- Proven Suzuki DR reliability
- Switchable ABS front and rear, power maps and off-road electronic aids
- 300mm ground clearance for tackling the tough stuff
It’s been a long time between updates for Suzuki’s venerable DR-Z400, with the Kiwi favourite ‘do-it-all’ machine sticking to its proven formula pretty much since it replaced the DR350 back at the turn of the millennium. But now the DR-Z has seen some useful and long-awaited updates which might just make this the bike that DR-Z fans and many other serious adventure riders have been waiting for.
ENGINE
At the heart of the new DR-Z4S (it’s got a new name too, kinda…) and the supermoto version DR-Z4SM is a ‘new’ 398cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC four-stroke engine. Well, it’s the DR-Z motor updated to meet Euro 5B emission regs, while maintaining the reputation of robustness and reliability the engine found in the previous generation DR-Z400 was famed for. And, according to Suzuki, it’s been designed to retain the same character as the DR-Z400, with a smooth, linear power delivery featuring more torque at lower rpm combined with an increased power output to the rev limit. Plus, and this will make the adv team happy – improved fuel economy.
When compared to the previous DR-Z400 engine, there are changes to almost every aspect, from lightweight titanium intake valves and hollow, sodium-filled exhaust valves to new cam profiles and piston. A new cylinder head is equipped with twin spark plugs, there are new crankcases, and a new slipper clutch with Suzuki’s Clutch Assist System.
Instead of a trusty throttle cable, fuelling now comes courtesy of a ride-by-wire system, with a 42mm bore, electronic throttle body featuring a 10-hole fuel injector. There’s also a new air box and a new exhaust, with the result being a broader spread of power across the rev range, with a strong drive yet smooth ride, a direct, linear throttle response, and improved fuel economy.
Peak power is 37hp at 8,000rpm, with a peak torque figure of 37Nm at 6,500rpm, with a fuel economy figure of 2.94l/100km. There is however, no mention of how big the tank is.
ELECTRONICS
The new DR-Z4S (and the supermoto) feature Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System, meaning it gets a host of rider aids and settings that we’ve become accustomed to on the bigger V-Strom variants. That sees the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) offering three power modes, with each mode reaches the same peak power output but altering throttle response. A is the most direct, delivering the full amount of low-down torque available from the 398cc single-cylinder engine, while modes B and C are progressively softer, allowing riders to dial back the initial power delivery to suit in slippery or low grip conditions.
There are two standard traction control modes on both, with each also equipped with its own specific G (gravel) mode. G mode aims to maintain maximum off-road performance by allowing a certain amount of wheel spin. G mode’s level intervention is set slower than for the traction control system’s other two standard modes, and the maximum level of intervention is also set lower, too. This provides the right balance between preventing excessive wheel spin on slippery surfaces and minimising power loss on surfaces with traction, making the bike easier to control.
On the DR-Z4S it focuses on enabling riders to enjoy off-road riding with confidence. It does so by adopting an updated version of the system when compared with the application on the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 800DE, by being effective not only on flat surfaces but also on undulating terrain and inclines. On DR-Z4SM it is tailored more towards flat-dirt surfaces, while allowing a little more slip tolerance than on the V-Strom DEs. Allowing more spin lets the rider better tap into the model’s supermoto character.
A big step forward over the competition in the segment is the fact riders will be able to disable the ABS front and rear on the DR-Z4S, further enabling greater control off-road. Or there is the option simply to disengage the rear. On the DR-Z4SM, riders can only disengage the rear ABS.
There’s also Suzuki’s easy-start system, which means the engine fires up with one press of the starter button, and there’s no need to pull the clutch lever when starting in neutral. While a sweet, compact, new LCD dash replaces the old basic version that’s been on the DRZ forever, with all the rider information and settings displayed clearly on the new unit. And from the pictures, it looks pretty good.
CHASSIS
A brand new, twin-spar steel frame was developed for the new DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM, mated to a new aluminium subframe and an aluminium swingarm. Like the engine, it was designed to build on the previous model’s reputation for precise, agile handling and easy manoeuvrability. The new chassis is rigid, yet supple, meaning it can absorb impact and bumps on rougher terrain, and reduce rider fatigue.
Long-travel suspension on both the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM comes from KYB, specifically tuned for each model’s intended application. There is 280mm of front fork travel and 296mm of rear wheel travel on the DR-Z4S, while the DR-Z4SM has 260mm of front suspension travel and 277mm of rear wheel travel. Both have compression and rebound damping adjustment at the front and rear. There’s also preload adjustment on the rear shock.
Wheels are wire-spoked on both. The DR-Z4S is fitted with a 21” front and 18” rear, compared to the 17” rims in the DR-Z4SM. IRC GP-410, dual purpose, tubed tyres are standard on the S, while the SM is shod with Dunlop SPORTMAX Q5A tyres.
There are disc brakes all round, and the tapered aluminium handlebars are equipped with half-waffle grips which distribute pressure across the palms and make the grips easier to hold, aiding control and greatly reducing rider fatigue. Foot pegs are wide and solid, providing sure-footing and a robustness to withstand impacts off-road. There’s also an aluminium under guard as standard.
Ground clearance comes in at a useful 300mm on the DR-Z4S, and 260mm on the DR-Z4SM, while the seat heights are a towering 920mm for the off-road version and 890mm for the motard. Weight is claimed at 151kg and 154kg, respectively, although there’s no mention if this is wet or dry. With the DR-Z never being regarded as a lightweight, we’re expecting that figure is dry.
STYLING
Finally, Suzuki has retained the look of the iconic DR-Z while also encompassing some hints from their off-road Suzuki’s RM-Z range. There’s no doubting what the bike is though when you look at it.
Ergonomics also played a key role in the new design, and the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM are crafted as to not interfere in any way with the rider and their movement, making it an adventure machine more likely to appeal to the adventure rider looking for more serious terrain rather than the rider looking to click off massive kilometres. Lighting all-round is LED, from the single assembly headlight, rear combination lights, and indicators.
The DR-Z4S is available in Suzuki’s signature off-road Champion Yellow, and Solid Iron Grey, both with black rims. The DR-Z4SM comes in a new blue/grey colour scheme, dubbed Sky Grey, plus a Solid Special White, equipped with blue rims.
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Pricing for the new DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM will be confirmed in the New Year, with arrival set for June, 2025.
With the DR-Z400 proving seriously popular in NZ for riders who wanted to do anything from moving the cows to tackling trail rides or gravel roads, there’s no doubt the updates combined with a more modern look is likely to put the DR-Z4S on the radar of many Kiwis. Missing from the release was the fact the bike still features a 5-speed gearbox which is likely to limit its road potential, although with minimal fairings and a real off-road stance for the rider, chances are the DR-Z4S isn’t the sort of bike you’re going to be spending long periods sitting at 100+km/h.
We’re stoked Suzuki has decided to update the DR-Z as it’s been a part of many Kiwi’s journey off-road. Here’s hoping the new bike lives up to the expectations of us all and makes the DR-Z popular once more.
For further details keep an eye on BRM’s socials or visit www.suzuki.co.nz
