Suzuki's much-loved dual-sport gets fuel injection, rider aids, a new exhaust system and a completely redesigned chassis. We test it on the road and the trail. Photos: RBMotolens
Suzuki’s DR-Z400 earned cult status with Australian enduro riders through its competency and reliability. The new-for-2026 DR-Z4S arrives with fuel injection, rider aids and a completely revised chassis, but has Suzuki improved the formula without losing its soul?
Suzuki’s DR-Z platform has always been a reliable go-anywhere machine and that hasn’t changed.
The first DR-Z400 entered production in 2000, replacing the ageing DR350. From the start, the bike was a hit, loved for its dual-sport capability and its ability to reach places heavy adventure bikes could only dream of. It could tackle steep hills one day and handle grocery runs the next.
As time moved on and competition increased, the DR-Z began to fall behind. It lacked the technology newer bikes were bringing to the market and it lost its edge. Heading into 2026, Suzuki has introduced an all-new evolution of the platform in the form of the DR-Z4S. I’ve had the opportunity to push the transformed DR-Z4S to the limit to see whether it’s simply new plastics and great marketing or a genuine contender in the dual-sport market.
Heading into 2026, Suzuki has introduced an all-new evolution of the platform.
To see what’s new, we need to look at what has changed. I spent time on a 2013 DR-Z400 and jumping from the older bike straight onto the new DR-Z4S highlights just how much has. It was obvious the whole bike had been reworked. The older version runs a 398cc carburetted engine, but Suzuki moves to a modern fuel-injected set-up with the 2026 model. This eliminates any feeling of the engine bogging, gives the bike more low-end grunt and means the bike isn’t going to hesitate when climbing a rock face or doing a long wheelie.
Check out our DR-Z4S Video here…
Along with Euro-5 compliance, selectable ride modes are another major step forward. It’s something you take for granted on modern bikes, but riding the older model I found myself instinctively trying to change modes to suit the terrain, only to remember there weren’t any.
Smooth and predictable throttle response makes lofting the front wheel really easy.
The new DR-Z4S comes with three modes: A, B and C. Whether you want hard-hitting power for the trails or a softer delivery for commuting, it’s a must-have feature on a modern dual sport. As is switchable ABS and traction control, which the DR-Z now has for the first time. And on-the-fly controls make it seamless to turn traction control and ABS back on when the trail ends and the tar starts.
The DR-Z stays true to its roots with engine size and character, but the way the DR-Z4S delivers power is night and day compared to the outgoing model. Back in the 2000s it was common to have bikes that delivered their power so aggressively they were almost unbearable to ride. In tougher terrain, controllable power is more important than aggression. Any good enduro bike has to deliver controllable power and those carburetted animals are well and truly in the past.
The way the DR-Z4S delivers power is night and day compared to the outgoing model.
The DR-Z4S is a perfect example of what modern fuel injection brings to the table. Power delivery is so smooth it feels like you’re gliding forward rather than grabbing a handful and risking looping the bike. Don’t be fooled by that smoothness though. The 398cc liquid-cooled engine can still put the hammer down when you twist the throttle. What I find addictive is how easily you can lift the front wheel over a log or up a rock face.
Switchable modes, traction control, fuel injection, a new chassis and an updated exhaust headline on the 2026 DR-Z4S.
A dual-sport bike’s purpose is in the name. And the DR-Z4S is just as capable around town as it is in the tightest trails. The smooth power delivery, combined with the ability to change power modes, makes it a great ride. The power mode I used most on the road was C. This is the most mellow mode and works well for fuel economy, yet it still has enough torque to take off faster than traffic at the lights.
Engine performance means nothing without a solid gearbox. A clunky or poorly geared transmission can be a deal-breaker on a dual sport, as trail riding highlights any shifting issues immediately. I found no shortcomings here. The five-speed gearbox shifts smoothly and I didn’t hit a false neutral once, whether on the trails or cruising around town.
The five-speed gearbox shifts smoothly and I didn’t hit a false neutral once.
Fuel consumption was another pleasant surprise. I expected the combination of knobby tyres and a five-speed gearbox to make it thirsty, but at just 3.6L/100km with an 8.7-litre tank, the DR-Z4S proved me wrong. It’s impressively fuel-efficient.
