Combining durability, performance, relatively low weight, incredible versatility and off-road capability, probably no other manufacturer has come up with the same combination as Suzuki when creating the DR-Z 400. This motorcycle is the definition of a dual sport for me. On weekends it will live up to most enduro fantasies, during the week it will take you to work, and if you put the right wheels on it, it can also rock the track or stunts. At the same time, the possibility of repairing with a hammer and service intervals like in a large touring bike are still unmatched in this class.
It’s no wonder we miss it so much, and it’s no wonder that this motorcycle has been sold practically unchanged for 24 years. Yes, the «draisine» is still sold on the American and Asian markets. Unfortunately, it disappeared from Europe quite a long time ago for the same reasons as usual — little interest in buying new models did not give Suzuki a reason to adapt the DR-Z 400 to the current EURO standards. Today, in the era of the return of off-road and touring riding popularity, there may be a chance for such a motorcycle. I sincerely wish for it. That’s why I was happy when I started to hear rumors that a new version of this wonderful enduro could be created.
What do we know so far?
According to the currently circulating reports, the new model would be called the DR4S, which creates speculations about the power unit. Hypothetically, it would be a single-cylinder based on the two-cylinder 800 that Suzuki already uses. To put it simply, it could be half of the engine present in the V-Strom 800, GSX-8S or GSX-8R. We can therefore expect that the power of such an engine would be in the range of 45-47 HP to meet the requirements of the A2 category — or at least logic suggests that Suzuki would gain a lot by staying within these limits. Firstly, the group of potential customers would increase, and secondly, the durability of the engine and service intervals at this power would be at a decent level.
Although it cannot be denied that for a single-cylinder four hundred, this is a very large power and it would not be strange to reduce it to around 35-40 HP. This would make it more armoured, while still sufficiently powerful. If the new «draisine» is designed in the same spirit as its predecessor, then we can expect a weight of around 140-150 kg with fluids. There will be no surprises in terms of the chassis. A double cradle frame, probably aluminum, and a swingarm made of the same material seem to be the most reasonable. It would be nice if they used components already present in the high-performance RM-Z, even those from years ago. The shock absorbers and brakes from the RM-Z, even the older ones, could get a second life. Although changes will be necessary here, because riding on a concrete hinge, from a crossover will probably not be a pleasure in the case of a «draisine».
The problem is how do we know this?
The «gossip» sketches also show a body that is almost taken directly from the current RM-Z. The only thing that differs is the headlight in the style of current Suzuki models. However, I wouldn’t pay too much attention to this look. In general, I would treat all these rumors that the Suzuki DR4S is coming as fantasy. Where does my skepticism come from? Well, it appeared when I saw that this information came from the Japanese magazine «Young Machine». This is a title whose activity is basically based on creating such fantasies. They were the ones who started the rumors that the current Hayabusa would have a turbocharged 1400cc engine, and the previous Honda Africa Twin was supposed to be an 850cc, etc. These are just some of the most glaring examples from recent years, but I’ve been told many times that these are just made-up rumors, laced with «our source reports», «we found out from a person closely associated with the brand», etc. Sometimes they write something truthful, but it doesn’t change the fact that they’re dangerously close to a tabloid.
Source: Motoinstruction
