Suzuki DR-Z4S – Evaluating the rebirth of an Aussie bush legend

Suzuki DR-Z4S

For nearly 1 / 4 of a century, Suzuki’s DR-Z400 has remained a favorite amongst Australian motorcyclists. Over the previous 24 years, effectively over 21,000 DR-Z400E fashions have rolled out of Suzuki dealerships right here in Australia. It’s a related success story throughout the Tasman.

The DR-Z400E earned my cash greater than as soon as, and I’ve made some unforgettable reminiscences on them, whether or not tearing by means of the Western Australian bush or hitting the Supermoto observe.

When the DR-Z400E debuted in 2000, it was a trailblazer with options like electrical begin, water cooling, and efficiency that set it other than most mainstream enduro choices that had gone earlier than. It was Australia’s new XR, so to talk.

Over time, the DR-Z’s efficiency was finally eclipsed as enduro fans gravitated towards extra specialised, high-performance fashions, as many riders began in search of more durable terrain and challenges. The DR-Z400E turned extra of a path bike, moderately than the efficiency choice it had as soon as been.

But, gross sales figures have proven that the DR-Z continues to ship precisely what many Aussies need: an sincere, dependable, and reasonably priced journey that’s nice for off-road enjoyable whereas reliable sufficient for infrequent commuting. This stability has ensured that the DR-Z400E is one among Australia’s best-loved bikes proper by means of to the current day, regardless of being nearly utterly unchanged since inception.

This week, although, Suzuki pulled the covers off the following era DR-Z, the DR-Z4S, which, whereas ushering in a number of adjustments, continues to be primarily the identical bike when all is alleged and carried out.

The first reasoning behind the shift has been to replace the 398 cc engine to adjust to the Euro5+ requirements. Euro5+ not solely limits emissions and sound, but additionally mandates things like ABS and traction management. Thus the brand new DR-Z4S meets all these necessities to make sure it could proceed to be bought world wide.

Gas-injection and ride-by-wire is used for the primary time in DR-Z historical past with a 42 mm throttle physique, ten-hole injectors and twin spark plugs.

A dual-stage catalytic convertor helps to attempt and make sure the DR-Z solely emits unicorn farts, however sadly, additionally closely contributes in the direction of a ten-kilogram weight penalty, pushing the moist weight up from round 140 kg to only over 150 kg. Aftermarket exhausts might be standard…

The engine retains dry-sump structure however sports activities a considerably improved new cylinder head and combustion changer design.

Titanium consumption valves at the moment are lifted greater due to a brand new camshaft and are paired with hole sodium-filled exhaust valves.

As you’d anticipate, the air-box is all new, however retains the aspect entry that helps facilitate simple filter entry.

The mix of recent piston and crankcase design reduces mechanical loss by as much as 20 per cent. This contributes to smoother engine operation, elevated energy output proper by means of the rev vary and improved gasoline financial system.

These effectivity beneficial properties might be amplified by the transfer from a seven-litre tank to a extra beneficiant 8.7-litres within the new mannequin.

Whereas the height torque and energy figures are fractionally decrease than these of its predecessor, the brand new mannequin revs longer and stronger within the higher rpm ranges. The height numbers are 38 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 37 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm.

A brand new radiator with a bigger fan will assist make sure the DR-Z4S retains its cool when the going will get robust within the bush.

A slip-assist clutch is adopted, however sadly, the DR-Z4S has not gained the additional cog within the gearbox that all of us wished and stays a five-speed.

The dual-spar metal body, aluminium sub-frame and alloy swing-arm are all new, and the seat guarantees to be extra snug together with the broader pegs.

The rider triangle has additionally been altered barely.

A small alloy bash-plate helps shield the beneath of the engine.

KYB present the adjustable forks and shock with 280 mm of entrance journey and 296 mm of rear wheel journey. Compression and rebound is adjustable at each ends.

A compact new instrument panel is way more complete than the straightforward however efficient resolution used earlier than.  It features a gear place indicator and all of the performance you’d anticipate to work together with the using modes and their corresponding traction management modes by way of new switch-gear.

ABS might be deactivated, although the precise course of and whether or not the system retains this setting after key-off is but to be decided.

Probably the most stark visible variations that instantly separates the DR-Z4S from its predecessor is the minimalist LED headlight. The rear mild and indicators at the moment are additionally all LED.

The DR-Z4S is slated to reach in Aussie Suzuki dealerships throughout the third-quarter of 2025, with pricing to be introduced nearer to that date. For reference, the present DR-Z400E mannequin retails for $10,490 journey away.

The DR-Z4S can even be joined by an SM variant that sports activities street-sized 17-inch rims/tyres and a way more highly effective entrance brake.

Now we have now acquired about 9 months to attend till we will get our arms on one…

Suzuki DR-Z4S Specs

Suzuki DR-Z4S Pictures