How does the Husqvarna FS450 compare to the Suzuki DRZ4SM?
Motards may not be a very popular segment locally, but these bikes maintain a cult-like following wherever they are found. Two very prominent manufacturers in this segment are Husqvarna and Suzuki. We take a look at how they stack up against each other.
Comparing the Husqvarna FS 450 and the Suzuki DR-Z4SM is like comparing an unrestricted track-day supercar to an agile, road-legal hot hatch. While both roll on 17-inch wheels and fall into the supermoto category, they are designed for entirely different worlds.
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The single most critical difference is that the Husqvarna FS 450 is a pure race bike with no headlight, no indicators, and no license plate, whereas the Suzuki DR-Z4SM is a fully road-legal, street-ready machine.
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Purpose & licensing
Husqvarna FS 450: This is a closed-circuit racing weapon. You cannot legally ride it on South African public roads (like the William Nicol or the M1). There is no electric ignition key, no side stand, no lights, and it has to live on a trailer or the back of a bakkie unless you are at a track day (e.g., Zwartkops or Red Star).
Suzuki DR-Z4SM: This is built for the street and commuting. It comes equipped with full LED lighting, mirrors, an LCD dash, and a proper ignition switch, making it a fantastic daily weapon for slicing through traffic.
Performance & eeight
The difference in power-to-weight ratios between these two is staggering:
| Feature | Husqvarna FS 450 | Suzuki DR-Z4SM |
| Engine | 450cc high-compression race single | 398cc liquid-cooled commuter single |
| Power | 47 kW | 28 kW |
| Weight (Wet) | ~110 kg | 154 kg |
| Gearbox | 5-speed with Quickshifter | 5-speed |
| Electronics | Launch Control, Traction Control | Rider Modes, Traction Control, ABS |
The Husqvarna features high-end track components like WP XACT air forks and a Brembo radial brake calliper. The Suzuki utilises a softer, highly compliant KYB suspension setup tuned for potholes and speed bumps, alongside a standard Nissin braking system.
Model and Pricing
| Husqvarna FS 450 | R 199 699 |
| Suzuki DR-Z4 SM | R 159 950 |
* Pricing correct at time of publication for accurate pricing and deals, speak to your local dealer
Maintenance & Longevity
In South Africa, where long distances and parts availability matter, how they live off the track is key:
Husqvarna FS 450: Maintenance is measured in hours, not kilometres. You will be changing the engine oil every 15 hours of riding, and the piston requires scheduled replacement at a fraction of the lifespan of a street bike. It runs high-end racing slicks or supermoto wets that do not last on rough tar.
Suzuki DR-Z4SM: Built with bulletproof Suzuki engineering. It features long, street-standard service intervals. It uses standard Dunlop Sportmax Q5A street tyres and is happy cruising at 120–130 km/h on the highway without blowing up, even though the wind protection is minimal.
Verdict
If you want to dominate local supermoto track days, drag knees, and chase lap times on a trailer-bound weapon, get the Husqvarna. If you want a fun, incredibly nimble commuter to play on the streets, hop pavements, and run on a budget with total reliability, the Suzuki DR-Z4SM is the obvious choice.
