P108
RIDE REVIEW I 2025 SUZUKI DR-Z4S REVIEW
because you won't be using it unless
you're riding on an ice-skating rink.
It's pretty mellow but could come
in handy, I suppose. You can toggle
through the three modes easily
enough without having to stop or pull
in the clutch. Overall, I found having
riding modes to be very handy, and
I frequently bounced back and forth
between A and B, but A is the juicy
one that you'll use the most.
Since we're on the subject of elec
-
tronics, I was very impressed with the
4S's
traction-control system, some-
thing I didn't think I'd want or need on
the DR-Z,
but I do now after trying it.
I'm mainly talking about G, or Gravel, mode. On
ultra-slick surfaces, such as dry, hard-packed dirt
with loose rocks, turning on Gravel mode from
the complete off setting provides just enough
intervention to help keep the rear wheel from
The motor is noticeably punchier
from
the moment you twist the
throttle to the next tap of the gearshift
lever. It's not radically faster than
the outgoing DR-Z, but it's definitely
faster. Despite its spunkier motor, the
4S is no less easy to ride; in fact, it's
a little easier, since it pulls nicely and
stronger at low rpm without a hint
of hesitation, which was an ongoing
issue with the previous model. Fueling
is spot on with the 4S now, and I never
came close to stalling the engine.
The 4S now offers engine modes,
accessible via a button on the han
-
dlebar, from which you can choose
three
options: A (Aggressive), B (Basic) and C
(Comfort). Surprisingly, you can definitely feel
the differences. Mode A is essentially standard,
and Mode B reminds me of riding the previous
DR-Z400S, and Mode C doesn't really matter
(Top left) That two-
stroke-looking part of
the exhaust header pipe
is where one of two
catalytic converters is
housed. Add in EFI, and
the DR-Z4S is super
clean. (Top right) The
updated meter looks
modern and is easy to
read at a glance. (Bottom
left) Fully adjustable KYB
inverted forks make a
world of difference for
the better. (Bottom right)
Choose a mode, bump
up or down: it's as
simple as that.
