Several years after the appearance of the V-Strom saga, Suzuki presents the new 1050DE version, the most adventurous ever, where they strongly bet on better off-road performance. Estremoz and Alto Alentejo were the chosen areas for the national presentation, and Motociclismo magazine was there.
It was in 2002 that the first V-Strom appeared, at the time a model with 996 cc and quite road-oriented aspirations. Several updates and different versions followed, always maintaining the same road trail concept.
This year, the V-Strom comes in two versions, with the “standard” XT being the one that maintains the original philosophy, and this DE (Dual Explorer) version that we tested in this edition, which breaks with tradition and expands the usage horizons of this model, aiming for “other paths”.
TRADITION IS TO BE KEPT (BUT NOT REALLY)
The double aluminum beam frame and the V-twin engine are traditional elements in the V-Strom and remain in this latest incarnation, with the particularity that there are some differences between the frame of the standard version and the DE version, namely in the angle of the steering column.
The updated silhouette continues to draw inspiration from another iconic model of the brand, the DR800, using similar front lines, the currently LED rectangular headlight, and a slim and tall overall appearance. The rear is quite compact with a narrow flat seat and discreet supports for the side cases that will be available soon. The front glass of the 1050DE is shorter than that of the standard version, however, it offers good protection and is adjustable with basic tools.
What really breaks with tradition is the new 21-inch rim, installed in this version for the first time in the history of this model.
The aspirations for better off-road behavior are evident in various technical details.
GOOD HORSES
1037 cubic centimeters are enough to produce a good 107 hp of power, with an interesting torque and an unusual elasticity, almost reminiscent of the behavior of some three-cylinder engines. This engine, although not new, is an evolution of the previous generation and Suzuki has opted for forged pistons and hollow exhaust valves filled with sodium in order to reduce operating temperature and optimize the performance of this power unit.
The modern 6-axis IMU and the ride-by-wire throttle now allow the existence of three engine maps with different power delivery and adjustment of electronic aids, plus a “G” mode dedicated to off-road and gravel driving. This mode allows controlled slippage of the rear wheel, intervening when things start to get too “sideways”.
At the transmission level, there are also some new features: in the gearbox, the ratios of first and sixth gears have been increased to allow a wider operating range off-road (in the case of first gear), and lower engine speed in cruise speed (in the case of sixth gear). The final drive has also been modified, featuring a larger sprocket with 45 teeth instead of the 41 teeth of the previous model.
In turn, the hydraulic assisted clutch (Suzuki Clutch Assist System) also has some additional features. In addition to being slipper, it has assistance at the start of the gear that adjusts the engine speed so as not to stall.
With all this, the engine is very balanced, never lacking power and with maximum torque available very early on.
Together with the new well-geared gearbox, we feel that we always have the right gear engaged, as it is possible to use one or another gear and always get a good response.
Also worth mentioning is the introduction of the bidirectional quickshifter, also a debut in the V-Strom range. The operation is quite good, however the feel is somewhat stiff, requiring some force on the left pedal to make the shifts.
ADVENTUROUS DYNAMICS
It is no secret that the V-Strom has always been a good road bike.
Several years of evolution have improved the model, enhancing its performance, comfort, and aesthetics. This time, with the DE version, the Hamamatsu house went further and developed a bike with a more pronounced off-road aspect.
Starting from the same frame as the XT version, several changes were made to enhance the V-Strom’s ability to handle different terrains. The frame underwent changes to the steering column’s geometry, going from 25.4° to 27.3°, and a handlebar 4 centimeters wider was used to improve the bike’s stability when riding off-road. The swingarm also became longer, increasing the ground clearance to a generous 190 mm. The new Kayaba suspensions also contribute to this, with a fully adjustable 43 mm inverted fork that offers a travel of 170 millimeters. The factory setting was very good throughout the test, although it gives the impression of being a standard setting more focused on the road.
In the rear section, the 168 mm rear shock absorber only has preload adjustment.
To close these more significant changes, there are the wheels and tires. For the first time, Suzuki applies 21-inch spoked wheels in the front and 17-inch wheels in the rear, wrapped in Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires that left very good impressions.
Braking is ensured by Tokico sets with dual 310 mm discs and radial-mounted monobloc calipers with ABS, complemented by a 260 mm rear disc with disconnectable ABS for off-road use.
ENHANCED ELECTRONICS
S.I.R.S (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System) is the acronym used for the set of electronic driving aids that equip this model.
In addition to the usual ABS and traction control, which can be configured according to our driving style and personal preference, it also includes features such as cruise control, engine maps, variable action ABS based on inclination and load, hill hold that holds the motorcycle for 5 seconds facilitating uphill starts, and low rpm assist that compensates for the drop in revs and clutch work during start-up, trying to ensure that the engine rotation does not fall below the normal idle value.
These features and their respective menus are controlled by some buttons on both handlebars and displayed on the 5-inch color TFT screen, which showed good visibility throughout the test, even with direct sunlight.
The screen, which has a neat presentation and a lot of permanent information, is easy to use and quickly adaptable. I particularly liked the tachometer information, which maintains the analog appearance with a circular scale and a “pointer,” which is becoming rare these days. The use of menus is intuitive and relatively simple.
Speaking of electronics, the V-Strom is equipped with a practical USB socket next to the instrument panel and also with a 12V socket (cigarette lighter type) under the seat.
CONCLUSION
The new V-Strom 1050DE truly breaks with the tradition of this model, aiming to reach more adventurous users. Suzuki did not just add different wheels and suspensions, but rather made fundamental changes that optimize off-road use and thereby establish new horizons of use (and users).
Easy to use, comfortable and efficient are the most notable sensations. The use on the road was very surprising, since, despite the specific characteristics of this version, the dynamic behavior was exemplary in all aspects. The effect of the larger diameter wheel is slightly noticeable in the front, as the transitions from one curve to another become slightly slower, but this did not prevent us from rolling at an exciting pace on winding mountain roads. Off-road (although we rolled very little), the behavior is intuitive, with the “gravel” mode contributing to this ease of use.
The driving position and ergonomics on board are very pleasant, with the handlebar at a suitable distance and height for various statures, and the small front windshield is surprisingly effective in aerodynamic body protection. The motorcycle is tall and its weight of 252 kg is somewhat high, but somehow it seems to be much less than the numbers indicate.
The list of optional equipment and accessories is extensive and includes heated grips, seats of different heights, various types of protections and luggage options, essential for those who want to go on an adventure.
The V-Strom 1050DE is available in three color schemes, yellow, blue, and black, and is already available at brand dealerships.
SUZUKI V-Strom 1050DE
ENGINE 90° V-twin, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT 1037cc
POWER 79kW (107hp) @ 8500rpm
TORQUE 100Nm @ 6000rpm
TRANSMISSION 6-speed
FRAME double aluminum beam
FUEL TANK 20 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION 43mm inverted fork, 170mm of travel, fully adjustable
REAR SUSPENSION adjustable preload monoshock, 168mm of travel
FRONT BRAKE 2 310mm discs, radial mount calipers with ABS
REAR BRAKE 260mm disc, disconnectable ABS
FRONT TIRE 90/90 R21
REAR TIRE 150/70 R17
DISTANCE BETWEEN AXLES 1595 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 880 mm
WEIGHT 252kg (curb weight)
MSRP 15,990 €
