After a 19-year run, the Suzuki DR-Z400SM supermoto bike is gone. However, for the 20th anniversary of the midsize Suzuki supermoto, we get the all-new 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM. The new DR-Z4SM has a number of features that die-hard DR-Z400SM fans have been clamoring for, a few things they might not have known the wanted, and missing a feature or two they desired. So, let’s do a standup wheelie through the Fast Facts of this budget-friendly supermoto motorcycle.
- The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM motor is both new and familiar. While the DR-Z4SM powerplant shares the same bore and stroke as the DR-Z400SM and retains the DOHC valvetrain, the two motors have few interchangeable parts. We’ll go over it all, starting with the intake and going through the power-producing process to the exhaust.
- There’s a new airbox. The capacity has been changed, along with the inlet tube and outlet shape. The development focus was on sharpening throttle response and producing more low-end torque. Attention was also directed at improving the intake sound.
- Hallelujah! The carburetor is gone! Replacing the ancient device is an all-new fuel-injection system. Suzuki has gone thoroughly modern with the 2025 DR-Z4SM, giving the supermoto a ride-by-wire EFI featuring a 42mm throttle body and a 10-hole fuel injector. Our Suzuki sources tell us that, compared to the carb, the EFI improves peak horsepower, throttle response, combustion efficiency, starting, idling, and fuel consumption—not a bad list. EFI also requires less maintenance, and jetting is a thing of the past. We can’t tell you how happy we are about this upgrade.
- The top end of the motor is all-new. The EFI sends its charge to new titanium intake valves manipulated by a new higher-lift camshaft. The exhaust valves are sodium-filled, and the cam timing overlap is reduced. The spring rate for all four valves is increased. The result is a claimed smoothing of the power delivery with a more linear powerband. Also, the valves are adjusted using a shim-under-bucket system.
- The cylinder head of the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM provides a flatter top for the combustion chamber. The intake port and valve boundary are updated, with more consistent power production as a goal. Two iridium spark plugs trigger the power stroke, with a claim for improved starting, idling, and low-speed combustion for smoother power.
- A new piston results in a claimed reduction of mechanical loss—20 percent when combined with the new crankcase. Suzuki also tells us the new piston is quieter and has a smoother stroke through the Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Materials cylinder.
- The large-diameter stainless steel header sends the spent charge to a new double-wall muffler. Overall, the exhaust system is slimmer, improving ergonomics, while the new muffler is cooler for the rider and passenger.
- The five-speed transmission is retained on the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM. Our condolences to those hoping for a six-speed gearbox. We feel your pain. Suzuki could have at least thrown us a quickshifter bone, but, alas, that did not happen.
- The new clutch has slipper and assist functions. Performance-oriented buyers will be excited by the slipper aspect, while city slickers will cheer the fatigue-reducing assist feature. Cable actuation is retained.
- Power is sent to the rear wheel via steel sprockets and an O-ring chain. This is a durable combination, and action-oriented riders can install a lighter aluminum sprocket and a traditional chain.
- The new radiator is bolstered by a larger cooling fan.
- Electronic rider aids, under the trade name Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, add to the functionality of the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM. There are three power modes (Active, Basic, Comfort) and four levels of traction control, including Gravel and Off. ABS is switchable—either both wheels or front-wheel-only. Also, the Suzuki one-touch starting is implemented, though not the anti-stalling Low-RPM Assist technology we often see on Suzukis. There is no IMU.
- The power modes impact the throttle response rather than the power output. All modes put out identical power at full throttle.
- Traction control is relatively aggressive in both street modes, and minimal in G (Gravel) mode. For the most intense supermoto experience, traction control is fully defeatable.
- The Bosch ABS is switchable between full-ABS and front-wheel-only via a left-handlebar switch.
- The DR-Z400SM’s single-backbone frame is replaced with a new twin-spar chromoly frame on the DR-Z4SM. Our sources at Suzuki tell su that the new frame is more rigid for more precise handling. The subframe bolts on and uses square aluminum tubing. The swingarm is also aluminum, contributing to a curb weight of 340 pounds for the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM.
- The new frame brings new ergonomics. The full-waffle grips are at the same height as old reliable, but are now three-quarters of an inch farther from the rider. The new, wider footpegs also retain the same height, while being moved back another three-quarters of an inch. The height of the new seat is also raised—you guessed it—three-quarters of an inch. The tapered aluminum handlebars are also new. Between the rider’s legs is a new 2.3-gallon fuel tank. Those are major tweaks to the ergos for the DR-Z4SM.
- New KYB suspension is employed on the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM, with over ten inches of wheel travel at each end. The fork is inverted and has cartridge-style damping. The damping is fully adjustable, but the spring preload is fixed. The new shock is fully adjustable and helped out by a linkage system.
- The rake is an aggressive 26.5 degrees. Trail is minimal at 3.74 inches.
- Dunlop’s new Sportmax Q5A tires are slipped on the 17-inch wheels. We have seen these tires listed on several 2025 models and can’t wait to try them out. However, according to Suzuki, these tires are specially engineered for this application—a lightweight supermoto motorcycle.
- That’s a 310mm front disc on the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM. It’s grasped by a two-piston Nissan caliper mounted traditionally. The rear 240mm disc gets a no-name single-piston caliper. As a reminder, you have your choice of full Bosch ABS, or front-wheel-only.
- The dash is a rectangular LCD. We’re getting spoiled—we want a TFT dash. The speed and gear position are prominently displayed, as are your power mode settings and traction control settings. There’s no rev counter, however. New switchgear interacts with the dash.
- The plastic is all-new, as is the LED lighting. The result is a good-looking motorcycle with conservative styling.
- Unfortunately, we can’t tell you when the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM will be available, or what it will cost. We do know that it will be available in two colors—Solid Special White No. 2 and Sky Gray. And, if you like dual sport riding, check out the SM’s sibling, the DR-Z4S.
2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Single
- Displacement: 398cc
- Bore x stroke: 90.0 x 62.6 mm
- Maximum power: 38 horsepower @ 8000 rpm
- Maximum torque: 28 ft-lbs @ 6500 rpm
- Compression ratio: 11.1:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 valves
- Fueling: EFI w/ 42mm throttle body and 10-hole fuel injector
- Cooling: Liquid
- Lubrication: Dry sump
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
- Final drive: O-ring chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Steet twin-spar w/ aluminum subframe
- Handlebar: Tapered aluminum
- Front suspension; travel: Fully damping-adjustable KYB inverted fork; 10.2 inches
- Rear suspension: Linkage-assisted fully adjustable KYB shock; 10.9 inches
- Wheels: Wire spoke w/ tube-type aluminum rims
- Front wheel: 17 x 3.5
- Rear wheel: 17 x 4.5
- Tires: Dunlop Sportmax Q5A
- Front tire: 120/70 x 17
- Rear tire 140/70 x 17
- Front brake: 310mm disc w/ Nissin two-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
- ABS: Bosch (adjustable)
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 57.7 inches
- Rake: 26.5 degrees
- Trail: 3.74 inches
- Seat height: 35.0 inches
- Ground clearance: 10.2 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.3 gallons
- Estimated fuel consumption: 69 mpg
- Curb weight: 340 pounds
- Colors: Sky Gray; Solid Special White No. 2
2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM Price: $TBA MSRP
2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM Photo Gallery
