Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1536002
S P E C I F I C AT I O N S 2025 SUZUKI DR-Z4S ($8999) P112 RIDE REVIEW I 2025 SUZUKI DR-Z4S REVIEW weighing in at an advertised 333 pounds. As in the past, though, you don't think too much about it until you have to pick it up after a tipover, load it into a truck, or lift it onto a bike stand. However, on the trail, the DR-Z4S feels remarkably agile. The larger-diameter disc brakes feel stronger and more consistent than before, and they have no trouble whatsoever slowing this heavy motorcycle down quickly and predictably on the road or dirt. The tires aren't the best on the dirt, but certainly better than what was previously offered. I'm looking forward to riding the DR-Z4S with more aggressive off-road knobbies, without a doubt. It will make the bike feel even better than it already does in the dirt. End of the Day When Suzuki first introduced the first DR-Z350S, along with its bigger sibling, the DR650S, in 1990 (and I was there for that press launch, too), Suzuki billed it as "barely street-legal," which, at the time, seemed appropriate. Things have changed a lot since then, but funny, not so much with the DR-Z, considering that the 4S is only the third generation of a model that has been around for 35 years! The second generation, the DR-Z400S, is just like it was when Suzuki launched it in 2000 (and, yes, I was there for that one as well), but it has now been retired for the much-improved third-generation DR-Z4S. I can't help but wonder how long this one will be around before the next-gen DR-Z arrives. Based on history, unfortunately, I probably won't be around for that. I'm glad Suzuki has remained true to the DR-Z while improv - ing it in nearly every way. I can't think of anything where Suzuki might've missed the mark by a wide margin with the 4S. I'll admit that it's still heavy (okay, even heavier) and tall, and many will criticize Suzuki for not mak - ing the 4S a six-speed; they have a valid point. However, for me, that's not a game-changer at all. Also, the 4S may not be the deal of the century like the DR-Z400S once was, given the significant price increase of the 4S. How - ever, compared to its closest competitor, which you have to figure is the more dirt-focused Honda CRF450L at $10,099, the DR-Z4S still appears to be the smart buy for dual sport purists who want a great-performing on- and off-road motorcycle. CN ENGINE TYPE 4-stroke, single DISPLACEMENT 398cc VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4-valve BORE X STROKE 90.0 x 62.6mm COOLING SYSTEM Liquid COMPRESSION RATIO 11.1:1 FUEL SYSTEM Fuel Injection, 42mm throttle body (Euro5+ compliant) IGNITION Electronic, dual spark plug MAX HORSEPOWER (CLAIMED) 38 hp @ 8000 rpm MAX TORQUE (CLAIMED) 27.3 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm THROTTLE SYSTEM Ride-by-Wire electronic throttle system, Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) DRIVE MODES Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS): Mode A (Aggressive), Mode B (Basic), Mode C (Comfort) TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM Mode 1, Mode 2, Gravel (G) Mode, Off STARTING SYSTEM Electric, Suzuki Easy Start System LUBRICATION SYSTEM Dry sump TRANSMISSION 5-speed CLUTCH Wet, multi-disc, slipper Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) FRAME Twin-spar, steel RAKE/TRAIL 27.5°/4.29 in. FRONT BRAKE Disc, 270mm, dual piston REAR BRAKE Disc, 220mm, single piston FRONT WHEEL 21 in. REAR WHEEL 18 in. FRONT TIRE 80/100, IRC REAR TIRE 120/80, IRC FRONT SUSPENSION Inverted telescopic fork, coil spring, fully adj. REAR SUSPENSION Single shock, link-type, fully adj. FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 11.0 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 11.6 in. WHEELBASE 58.6 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 11.8 in. SEAT HEIGHT 36.2 in. WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED) 333 lbs. FUEL CAPACITY 2.3 gal. COLORS Champion Yellow / Solid Iron Gray