Suzuki introduced this nameplate in 1990 as a light, affordable dual-sport derived from its DR trail-bike line. The early bikes were aimed at riders who wanted a simple 350cc four-stroke that could handle pavement and dirt without the size and complexity of a larger adventure machine. In its original form, the model was a kick-start street-legal version of the DR350 family and became well known for its approachable character, air/oil-cooled single-cylinder layout, and everyday versatility.
The nameplate had a relatively short first run. For 1994, Suzuki added electric start and renamed the street-legal version DR350SE, which effectively replaced the original S model rather than creating a separate parallel line. Because of that transition, the DR350S is generally treated as the early kick-start era of the DR350 family, spanning the 1990 through 1993 model years. It earned a lasting reputation among dual-sport riders for being rugged, simple, and capable enough to serve as both a trail bike and a practical backroad commuter.