The dual sport motorcycle segment thrives on the balance of versatility and performance, and the new 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM are Suzuki’s latest offerings. This model platform marks a significant evolution from its predecessor, the DR-Z400S, with new moto-tech, a refined design, and a “catch two birds with one stone” attitude.
While the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM share a common platform and many advanced features—including the updated 398cc engine, Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), a new 2.3-gallon fuel tank, a new LCD dash and LED lighting—they are purpose-built for different riding experiences and styles.
The DR-Z4S is for riders who enjoy off-road and street riding, offering features that enhance its capability on different terrains and conditions. It has an aluminum skid plate, a larger cooling fan that improves temperature management during low-speed off-road riding, and other purpose-specific tech.
The DR-Z4SM is for those who desire a sporty, agile machine optimized for supermoto asphalt missions featuring a larger front brake rotor and specific tuning to prioritize on-road performance.
Under the tank of both models is a 398cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine, cradled within a lightweight chassis engineered for dynamic handling. The engine delivers a smooth torque arc across the rev range, offering functionality on and off road. Critical revisions to the engine include higher-lift camshafts that improve fuel economy while boosting low-end power. Using titanium intake valves and hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves reduces weight and enhances combustion efficiency for smoother power delivery. Combining these features is an advanced electronic fuel injection system that significantly improves fuel atomization, reducing consumption and improving performance through dual spark technology.
Introducing a new twin-spar frame and swingarm on the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S and SM improves rigidity and steering precision while the engine is a stressed member within the frame to boost stability. The suspension tuning for the 333-pound (wet) DR-Z4S features longer suspension travel to accommodate uneven surfaces and obstacles encountered off-road. The 340-pound (wet) DR-Z4SM has its suspension optimized for stability and responsiveness on paved roads, with slightly stiffer settings and reduced travel that enhance cornering performance and provide better feedback on the street. The DR-Z4S has a KYB Inverted Cartridge-Style Fork that offers 11.0 inches (280 mm) of front travel and a KYB Shock Absorber at the rear with 11.6 inches (296 mm) of wheel travel, both of which include adjustable compression and rebound damping for diverse terrains. The DR-Z4SM features a KYB Inverted Cartridge-Style Fork with a slightly reduced front travel of 10.2 inches (260 mm) and a rear KYB Shock with 10.9 inches (277 mm) of wheel travel.
The DR-Z4S features a front brake with a dual-piston, sliding pin, axially mounted caliper that grips a 270 mm stainless steel brake rotor. Its rear brake employs an axially mounted, single-piston caliper with a 240 mm rotor. The DR-Z4SM has a larger diameter 310 mm front rotor, providing enhanced stopping power for aggressive street riding.
Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) tailors performance to rider preferences and conditions. It includes the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), offering three power delivery modes—Active, Basic, and Comfort—allowing riders to customize their throttle response. The Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) features four modes, including a unique Gravel mode, to enhance grip across diverse terrains. The Easy Start System complements these features, simplifying engine startup with a single button press.
ABS in the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM motorcycles offers different functionalities tailored for various riding conditions. The DR-Z4S includes multiple ABS modes: “Front & Rear ABS ON,” which provides standard ABS functionality on both wheels; “Rear ABS OFF,” allowing you to deactivate the rear ABS while keeping the front active for off-road riding; and “Front & Rear ABS OFF,” which disables ABS on both wheels, offering complete manual braking control, a first for Suzuki. The DR-Z4SM provides “Front & Rear ABS ON” and “Rear ABS OFF” modes but does not allow for the complete deactivation of both wheels’ ABS.
The DR-Z4S features spoke-style wheels with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, complemented by blacked-out aluminum rims, fitted with IRC GP-410 (80 front, 120 rear) dual-purpose tires. The DR-Z4SM has spoke-style wheels with 17-inch front and rear blacked-out aluminum rims mated to Dunlop SPORTMAX Q5A (120 front, 140 rear) tires.
You’ll find a 1.10-inch higher handlebar position on the DR-Z4S than the DR-Z4SM. The footpegs foster a balanced stance during off-road riding, enhancing stability and control. The handlebar and footpeg positions on the DR-Z4SM are adjusted for a sportier rider posture, encouraging a forward-leaning stance suitable for quick direction changes on the street. A slightly higher and redesigned seat on the DR-Z4S (36.2 inches) is engineered for off-road comfort and accommodates longer suspension travel. The DR-Z4SM has a wider and lower seat height of 35 inches.
The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S is available in two color combinations: Champion Yellow No. 2/Solid Special White No. 2 and Solid Iron Gray. The DR-Z4SM is presented in Sky Gray and Solid Special White No. 2. Prices and availability will be announced later. Stay tuned.
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