V-Strom 1000XT

The powerful and versatile 90-degree DOHC V-twin originated as a 996cm3 unit, and underwent a major rebuild changing various components and rising the capacity to 1037cm3 in 2014, further maturing this attractive engine to match the demands of a sports adventure tourer. The strong, rider-friendly nature of this V-twin engine gives effortless acceleration irrelevant to the riding situation or the presence of a pillion rider. The 74kW (101ps) maximum output at 8,000rpm will promise the rider with an exciting riding experience, while with the optimally weighted magneto and flywheel helps to produce a thick layer of torque of 101Nm as low as 4,000rpm, resulting in a tremendously usable character allowing the rider to always have the required output and not needing to downshift when overtaking on motorways. Furthermore, the engine’s advanced electronic control systems and the attempt to reduce various mechanical losses, achieve a low fuel consumption. Inheriting these characters from the previous model, the unit is now Euro4 standard without missing any of its appeals resulting in cleaner performance.

Inheriting the favored traction control system from the previous model, this system enables the rider to control the throttle with more confidence in difficult riding situations such as gravel roads, two-up riding or with a heavy load to minimise the stress and/or fatigue on long distance rides. The traction control system continuously monitors the front and rear wheel speeds, throttle position, crank position, and gear position with various sensors, and controls the engine output by managing the ignition timing and air delivery. The traction control system can be switched to either of two modes, or off. Modes 1 and 2 differ in the timing and levels of intervention. Mode 1 has a lower level of intervention applied at a later timing allowing a certain degree of rear wheelspin, not to interrupt a sporty ride. Mode 2 has a higher level of intervention applied at an instant, controlling and preventing the slightest amount of spin, more actively supporting the rider in situations such as in the rain or on slippery road surfaces. The choice can be quickly and easily made by selecting the traction control mode from the left switch cluster and confirming it with a glance at the instruments.

The radial mounted four piston mono-block Tokico brake calipers and twin 310mm diameter discs on the front, and a 260mm diameter single disc with a single piston caliper on the rear, provide strong and controllable braking performance. The Bosch ABS system has been upgraded to the “Motion Track Brake System” by installing a 5-Axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and by combining the information of the posture of the vehicle with the front and rear wheel speeds, realising optimal vehicle stability not only in straight-line braking but also when braking while cornering. This new sophisticated system instantly assesses the need of ABS appliance when the lever or pedal is operated by calculating the posture of the vehicle and wheel speeds. When judging the need of appliance, the ABS unit will decrease in braking pressure, and will continue to control the increase/decrease of braking pressure at an advanced level according to the traction available. With advanced ABS control, appliance of the ABS is smooth with minimum kickback to the pedal/lever resulting in a stress and panic free ride. Also a new feature is the Combination Brake which automatically applies pressure to the rear brake when the front brake pressure rises to a certain pressure. This technology, combined with the Motion Track Brake System, will support the rider to trace the intended line to a certain extent in situations such as sudden/excessive braking in corners, efficiently reducing the speed and stabilising the vehicle even when at various lean angles.

By adding the new design concept “Tough Gear” to the existing “Wild and Smart”, the new V-Strom 1000 sports an updated look, mainly in the upper cowling, in kin to its 645cm3 brother bringing the V-Strom family together. Suzuki’s original “Beak” style has been further emphasised by making it a straight line from the tip to the top of the tank, expressing the DNA from the DR-BIG and the desert racer DR-Z. The heritage and history of Suzuki’s adventure models are further expressed, giving the owners pride of ownership. The newly designed double stitched seat has a sense of quality, and the tandem area is parallel with the rear carrier providing a large flat space to securely strap large baggage when needed.

The larger windscreen on the new V-Strom 1000 inherits the ratchet-gear mechanism allowing the rider to easily choose from three angles. No tools are necessary and the ideal position can be selected by simply pushing the windscreen by one hand, even with gloves on. The height of the screen can also be set to three preset positions using four bolts. The screen has been newly designed 49mm taller and with a smaller curve on the tip section, resulting in less wind blast, turbulence, noise to the helmet, and a clearer view. Also the new windscreen has improved the wind buffering to the body of the rider, all together providing the next level of comfort.

Reducing the wind blast to the hands of the rider and providing comfort especially in the rain or cold weather, the once optional Genuine Hand Guards are now standard to support harsh riding conditions. Comfort and accurate control can be further improved by installing the optional Grip Heaters for long distance rides in severe conditions. The Engine Under Cowling is also standard to give the rider that extra adventure feel.

The easy to see and easy to operate/understand instrument cluster provides rich information to the rider. It incorporates a big analogue tachometer and large digital readouts for the gear position and speedometer. The digital section below displays the odometer, twin-trip meter, clock, fuel level, coolant temperature, ambient temperature, battery voltage, range on remaining fuel, average and instantaneous fuel consumptions, and traction-control modes. Plus, instantly recognisable LEDs provide freeze, high-beam, neutral, fuel-injection, ABS, Traction Control mode, and water-temperature indicators. All of this information is accessible from the left handlebar switch, where it is now also possible to reset the trip meter.

