Comeback: 20 Year Absence, Then a Serious Update - Not a Retro Rehash

The DR-Z400S was sold in Germany from 2000 to 2005 before disappearing from the European market. Elsewhere, it continued for years with relatively few changes. Model year 2025 marked the restart as the DR-Z4S, now with fuel injection, ride-by-wire, ABS, traction control, Gravel mode, and a completely new electronics package.

The core DR-Z character remains intact: light, easy to use, and versatile. The result is a thoroughly modernized development of a proven concept.

The 2026 model is technically identical to MY2025, with the same colors. The most important change is the price: EUR 8,999 instead of EUR 9,699, a reduction of EUR 700. The new MSRP makes the DR-Z4S considerably more competitive.

Engine: 398 cc DOHC Single With Dual Spark and Titanium Intake Valves

The liquid-cooled 398 cc single uses a DOHC cylinder head and dry-sump lubrication. Output is 38 hp, or 28 kW, at 8,000 rpm and 37 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Titanium intake valves, sodium-filled hollow exhaust valves, and Suzuki’s SCEM cylinder technology are designed to improve durability and efficiency. Dual Spark uses two iridium spark plugs to improve combustion, stabilize idle, and aid cold starting. Ride-by-wire works through a 42 mm throttle body and a 10-hole injector.

The five-speed transmission uses Suzuki’s SCAS assist-and-slipper clutch. The clutch can be metered very precisely with one finger, while the electronic throttle allows fine power control. Fuel consumption is around 3.5 L/100 km. With the 8.7-liter tank, theoretical range is roughly 248 km.

Suspension: Fully Adjustable KYB, 280/296 mm Travel, 151 kg

A steel twin-spar double-cradle frame works with an aluminum subframe, with the engine serving as a stressed member. The 46 mm KYB USD fork is fully adjustable for compression, rebound, and preload and provides 280 mm of travel. The KYB rear monoshock is also fully adjustable and delivers 296 mm through a progressive linkage and aluminum swingarm.

The fork responds sensitively and communicates small surface changes clearly. That makes the DR-Z4S forgiving and predictable, particularly for riders with genuine off-road ambitions but without professional-level experience.

Braking is handled by a 270 mm front disc with a four-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear disc. ABS is standard and can be switched off completely at both ends. According to the manufacturer, this is the first production Suzuki ever to allow full front-and-rear ABS deactivation. Wheels are 21 inches front and 18 inches rear, fitted with IRC GP-410 dual-purpose tires. Ready-to-ride weight is 151 kg, with a 1,495 mm wheelbase and 920 mm seat height.

Ergonomics: 920 mm Seat Height, Active Off-Road Position

A 920 mm seat height puts the DR-Z4S firmly in enduro territory and makes it unsuitable for many short-legged riders. Compared with the previous DR-Z concept, the grips are positioned 28 mm higher and 2 mm farther forward, while the footpegs sit 7 mm lower and 23 mm farther rearward. The result is an upright riding position that works both seated and standing, with good control off-road and relatively low fatigue on longer rides.

For riders up to roughly 1.85 meters, the handlebar position works well. Taller riders may find it too low, although the aftermarket makes that easy to correct. The cockpit uses an LCD rather than a TFT and shows gear position, fuel level, trip mileage, and the active S.I.R.S. mode. Lighting is full LED. Bluetooth and USB are not standard, although USB is available as an accessory.

Electronics: Gravel Traction Control Is the Key Feature

Suzuki’s S.I.R.S. package includes SDMS with three riding modes, A/B/C, using different throttle responses; four-stage STCS traction control with two road settings, a dedicated Gravel mode, and full deactivation; ride-by-wire; fully switchable ABS at the front and rear, separately or together; and Easy Start. This is the first DR-Z to receive the complete S.I.R.S. system.

Gravel mode is the standout function. Unlike systems that intervene too early, this calibration deliberately allows wheelspin. On slippery gravel, damp forest ground, or hill climbs, intervention comes late but effectively. The rider can devote less concentration to managing traction and more to line choice and vision. According to our sources, riders have been consistently surprised by how useful the system is in practice.

MY2026: DR-Z4S+ as a New Sister Model

For MY2026, Suzuki announced the DR-Z4S+ in the United States; Suzuki Germany had announced the model, but an official German price had not been communicated by the editorial deadline. Mechanically it is identical to the DR-Z4S but adds an aluminum skid plate, hand guards, and front and rear brake-disc guards as standard. These accessories protect key components during off-road use.

