is what the socials echo over and over – but it’ s a true Japanese designed and built machine. Plus if you note that a KTM 690 Enduro R is list $ 19,999 and a Honda CRF300L $ 10,795, then the $ 14,899 asking for the DR-Z4S is pretty close to a midpoint. Much like Ténéré 700s, it also has lineage, if not to say legend, upon which it should proudly stand, and, again, much like the Yamaha, with a little customer‘ personalising’ it’ s going to make a great option, in this instance for those who want a proper mid-to-big trail bike. Against contemporary rivals, it’ s a bigger, beefier trail bike than Honda’ s CRF300L. But with 10 more horsepower comes 10 more kilos – everything has a price. Its main rival, in what is a re-emerging 400cc trail class, will likely be KTM’ s soon-to-arrive 390 Enduro R. KTM’ s‘ Ready To Race’ ethos does play into all their bikes, even their‘ Travel’ bikes have edge. But while that model also comes at a much cheaper price point, it’ s worth noting that it’ s another chunk heavier( 159kg plus fuel) and the suspension at 230 / 230mm( and lesser‘ Apex’ spec) is looking to be more‘ budget’ than the Suzuki’ s. Plus, in this sensitive market place there’ s the‘ Indian made’ and‘ back from bankruptcy’ aspects. So, whether I’ m addressing tut-tutting old timers or over-excited newcomers … I guess we need to keep our feet on the ground and our heads out of the clouds. What we have here is a well-engineered, solidly capable machine. Something we can ride trail on, comfortably, quietly, reliably and of course enjoyably. Something that will – given the model history – still be going strong in 20 years’ time, and judging by the way second hand values of old DR-Zs refuse to weaken, still be worth then the most part of its higher-than-expected price today. It’ s a good bike, likely a very good bike. Long live the DR-Z.
56 KIWI RIDER