Motorcycle specifications Suzuki DR-Z4SM 400 2025 Making new out of old!

Fashion is, after all, an eternal restart. Just when we thought the little DR had disappeared, Suzuki decided to revive this sparkling machine. Between everyday utility and weekend fun, why choose? If we've already told you about the trail version, it's time to take a look at the supermotard version, which encourages you to ride with your leg forward!

Minimalist yet contemporary styling

Disappeared from the catalog in 2006, the DRZ 400 SM is back with the DRZ4-SM, which amounts to the same thing. What's new is the plastic. To mark a break with the previous generation, the Japanese manufacturer has chosen to renew the lines of its little machine. For economic reasons, Suzuki could have simply reintroduced the previous model. However, the new plastic also reflects the machine's technical renewal, which includes new driving aids. The look is sharper and more prominent, and quite pleasing to the eye. Nor does the bike try to look bigger than it is. With its slim lines, it feels like you're riding a big bike.

Details include a small, minimalist headlight plate, radiator scoops in keeping with the spirit of today's off-road bikes, and a relatively flat seat. A nice touch is the small package holder, which remains on the bike, even though it no longer comes with a small pouch like on the previous generation. A visit to the equipment manufacturers will correct the omission of this little practicality. Just don't stick a top case on it! Sacrilege.
The fuel tank holds just 8.7 liters.

At the end of the machine, the taillight is also much better integrated than in the past, it's clean and sporty.

Behind the headlight plate, the instrumentation is relatively simple and minimalist. There's no TFT screen, but an LCD dashboard that does feature a gear indicator, fuel gauge and clock.

Sitting on new foundations.

Although the DRZ4-SM may look like a copy-and-paste of the chassis, it returns with a modified chassis. The steel frame is now composed of two spars that extend to the steering column, with transverse reinforcement at the top of the engine. This should improve rigidity and sportiness. The swingarm is made of aluminum, with a new design and properties that are undoubtedly more contemporary than the 2006 version, to echo the new frame.

The KYB inverted fork has 260 mm of travel, while the rear monoshock offers 277 mm of travel. Ground clearance is 260 mm. At 890 mm, the seat height is a little high, so short legs will no doubt feel uncomfortable. The tires are 120/70x17 at the front and 140/70x17 at the rear. They are not tubeless, but fitted with inner tubes.

Braking is a little bigger than on the trail, with the front disc increased to 310 mm (from 270) and still bitten by a two-piston caliper (not radially mounted). Given the weight of 154 kg, this should be sufficient, but it will undoubtedly have less bite. Braking is assisted by an ABS that can be disconnected on the rear wheel for this SM version.

An engine overhauled from A to Z

Virtually nothing remains of the old single-cylinder engine. Engineers were challenged to bring this engine up to Euro5+ standards. The list would be far too long to enumerate here in its entirety, but the piston, ignition, exhaust system, injection and cooling systems have all been modified or replaced. The single-cylinder engine has lost a few feathers (2 horsepower less than the 2004 model), but promises greater availability. Power output is now 38 hp at 8,000 rpm, with 37 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.

The clutch is assisted and anti-dribble (SCAS). Ride-by-wire throttle control allows the introduction of Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) driving aids. Three steering modes are available, and traction control can be adjusted to 3 levels and deactivated.

Ride young!

Power is modest but weight is ridiculous, and the DRZ4-SM promises everyday fun. A motorcycle that won't be practical, but offers a rejuvenating experience every time you ride it. But are we prepared to pay the price? At a time when the roadster market starts at around 7,000 euros, this DRZ4 shouldn't have the bad idea of going beyond a price we'd already consider almost too expensive. Around 6,500 euros would be perfect ... but probably utopian.

Vincent Beaucousin manufacturer's photos