Quick Test – Suzuki’s DR-Z4SM

It’s rare you can push a bike to the far end of its design brief and have it work this well, but that’s exactly what happens when you throw road wheels onto a dirtbike. Strip away the fairings and seriousness, prioritise leverage over outright speed and even a commute becomes entertaining. That’s the appeal of a good supermoto and it’s exactly where Suzuki’s DR-Z4SM sits.

The DR-Z platform has been around since 2000, building its reputation on a simple formula: a torquey 398cc single, a lightweight chassis and durability that made it a favourite in Australia. For 2026, Suzuki has finally brought it into line with modern regulations, introducing fuel injection, ride-by-wire throttle and a significantly updated electronics package, alongside a new frame, revised engine internals and a redesigned exhaust system to meet Euro5+ emission standards.

On the road, it hasn’t lost what made it so popular. The 398cc single delivers strong, immediate response and a broad spread of usable performance, whether you’re picking through traffic or pushing harder on a back road. Claimed output is 28kW at 8000rpm and 37Nm at 6000rpm, which is slightly down on paper compared to the old carburetted model, but it arrives earlier and feels sharper in practice.

Ride-by-wire brings Suzuki’s Drive Mode Selector, with three modes that alter throttle response rather than outright power. Mode A is the most direct, Mode B offers a more natural delivery and Mode C softens initial response for lower-grip conditions. The addition of traction control and switchable ABS is a major shift for the platform, with a Gravel mode that allows controlled rear-wheel slip before intervening.

If there’s one area that hasn’t moved forward, it’s the gearbox. The five-speed transmission carries over and the ratios feel short, leaving you searching for a sixth gear. The engine feels like it’s working harder than it should at higher speeds, which limits versatility more than the update says it ought to.

Otherwise, the riding experience is exactly what you want from a supermoto. The DR-Z4SM feels tall, narrow and simple to use with a wide handlebar that gives plenty of leverage. The 890mm seat height offers excellent visibility in traffic, but the bike’s slim profile makes it really approachable even for shorter riders. On 17-inch wheels with sticky Dunlop rubber, it steers quickly yet remains stable, meaning it is just as happy filtering through traffic as it is carving through corners.

The suspension is a standout. Despite its long travel and dirtbike roots, it feels controlled and composed on bitumen, with good feedback when ridden with intent. Braking is similarly strong and predictable, helped by the bike’s light 154kg wet weight. Practicality aligns with the bike’s purpose. The 8.7L tank limits range and the LCD dash feels dated compared to modern TFT displays, but both are more than forgivable, given the DR-Z4SM’s focus on short, engaging rides rather than long-distance touring.

At $14,990 ride-away, it’s not the bargain it once was, especially alongside less expensive, tech-heavy alternatives, but it still offers a relatively accessible entry into a modern supermoto-style roadbike. More importantly, the updated platform feels sharper, the electronics add useful flexibility and the chassis makes everyday roads enormously entertaining. A sixth gear would make it a more complete package, but even without it, the DR-Z4SM does exactly what a supermoto should.

Visit suzukimotorcycles.com.au
Bike test: Kellie Buckley Photography: Janette Wilson