Suzuki reveals new flagship for updated V-Strom 1050 range
Suzuki has revealed a new V-Strom 1050DE which boosts the range’s off-road capability.
It replaces the XT as Suzuki’s flagship adventure bike and shares performance enhancements with an updated V-Strom 1050.
The new V-Strom 1050DE and 2023 V-Strom 1050 feature a new, full-colour TFT dash, bi-directional quickshifter, for smoother clutchless up and downshifts, and a suite of complex electronic features including:
- Six-axis IMU (Internal Measurement Unit)
- Lean angle-sensitive ABS with two sensitivity modes
- Slope and load-dependent control
- Hill-hold
- Linked brakes
- Cruise control
- Three power modes
- Three traction control settings
The V-Strom 1050DE also includes:
- A bigger 21in front wheel, for more control and manoeuvrability on rougher terrain, and Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tyres with a semi-block tread pattern.
- Increased suspension travel and ground clearance and revised chassis geometry.
- Handlebars 40mm wider, for an improved off-road stance, and steel footpegs.
- Two ABS modes. Rear ABS can also be disengaged.
- Off-road G (gravel) traction control mode to allow more rear wheel slip but not too much wheelspin.
Their styling embodies the DR-Z800 off-road racer. The DE goes further in its homage with a traditional yellow and white livery, with gold rims, and a blue and white colour scheme with blue rims. There’s also an all-black version.
The V-Strom 1050 will come in black and gold with gold wheels, blue and black and grey or red and black, both with red rims.
The V-Strom 1050 keeps 19in front and 17in rear aluminium wheels with Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyres.
The DE’s larger front wheel and longer travel suspension – fully-adjustable front forks and rear shock from KYB – raises ground clearance to 190mm. A new aluminium swingarm makes its wheelbase 40mm longer than the V-Strom 1050.
The twin-spar aluminium frame is updated with castings and extruded sections so it can be thinner, lighter and stronger.
The V-Strom 1050DE gets a lighter, more rigid seat for off-road riding, smaller screen, more rugged front fender, engine bars and aluminium sump guard as standard.
The V-Strom 1050 retains the stepped seat and taller screen, both height-adjustable. Rubber-covered aluminium footpegs are more comfortable for touring and the aluminium sump guard is replaced with a black lower cowling.
The updated transmission has taller first and sixth gears which aids acceleration.
The DE has a stronger drive chain and new shift lever better suited to off-road riding.
Both models have a standard-fit centre stand and hand guards, USB power socket beside the TFT screen, 12V socket under the seat and full LED lighting.
The new V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050 will be available early next year.
There are rumours that the V-Strom 650 and SV650 might be replaced with models powered by a new parallel-twin 700 engine after prototypes were spotted on the road being tested.
We’re very excited and will let you know more when Suzuki reveals details.
You can also reserve the new Suzuki Address and Avenis 125 scooters which are due in the showroom this month.
Find out more about the new Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE at orwell.co.uk/suzuki/new-suzuki-motorcycle-range/adventure/v-strom-1050de