

The DF200A offers punchy performance in a slim, lightweight package that is great on fuel – and ideal for powering modern trailerboats, twin engine installs and repowering older trailerboats.

The DF200A is particularly well suited to the repower market as it is lighter than some of the old fashioned two-strokes, yet far more advanced, more user-friendly, quiet and economical.

PERFORMANCE - SPEED

3.2kts (6.0km/h) @ 1000rpm

5.0kts (9.2km/h)@ 1500rpm

6.4kts (11.8km/h) @ 2000rpm

7.9kts (14.6km/h) @ 2500rpm

13.5kts (25.0km/h) @ 3000rpm

19.8kts (36.6km/h) @ 3500rpm

24.6kts (45.5km/h) @ 4000rpm

29.2kts (54.0km/h) @ 4500rpm

32.2kts (59.6km/h) @ 5000rpm

36.0kts (66.6km/h) @ 5500rpm

38.6kts (71.4km/h) @ 6000rpm

40.1kts (74.2km/h) @ 6200rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY

2.7 l/ph @ 1000rpm

4.5 l/ph @ 1500rpm

6.1 l/ph @ 2000rpm

10.1 l/ph @ 2500rpm

13.3 l/ph @ 3000rpm

16.9 l/ph @ 3500rpm

23.8 l/ph @ 4000rpm

27.8 l/ph @ 4500rpm

35.4 l/ph @ 5000rpm

41.9 l/ph @ 5500rpm

66.0 l/ph @ 6000rpm

68.8 l/ph @ 6200rpm (WOT)

MAXIMUM RANGE ON 95% OF 155l FUEL TANK: 172.2nm @ 3500rpm

Specifications:

Pricing: DF200ATX (as tested) $25,985 including extra-longshaft 635mm (25”) configuration with mechanical controls, digital gauges, GPS antenna, stainless steel propeller. DF200APX priced from $29,241 with Suzuki Precision Control box and digital fly-by-wire system, digital gauges, GPS antenna, and stainless steel propeller. Dealer fitting costs not included.

Engine type: Four-stroke DOHC 16-valve

Cylinders: In-line four-cylinder

Fuel Delivery: Multi-Point Sequential EFI

Weight: 226kg (lightest model)

Displacement: 2,867cc

Bore x Stroke: 97mm x 97mm

Maximum output: 200hp @ 5,800rpm

Operating range 5,500 – 6,100rpm

Shaft length: 508mm (20”), 635mm (25”)

Alternator: 12 volt, 44amp

Trim method: Power trim/tilt

Gear ratio: 2.50:1

Counter rotating: Available

Servicing: Annually (or every 100hours after first service)

Propeller fitted: 16” x 20” 3 blade stainless

Warranty: Five years (recreational use)

Supplied by:

Suzuki Marine

Locate a dealer at www.suzukimarine.com.au

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Suzuki 200hp Four-Stroke: Engine Review

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