The Suzuki 2025 DR-Z4S will obtain extremely anticipated fashionable appointments, like gas injection, ride-by-wire throttle management, and ABS brakes. However hardcore dual-sport and journey riders have clamored for the outgoing DR-Z400S for many years on account of its easy, nothing-to-break, easy-to-repair nature. This new Suzuki DR-Z is a drastic departure from the old-school steed that has proved dependable for a lot of since 2000.
The modifications are so important that Suzuki elected to alter the mannequin identify fully. “DR-Z400” will not be mentioned in arguments about what the very best world-traveling motorbike or the very best bang for the dual-sport buck is, which has been the case for thus lengthy.
Bringing the Suzuki DR-Z to the Fashionable Period
The outgoing Suzuki DR-Z was a staple for journey riders, particularly those that ventured throughout international international locations. Its easy, fully mechanical construct made it simple to diagnose and repair, and OEM substitute components have been plentiful worldwide.
The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S has main updates that enhance efficiency and effectivity, nevertheless it’s but to be seen whether or not die-hard dual-sporters will recognize the modifications.
DR-Z Chassis Updates
The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S chassis is strikingly completely different than the one from the venerable DR-Z400S.
Suzuki constructed an all-new twin-spar metal body and mated it with an aluminum swingarm and subframe. New, absolutely adjustable inverted KYB forks and a KYB adjustable shock hold it beneath management.
The subframe homes a brand new air cleaner field with easy accessibility, feeding a brand new inlet tube. A brand new compact gas tank resides on the body’s backbone. Aluminum tapered handlebars, wider footpegs, and a redesigned seat spherical out the touchpoints.
Fashionable, motocross-style bodywork brings the aesthetics as much as par with at the moment’s dual-sport and journey bikes.
New 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Powerplant
The engine and associated constructions mark probably the most important modifications to the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S. The most important replace is gas injection, which incorporates and generates a bunch of associated modifications. This was most certainly to evolve to stricter Euro 5+ emission requirements.
A fly-by-wire 42mm electronically managed throttle physique feeds a 10-hole injector, which delivers the air/gas combination to a “completely up to date” 398cc single-cylinder four-valve DOHC engine.
A brand new higher-lift cam profile, titanium consumption valves, hole sodium-filled exhaust valves, and Suzuki’s Twin Spark Know-how, with two iridium spark plugs, end out the combustion cycle.
Spent gases are routed by a twin-wall, slim-body exhaust system. Suzuki claims this new setup produces 38 peak horsepower and 27 pound-feet of torque, representing will increase in each low-end torque and high-end horsepower. A extra steady idle can be a claimed profit.
The appearance of digital gas injection on the 2025 DR-Z4S brings the Suzuki Clever Journey System (SIRS) with it. SIRS delivers a three-mode drive mode selector and a four-mode traction management system with a devoted Gravel mode.
The brand new engine is cooled by a brand new radiator with a bigger cooling fan.
Identical Transmission With an Up to date Clutch
Though the highest finish of the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S powerplant obtained important contemporary updates, Suzuki solely barely modified the underside finish.
Retaining the identical primary engine format meant conserving the identical transmission, so the brand new DR-Z nonetheless has a five-speed transmission. DR-Z400S followers have lengthy desired a sixth gear to tame freeway buzz, however this could have required a serious overhaul to an already radically modified bike.
Nevertheless, Suzuki did set up its clutch help system, which retains the lever pull gentle however will increase clutch plate strain when accelerating. Together with this enchancment, a brand new slipper clutch quells rear-wheel hop beneath laborious deceleration.
Fashionable Braking, Lighting, and Devices on the New Suzuki DR-Z4S
One other giant replace is the addition of ABS to the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S, a change that even old-schoolers will applaud, together with enhancements to lighting and the instrument cluster.
And, not like some dual-sport or journey bikes, Suzuki permits switching off the ABS system for each entrance and rear brakes. Sure!
Lastly, Suzuki put in a contemporary LED lighting system with a bifunctional headlight and LCD instrument panel, rounding out the modifications to an ageing bike to make it extra according to fashionable dual-sport and journey steeds.
The DR-Z has loved an virtually cult-like following amongst motorcyclists who enterprise removed from civilization. Its legendary reliability and straightforward serviceability have given it a well-deserved iconic standing amongst two-wheeled globetrotters.
The modifications to what was a wholly “analog” bike to deliver it into the “digital” period will certainly elevate efficiency at the price of DIY entry. We will see if the backroad wanderers will embrace the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S.
Suzuki additionally presents a supermoto model dubbed the DR-Z4SM and has but to launch MSRPs or an availability date.
