Power and performance come at a cost, that being weight. So when it comes to selecting an outboard for your boat, the balance of power and weight becomes an important issue in making the right choice. Until now, powering your boat with a 200HP class outboard meant V6 power. That has all changed with Suzuki’s DF200A.

With the DF200A, our goal was to build an outboard that provides all of the power and performance of a 200HP class V6 outboard using a lighter, more compact four-cylinder configuration. To deliver that level of performance our engineers used an inline four-cylinder engine with a 2.9-litre “Big-Block” displacement and a higher 10.2:1 compression ratio to generate impressive acceleration and low-end torque. A specially designed cowl and semi-direct air intake system were designed to provide cooler air to the tuned long-track intake manifold while a four valve per cylinder DOHC powerhead with Variable Valve Timing lets the engine breathe more efficiently increasing acceleration and top end speed. Added to that are a fuel injection system and Suzuki’s Lean Burn Technology for improved fuel economy.

The DF200A weighs 30kg less and is more compact than the V6 version. That, and its excellent balance when mounted on the transom make it the perfect choice for powering lightweight boats. It’s also great for breathing new life into older boats still rigged with lighter two-stroke engines, giving them the latest in four-stroke technology and economy without sacrificing on weight or power. Other features include a knock sensor, O2 sensor, and water detecting system to provide superior reliability. Found only on the DF200AP is Suzuki Precision Control digital control system, and Suzuki Selective Rotation for multi-engine applications. A convenient keyless start system that also functions as an immobiliser to help deter theft is available on the DF200AP.

SUZUKI LEAN BURN CONTROL SYSTEM

The Suzuki Lean Burn Control System is an intelligent fuel delivery system that achieves remarkable improvements in fuel consumption making fuel-efficient four-stroke outboards even more economical. Monitoring engine performance and operating conditions in real time, the system uses the 32-bit onboard ECM to predict fuel needs and deliver a leaner, more precise fuel mixture across the outboard’s operating range. The results show significant improvements in fuel economy across the entire powerband, including the cruising range where the engine is used a majority of the time. Comparing the new DF200A with the original V6 DF200, tests show up to a 19% increase in fuel efficiency mainly in the cruising range (around 70% of its maximum speed).

SEMI-DIRECT AIR INTAKE SYSTEM

The cover on the latest-generation DF200A has a modern upswept design giving it an innovative look. Underneath the looks though, the design is all about function. Incorporated into the cowl is a semi-direct air intake system that delivers cooler air directly to the engine’s tuned multi-stage induction module. Engines breathing cooler air are able to increase operating efficiency resulting in greater acceleration and top-end speed. The cover’s design also helps reducing the temperature inside of the engine with ports that allow the rotating flywheel to push warm air inside of the cover to the outside.

FEATURES

O2 SENSOR FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEM

Like many of Suzuki’s high-end outboards, the DF200A features an O2 Sensor Feedback Control system that helps maintain optimum engine efficiency. The system monitors engine operating conditions to provide input to the ECM allowing it to manage the fuel/air mixture for maximum performance across the engine’s full operating range.

RESONATOR

The engine’s exhaust system is a well-known source of engine noise, but another, often overlooked source is the intake manifold. Air being sucked at high velocities into the intake manifold can generate a harsh sound. The DF200A incorporates an air intake resonator that reduces such noise keeping operation exceptionally quiet.

BIG BLOCK—HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINE

The design goal for the new DF200A was to provide boaters with the performance of a V6 DF200 outboard from a more compact, lighter weight four-cylinder engine. For this, Suzuki engineers started with the 2.9-litre straight four block used on DF150/175, updating the “Big Block” design with a DOHC four-valve per cylinder powerhead and a 10.2:1 compression ratio. In addition, the engine incorporates Variable Valve Timing, Multi-stage Induction, and a 32-bit onboard computer. The end result is an engine that weighs 30kg less than the its V6 version making it an excellent choice for powering bass boats and other lightweight vessels. It’s also an excellent choice for those wanting to upgrade older boats fitted with V6 two-strokes.

HIGHER COMPRESSION RATIO 10.2:1

Drawing upon our experience building race engines for motorsports, Suzuki engineers have designed the DF200A’s in-line four-cylinder engine with a higher compression ratio of 10.2:1. The higher compression ratio delivers a noticeable improvement in performance and power output from the engine’s 2,867cm3 displacement.

LARGEST DISPLACEMENT IN ITS CLASS

Displacement has a direct effect on acceleration and torque. Generally speaking, the more the higher. For that reason, the DF200A is designed with a 2,867cm3 displacement making it the largest available in the 200HP four-cylinder four-stroke class.

VVT (VARIABLE VALVE TIMING)

Variable Valve Timing is utilised on many of Suzuki’s high-end outboards to deliver high performance across the outboard’s full powerband while retaining the benefits that four-stroke technology provides. The system starts with an innovative cam profile designed for delivering maximum output and performance at high rpm. Variable Valve Timing is used to vary intake timing with the camshaft to optimise timing for low to mid-range operation. This allows the engine to deliver maximum power output across its entire operating range producing greater low to mid-range torque for powerful acceleration. The entire process happens automatically leaving you to enjoy the power and performance.

