We spent a week with the 2026 Suzuki DR-Z4SM to see why this tall, premium supermoto is so much fun to ride, despite its hefty price tag and a few compromises.
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Back in April, Suzuki Malaysia, through AFY Mobility Industries Sdn Bhd (AMI), officially introduced the all-new 2026 Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM to the Malaysian market. It marked the return of the legendary DR-Z name, this time with two different personalities built around the same 398cc platform.
The story actually goes back to around November 2024, when Suzuki first teased these models as the next chapter in the beloved DR-Z400 lineage. One was introduced as a capable enduro and dual-sport machine, ready to tackle both on and off-road adventures. Meanwhile, the other one took that same DNA and transformed it into a sharp, nimble supermoto, designed for street fun and spirited riding.
Fast forward to today, both models have been on the market for a while, and we finally got the chance to spend some time riding them. And honestly, calling these bikes “fun” might be an understatement. Both the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM are seriously entertaining to ride, but they each bring a very different character on the asphalt.. or maybe trails.
That’s why, in this review, we’ll be focusing on the model that’s been turning heads among riders craving something a little different, the 2026 Suzuki DR-Z4SM. After spending some time with it, we can honestly say the 4SM is a perfect reminder that riding isn’t always about hitting high numbers or impressing the tech nerds. Sometimes it’s just about having fun, being playful, a bit rebellious but always in a safe and proper way.
Built and Appearances
Suzuki has given its iconic DR-Z400SM a comprehensive overhaul with the introduction of the new DR-Z4SM. After years of carrying the legendary DR-Z name, this supermoto finally receives a significant update, signaling that it’s more ready than ever for plenty of sideways fun.
This Japanese brand has been a key player in the supermoto segment for nearly two decades. The original DR-Z400SM debuted back in 2005, and while it received various updates over the years, the latest DR-Z4SM marks a much more substantial evolution. It shares development with the new-generation DR-Z4S, emphasizing Suzuki’s commitment to refining its supermoto lineup.
But the updates aren’t limited to styling. Beneath the surface, the DR-Z4SM features a completely redesigned chassis. The previous steel tube single-cradle frame has been replaced by a new twin-spar aluminum frame, with the engine oil reservoir now integrated into the frame itself.
Suzuki reports that this new chassis provides a 9.3 percent increase in torsional rigidity, resulting in a more responsive and stiffer platform. The suspension setup has also seen significant improvements, with 46mm KYB inverted forks at the front that offer compression and rebound adjustments. At the rear, a fully adjustable link-type KYB monoshock with an oil-damped coil spring enhances the bike’s handling capabilities.
The suspension travel has been increased by 20mm at the front and 18mm at the rear giving the DR-Z4SM a more capable and controlled feel when tackling twisty roads or pushing harder on the throttle. This combination of revised chassis and upgraded suspension makes for a bike that’s not only more fun but also more confident in aggressive riding situations.
One of Suzuki’s longstanding strengths is build quality, and the DR-Z4SM continues that tradition. Manufactured in Japan at Suzuki’s Hamamatsu factory, the attention to detail and craftsmanship are immediately noticeable. From the switchgear and hardware to plastics, welds, and paintwork, it exudes a level of refinement that elevates its overall appeal.
Somehow, in a fiercely competitive segment, especially with rivals like the newly launched KTM 390 SMC R here in Malaysia, the DR-Z4SM holds its own on paper. While the KTM is generally priced lower, our initial impressions suggest that Suzuki’s model offers a more polished and refined experience. The attention to detail in the finish and components, along with the Japanese-built quality, give the DR-Z4SM a premium feel.
We haven’t yet completed a full test comparison on both, but riding impressions reveal a bike that stays true to its playful roots while embracing modern updates. Suzuki has managed to preserve the tough, durable character that made the DR-Z name so popular, all while stepping into a new generation of supermoto performance.
Engine
Honestly, this is where the DR-Z4SM really starts to make sense for me. I’ve always loved supermotos, and after riding quite a few over the years, the DR-Z4SM just adapted instantly. The riding position, throttle response, and overall feel were super natural right from the start, making it a ton of fun to ride.
For Suzuki, bringing the DR-Z back into the global market wasn’t just about throwing in a new engine. They had to make it meet all the latest Euro 5+ emissions rules while still keeping that fun, modern supermoto vibe. Instead of just tweaking the old engine and calling it a day, Suzuki’s engineers went all out, giving it a heavily revised 398cc single, a new chassis, and some pretty slick electronics.
The engine’s pretty much the same basic layout as before, but with big upgrades like a new cylinder head, better intake ports, and camshafts with more lift and less overlap. Plus, it now has dual spark plugs, a 42mm throttle body, and a 10-hole fuel injector. All that adds up to better combustion, more torque across the rev range, and improved efficiency.
The biggest change, though, is the move to modern electronic management like the fuel injection, ride-by-wire throttle, and dual-spark ignition. It makes controlling the power much smoother and more precise. On paper, it’s not a powerhouse, with just around 37.5 hp and 37 Nm of torque, but honestly, that’s enough. Power gets to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox with Suzuki’s slipper clutch (SCAS), and it’s all driven by a standard chain with pitch type 520.
