First look: New AXP Racing Skid Plate for Suzuki DR-Z4S

AXP Racing develop new, lightweight, high-density skid plate for the Suzuki DR-Z4S dual-sport bike to protect engine cases, water pump, suspension linkage and lower frame on the revived off-road icon.

When Suzuki revived the legendary DR-Z in 2025 we didn’t think it would take long for manufacturers to develop parts for the new 4S model. It’s an iconic bike but the buzz around the new version caught us by surprise as far as just how many people were hankering after that old-school, single cylinder, dual-sport goodness.

The standard DR-Z4S comes with a sump guard but it is minimal and does not protect engine cases and the rear suspension linkage guard. If you’re more inclined to the dirt and off-road, then AXP Racing’s new skid plate has to be on your shopping list to protect the vulnerable underside of your engine and chassis.

AXP have stepped up with their new lightweight design for the DR which is made from 8mm thick high-density polyethylene plastic, which makes it 30 to 40% lighter than its aluminium and they say also stronger than carbon fibre.

Technical highlights:

• Shaped to protects the frame around the footpegs

• Covers the water pump housing on the front and side, both engine cases (clutch and ignition covers) and the suspension linkage

• Weight: 1.3kg

• Plastic absorbs shocks and does not undergo deformation

• Muffles the sound of deflecting rocks

Cost: €159.00/$190.80

Lighter, all-encompassing around the engine and lower frame, the AXP sump guard protects the vulnerable rear suspension linkage too and this is all gravy if you are the kind of rider who seeks out the tracks and trails.

Even if you’re not into anything too tricky off-road, we’re just talking simple trail riding here, in our experience using the AXP sump guards means your bike is protected from any of the potential debris flying off the front wheel, simple knocks and bangs from stuff like the edges of ruts or sticking out roots and it helps preserve the underside of the bike, keeping it good for resale.

The AXP range of parts for the DR-Z also includes a radiator brace set (€119), chain guide and rear sprocket protector (€109) and a rear rack carrier (€169).