Product Spotlight: Suzuki DF115BG & DF140BG - The Fisherman

Product Spotlight: Suzuki DF115BG & DF140BG

Suzuki DF140BG Running Shot

Suzuki’s new-for-2021 DF115BG and DF140BG 4-stroke outboards are the first in their class to offer all the advantages of drive-by-wire technology. By bringing its proven drive-by-wire technology to its 115HP and 140HP in-line four-cylinder models, Suzuki is providing simplified rigging for a wide range of boat builders, along with silky smooth shifting, instant throttle response, enhanced performance and superior fuel efficiency.  The reliability and precision control of Suzuki’s drive-by-wire technology has been proven for years on Suzuki’s popular 150HP through 350HP models. I can personally attest to the simple efficiency and superior docking/running capabilities of drive-by-wire controls, having just installed them on my MarCeeJay for the 2020 season, albeit using a competitive brand outboard. Still, drive-by-wire is such a paradigm shift and game changer, it is now the standard on how I will judge all of my future rides.

More Good Stuff

Enhancements to Suzuki’s new DF115BG/DF140BG go far beyond the integration of drive-by-wire technology. An upgraded compression ratio of 10.6:1 helps these new 2.0-liter displacement outboards achieve better top speed and acceleration by improving thermal efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a throttle body digital EFI system. Fuel efficiency has also been increased compared to Suzuki’s existing DF115/DF140A models. Factory tests have demonstrated as much as 5% to 7% better fuel efficiency for the DF140BG across mid-range to high-end cruising speeds. The new DF115BG has demonstrated up to 5% to 6% better fuel efficiency at cruising speed.

Other improvements include a 40 amp alternator on both models that delivers improved output and battery charging performance at low idle speeds, which is ideal for today’s power-hungry fishing boats that spend a lot of time trolling. As a comparison, the next-gen DF115A and DF140A outboards which are the foundation of the BG-Series engines, also produce 40-amps on their fully transistorized alternators, but at higher engine speeds.

While much has changed under the cowl, some enhancements to the new DF115BG/DF140BG are obvious to the eye. The engine itself features a sporty, streamlined exterior design that looks great on center consoles, flats skiffs, pontoon boats, walleye rigs, bass boats and more. With 20-inch (L) and 25-inch (X) shaft lengths available, the new DF115BG/DF140BG outboards are an ideal power choice for a wide range of fresh and saltwater boats. Both new outboards boast new graphics and are available in Suzuki’s Pearl Nebular Black and new-for-2021 Super Cool White color schemes. The redesigned cowl also incorporates a new air intake structure with improved water separation and a silencer/resonator system to attenuate engine noise and provide a pleasant boating experience at all engine speeds/RPM.

To make routine maintenance easier, Suzuki made it possible to replace the oil filter simply by removing the upper engine cover. A new Oil Spill Catcher surrounding the oil filter mount allows for changing the filter without making a mess. Suzuki also added an easy access Water Detection Fuel Filter to help protect the engine against contaminated fuel.

Next-Gen Gauges

The new DF115BG/DF140BG EFI outboards can run the new Suzuki Color Display is a high-resolution LED network gauge that is extremely easy to read – even in bright sunlight. It is capable of monitoring two engines simultaneously, including RPM, speed, water pressure, fuel level and fuel consumption, engine temperature, trim, engine hours and alternator voltage. It features front-mounting points and operates on a NMEA 2000 network with one easy connection. The full-color LED display is easy to read in sunlight and nighttime operation and displays data for one or two engines per gauge. Three standard preconfigured pages do not require user set-up, but they can easily be customized by the operator. Software updates are made easy with a micro USB port. Power and data are provided through one NMEA 2000 micro-C connector. These gauges are square on the outside but mount into standard 3-3/8 inch circular cutouts.

The DF115BG/DF140BG will start production in October 2020 as 2021 model year outboards.  For the foreseeable future, Suzuki Marine will continue to offer the existing DF115A and DF140A four-cylinder 4-stroke outboards alongside the new models. To learn more about the new 2021 DF115BG and DF140BG models, or Suzuki’s entire line up of premium quality 4-stroke outboard motors ranging from 2.5 to 350 horsepower, visit www.suzukimarine.com.

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