Why the DR-Z4S/SM is expensive? Suzuki credits its Made in Japan quality
Suzuki Motorcycles Philippines (SPH) has officially rolled out the dual-sport DR-Z4S and the supermoto DR-Z4SM at authorized showrooms nationwide. Fans have been rejoicing, especially since this comes almost a year after the bikes were first unveiled at last year’s Makina Moto Expo.
The excitement, however, quickly ran into a reality check when the price was revealed: PHP 589,000 (plus PHP 4,500 for LTO registration and TPL). At that price, you’re just a few thousand pesos away from snagging a bigger, more powerful bike from Yamaha, Honda, or Kawasaki. In contrast, comparable bikes with similar displacement and weight to the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM often sell for significantly less.
So why the premium? Suzuki says (and proudly) that the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM are “Made in Japan.”
This sets Suzuki apart from many big bikes in the PH market that are built in Thailand or India. Suzuki takes pride in Japanese craftsmanship, where precision, durability, and attention to detail are hallmarks of every single big bike it manufactures, and ensures that these remain Made in Japan.
Also expensive in the US
Alright, we get it, Japanese craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap. To put it in perspective, the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM sell for USD 8,999 in Suzuki’s biggest market, the United States, or roughly PHP 527,161 when converted directly.
Of course, importers might snag units at a lower cost, but once you factor in profit margins, Philippine taxes, duties, shipping, and other costs, the PHP 589,000 price tag starts to make sense.