Cost: EUR 8,999 - a Fairer Offer After the Price Cut

At EUR 8,999, EUR 700 less than MY2025, plus ancillary charges, the DR-Z4S now makes a stronger case as a 38-hp dual-sport with fully adjustable KYB suspension, Gravel traction control, completely switchable ABS, SCAS, and Dual Spark. The source compares the KTM 390 Enduro R at around EUR 7,900 with 45 hp, the Honda CRF300L at around EUR 6,500 with 27 hp and no traction control, and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 at around EUR 6,000 with 40 hp but a more travel-enduro-oriented concept.

The DR-Z4S occupies a narrow but genuine niche as a full-size dual-sport motorcycle with road legality and real off-road intent. There are relatively few direct rivals.

Verdict

The DR-Z4S is a clearly positioned dual-sport motorcycle for riders who use both pavement and dirt - without hard-enduro ambitions, but with genuine off-road expectations. At 151 kg, with 280/296 mm suspension travel, Gravel traction control, fully switchable ABS, and Dual Spark, it has the right hardware. The five-speed gearbox and original-equipment tires set the upper limits of its off-road and highway versatility. At EUR 8,999, the price now feels right.

 

Quick Check

+ 398 cc DOHC single with Dual Spark, titanium intake valves, ride-by-wire, and 10-hole injection.

+ Fully adjustable 46 mm KYB USD fork with 280 mm travel and fully adjustable rear shock with 296 mm: enough chassis capability for demanding trails.

+ Gravel traction-control mode deliberately allows wheelspin and intervenes late but effectively.

+ Fully switchable ABS front and rear: according to the source, the first Suzuki production model with complete ABS deactivation at both wheels.

+ 151 kg ready to ride: exceptionally light in the dual-sport segment.

+ SCAS assist-and-slipper clutch can be metered with one finger for fine power delivery.

+ Three riding modes; MY2026 price EUR 8,999, EUR 700 less than the previous year.

+ Its return after 20 years is a serious modernization rather than a retro reissue.

 

– Five-speed gearbox: a shorter first gear would help in difficult terrain, while a taller sixth would improve backroad and highway use.

– IRC original-equipment tires are a clear weakness on wet forest ground and loose surfaces; replacement tires are recommended for more serious off-road use.

– 920 mm seat height: not suited to short-legged riders.

– No TFT, Bluetooth, or USB as standard.

– 8.7-liter tank gives only around 248 km of range.

– No sixth gear: engine speed is high on the highway and handlebar vibration becomes noticeable.

 

Technical Specifications: Suzuki DR-Z4S (2026)

Brand / Model: Suzuki DR-Z4S; introduced for MY2025 as the return of the concept after 20 years; MY2026 technically unchanged

Engine: Liquid-cooled DOHC single; dry sump; 398 cc, 90.0 mm bore x 62.6 mm stroke; ride-by-wire; 42 mm throttle body; 10-hole injection; Dual Spark with two iridium plugs; titanium intake valves; SCEM cylinder; five-speed; SCAS assist-and-slipper clutch; chain drive; Euro 5+

Power: 38 hp / 28 kW at 8,000 rpm

Torque: 37 Nm at 6,500 rpm

Frame: Steel twin-spar double-cradle frame; aluminum subframe; engine as stressed member; aluminum swingarm

Fork: 46 mm KYB USD; fully adjustable for compression, rebound, and preload; 280 mm travel

Rear Shock: KYB monoshock; fully adjustable; progressive linkage; 296 mm travel

Front Brake: 270 mm disc; four-piston caliper; switchable ABS

Rear Brake: 240 mm disc; switchable ABS; source identifies DR-Z4S as first Suzuki production model with fully switchable ABS front and rear

Electronics / S.I.R.S.: SDMS three riding modes A/B/C; STCS four settings with two road modes, Gravel mode, and OFF; ride-by-wire; fully switchable ABS front and rear; Easy Start

Cockpit: LCD showing gear position, fuel level, trip mileage, and S.I.R.S. mode; no TFT or Bluetooth

Tires: IRC GP-410 Dual Purpose; 80/100-21 front / 120/80-18 rear

Weight: 151 kg fully fueled

Seat Height: 920 mm

Wheelbase / Geometry: 1,495 mm wheelbase; 64.5-degree steering-head angle; 107 mm trail

Fuel Tank / Range: 8.7 liters; approx. 3.5 L/100 km; approx. 248 km range

MY2026 Changes: Price reduced to EUR 8,999 from EUR 9,699, down EUR 700; technically unchanged. DR-Z4S+ announced with aluminum skid plate, hand guards, and front/rear brake-disc guards; German price not communicated by publishing deadline.

Colors: Champion Yellow No. 2 / Solid Special White No. 2; Solid Iron Gray

German Price: EUR 8,999 plus ancillary charges