Suzuki did produce some real fun (and bulletproof) adventure bikes, in the DR range. Many Suzuki fans shed tears when the maker stopped producing the DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM. Well, we can now live fulfilling lives again with the launch of the all-new Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM, because they look FUN!
As you can see from the photos, the “S” variant is for off-roading, while the “SM” version is shod with road tyres for supermoto duties.
Engine:
- New 98cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, four-stroke, Euro 5B-compliant engine which produces 38PS (37.5hp) at 8,000rpm, and 37Nm at 6,500rpm.
- The new engine is up-to-date, as expected, featuring titanium(!) intake valves and hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves, new cam profiles, dual spark-plugs for smoother and linear power delivery along with low RPM torque.
- There is also a new airbox and exhaust, along with an assist and slipper clutch.
- Suzuki claims a fuel consumption figure of “over 3.5 litres/100km (80mpg)”.
Electronics:
- The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System provides a package of electronic rider aids including the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) with three power modes.
- There are also two standard traction control modes, with each variant equipped with its own specific G (Gravel) mode.
- G mode aims to maintain maximum off-road performance by allowing a certain amount of wheel spin. On the DR-4S it focuses on enabling riders to enjoy off-road riding with confidence. On the DR-Z4SM it is tailored more towards flat-dirt surfaces.
- The ABS system allows the rider to tailor it to his needs and riding conditions. On the DR-Z4S, the rider can disengage the ABS at the rear, or at the front and rear. On the DR-Z4SM, the rider can disengage the rear ABS.
- All rider information is displayed via a compact LCD dash.
Chassis:
- A brand new, twin-spar steel frame was developed for the new Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM.
- It is then mated to a new aluminium subframe and an aluminium swingarm.
- The new chassis is rigid, yet supple, meaning it can absorb impact and bumps on rougher terrain, and reduce rider fatigue.
- Long-travel suspension on both the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM comes from KYB, specifically tuned for each model’s intended application.
- There is 280mm of front fork travel and 296mm of rear wheel travel on the DR-Z4S.
- The DR-Z4SM has 260mm of front suspension travel and 277mm of rear wheel travel.
- Both have compression and rebound damping adjustment at the front and rear. There is also preload adjustment on the rear shock.
- The DR-Z4S is fitted with a 21” front and 18” rear, fitted with IRC GP-410, dual purpose, tubed tyres.
- The DR-Z4SM uses 17″ rims front and rear, shod with Dunlop SPORTMAX Q5A tyres.
- There are disc brakes all round, and an aluminium under guard as standard.
- Ground clearance is 300mm on the DR-Z4S, and 260mm on the DR-Z4SM.
- Seat heights are 920mm and 890mm and they weigh 151kg and 154kg, respectively.
Styling:
- Lighting all-round is LED, from the single assembly headlight, rear combination lights, and indicators.
- The DR-Z4S is available in Suzuki’s signature off-road Champion Yellow, and Solid Iron Grey, both with black rims. The DR-Z4SM comes in a new blue/grey colour scheme, dubbed Sky Grey, plus a Solid Special White, equipped with blue rims.
The manufacturer has not confirmed the prices of the Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM yet.