V-STROM GETS DOWN AND DIRTY

For the first time in its 20-year lifespan, the V-Strom is getting a more serious off-road stance with a DE version joining a more road-oriented standard model.

This means a 21-inch/17inch wire wheel combination, engine guards and revision to the electronic rider aids that include a “gravel mode” and the ability to turn off the rear ABS.

As well, a longer swingarm increases stability and the suspension travel is increased.

These are just a few of the features in a major revamp that follows the 2020 upgrade that brought 1990s-influenced DR Big-inspired styling and a retro rectangular headlight.

There’s no dispute that the V-Strom is a popular model in Australia, largely based around its price and the fact that it isn’t an intimidating off-roader for the average rider to master.

Designed primarily for Europe, where looks mean more than off-road ability, the upgrade recognises that Suzuki had to try harder both to get current owners to upgrade and also attract buyers tempted by harder-edged rivals in this market segment.

Suzuki Australia’s National Marketing Manager Lewis Croft was very upfront with AMCN when we spoke to him after the announcement.

“Let’s not kid ourselves, the earlier versions of the V-Strom have always been OK in the road conditions that have suited its major market, which is Europe. Now it can really suit the riders in Australia who seek out backroads that are often bumpy and end up in dirt,” he said.
“As well, V-Strom riders now have a choice of two distinct versions.”

The version that interests AMCN most is the DE. It gets serious off-road footpegs and a new, shorter, smoked screen – easier to see over when standing on the pegs.

Of course the bigger front wheel also requires a new front mudguard to suit. The suspension is still from KYB and uses 43mm USD forks, as before, but now has more travel, 170mm at the front and 169mm at the rear. The DE’s drive chain is tougher than the standard model’s, and its gear-shift lever is redesigned.

Both the DE and the stock 2023 V-Strom 1050 get a reworked gearbox, with closer-ratio intermediate gears and longer first and sixth ratios, improving acceleration despite no change to the power or torque. While the engine output is unaltered, the V-twin does have updates including new sodium-filled exhaust valves and a revised setting for the cruise control, which now works over a wider range of speeds than before.

The Bosch ABS unit is revised and lighter than before and both versions of the V-Strom 1050 get a new, colour TFT dashboard to bring them into line with rivals.

Both versions are on sale in Australia from March 2023.

Prices

Current V-STROM 1050XT
$21,990 ride away

New V-STROM 1050
$22,990 ride away
(Pre order incentive pay $1000 deposit = Full alloy luggage kit over $3000 value)

New V-STROM 1050DE
$24,690 ride away
(Pre Order incentive pay $1000 deposit = Alloy Top Box over $1000 value)

WORDS // HAMISH COOPER and BEN PURVIS