The motorcycle community hit the roof when Suzuki announced the 2025 DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM would start at a hefty $8,999 MSRP—a striking $1,800 leap over the 2024 DR-Z400S price of $7,199. This 25% bump has left dual-sport aficionados questioning whether Suzuki’s long-awaited upgrades justify digging deeper into their wallets.
Riders point out that the new MSRP doesn’t include dealer fees or destination charges, pushing actual out-the-door costs close to $10,000. Even with Suzuki’s early-reservation deal—throwing in $450 worth of accessories for pre-orders placed before March 31, 2025—many argue the steep base price remains hard to swallow.
Compared to an adventure bike like the Honda Transalp, which retails for $9,999 and packs more displacement and touring features, the DRZ4S finds itself uncomfortably close to a higher class of machines.
Competition Crushes Suzuki’s Value Proposition
Competing offerings make the DRZ’s price tag look even more daunting:
- KTM 390 Enduro R: At $5,499, it undercuts Suzuki by $3,500 and delivers a 44-hp liquid-cooled single—nearly 7 more horses than the DR-Z4S 37.5-hp engine.
- Kawasaki KLX300SM: Now reduced to $5,849, this 292cc supermoto costs $3,150 less and offers 6-speed gearing that enthusiasts crave.
- Honda XR650L & Kawasaki KLR650: These larger-displacement dual-sports start at $6,999 and $6,899 respectively, undercutting the DRZ by around $2,000 with proven long-haul credentials.
These alternatives highlight a glaring disconnect: Suzuki’s updates—fuel injection, ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, and switchable ABS—feel overshadowed by the price delta when rival bikes deliver competitive specs at lower costs.
Rider Backlash in the Wild
The sentiment is unanimous across YouTube reactions and Reddit threads. Popular moto-YouTuber Kirk Kreifels admitted his “jaw is still on the floor” over the nearly $9,000 sticker. Redditors share that the DRZ’s new form factor comes at the expense of its long-standing reputation for simplicity and affordability: “If it exceeds around $9,000, there would be no compelling reason to choose this over something like the 701 or 690,” one rider noted.
Dealership markups exacerbate the situation. Reports of local Suzuki dealers charging extra premiums on existing DR-Z400S inventory point to a market unprepared to absorb these increases. For a community that thrives on bargain-hunts and bolt-on customization, the DRZ4S pricing feels like a step into alien territory.
Missing Gear and Added Weight
Two persistent issues amplify the fallout:
- No Sixth Gear: Despite 25 years of pleas for a 6-speed transmission, Suzuki clings to the 5-speed box, frustrating riders who tackle extended highway runs.
- Weight Gain: The 2025 DR-Z4S tips the scales at 332 lb—up nearly 20 lb from its predecessor—dampening agility off-road.
These omissions reinforce the belief that Suzuki prioritized modern electronics over fundamental rider requests, making the price hike feel all the more unjustifiable.
What’s Next for Suzuki?
Suzuki’s bold pricing strategy may hinge on brand loyalty and the promise of reliability. Fans acknowledge that fuel injection and updated suspension represent real improvements. Yet, in a landscape where competitors offer more power, modern gearboxes, and proven displacement at lower prices, Suzuki must address community concerns or risk losing market share.