The 2026 DR-Z4S features a new tubular-steel twin-spar frame.
The DR-Z4S chassis has been completely reworked as part of the update. That difference was extremely noticeable after jumping back on the outgoing DR-Z400.The older model felt heavier and less precise, especially when you’re trying to change lines mid-corner or thread through tight trees. The new bike is a different story. A new frame and aluminium swingarm make it feel sharper and more precise. I had great confidence carving through the trees and the bike did exactly what I asked of it.
A new chassis is nothing without great suspension. The new model features a KYB suspension package with inverted forks and a fully adjustable rear shock using a KYB linkage system. This is a tried-and-true setup and you can feel that quality immediately, on the road and off it.
On steep climbs, the rear shock keeps the power planted, stopping the bike from stepping out or spinning up the rear wheel while still soaking up hits from deep ruts. That alone is impressive for a completely stock suspension system. Once you reach the top though, you have to come back down, and that’s where the front suspension is really put to the test. Loading it up and using all 280mm of front travel, I never once felt a harsh sensation through the ’bars while standing.
This is a tried-and-true setup and you can feel that quality immediately.
Everyone makes mistakes at some point, so what matters is having suspension that can forgive them. I launched the bike a little too far off a rock at one stage and landed well past where I intended to. Going that deep could have ended the day early, but the KYB suspension handled it without drama and I was able to continue riding.
The KYB suspension is more than up for a bit of off-road tomfoolery.
Braking performance matched the bike’s confidence everywhere else. Even under heavy braking, I experienced no fade or sponginess. The front brake had plenty of feel, which is extremely important when coming into corners off-road. The rear brake told the same story: not too sensitive to the point of locking the wheel, but progressive enough to get the perfect amount of braking when I needed it.
Tyres can make or break a bike and the DR-Z4S I was testing had a set of Mitas Terra Force-EF tyres fitted to its 21-inch front and 18-inch tube-type wire-spoked wheels, which made for a proper off-road-biased dual sport setup. Even on sealed surfaces, apart from some road noise at low to mid speeds, grip never faltered. The bike comes standard with more dual-sport focused rubber in the form of IRC Trail Winner GP-410s.
It’s light enough to throw around in the bush, yet stable on the road at speed.
Overall, the DR-Z4S is an excellent-handling bike. It’s light enough to throw around in the bush, yet stable on the road at speed. I thoroughly enjoyed how confidently the bike handled and steered.
Available in traditional Champion Yellow No. 2 / Solid Special White No. 2 and Solid Iron Gray.
It’s only possible to ride all day if you’re comfortable and comfort is absolutely imperative on a dual-sport bike. I’ll admit I had some concerns heading into the test, as I’m a fairly tall rider and generally prefer higher ’bars and lower ’pegs. When I first got on the bike though, I was pleasantly surprised by how natural the ergonomics felt, which gave me a stable and comfortable position while seated.
Sitting is one thing. Standing, however, is another when riding trails. Around 95 per cent of the time off-road is spent on the ’pegs and having the right setup is critical. The DR-Z4S nails this. The ’pegs are positioned low enough to avoid feeling cramped and both the ’bar height and width felt like a perfect match for me and, I suspect, most weekend warriors. That said, if you’re a more serious rider, investing in aftermarket ’bars or even adjusting the stock setup will make a noticeable difference.
The ’bar height felt like a perfect match for me and, I suspect, most weekend warriors.
The rider’s cockpit also receives a refresh. A new LCD dash ensures all information is easy to read, even at night. The updated mirrors feature a more modern shape, making it easier to see behind you compared to the previous generation. Switchgear on the ’bars has been modernised as well, with a cleaner layout that makes it easy to adjust ride modes on the go.
The latest DR-Z4S is still very much at home in the Australian bush.
And let’s be honest: Suzuki delivered on styling. The new DR-Z4S wears sleek, sharp plastics and modern, simple graphics. LED lighting is used throughout, including the headlight, tail light and indicators, giving the bike a genuinely modern look and feel. The indicators themselves have been slimmed down and updated, adding to the overall sleek and sporty appearance.
What really seals the deal for me though are the handguards that come standard. It’s a small detail, but an important one, reinforcing that even though the styling has evolved and components have been upgraded, the DR-Z4S is still a capable off-road machine at heart.