Riding Experiences and Performance
Now entering the truly segment of this bike. Like I said, on paper, the numbers might not look outrageous, but once you’re actually on the bike, the performance feels just right for a supermoto. The single-cylinder engine delivers enough punch to keep things exciting, while the lightweight chassis makes the whole bike feel playful and easy to control.
But honestly, the suspension is probably one of my favourite things about this bike. Potholes, broken pavement, uneven roads or even light off-road sections, the DR-Z4SM takes them in its stride. The suspension setup is genuinely impressive, and it gives you a level of confidence that you don’t always get from a conventional road bike.
Normally, when you’re riding a motorcycle, you instinctively keep an eye out for potholes and rough patches. You see a bad section of road coming and immediately think, “Okay, better avoid that.” With the DR-Z4SM, that feeling almost disappears. You hit a pothole and the bike just goes through it. Uneven pavement? No big drama. Rough roads? Bring them on. It feels like the bike actually enjoys this stuff. And once you start getting comfortable with that confidence, it becomes addictive. You find yourself taking roads that you would normally avoid simply because the DR-Z4SM makes them so much fun.
Then you reach the corners, and this is the fun part. The DR-Z4SM is a proper corner machine. Its lightweight nature, responsive chassis and upright riding position make it incredibly easy to throw into a corner and change direction. You can brake late, turn in confidently and get back on the throttle without the bike ever feeling like it is fighting against you. It left me wondering just one thing: what would this bike feel like on a proper track? I honestly think the DR-Z4SM would perform very well.
Adding to the confidence is the set of Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres. Designed with a silica-based compound to provide strong grip in both wet and dry conditions, the tyres complement the DR-Z4SM’s chassis and suspension really well. The result is a motorcycle that feels equally happy attacking corners, cruising around town or dealing with roads that would have you slowing down on a conventional motorcycle.
For me, that’s the beauty of the DR-Z4SM. It isn’t necessarily about having the biggest horsepower figure or the highest top speed. It’s about how much confidence and enjoyment the bike gives you. It feels quick enough, light enough and, most importantly, incredibly fun. Once you get used to how much abuse this bike can take, you’ll probably start looking for bad roads instead of avoiding them. And trust me, give the DR-Z4SM a proper ride, be brave enough and you might just get addicted to it.
Electronics Features
For a bike that feels so raw and playful, the DR-Z4SM actually comes with quite a decent amount of electronics. And honestly, I think Suzuki got the balance pretty right. The ride-by-wire throttle works with Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System, giving the supermoto three riding modes, three traction-control settings and two ABS settings. You can also turn the systems off if you want to have more fun and take full control.
The three riding modes are A, B and C. They don’t change the bike’s maximum power, but they do change how the throttle feels. This is called Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SMDS) which has bene Suzuki’s pioneer in technology. Suzuki introduced the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) in 2007. It first debuted on the 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and GSX-R600 (K7 model), allowing riders to switch between different engine power delivery maps on the fly.
A mode is the most aggressive. The throttle feels sharper and more direct, so this is probably the mode I’d pick when I’m in the mood to have some fun. B mode is a little smoother and easier to manage, especially around town, but it still gives you plenty of acceleration when you twist the throttle.
Then there’s C mode, which is the softest. The initial throttle response is much calmer, making it useful during rainy season. Open the throttle further, though, and the engine still wakes up towards the top end. For me, A mode is where the DR-Z4SM feels most alive, while B is probably the best all-rounder for everyday riding.
Traction Control (TC)
Suzuki gives you three traction-control settings: 1, 2 and G. Level 2 is the most intrusive and is designed for low-grip road conditions. Level 1 is less intrusive and feels more natural for normal road riding.
Then there’s G mode, which stands for Gravel. And this one is pretty interesting. G mode allows more wheelspin before the system steps in. So even with traction control switched on, you can still get the rear moving around a little. That makes it particularly useful on loose surfaces, and honestly, it suits the character of the DR-Z4SM really well. The system takes information from the wheel-speed sensors, throttle position, engine speed and selected gear to work out how much wheelspin to allow.
For a more experienced rider, you can still have some fun with it. You can slide the rear into a corner and even get the front wheel lift without completely turning off the electronics. I’d describe G mode as a bit of a cheat code. It gives you extra confidence when the surface gets loose without taking all the fun away.
Of course, if you’re an experienced rider who really wants to push the bike, you might eventually find the traction control a little restrictive. The DR-Z4SM has such a good chassis and throttle response that sliding it without TC isn’t exactly difficult either.
ABS
The DR-Z4SM also gets two ABS options. You can have ABS working on both wheels, or choose a setting where it only works on the front wheel. On normal roads, I barely noticed the ABS working, which is exactly what I want. It only really becomes obvious when you brake real hard.
