2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S & SM Review: A Modern Dual-Sport Dilemma

The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S: An Updated Dual-Sport

• 💡 The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S is a significantly updated dual-sport motorcycle, featuring a new engine, chassis, and ergonomics, but questions remain about its modern relevance and price.
• 🚀 The 398cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, while largely similar in power output to its predecessor, now boasts fuel injection and significantly reduced hydrocarbon emissions, meeting global regulations.
• 🛠️ Chassis updates include a new steel frame with a twin-spar design, an aluminum subframe for easier replacement, and fully adjustable suspension (except for fork preload).
• 📏 Ergonomic changes feature a lower and wider seat, repositioned foot pegs, and a higher handlebar, contributing to a more compact riding position despite the bike's tall stature.

Performance and Riding Experience

• 🛣️ On the freeway, the DR-Z4S performs adequately at speeds up to 75-80 mph, with manageable vibrations, though the lack of a sixth gear is a notable omission.
• ⛽ The bike offers surprisingly good fuel mileage, in the mid-to-high 60s mpg, allowing for a range of approximately 150 miles on its 2.3-gallon tank.
• 🏙️ Around town, the DR-Z4S is agile and light, making it good for low-speed maneuvers, though the tall seat height requires care when putting a foot down.
• ⛰️ For twisty roads, the DR-Z4S offers a surprisingly planted and enjoyable experience, outperforming more severe enduro bikes while not being a true sport bike.

DR-Z4S vs. DR-Z4SM and Competitors

• 💨 The DR-Z4SM variant offers 17-inch wheels, street tires, a larger front brake, and slightly shorter suspension for a more street-focused, agile, and wheelie-capable experience.
• ⚠️ A key limitation on the SM model is the inability to fully disable ABS, with only the rear ABS being switchable.
• ⚖️ Compared to competitors like the Honda CRF300L and CRF450RL, the DR-Z4S sits in a middle ground, offering more capability than the 300 but less maintenance and aggression than the 450.
• 💰 The $9,000 MSRP is a point of contention, with some arguing it's high for the features offered, especially when compared to KTM's 390 models which are priced lower.

Engine and Electronics

• ⚡ The 398cc engine is praised for its measured, linear, and easy-to-use power delivery, overdelivering in practicality despite not being the most powerful in its class.
• 📊 The two-color LCD dash is basic but functional, displaying speed, gear position, fuel level, and trip information, with options for toggles through average MPG, battery voltage, and odometer.
• ⚙️ The bike features three ride modes (A, B, C) and three traction control settings (TC2, TC1, TC Off, TC Gravel), offering some electronic adjustability, though some find the inclusion of these over a sixth gear peculiar.
• 🚦 ABS can be disabled for the rear wheel, and fully disabled for both wheels by holding the button, a feature useful for off-road riding.