Even though the styling has evolved and components have been upgraded, the DR-Z4S is still a capable off-road machine.
Suzuki has taken a much-loved platform that already worked and modernised it with the equipment dual-sport riders expect today, while staying true to the bike’s heritage. The result is a machine that feels just as capable off-road as it is enjoyable on the road. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie who enjoys drifting off the beaten track, or someone looking for a reliable commuter that can handle weekends in the bush, the DR-Z4S delivers in spades.
Tech Talk – Suzuki DR-Z4S
The DR-Z4S evolves the legacy of the acclaimed DR-Z400 series, now fully compliant with Euro 5+ emissions standards and equipped with electronic rider assist systems, including the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector and Traction Control System. With it’s modern styling and LED lighting, the DR-Z4S not only looks the part but delivers enhanced performance through a revised engine and new frame, ready to tackle everything from trails to streets.
Check out our Suzuki content here…
The new DR-Z4S is powered by a thoroughly updated 398cc single-cylinder, four-valve DOHC engine, delivering smooth and controllable power across the rev range. The advanced fuel-injection system, featuring 10-hole injectors, ensures easier cold start, improved combustion efficiency and lower fuel consumption. Dual spark plugs and titanium intake valves further optimise performance. The exhaust system, equipped with a dual-stage catalytic converter, means the latest DR-Z4S meets Euro 5+ emissions standards.
Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM
The DR-Z4S features a new tubular-steel twin-spar frame matched to long-travel, adjustable KYB suspension at both ends. It is fitted with IRC dual-purpose tyres, boasts larger front and rear brake discs and wider footpegs.
The DR-Z4S is equipped with S.I.R.S. which includes the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) which features a Gravel mode, while the DR-Z4S is the first Suzuki ever to feature switchable ABS for both wheels. And it runs a Ride-by-Wire Electronic Throttle System.
Suzuki DR-Z4S is the first production Suzuki to have switchable ABS at the front and the rear
A full LCD instrument panel displays essential information, visibility is achieved through LED lighting, while ergonomics are prioritised with tapered aluminium handlebars and a redesigned seat.
Suzuki DR-Z4S in Solid Iron Gray.
Available in Solid Iron Grey or Champion Yellow No. 2 / Solid Special White No. 2, the new DR-Z pays homage to Suzuki’s motocross heritage.
Suzuki DR-Z4S and Suzuki DR-Z4SM
Check out the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM Suzuki official web page here…
2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Specifications
Price & Availability: $14,490 ride away
Warranty: 12 months, unlimited km
Colours: Solid Iron Grey or Championship Yellow No. 2/Solid Special White No. 2
Claimed Power: 27.6kW [37.5hp]@8000rpm
Claimed Torque: 37Nm [27.3ft-lbs]@6500rpm
Wet Weight: 151kg
Fuel Capacity: 8.7L
Fuel Consumption: 28km/L (claimed)
Fuel Range: 250km (claimed)
Engine
Single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 398cc, bore x stroke 90mm x 62.6mm, compression ratio 11.1:1, Electronic Fuel Injection(EFI), wet, multi-plate clutch, five-speed constant mesh gearbox.
Chassis
Frame Type; Semi-double cradle frame
Rake: 27.5º Trail: 109mm
Front suspension: Inverted telescopic forks, 280mm travel, Rear suspension: Monoshock, link-type, 295mm travel.
Wheels & Tyres: Wire-spoked 21in wheel – 80/100-21in (f), Wire-spoked 18in wheel – 120/80-18in(r) both tubed types. IRC Trail Winner GP-410 tyres.
Brakes: Front 270mm disc with twin piston floating caliper, rear 240mm rotor, single piston floating caliper, switchable ABS both ends.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 1490mm
Ground Clearance: 300mm
Overall Length: 2270mm
Width: 835mm
Height: N/A
Seat Height: 935mm
Instruments & Electronics LCD display, switchable ABS, traction control, power modes and electric start.
Bike Review | Suzuki DR-Z4S
Versatile!
Suzuki’s DR-Z400 earned cult status through its competency and reliability. The all-new DR-Z4S arrives with fuel injection, rider aids and a completely revised chassis, but has Suzuki improved the formula without losing its soul?
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