2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Dual Sport Preview

Suzuki has announced major changes to its tried-and-true DR-Z400 platform, revealing a thoroughly overhauled DR-Z4S dual sport as replacement for the long-popular DR-Z400S. Details on release date and price have yet to be announced for the 2025 DR-Z4S, but there is plenty of information on the revisions to pore over in the meantime.

In company press materials, Suzuki cites the need to comply with Euro 5+ emissions standards as a major reason for the extensive engine revisions. The bike remains a 398cc liquid-cooled DOHC design with dry sump lubrication, though most everything else about the engine build is updated, including but not limited to the switch from a carburetor to fuel injection.

The cylinder head is new to accommodate the updates to the intake components, which include new titanium intake valves and new valve springs. Intake and exhaust camshaft profiles are updated for increased valve lift and better-calibrated valve overlap. The piston and crankcase are redesigned to mitigate mechanical loss. Exhaust valves are now hollow sodium-filled. The fuel-delivery system now utilizes a ride-by-wire electronic throttle, 10-hole fuel injector, and a new 42mm throttle body to dose out fuel effectively. Dual iridium spark plugs help to provide smoother power delivery and efficiency. The updated air cleaner box has a higher capacity along with a new inlet tube design and outlet shape. The exhaust design is updated too, with a new noise-complaint stainless steel pipe and updated profile.

Additionally, the clutch assembly is changed to accommodate the inclusion of Suzuki’s Clutch Assist System. It offers slipper functionality and reduces the amount of pull required at the bars.

The changes together, according to Suzuki, provide a slightly more linear torque curve through the rev range and higher sustained horsepower toward the top end of the revs.

Power delivery can be further altered from years past via the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, which will come standard on the DR-Z4S. This system gives riders three ride modes, four traction control settings, and adjustable ABS along with Suzuki’s Easy Start System.

In Ride Mode A, delivery is calibrated to provide a snappy throttle response and full acceleration and power. Mode B levels things out with a more linear character, which Suzuki claims will “make a good fit for a broad range of riding styles and road conditions.” Mode C softens the throttle response further and reduces torque, which Suzuki claims will be welcome to riders facing slick or loose terrain.

Suzuki Traction Control comes with two modes, one designed for wet surfaces and the other intended for dry conditions. There is a third mode, Gravel, which allows for a degree of slip and aims to optimize performance in certain low-traction situations. The ride-by-wire system can be calibrated to the rider’s preference.

And finally, the Easy Start System is common among many of Suzuki’s models, allowing for a quick start without needing to pull in the clutch lever when in neutral.

The steel-pipe twin-spar frame is all new as well. It was designed to provide the same level of handling as the previous iteration, but is touted as stronger and more stable. The package is suspended by KYB kit front and rear, with compression and rebound damping adjustment available at both ends of the bike and spring preload adjustability also offered out back. The wire-spoked wheels are 21-inch at the front and 18 at the rear and they’ll be wrapped in IRC GP-410 dual sport, tube-type tires. Axial-mount calipers bite a 270mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, and are aided by a Bosch ABS control unit.

The seat, wide footpegs, and ride geometry are optimized for all-day comfort. Compared to the previous DR-Z400S the footpegs sit a bit higher and further back while the handlebar positioning is slightly higher and just a bit further away from the rider.

The DR-Z4S comes with an easy-to-read LCD instrument panel, LED lighting, and a thoughtfully arrayed handlebar switch configuration. Designers also aimed to give the DR-Z4S a fresh, more modern look, highlighted by the updated bodywork and graphic treatments.

The DR-Z4S will come in two different colors, a Champion Yellow No. 2 with Solid Special White No. 2 or a Solid Iron Gray.