MULTI-STAGE INDUCTION (MSI)

Getting the right amount of air into the cylinder has a great impact on performance. High-speed operation typically requires a greater volume of air, low-speed less. Suzuki’s Multi-Stage Induction system meets these needs by utilising two intake manifold pipes per cylinder to ensure the engine gets the right amount of air. At low rpm, air enters the combustion chamber through a longer, curved manifold pipe designed to improve combustion and boost low end torque. As rpm increases, the valves open on the direct intake pipes. Shorter and lacking resistance, these pipes allow a greater volume of air into the chamber, increasing the engine’s ability to breathe efficiently at high rpm resulting in higher power output during high-speed operation.

THRUST MOUNT SYSTEM

The new DF200A incorporates a combination of soft type and high thrust rubber mounts on both the upper and lower mounts to reduce engine vibration and provide stable operation. Soft type rubber mounts are used to absorb vibrations generated in the idling through 2,000 rpm range while high thrust rubber mounts deliver stable operation under high loads increasing power and performance.

QUIET OPERATION

Suzuki four-stroke outboards have long been noted for their exceptionally quiet operation. Suzuki engineers go to great lengths incorporating methods designed to keep outboard operation as quiet as possible. In a noise comparison test between the DF200A and a competing 200HP in-line four-stroke outboard, the results clearly show that the DF200A runs quieter than its competitor.

OFFSET DRIVE SHAFT

Pioneered by Suzuki, the use of the offset drive shaft on four-stroke outboards has long been utilised to reduce the size of the outboard. Found on all Suzuki four-strokes from the DF70A and up, this design positions the crankshaft in front of the drive shaft simultaneously moving the outboard’s centre of gravity forward. While the design contributes greatly to the outboard’s overall compactness and increased power performance, it also moves the engine’s axis of inertia, the point where engine vibrations are at a minimum, up over the upper engine mount, thus greatly reducing vibration. These outboards also incorporate two-stage gear reduction designed to take maximum advantage of the power produced by these high performance engines. Providing a final drive ratio of 2.50:1—the largest you can find in either of these outboard classes—it delivers powerful torque for quick acceleration and great top-end speed.

TILT LIMIT SYSTEM

To protect the boat and motor from damage that can occur when tilting the motor, both outboards incorporate a user adjustable tilt limit switch that prevents the outboard from tilting beyond a predetermined point.

SUZUKI WATER DETECTING SYSTEM

Water in the fuel can lead to problems that include poor combustion, lower power output, and corrosion. The Suzuki Water Detecting System is designed to help protect the engine from moisture in the fuel utilising awater detecting fuel filter to alert the operator with both visual and audio warnings when water is present in the fuel. The filter is also designed to let you check for water visually.

DUAL ENGINE FLUSH PORTS

Over time, salt, sand, and dirt build-up can restrict flow in the cooling system causing damage. To help prevent such build-up, both outboards are equipped with two freshwater flush ports that make flushing the cooling system as easy as possible. With one port located on the port side of the down housing and a second on the front panel, you’ll always have easy access to the flushing system whether the boat is in or out of the water.

SUZUKI SELECTIVE ROTATION

Large boats equipped with multi-outboard installations generally pair a standard rotation outboard with a counterrotation model to keep the boat traveling in a straight line and on an even keel. Once requiring the purchase of a dedicated counter-rotation model, Suzuki’s innovative Suzuki Selective Rotation eliminates that need by incorporating a special, unified design of gears, shaft, and bearings in the lower unit that allow the outboard to operate reliably and efficiently in either direction. Available only on the DF200AP, counter-rotation operation requires an optional activation switch that connects to a circuit inside of the engine compartment plus the installation of a counter-rotation propeller.

SUZUKI PRECISION CONTROL (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE AND SHIFT SYSTEM

Only available with the DF200AP version, Suzuki Precision Control is a computer-based throttle and shift system that replaces mechanical control cables with a digital flyby-wire system to eliminate friction and resistance in the controls. The system provides smooth and precise control along with crisp, immediate shifting which are particularly helpful during low rpm operation and when manoeuvring. Combined with Suzuki’s Lean Burn Control System, the system also helps to improve fuel efficiency over a wide operating range. Suzuki Precision Control also features safeguards that help protect the engine and drive against damage due to mishandling and is compatible with single, twin, or triple installations as well as dual station operation.

SUZUKI KEYLESS START SYSTEM

Suzuki’s Keyless Start system utilises a proximity key fob that transmits an access code to the engine’s starting system. As long as you have the key fob on your person, all you need to do is stand within one meter of the console, connect the emergency switch code, turn on the main switch, then start the outboard with a push of a button. With the key remaining safely in your pocket, the system offers simple, stress-free operation while reducing the risk of a lost key. The system also makes for an excellent theft deterrent since the outboard will not start without the proper access code. The key fob also floats so should it ever go overboard you can retrieve it.

SPECIFICATIONS