2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM – First Look
DR-Z400 gets modern successors
Suzuki announced all-new successors to its popular DR-Z400S dual-sport and DR-Z400SM supermoto. Featuring a new twin-spar frame, a new 398cc engine, a ride-by-wire throttle, and RM-Z-inspired styling, the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM modernize two long-time favorites, while also returning them to the European market thanks to Euro5+ compliance.
Both DR-Z models share the same liquid-cooled DOHC Single. The 398cc displacement comes from a 90.0 mm bore and 62.6 mm stroke, identical to the DR-Z400’s engine, but Suzuki says it changed almost every aspect of the engine, including new titanium intake valves, hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves, new cam profiles, a new piston, new crankcases, and a new dual-spark cylinder head.
A new ride-by-wire throttle uses a 42mm electronic throttle body and a 10-hole fuel injector. Along with a new airbox and exhaust system, Suzuki says the engine produces a claimed 38 hp at 8,000 rpm and 27 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm. The transmission remains a five-speed gearbox, but it is now matched with a slipper clutch.
The DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM both offer three selectable power modes. While peak output is the same for all three, mode A offers the most direct throttle delivery, providing full low-down torque. Modes B and C are progressively softer for slippery or low-grip conditions.
Both DR-Z models come with a traction control system offering two standard modes plus a third G (gravel) mode. Tuned independently for the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM, G mode kicks in slower than the two standard modes, and has a lower maximum level of intervention, allowing for more rear wheel spin for improved off-road performance.
ABS is standard on both models, with the DR-Z4S allowing riders to disable it for only the rear or for both front and rear wheels. The DR-Z4SM only allows riders to disengage the rear ABS.
Suzuki developed a new twin-spar steel frame to go along with a new aluminum subframe and aluminum swingarm for both models.
KYB provides the long-travel suspension for both models, with adjustable compression and rebound damping for both front and rear. The rear shock also offers adjustable preload. The DR-Z4S offers a bit more wheel travel, with 11 inches up front and 11.7 inches at the rear, while the DR-Z4SM makes do with 10.2 inches up front and 10.9 inches at the back. Ground clearance is also higher on the off-road model, with the DR-Z4S offering 11.8 inches compared to the DR-Z4SM’s 10.2 inches.
The supermoto gets a 310mm front disc brake while the DR-Z4S gets a smaller 270mm disc, but they both make use of axial-mounted calipers.
Other features include half-waffle grips, a narrow seat design, an aluminum skid plate, and a 2.3-gallon fuel tank.
2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Gallery
The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S will be available in Champion Yellow No. 2/Solid Special White No. 2, or in Solid Iron Grey.
2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM Gallery
The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM will be available in Sky Grey or Solid Special White No. 2.
Specifications | 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM | 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 398cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC | |
Bore x Stroke | 90.0 mm x 62.6 mm | |
Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | |
Fuel System | Fuel injection | |
Starter | Electric | |
Lubrication | Dry Sump | |
Clutch | Suzuki Clutch Assist System | |
Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh | |
Final Drive | Chain | |
Front Suspension | KYB inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping. 10.2 inches of travel. | KYB inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping. 11.0 inches of travel. |
Rear Suspension | Link type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preload and damping force. 10.9 inches of travel | Link type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preload and damping force. 11.7 inches of travel |
Front Brake | Disc brake, single 310mm rotor | Disc brake, single 270mm rotor |
Rear Brake | Disc brake, single 240mm rotor | Disc brake, single 240mm rotor |
Front Tire | 120/70R-17M/C 58H, tube | 80/100-21M/C 51P, tube |
Rear Tire | 140/70R-17M/C 66H, tube | 120/80-18M/C 62P, tube |
Fuel Capacity | 2.3 gallons | |
Length | 86.4 inches | 89.4 inches |
Width | 34.8 inches | 34.8 inches |
Height | 46.9 inches | 48.6 inches |
Wheelbase | 57.7 inches | 58.9 inches |
Ground Clearance | 10.2 inches | 11.8 inches |
Seat Height | 35 inches | 36.2 inches |
Curb Weight | 340 pounds (claimed) | 333 pounds (claimed) |
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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This is an exciting update from Suzuki! The DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM appear to be an excellent evolution of the iconic DR-Z400 models.
One of my silicon valley bosses would call it over-optimisation. To me that's a compliment. Good for the fans, good for the brand. Why can't Honda do this with a civic hatch or Toyota with the iconic Celica.