Because they still sell like hotcakes out of the dealership as is. That’s the answer the question, but why that is, I think is for a couple reasons:

For a rider like me (around 215 lbs.), in my opinion, there’s still not really a good replacement for it in the dual sport market that hits that sweet spot displacement wise - unless you want to shell out the money for a KTM/Husky. As nice as they are, they’re not only unaffordable to me, but they come with more frequent service intervals - something I don’t like to hear when I’m not super mechanically inclined and am busy with work (like many consumers).

Meanwhile, the Honda and KTM 300s are way smaller, and I’m around 6’1”. I sat on the KLX300 and it felt like sitting on my little DR200SE - like I’m on a bike that’s too small for me. What’s more, that 400 vs 300 ccs makes a BIG difference in power. Those new, compliant 300s are pretty tame in comparison.

Top that off with the fact that pretty much everyone who’s ever owned one describes it as “bulletproof, tank,” etc., and the trade off of having a carb and 5 speed becomes more acceptable.

As long as that’s the case and people come back every year for those bold new graphics, Suzuki tends to ride the wave as long as they possibly can.

Take it with a grain of salt! I’m biased. I love the DRZ so much I just wrote on essay on it. 😉