Suzuki has started to release its returning-for-20205 models in North America—just a few days ago, we had our first glimpse of the not-updated-at-all DR650. Even the graphics package is the same on the ’25-edition 650s. Some riders are happy about that, others aren’t. But here’s something interesting: Suzuki’s DR-Z400 was curiously absent from the press release about returning models. Maybe change is just around the corner?
The DR650 is the poster child for longevity; although Honda’s XR650L has actually been on the market longer with minimal changes (introduced in 1992), there are a lot more Suzuki 650s on the road than Honda 650s. The DR650 has only had very minor changes since 1996, and some riders love it for that reason, while others poo-poo it.
But the DR-Z400 platform isn’t that far behind the 650. Introduced for 2000, the liquid-cooled 400 replaced the air-cooled DR350 that Suzuki had built until 1999. Since then? There’s been basically no changes to the Dizzer. Sure, Suzuki released the DR-Z400 SM supermoto around 2005, and sold dirt-only versions of the bike as well over the years… but the formula has basically been the same old, same old. And like the 650, the DR-Z400 has its fans for that reason.
Conspicuously absent
The DR-Z400 is conspicuously absent from the 2025 model year PR, and neither the American nor the Canadian Suzuki corporate websites list it as a 2025 model. A Google and DuckDuckGo search don’t show it in any other countries either. While it is true that we could see an announcement later this year, it’s also true that the DR-Z and the DR models were announced all at the same time in 2024.
The dual sport version of the DR-Z400 is one of the most popular dual sport bikes available in markets where it’s still sold. Photo: Suzuki
Maybe a nothing-burger
This could mean nothing. Marketeers aren’t bound by arbitrary rules of releasing new models all at the same time. However, I would personally be surprised if we didn’t get a 25th-anniversary model of the DR-Z400, at least. And given that the 400 is one of Suzuki’s top sellers in North America, I would also be surprised if they canceled it, especially if there was no mention of it.
What sort of updates would we want?
If we did get an updated 2025 Suzuki DR-Z400, not just a BNG anniversary edition, two items would be high on the wish list for most riders: Electronic fuel injection and a six-speed gearbox. For my entire career at motorcycle magazines, I’ve heard riders complaining about the Dizzer’s five-speed gearbox.
Of course there would be some interest in better suspension and other updates as well. And all these updates are doable, with perhaps the exception of one of the machine’s greatest features of all: A reasonable price tag. If Suzuki does actually sell a new 400 and can keep the MSRP from getting silly, there will certainly be interest no matter what changes.
