Suzuki has just unveiled the DR-Z4s, a modern incarnation of the iconic DR-Z400 trail bike, and its return will surely excite many adventure bikers, this one included.
In my home country of Australia, the DR-Z is the go-to adventure bike for many, with a famed reputation for reliability, hardiness, and ability to tackle whatever terrain comes your way. Because of this, it’s even used by the Australian Army.
I’ve often the lamented the lack of new DR-Zs in the UK (which was killed off here due to Euro 3 emissions regulations, which Australia didn’t adopt), because it’s also a spectacular option for greenlaning, and a great bike for strapping soft luggage to and heading off to explore Morocco.
But that’s all changed, because it’s back, and this is what’s new.
A familiar but revamped engine
To power the new DR-Z4S, Suzuki has gone to work on the original 398cc engine. Almost everything has been changed, including the intake and exhaust valves and cams, the cylinder head, the piston, the crankcases, and the clutch assembly.
The four-stroke, liquid-cooled thumper puts out 37.5bhp at 8,000rpm and 37Nm at 6,500rpm, which is plenty of oomph for trail riding while providing enough for motorway journeys as well.
Gone is the carb from the DR-Z400, with a new fuel injection system bringing the bike into the 21st century, along with a ride-by-wire throttle body.
The bike also receives a slipper clutch for easier clutch lever operation and smoother shifting through the five-speed transmission, and of course, a cleaner exhaust system to help it pass the latest Euro 5+ emissions standards.
Chassis and suspension
The DR-Z4S receives a brand new frame, subframe, and swingarm that’s been designed to provide agile off-road handling while still being approachable for road riding as well.
The twin-spar frame is constructed from steel for its combination of rigidity and suppleness, while the separate aluminium subframe and swingarm reduce the weight of the motorcycle.
As you’d expect from a trail bike, you get plenty of suspension travel at both ends, with the inverted front fork being a KYB unit offering 280mm of travel, and the KYB rear shock providing a massive 296mm of rear wheel travel.
Both suspension units are adjustable for compression and rebound damping.
The bike is fitted with 21″ front and 18″ rear wheels, rolling on knobbly, tubed IRC GP-410 tyres.
With the big rims, a 300mm ground clearance, and long travel suspension, the seat height sits at a lofty 920mm, but keep in mind that a tall seat height on a light trailie feels a lot different to a high seat on a big adventure bike.
Speaking of weight, with its 8.7l fuel tank full, the DR-Z4S weighs 151kg ready to ride.
There’s also a one-piece, slim profile seat and a standard fit aluminium skid plate which offers some protection to the underside.
DR-Z4S electronics
When it comes to tech, the DR-Z4S comes far more electronically equipped than its predecessor, although still maintains a fairly minimal approach to motorcycle technology.
Of particular note is the inclusion of Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), which allows for both riding modes and traction control.
The three riding modes (A,B,C) tweak the throttle response, with A being the sharpest response and C the softest, with each reaching the same peak power.
Meanwhile, there’s three traction control settings: 1, 2, and G (for Gravel). 1 and 2 are designed for road use, while G is an updated version of the gravel modes found on the V-Strom 800DE and 1050DE, for use off-road.
For more difficult terrain, the traction control can also be completely switched off.
This is the same for the ABS, which can either be fully on, front wheel on / rear wheel off, or off on both wheels.
The bike is also fitted with an LCD display and LED lights all round, which include integrated orange running lights in the indicator stalks.
Colours, pricing, and availability
Any DR-Z wouldn’t be the same without its Champion Yellow colourway, which makes a return for the DR-Z4S. It will also be available in Solid Iron Grey.
A supermoto version, the DR-Z4SM, is also arriving, with 17″ wheels, shorter travel suspension, and street-focused tyres.
Various accessories will be available, including handguards, a DC socket, brake covers, a low seat, rear carrier, and a beefier skid plate. Expect the aftermarket to quickly fill in the gaps too, especially with regards to long-range fuel tanks.
Pricing will be confirmed in the New Year, with the DR-Z4S expected to arrive in summer 2025.
Test ride all the latest bikes at the ABR Festival 2025
Do you want to test ride all the latest adventure, touring, and trail bikes in one magnificent location? Well, that’s exactly what you can do at the 2025 ABR Festival.
That’s right, the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers will gather at the Ragley Hall Estate in Warwickshire from 27-29 June with their entire test fleets ready and waiting to be ridden.
So, if you want to compare a GS to an Africa Twin, a Gold Wing to a Road Glide, or a Desert X to a Ténéré 700, come and join us for the greatest celebration of motorcycling ever held.
Get your tickets before November 15 and you’ll save £40 on the price of a weekend ticket, so don’t hang around.
You can find out more about the ABR Festival and buy your tickets HERE.