Understandable functionality and ease of use is one of the charms of the V-Strom 1000. Functions such as the rear suspension preload adjustment needed when riding two-up or with luggage is possible without any tools, and the 12V DC outlet positioned below the instrument panel to power satellite navigation systems or recharge mobile devices are just a few things to support your adventure.

The seat provides luxurious comfort for both the rider and the tandem rider, combined with a sense of controllability for sporty riding by designing the section connecting to the fuel tank slim for a better hold. The height of the seat is kept low and provides ease of reaching the ground and giving the rider a sense of reassurance. The newly designed double stitch and SUZUKI logo gives the seat a sense of quality, while the side of the seat provides a high level of grip by using same materials as the competition RM-Z motocross models.

Equipped with the Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), the clutch acts as a slipper clutch system when changing down rapidly, while always providing light use of the lever. SCAS is an advanced clutch system supporting both sporty riding and less fatigue on long rides.

By adopting the new Low RPM assist system, the concern of an unexpected engine stall has been relieved. This system will automatically raise the idle speed when releasing the clutch or when riding at low rpms, assisting frequent clutch work in congested town rides and preventing sudden engine stall sometimes known to happen when running large capacity twins in the low rpm range.

Conventional starter switches needed to be pressed by the rider until the engine starts, but the new V-Strom 1000 ABS has adopted the Suzuki Easy Start System enabling the engine to start with one push of the button. A computerised ECM checks the status and disengages the starter motor immediately after the engine fires to life.

Equipped with wire-spoked wheels, the V-Strom 1000XT has joined the lineup. A feature on the more adventure related styling V-Strom 1000XT is the tapered handlebars, supporting the next level of adventure.

The open-type rectifier disconnects the magneto when it is not generating electricity to reduce mechanical losses, resulting in stronger torque at low and mid-range engine speeds. Plus, a 32-bit engine control module gives precise engine management so it enhances fuel economy and allows more linear throttle response.

19 inch front wheel and 17 on the rear provides a premium balance of stability and nimbleness to cope well with all riding situations. The V-Strom 1000XT adopts tubeless tyre applicable wire-spoke wheels. The wire-spoke wheels absorb shock from the road better due to the flexible character of spokes, and resulting in a softer riding feel provide the rider with further comfort and exhilarated riding pleasure. Black-anodised 43mm inverted front forks and a dial-adjustable rear shock absorber help to ensure great road holding and a smooth, comfortable ride even with a passenger and a full complement of luggage. Both front and rear suspensions are fully adjustable enabling the rider to maximise the feel to match any situation.

With a unique capacity of 1037cm3, the V-Strom 1000 has achieved an optimum balance of plentiful power and a light weight character. The light weight contributes to the ease of maneuverability and a sportier ride while also supporting low fuel consumption. Touring with 1200cm3-class adventure models will make the rider realise not only that the V-Strom 1000 has no difficulty managing the pace, but also the advantages of its light weight character.

The upright and relaxing riding position will fit any terrain or adventure, and most individual riders. Not just comfortable but giving the rider the sense of confident control shall support various riding from towns to long-distant adventure touring. The longer the ride becomes the rider shall notice the lack of fatigue, and the excellence will become obvious.

The V-Strom 1000 is built on a slim, twin-spar aluminium-alloy frame, providing a smooth ride, and a sporty riding experience when pushed hard, and also contributing to fuel economy thanks to its light weight structure. The aluminium swingarm is set to a length to provide straight-line stability and cornering stability at a high level. The bike feels reassuringly steady at high speeds even when it’s fully loaded with luggage and/or a passenger.

With the reputation for its long-distance touring performance sometimes even tandem riding, the optional integrated three-luggage system is an important option to heighten the attraction of the V-Strom 1000. The rear section of the bodywork was designed to accommodate this integrated three-luggage system. Also with the cases all fitted close to the center of gravity of the body, even when fully loaded the effect on handling is minimum, contributing to stress-free handling and stability. All three cases are lockable with the ignition key. 

Most appreciative in the cold seasons of riding or in the rain, the Grip Heaters have undergone a model change. The new type has a thinner grip and is almost identical to the standard grips making it feel natural even when not using them. Also the switch is built in to the left hand grip making the device compact and easier to fit, while the hot wire inside the grip has been positioned all-round the grip, providing a more effective heating efficiency. The once-optional knuckle covers, affective combined with the Grip heaters, are now standard, while the accessory line up is still rich with items such as LED turn signals, Chain guard, Touring screen, and a Center stand which comes in handy when loading the vehicle.