Suzuki announce all-new DR-Z4S dual sport off-road model, reviving and completely updating the trail bike legend with new engine, chassis, electronics and styling.

You’ll forgive us but we didn’t see this one coming from a manufacturer who have not exactly been at the forefront of motorcycle development in the last decade or more.

Having no enduro bike marks them out for a start, not racing in any series we report on and more importantly having not updated their off-road model range since the cows left home means Suzuki slip off the radar a bit. 

Pick us up off the floor then as we learn Suzuki has “all-new” DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM models, with the covers pulled off the dual sport and supermoto machines today, November 5, at EICMA in Milan, Italy.

With the popular DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM models of the noughties as their inspiration, the two fresh 400s use a new twin-spar steel frame with a separate, bolt-on aluminium subframe and aluminium swingarm, housing a new 398cc single-cylinder engine. There’s also an electronics package that includes power modes, switchable ABS, and a sophisticated traction control system with off-road modes. 

Engine

The DR-Z4S has a new 398cc, single-cylinder, twin-spark, liquid cooled, DOHC four-stroke engine. designed to meet Euro 5B, while maintaining the established reputation of robustness and reliability the engine found in the previous generation DR-Z400 was famed for.

Suzuki promise smooth, linear power with a “stronger torque at lower rpm and increased power output to the rev limit, plus improved fuel economy” – presumably compared to the older models.

They add there are changes to almost every aspect of the new engine versus old 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.

Fuelling comes courtesy of a ride-by-wire, 42mm bore, electronic throttle body and a 10-hole fuel injector. There’s a new air box, and a new exhaust. The result, they say, is a broader spread of power across the rev range, strong drive yet smooth ride, a direct, linear throttle response, and improved fuel economy.

Peak power is 38PS at 8,000rpm, with a peak torque figure of 37Nm at 6,500rpm. Both achieve over 80mpg.

Chassis

Suzuki say the brand new, twin-spar steel frame was developed for the new DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM. It is 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. 

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. Seat heights are 920mm and 890mm and they weigh 151kg and 154kg, respectively.

Electronics

Both new DR-Z models use a package of carefully selected, ride-enhancing electronic aids; the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System. 

Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) means riders can choose from one of three power modes. Each mode reaches the same peak power output, with A the most direct, delivering the full amount of low-down torque available from the 398cc single-cylinder engine. 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-4S 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.

Further enabling greater control off-road is an ABS system that riders can tailor to their needs and riding conditions. On the DR-Z4S riders can disengage the ABS at the rear, or at the front and rear. On the DR-Z4SM, riders can 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. All rider information is displayed via a compact LCD dash.

Styling

Taking design cues from Suzuki’s RM-Z range is a natural one although the look here is kinda unique. Suzuki say the focus was on “establishing a bold horizontal line along the sides that cuts right from the front fender through to the tail” with an emphasis on free rider movement on the bike.

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.

The ‘DR-Z’ decals on each side of the cowling, in front of the engine, are modern and simple. Following the horizontal line along the cowling, these decals feature a colourful gradation below the lettering that reflects the modern image of the DR-Z.

A range of accessories is also available, which includes items such as hand guards, a lower seat, and a rear carrier rack.

Pricing and availability?

Pricing for the new DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM will be confirmed in the New Year, with arrival of the bikes in time for summer 2025 Suzuki say.