/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/MSGH3DP4TFH4HEKUC4OPJUZJXE.jpg "2024 Suzuki GSX-R750, DR650S, and DR-Z400S Previews")
2024 Suzuki GSX-R750
As recently as last month, some speculation swirled over the GSX-R750. Would there be one? Would it have a revised engine putting out 150 hp? Wonder no more, Gixxer lovers. The 2024 model year brings the venerable GSX-R750 back for a 39th edition. Having outlasted all of its 750cc sportbike competition, the 2024 GSX-R750 features updated color and livery and nothing else.
But it’s back for a reason. Some of you still love a supersport motorcycle concept with no ABS, traction control, or ride-by-wire electronic fanciness. You also love a 749cc motor stuffed in a 600cc frame that competes in MotoAmerica’s Supersport class. With its last major redesign in 2011, it’s the last living link to the freedom and responsibility of the early 2000s. Want wheelie control? Use your brain, right wrist, and foot wisely.
If you’re interested in the official Suzuki press release, just search “2024 Suzuki GSX-R750.” Contrary to Motorcyclist’s high journalistic standards, most other motorcycle news sites just copied and pasted it verbatim. For shame.
New color options are the (somewhat updated) Pearl Brilliant White/Metallic Triton Blue and ever-popular Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black scheme. A $12,999 MSRP completes this classic package.
2024 Suzuki DR650S
Also unchanged is the venerable 2024 Suzuki DR650S. Still carbureted after all these years, it does all the things you’ve come to expect. Rechristened the DR650S (from the DR650SE) in 2015, it’s the same dependable, non-trail-rated dual sport you’ve depended on since time immemorial. Or 1996, your call.
You get a 644cc air-and-oil-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine mounted in a robust steel, semi-double cradle frame. And for those diminutive in stature, suspension mods (with a Low Side Stand Kit from Suzuki Genuine Accessories) lowers the seat height from 34.8 inches to 33. inches.
The 2024 Suzuki DR650S comes with Solid Black and Iron Gray paint with contrasting black and orange graphics. Or bright Solid Special White No. 2 bodywork that features distinctive blue and black graphics. Either way, it’s the same as last year. But you’ll likely paint it with differing shades of mud and detritus as you negotiate gravel and various off-road environs.
A very affordable $7,099 MSRP is all that stands between you and gravel roads.
2024 Suzuki DR-Z400S
Continuing with the motorcycle equivalents of Coelacanths (look it up), the Suzuki DR-Z400 has reached the 25-year milestone. Still carbureted, with a steel fuel tank, steel frame, and steel handlebars, the DR-Z400S remains a highly capable street-legal dual sport. More to the point, the $7,199 MSRP is about $2,800 less than a Honda CRF450RL.
The same 398cc liquid-cooled engine offers good power down low, all the better to help muscle the ample 317-pound curb weight around. But crisp-handling, adjustable suspension, electric start, and aluminum Excel rims put most of America’s dirt paths at your disposal. Said rims with stainless steel spokes also accept rim locks for serious knobbies, so there’s that. Befitting the 25-year milestone, the 2024 DR-Z400S is available in Champion Yellow bodywork with new blue and silver graphics, or gray and silver graphics on Solid Black bodywork.
Suzuki DR-Z400SM
For those who love tackling the gnarlier parts of urban environments, the Suzuki DR-Z400SM also returns in 2024, largely unchanged. Along with the same 398cc liquid-cooled four-stroke mill, the DR-Z400SM comes with inverted fork, wide spoke-style 17-inch wheels, and 300mm floating front brake rotor.
Said rims accept 120/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear rubber. You also get a Renthal tapered aluminum handlebar, all the better to tame vibration. New Grand Blue No. 2 and Solid Black colors or Solid Black bodywork with angular graphics round out the DR-Z400SM.
What does the hard-working Suzuki press release writer have to say about this year’s DR-Z400SM? “This bike brings off-road soul and sportbike riding fun to paved roads.”
There you have it. A $7,899 MSRP is all that stands between you and this, “Proven, narrow, lithe, and street-legal package.” Their words, not ours.
