Concept: DR-Z4S Foundation, Supermoto Conversion – Shorter, Steeper, More Road-Focused

The DR-Z4SM shares its engine, basic frame architecture, and electronics with the DR-Z4S, but the details that define supermoto handling have been deliberately changed. It runs 17-inch wheels instead of the S model’s 21/18-inch setup, shorter suspension travel at 260/277 mm instead of 280/296 mm, a wheelbase shortened by 30 mm to 1,465 mm, a one-degree steeper steering-head angle at 63.5 degrees, shorter 95 mm trail, and a larger 310 mm front brake with a radial-mount Nissin caliper instead of the S model’s 270 mm setup. The result is precise, agile handling with unmistakable supermoto character.

The 2026 model is technically identical to MY2025. Colors remain Sky Gray and Solid Special White No. 2, both with blue wheel accents. The major change is price: EUR 8,999, down EUR 700 from MY2025.

Engine: 398 cc DOHC Single – Recalibrated Version of the DR-Z4S

The liquid-cooled 398 cc single uses a DOHC cylinder head and dry-sump lubrication. It produces 38 hp at 8,000 rpm and 37 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Titanium intake valves, sodium-filled hollow exhaust valves, Suzuki’s SCEM cylinder technology, Dual Spark with two iridium plugs, ride-by-wire, and a 42 mm throttle body are standard. The five-speed gearbox uses Suzuki’s SCAS assist-and-slipper clutch. Euro 5+ compliance is standard. For the supermoto version, the engine calibration is slightly more road-oriented.

Low-rpm torque is sufficient for hard drives out of tight corners, and the strong brakes suit the supermoto mission. Fuel consumption is around 3.5 L/100 km. The 8.7-liter tank gives roughly 250 km of range. Above about 100 km/h, the limited output becomes increasingly noticeable, while handlebar vibration is apparent around 140 km/h.

Chassis: Fully Adjustable KYB, 310 mm Radial Nissin Brake, Supermoto Geometry

A 46 mm KYB USD fork provides 260 mm of travel and full compression- and rebound-damping adjustment. The KYB rear monoshock uses a remote reservoir, progressive linkage, full adjustment, and 277 mm of travel. The standard setup works well but is relatively soft. For aggressive riding, preload and compression damping should be the first adjustments. Under hard braking, the fork dives noticeably.

The front brake uses a radially mounted four-piston Nissin caliper on a 310 mm disc, a larger and more powerful setup than on the DR-Z4S. A 240 mm rear disc completes the system. ABS is standard, but only the rear can be switched off on the SM. Front-wheel ABS remains active for safety reasons, an important difference from the DR-Z4S, which allows ABS deactivation at both wheels. The system works unobtrusively and reliably, while rear deactivation by button is useful for experienced supermoto riders who like to work with the rear end.

Ergonomics: 890 mm Seat Height, Front-End-Focused Supermoto Position

Seat height is 890 mm, 30 mm lower than the DR-Z4S. An optional accessory seat reduces that to 860 mm. The handlebar is mounted lower than on the enduro version and the footpegs sit slightly farther rearward, pushing the rider more toward the front wheel. It is a classic supermoto stance designed for maximum control in tight corners.

The narrow bodywork works particularly well in city traffic. The seat, however, is typically supermoto: narrow and firm. It is fine for short sessions but becomes punishing on long stages. Neither the brake nor clutch lever offers adjustable reach.

At 154 kg ready to ride, the SM weighs only 3 kg more than the DR-Z4S, largely because of its 17-inch wheels and wider tires, and remains very light for the supermoto class. The 1,465 mm wheelbase, 63.5-degree steering-head angle, and 95 mm trail make it more agile than the enduro version.

Electronics: Gravel Mode on a Supermoto – for Controlled Slides

Suzuki’s S.I.R.S. package includes SDMS with three riding modes, A/B/C; STCS traction control with three intervention levels plus Gravel mode and full deactivation; ride-by-wire; switchable rear ABS; and Easy Start. Gravel mode deliberately permits rear-wheel slip under acceleration. On closed-course surfaces, that makes light, controlled slides possible. Experienced riders can also switch rear ABS and traction control off for more direct drift control.

SM vs. S: When the Supermoto Is the Better Choice

The DR-Z4SM is the right choice for riders who spend most of their time on pavement, in the city, on backroads, or on supermoto tracks. The shorter wheelbase, steeper geometry, larger radial front brake, and street tires make it more precise and lively on asphalt than the DR-Z4S. The compromises are equally clear: front ABS cannot be disabled, the shorter wheelbase is less advantageous off-road, and the reduced suspension travel is not intended for hard terrain.

