ESSE-Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM, an endangered species, will she be able to convince?

We were finally able to test in Germany one of the two new products announced by the Japanese manufacturer for 2025, the DR-Z4. However, Or rather the news. Meanwhile, since these are two models, the Suzuki DR-Z4S and the Suzuki DR-Z4SM, an enduro and a supermotard, which share the same technical platform.

Finally, because these new features had already been released last November, around the International Milan Motorcycle Show, EICMA.

Our test took place near Frankfurt, on private land, the Segula Technologies Test Center. Consequently, Motor vehicles being prohibited in forests (as in Switzerland). Consequently, Suzuki esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, Germany organized a specially designed route with Segula for this Press Test within their enormous center.

The question that everyone is asking: finally a 6th speed? – Esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species,

During the official presentation of motorcycles by the Suzuki Japan team. Similarly, they approach the main criticism that had been made on the previous model: the lack of 6th speed. Meanwhile, Because even on this new edition, Suzuki has chosen to keep only 5!

Their explanations are as follows: with the constraint of width. In addition, adding a 6th report would have meant having finer teeth, and therefore much less robust, which Suzuki refused.

Also, the addition of a 6th report would have indicated relationships with shorter beaches, which would have resulted in an even more frequent change. Furthermore, According to the engineering esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, team present. In addition, the 6th speed engine speed at 100km/h would have been the same as today in 5th.

Not it!

The next morning, at the Segula Test Center, our group was awarded the DR-Z4S version, oriented. Furthermore, With its largest travel and large -radius wheels, it could pass for a real enduro.

Original tires are mixed. Similarly, IRC Protech Trail Winner GP-410, a Japanese brand that is not very widespread in Europe, except on scooters. Moreover, The only black point at first sight of this motorcycle would be its weight of 154 kg. Consequently, which is quite heavy for an enduro (usually rather between 110 and 120 kg).

As soon as we get on the motorcycle, the saddle naturally indicates the good driving position, esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, the body above the toes, which have been slightly remote (20 mm) compared to the old generation.

The seat of this DR-Z4S is a bit high (920 mm) but the fine saddle. In addition, the depression when I sit down allow me to put the 2 feet at the same time, almost flat. Similarly, It is also possible to install a slightly lower saddle, for more ease in a sitting position.

On dirt roads first, we can start quietly and test the different electronic modes of the motorcycle.

We have several mode of reactivity of the gas handle (A. However, B and C, from the most aggressive to the softer), and also several traction control mode (G for Gravel, Off, 1 and 2).

The G mode is esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, perfectly suited to most of the tracks. because it allows a slight slide and does not cut the power too much, which is very appreciated, because the terrain is rather fatty.

In the singles trails, this is another story. The terrain is very ventilated. a mixture of earth, foam and sand, which causes a lot of loss of traction when the gas is presenting.

If you keep a constant and calm speed, G mode can still be suitable. But if you have a little more aggressive driving. use the gases to help the DR-Z4S turn on the angle, or even if you are in a little technical climb, you will have to deactivate any traction control.

I find that Suzuki still found a good compromise with the G esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, mode. which offers a permissive glide and a good feeling offroad during links or long trips, while keeping a certain security. During more committed sessions it will still be necessary to deactivate traction control to avoid being in delicate situations.

The gas response modes are very distinct, but mode A is far too ON/OFF for my taste in this exercise to have the slightest control over the power transmitted to the rear wheel.

Mode B offers a linear and predictable reaction, effective in singles when you need power immediate.

The mode is a little too soft for this kind of situation. but perfect on slippery ground to avoid losing the back involuntarily (if the traction control is offered of course, because otherwise the G mode will not let esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, you do it).

As for the different ABS modes, we were able to test in the mud and in the sand their effectiveness. Using only the front brake. violently with the intention of causing a wheel blocking, the anti -locking is triggered but controls the slide surprisingly.

There is no violent blocking. but rather a mastery of the pressure exerted by the brakes to limit the gliding and have a very effective braking. To give you an idea. by driving at 50 km/h, it was enough for 5 to 6 m to stop on a muddy earth track!

By completely deactivating the ABS and after several tests, I managed to reduce this distance by about 1 m. The efficiency of this ABS in Offroad is therefore completely validated, esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, no need to deactivate it each time! It will only have to be done for the rear wheel.

Despite its enduro motorcycle tunes, its engine is clearly not as nervous as that of a real enduro.

The relatively modest power of the Suzuki DR-Z4S allows you to pass almost everywhere without being afraid. but no spirit of competition here. Only practicality, simplicity and efficiency.

Esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species,

On the handlebar of the DR-Z4SM, on the road

On the handlebars of his twin sister, the DR-Z4SM, you immediately feel a little more esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, comfortable: the saddle height is much more accessible. The different suspensions, as well as smaller wheels and road tires, reduce the seat height from 920 mm to 890 mm.

The driving position remains quite similar. however, with the saddle naturally indicating the position to be adopted to have the basin above the toes.

From the first laps, we clearly feel the difference compared to the S version: firmer suspensions, and the tires (Dunlop Sportmax) are glued to bitumen.

Luckily, the weather is on our side and will allow us to enjoy the sporting aspect of these gums. In tight turns. we realize that it was not necessary to slow down as much as we do with a heavier motorcycle, and that we still have a lot of margin!

esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species,

The Suzuki DR-Z4SM does not impose a particular driving style: you can choose to adopt a neutral posture, to sleep it in the turn or to wiggle as if you were on the handlebars of a sportswoman. The motorcycle remains neutral and reassuring, keeping its trajectory and providing you with excellent feedback from the front axle.

The braking system, different from the S version, is very effective and allows precise modulation of the slowdown force. It is therefore very easy to properly dose the transfer of mass. or even to have a little fun by doing some stoppies.

Regarding the gearbox. it will be necessary to play it permanently to be able to use the 38 horsepower of this small engine. The exercise is not extremely easy. because the power is around 60 to 80% of the maximum engine speed, and the reports are quite short

This means that by staying on the same report, you can be over-regime at the start of the turn, but already as a sub-regime during the gas delivery!

Just to make us live a good time on the handlebars of their motorcycle, Suzuki had the good idea to organize a drift lesson on the handlebars of this SM version.

Gradually. our coach Bernt (2 times world champion esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, of motocross) tells us the good gestures to adopt and corrects us as our tests.

The base is relatively simple to understand. still quite easy to set up in a straight line, but it’s another story when you try to apply it in a turn!

Esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm. endangered species,

The Suzuki DR-Z4S and SM facing the market

Once the adrenaline has dropped, it is time to take stock and analyze the offer proposed by Suzuki facing its competitors.

The list is quickly made: there is the KTM 390 Adventure R (2025). its twin sister the 390 SMC R (2025) for 7990 frs and esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, 6990 frs respectively. These two motorcycles offer a common 45 horsepower engine block, which is more interesting than DR-Z4S and SM.

In the balance. however, it is also necessary to take into account the fact that the KTMs have much more on-board electronics, but above all a more substantial weight: 174 kg for the adventure R (which in the end is more a trail than a enduro) and 161 kg for the SMC R version, against 154 kg for DR-Z4S and SM.

If we are satisfied with a little less horses. Honda has also been offering the CRF 300 L and CRF 300 Rally for years, displayed at 6090 and 7050 francs.

Suzuki announces for the Swiss market a price that can be considered premium. at 8990 frs for the Suzuki DR-Z4S and the same for the DR-Z4SM. With the promise of fun motorcycles, but above all reliable.

Its electronics esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, are rudimentary but very effective. and despite its ergonomics and spartan design, we have the feeling of being on the handlebars of an actually qualitative motorcycle, with a premium ambition

The plastics are of very good quality, there is no game in the fixing of the fairings, the accessibility of the battery, fuses and air box is well thought out.

On the other hand, no location for the tool kit! Only a socket and a cruciform screwdriver are supplied and integrated into the left fairing of the motorcycle.

Also. the range of official accessories is very limited, esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, offering only a aluminum shoe, plastic-hand protectors, plastic-rear protective (front and rear) also, a 12 V socket on the handlebars, a small rear luggage rack, and a slightly dug saddle of 15 mm!

For my part. I find the overall offer of Suzuki interesting, but between 1000 to 2000 francs too expensive for a backpacker, because it will be necessary to finish to equip it (a tank if possible larger, a navigation tower, a more comfortable saddle …).

The SM version is in the same situation. not by the lack of equipment, but rather because of its more accessible competitor for better performance.

The recipe for its predecessor for a simple. reliable, efficient and light motorcycle is preserved, but at the expense of the price. For my part I really appreciated these 2 models, but the current price encourages reflection, even if it is a crush.

To make your own esse-suzuki dr-z4s dr-z4sm, endangered species, opinion. the motorcycles will soon be available in dealerships, with a promise for the last quarter of 2025.

If you want to know more. you can contact our Suzuki partners of our Motorcycle Professional Directory: Moto Furia in Lausanne, Biker’s Syndicate/Suzuki Crissier, No Name Motorcycle in Bevaix, and the Modern Garage Motocycles in Bulle.