Suzuki launches DR-Z4S, DR-Z4SM with new 398cc engine

Suzuki has taken the wraps off the DR-Z4S road-going dirt bike and DR-Z4SM supermoto, and both debut the brand’s new 398cc, single-cylinder motor. It makes 38hp and 37Nm in both, which is on par with the Bajaj-made engines seen on small-displacement KTM and Triumph models.

Suzuki DR-Z4S, DR-Z4SM: New Suzuki 400s

The new 398cc engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. Nestling this motor is a twin-spar frame with an aluminium subframe and swingarm. The bodywork and feature-set is the same on both the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM but these bikes come in two different colours, each.

There are also some differences between the two, which boils down to the suspension, brakes and tyres used. As expected, the DR-Z4SM runs on 17-inch tubeless spoked wheels shod with sticky Dunlop tyres sized 120/70 R17 (front) and 140/70 R17 (rear). The front brake disc is larger on the SM, too, at 310mm, and both bikes get switchable dual-channel ABS.

Seat height stands at a towering 890mm but considering this is a slim single-cylinder supermoto, getting your feet down should be easier than the figure suggests. It has 260mm of wheel travel at the front and 277mm of travel at the rear. With its puny 8.7-litre tank brimmed, the DR-Z4SM weighs in at a lithe 154kg.

If you thought the SM’s 890mm seat height was tall, the DR-Z4S has an even taller 920mm seat height. Wheel travel numbers are also longer with 280mm at the front and 296mm at the rear. The S has the same fuel tank capacity as the SM, but it weighs in at 151kg, 3 kilos less than the SM.

Since the DR-Z4S is a proper off-roader, it is running on dual-purpose 80/100-21 (front) and 120/80-18 (rear) sized rubber. It also has a smaller 270mm front disc.

There are three riding modes on both bikes: A, B and C. A is the sharpest, C is the softest and B strikes the balance between the two. There is also a traction control system on offer with two levels that can be switched off. The SM and S also have a dedicated Gravel mode, which changes throttle response and the electronic aids’ intervention.

Suzuki currently sells three 125cc scooters, two 150cc bikes and three 250cc bikes, all of which are locally made in India. In terms of big bikes, Suzuki offers the GSX-8R, V-Strom 800DE, Katana and the Hayabusa. Between the two categories there’s a yawning delta, and this is where the new 400cc twins would slot in perfectly, if and when Suzuki brings either of these new models to India.