Cost: EUR 8,999 – More Realistic After the Price Cut

The 2026 price is EUR 8,999 plus ancillary charges, down from EUR 9,699. Some riders will still wish for more power, a sixth gear, a quickshifter, and adjustable levers. The price reduction makes those omissions easier to accept. The DR-Z4SM includes the full S.I.R.S. electronics package and is A2 compliant as standard.

Verdict

The DR-Z4SM is a fun bike with an honest focus and a well-executed concept. It stays true to the supermoto formula and can entertain beginners and experienced riders alike. If maximum horsepower is not the priority and you want a supermoto that combines sporting road performance with everyday usability, the DR-Z4SM is a serious candidate. At EUR 8,999 after the price cut, the equation is considerably fairer.

 

Quick Check

+ Radial-mount Nissin four-piston caliper with 310 mm front disc: more braking potential than the DR-Z4S and well suited to hard supermoto braking.

+ Fully adjustable 46 mm KYB USD fork and fully adjustable KYB rear shock; 260/277 mm travel absorbs poor pavement with ease.

+ Supermoto geometry: 1,465 mm wheelbase, 63.5-degree steering-head angle, 95 mm trail; playful cornering and clear feedback.

+ Gravel mode allows controlled rear-wheel slip; rear ABS can be switched off at the touch of a button.

+ 154 kg ready to ride: very light in the supermoto segment, with strong backroad and city handling.

+ 890 mm seat height; optional 860 mm accessory seat makes the bike more accessible to shorter riders.

+ A2 compliant as standard; SCAS, Dual Spark, Euro 5+.

+ EUR 8,999 for MY2026, EUR 700 less than the previous year.

 

– Front-wheel ABS cannot be switched off, unlike the DR-Z4S where both ends can be deactivated.

– Fork dives noticeably under hard braking; sport-focused riders should adjust the setup.

– Seat is straight, narrow, and firm: uncomfortable on longer backroad stages.

– No adjustable lever reach for brake or clutch.

– Five-speed gearbox with no sixth gear; performance becomes noticeably limited above roughly 100 km/h; no quickshifter.

– For 2026, some riders may expect a quickshifter, adjustable levers, or more power.

 

Technical Specifications: Suzuki DR-Z4SM (2026)

Brand / Model: Suzuki DR-Z4SM; introduced for MY2025; MY2026 technically unchanged; supermoto sister of the DR-Z4S

Engine: Liquid-cooled DOHC single; dry sump; 398 cc; ride-by-wire; 42 mm throttle body; 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 with progressive linkage

Fork: 46 mm KYB USD; compression and rebound fully adjustable; 260 mm travel

Rear Shock: KYB monoshock with reservoir; fully adjustable; 277 mm travel

Front Brake: Radial-mount Nissin four-piston caliper; 310 mm disc; ABS, front ABS not switchable

Rear Brake: 240 mm disc; rear ABS switchable by button

Electronics / S.I.R.S.: SDMS three riding modes A/B/C; STCS three levels + Gravel mode + OFF; ride-by-wire; rear ABS switchable, front ABS remains active; Easy Start

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

Tires: 17-inch Dunlop Sportmax street tires; 120/70-17 front / 140/70-17 rear

Weight: 154 kg fully fueled

Seat Height: 890 mm; optional accessory seat 860 mm

Wheelbase / Geometry: 1,465 mm wheelbase; 63.5-degree steering-head angle; 95 mm trail

Fuel Tank / Range: 8.7 liters; approx. 3.5 L/100 km; approx. 250 km range

Colors: Sky Gray Q1T; Solid Special White No. 2 30H

MY2026 Changes: Price reduced to EUR 8,999 from EUR 9,699, down EUR 700; technically unchanged

DR-Z4SM vs. DR-Z4S: SM: 17-inch wheels vs. 21/18; 260/277 mm travel vs. 280/296; 1,465 mm wheelbase vs. 1,495; 63.5 vs. 64.5-degree steering angle; 310 mm radial Nissin front brake vs. 270 mm; front ABS not switchable vs. fully switchable front/rear on S; 154 vs. 151 kg

A2 Eligibility: A2 compliant as standard, 28 kW / 38 hp

German Price: EUR 8,999 plus ancillary charges