The Suzuki Dual-Sport That Just Became A Smarter Buy
Think of smart buys in the motorcycle world, and you will inevitably think about a few Suzukis. Competitive MSRPs have always been an integral element of Suzuki motorcycles, and that applies to everything from liter-class superbikes to single-cylinder dual-sports. At the same time, the motorcycles check all the right boxes, so you don’t miss out on the good stuff.
In recent times, though, the brand’s dual-sport lineup has painted an opposite picture. Despite a sizable update that brought more of all the right things, the DR-Zs have struggled to attract buyers. Luckily, the Hamamatsu-based brand has made amends for MY27, giving us yet another smart buy in the market.
Suzuki’s Dual-Sport Lineup Has Had Aged Products
A couple of years ago, Suzuki’s dual-sport range comprised aging products that hadn’t had updates in decades. The DR-Z400S kicked things off, followed by the big-bore DR650S. Their USPs were dependability, an uncomplicated ride, and cheap maintenance. But with new motorcycles entering the scene, these pros were no longer enough to attract buyers.
2024 Brought A Much-Needed Overhaul
A big change was needed, and the bikemaker did exactly that towards the end of 2024. An all-new DR-Z4S joined the lineup, armed with updates over the outgoing DR-Z400S. Many of these focused on making the dual-sport more up to date with the times, be it in terms of design, features, or performance. Everyone was convinced Suzuki was back in the game.
But The Pricing Made The Wrong Headlines
That changed when the MSRP was announced. The DR-Z4S sold at a shocking base price of $8,999 upon arrival, and that MSRP stands in 2026. This puts it in a different league compared to other Japanese dual-sports like the Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX300, both of which are under $6,000. Even the KTM 390 Enduro is cheaper, despite having a sizable price hike for MY26. All of that has hurt the DR-Z4S’ sales, forcing Suzuki to make a shocking price drop for MY27.
The Suzuki DR-Z4S Offers More Value Than Ever Before
Yes, you read that right. Suzuki has dropped the price of the DR-Z4S by a sizable $1,000, down to $7,999. That brings the MSRP into the ~$2,200 ballpark of its smaller rivals from Honda and Kawasaki, while being $1,950 pricier than the KTM 390 Enduro R. This is still a massive price difference, but the DR-Z4S makes more sense than ever if you dive into the details.
As a refresher, this has more power and features than the CRF300L and KLX300, alongside a more capable mechanical package for off-roading. Similarly, the advantages over the 390 Enduro R comprise reliability, build quality, and overall off-road prowess. The latter is because of the 390’s street bike origins, while the DR-Z utilizes a dual-sport platform from the ground up.
A Deep Dive Into The 2027 Suzuki DR-Z4S
Speaking of the platform, the new DR-Z4S marks Suzuki’s biggest overhaul for the 400cc DR lineup. Nearly everything has gone under the knife, so there’s more of everything—power, capability, and features. All that also helps the DR come really close to justifying its moolah. Here’s everything you need to know.
A Massively Updated 398cc, Single-Cylinder Engine Brings 37 HP
The previous DR-Z400S had a very simple and old-school engine. So much so that you didn’t even get fuel injection. The current bike retains the 398cc single-cylinder base, but changes everything around it. Suzuki says “there are changes to almost every aspect”, and some highlights include:
- Lightweight titanium intake valves and hollow
- Sodium-filled exhaust valves
- New cam profiles
- New piston
- New cylinder head
- Twin spark plugs
- New crankcases
- 10-hole fuel injector
- New airbox
This, topped with a new fuel injection system, helps promise 37 horsepower and 27 pound-feet. The peaks arrive at 8,000 RPM and 6,500 RPM, respectively, all of which reach the wheel via a five-speed transmission. We’re not sure why Suzuki stuck with a five-speed unit here, considering nearly everything else (even the puny Yamaha WR125R) has a six-speed gearbox. Despite that, Suzuki claims around 70 miles per gallon for the DR-Z4S.
Off-Road-Spec Twin-Spar Chassis And KYB Suspension Help Tackle Trails
Like the engine, there’s an overhaul in the DR’s chassis department. A new twin-spar frame takes center stage, paired with an aluminum swingarm and aluminum subframe. These rely on new KYB suspension for soaking up bumps. Up top, you have 43 mm upside-down forks with 11 inches of travel, and at the rear is a monoshock with 11.65 inches of travel.
Each end has compression and rebound adjustment, while the rear also lets you tweak preload. Playing the sidekick is a set of 21/18-inch spoke wheels. They come shod with IRC GP-410 dual-purpose tubed tires and wear single disc brakes at each end that should be enough to slow down the lightweight DR-Z.
Curb Weight Lies At Just 333 LBs
Speaking of which, the DR-Z is compact all over to allow all kinds of riding. Its curb weight is just 333 pounds fully fueled–just 20 pounds more than the smaller-capacity and less powerful CRF300L. At the same time, the wheelbase is 58.6 inches, and the overall ground clearance is 11.8 inches. You will have to be wary of the tall saddle height of 36.2 inches, though. Even the tallest riders will have a hard time flat-footing here.
A Modern Tech Package Rounds Things Off
Remember we said Suzuki’s focus has been on making the DR-Z up to date? This is most prevalent in the feature department. A ride-by-wire throttle is present, marking a first for the DR range. This enables Suzuki to incorporate its Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) tech, allowing three power modes. Also present are two traction control modes and a dedicated ‘Gravel’ mode that allows rear-wheel sliding. While at it, you’ll appreciate that the ABS can be turned off entirely or just at the rear. Finally, a new LCD instrument cluster and Suzuki’s Easy Start system complete the modern kit.
Source: Suzuki Cycles
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