Off-road is a different story. Experienced dirt riders may find rear ABS a little annoying because locking the rear wheel can actually be useful when controlling the bike on loose surfaces. Front ABS is less intrusive, but it can still get in the way if you’re trying to brake really hard on dirt. For newer riders, though, I think the ABS is a good thing. It gives you that extra safety net and can help prevent a locked wheel when things get messy.
Overall, I like what Suzuki has done here. The DR-Z4SM doesn’t feel overloaded with electronics, and the systems don’t take away from its raw supermoto character. You can leave everything switched on and ride normally, or turn things down and start playing around once you get comfortable. For me, that’s the sweet spot. The electronics are there when you need them, but they don’t get in the way when you just want to have fun.
Cons
Of course, the DR-Z4SM isn’t perfect. There are a few things you’ll need to think about before putting your money down. The first one is the 890mm seat height. Yep, this is a tall bike. With 260mm of ground clearance, shorter riders might struggle to get both feet down comfortably.
I’m 177cm tall, and I even had to lean the bike slightly and stretch one leg out when stopping. Personally, I didn’t mind it at all. In fact, I quite liked the tall riding position. Once you’re moving, it gives you a great view of the road and makes you feel like you’re sitting above most of the traffic. But if you’re on the shorter side, definitely sit on one before buying. The height could be a confidence issue at low speeds.
Five Gears? Really?
My other complaint is the five-speed gearbox. The DR-Z4SM gets slightly taller gearing than the DR-Z4S, using a 41-tooth rear sprocket compared with 43 teeth on the S. That helps when riding on the road, but I still found myself wishing for a sixth gear on longer highway rides.
You know that feeling when you’re already in top gear but your foot still tries to shift up? That happened to me more than once. For city riding and twisty roads, five gears are perfectly fine. But on long stretches of highway, a sixth gear would have made the bike more relaxed. Still, I understand why Suzuki kept it this way. The DR-Z4SM isn’t built as a highway cruiser. It’s a lightweight, simple and playful supermoto, so the five-speed setup does make sense.
The Price
And then here’s the biggest question, the RM42,888. That’s the Malaysian price before road tax, insurance and registration, and honestly, it’s not cheap. With this money, you have plenty of other choices. You could get a cheaper supermoto, a bigger used motorcycle, or even look at a new naked, sportbike or touring machine. So yes, the DR-Z4SM is expensive.
But after spending a week with it, I started to understand where the money goes. This isn’t just about the 398cc engine. You’re getting a Japanese-built motorcycle, Suzuki’s engineering, a new aluminium chassis, quality KYB suspension and a level of fit and finish that you can feel when you ride and inspect the bike. It’s definitely not a motorcycle for everyone. But if you specifically want a proper supermoto, the DR-Z4SM starts to make a lot more sense.
As for maintenance and spare parts, Suzuki Malaysia already has its own service network and workshops, so owners have official support. Since this generation is still quite new in Malaysia, it’s too early to comment on long-term parts availability or ownership costs. So far, though, I don’t see any major concern.
Verdict
Finally, after a full week with the DR-Z4SM, I have to admit, I really like this bike. It’s not the fastest motorcycle. It’s not the cheapest. And it’s definitely not the easiest bike for shorter riders. But none of that really matters once you understand what the DR-Z4SM is all about. This is a motorcycle built around fun.
The tall stance, long-travel suspension, lightweight feel, punchy single-cylinder engine and supermoto wheels make it incredibly enjoyable on Malaysian roads. I also like that Suzuki didn’t go overboard with the electronics. You get plenty of modern features but the bike still feels mechanical and engaging.
Is RM42,888 a lot of money? Absolutely. Would I still consider buying one after riding it for a week? Yes. And that probably tells you everything you need to know about my experience with the DR-Z4SM.
If you’re simply looking for the most horsepower or the most motorcycle for your money, there are probably better choices out there. But if you’ve always wanted a proper supermoto and want something different from the usual naked, sport or adventure bikes, the DR-Z4SM deserves a serious look.
For me, this is one of those motorcycles where the smile-per-kilometre matters more than the numbers on the specification sheet. And honestly, Suzuki nailed that part.
Suzuki DR-Z4SM
Engine and Transmission
- Engine Type: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
- Displacement: 398 cc
- Bore x Stroke: 90.0 mm x 62.6 mm
- Compression Ratio: 11.1:1
- Fuel System: Fuel injection with 42 mm throttle body
- Horsepower: 38 hp @ 8,000 rpm
- Torque: 37 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
- Clutch: Wet, multi-plate with slipper system
Chassis and Suspension
- Front Suspension: KYB 46mm inverted telescopic fork, fully adjustable
- Rear Suspension: KYB link-type monoshock, fully adjustable
- Front Brake: Single 310mm disc with 2-piston caliper and ABS
- Rear Brake: Single 240mm disc with 1-piston caliper and switchable ABS
- Front Tire: 120/70R17M/C 58H (tube type)
- Rear Tire: 140/70R17M/C 66H (tube type)
Dimensions and Weight
- Seat Height: 890 mm
- Wheelbase: 1,465 mm
- Ground Clearance: 260 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 8.7 L
- Curb Weight: 154 kg
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