The motorcycle that makes constant upgrading pointless

The current trend in adventure cycling has captured the imagination of aspiring explorers around the world. But while ADVs are great for travel, the few that are suitable for beginners won’t appeal to everyone. A dual-sport will help you better hone your off-road skills. If and when you drop it, both your heart – and your wallet – will remain intact. So starting with a smaller, more accessible dual-sport and later upgrading to a larger ADV makes some sense. Except there’s one beginner-friendly dual-sport bike that’s so versatile that the planned upgrade may seem pointless.

In order to provide you with the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Suzuki. While the opinions are ours.

With the Suzuki DR-Z4S, constant upgrading feels pointless

MSRP: $8,999

The biggest problem with the new DR-Z4S is the price. This is a lot of money for a dual-sport, and in reality there are a few middleweight adventure bikes you can get for the same price. None are particularly off-road oriented, and the learning curve on those bikes will be quite steep. That said, there are also some equally good dual sports that are a lot cheaper.

In terms of performance and equipment, the KTM 390 Enduro R is exactly in line with the DR-Z. A recent price increase for the KTM means that the price difference is not as extreme as last year, but remains cheaper. The two main differences here are the fact that the KTM rides on a street bike platform, so is a bit heavier, and it’s also a bike built on a budget, while the Suzuki is clearly built to last.

Although not the most powerful, the ever-reliable Honda CRF300L Rally has become the standard choice in this area. It works fine for travel, but most riders will want to upgrade eventually. If you prefer something different, the Beta Alp 4.0 is a great alternative choice. It offers Italian charm and a spicy single that has just as much power as the Suzuki. You will have to accept that Beta is a small manufacturer and simply cannot provide the same after-sales support as the bigger brands.

The DR-Z4S offers an ideal balance between performance and accessibility

Power: 38 hp

A recent update has finally brought the DR-Z into the 21st century. For the first time ever, this platform gets fuel injection and a ride-by-wire throttle. It’s fair to say that the DR-Z has gone from one of the most outdated dual-sport bikes on the market to one of the most advanced in one fell swoop. However, the power figure never increased, but there is a good reason for that.

Sufficient power, both on and off-road

About 40 horsepower is really plenty for a dual-sport bike. It has enough power to reach highway speeds, and more than enough power to tackle even the fastest trails. Anything over 40bhp would have made it less accessible and is generally considered unnecessary for off-road use. Unless you plan on competing in a tough enduro race, in which case you might be shopping in the wrong aisle.

This is a practical, reliable motorcycle with street bike maintenance intervals. It also has to pass global emissions tests, and adding more power would have only pushed the price up even further. The only downside is the 5-speed transmission, which is fine for trail riding, but a sixth gear would have been preferable for highway driving.

The DR-Z4S is a feature-packed dual-sport

All the new features added to the DR-Z4S make it much more accessible. The ride-by-wire throttle allows for riding modes, and it also features traction control and ABS. The ABS isn’t that advanced, but you can turn it off in the rough stuff. While the price may be high compared to its Japanese compatriots, it’s these extra features that make the difference, especially for new riders who are still learning the ropes. KTM may offer a similar level of specification, but ultimately you get what you pay for with the 390 Enduro R.

An improved suspension makes all the difference in the dirt

Traditionally, the DR-Z has always leaned a little more towards the off-road side of its dual-sport nature. The latest bike leans even further in that direction thanks to its fully adjustable KYB suspension. The steel frame on the outer edge has also been redesigned, all resulting in an impressive ground clearance of almost 30 cm. The downside to this is that the seat height is quite high, just over 36 inches, and new riders who are under 6 feet tall may have difficulty with this. The extra technology also adds some weight, but it’s still light enough to be extremely competent off-road.

The latest DR-Z has so much to offer and its versatility is undeniable. It’s the kind of bike you can really learn on – as long as you’re tall or determined enough – and keep it forever. It’s the ideal trail bike for those without a pickup, and it works as an all-week commute.

While it may not be the best highway bike, if that’s what you want, there are several better lightweight adventure touring bikes on the market. Some of these are even cheaper than the Suzuki, but none of those bikes are particularly effective off-road. Ultimately, this is a very expensive dual-sport, but if you know what you want and don’t like the idea of ​​having to keep upgrading, it might be worth the price of admission.

Chassis, suspension and weight specifications