2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 First Look
A much-anticipated update to the venerable V-Strom line
The only thing better than a new Suzuki V-Strom 1050 is a V-Strom family with three members based on the same 1037cc V-Twin engine. This updated mill retains the strong bottom end of its forebear while meeting the new, stricter Euro 5 emissions standards. Suzuki also claims that fuel economy will also be good, which means you can squeeze out more miles in the saddle per tankful. Let us introduce you to the Stroms.
V-Strom 1050
Forming the basis for all of the 1050 Strom family, the V-Strom 1050 features new Ride-by-Wire dual electronic throttle assemblies, updated traction control utilizing four sensitivity modes, a new Drive Mode Selector with three power delivery profiles, and a new Easy Start System.
The rider accommodations are what you would expect from an Adventure bike, with new, vibration-damping tapered aluminum handlebar. In front of the controls lies an all-new multifunction LCD instrument panel. Since V-Strom riders tend to go far afield, a GPS mounting bar resides above the instrumentation while USB power lives nearby.
The V-Strom 1050 rides on cast aluminum wheels for a more street-oriented focus and will be available with black and gray bodywork. Price and availability have not been announced.
V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure
Upping the ante on the base V-Strom 1050, the XT and XT Adventure through the inclusion of the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), which connects the ECM to new six-axis IMU via a Controller Area Network (CAN), The S.I.R.S. includes Cruise Control and a new Hill Hold Control system as part of the Motion Track Antilock & Combined Brake System. Another new braking function is the Slope Dependent Control System that monitors braking force to prevent rear wheel lift during downhill riding. Another feature of the Motion Track Brake System, dubbed the Load Dependent Control System, monitors and stores braking force information to optimize braking control when riding fully loaded, with a passenger, or both.
Both the 1050XT and the 1050XT Adventure ride on spoked wheels and tubeless tires. The 1050XT Adventure gets a set of Suzuki’s quick-release aluminum panniers and heated handgrips. Of course, Suzuki’s accessory department has many other options, like includes side and top cases, high/low seats, engine protectors, LED fog lamps and turn signals, aluminum chain guard, a side stand extension plate, and tanks bags that clip on and off of the fuel tank mount in seconds.
As far as colors are concerned, the V-Strom 1050XT has two choices: Championship Yellow and an Orange/White combination. Neither MSRP nor availability dates has been set.
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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CRUISE CONTROL! Wonder of wonders! Suddenly, the Strom is relevant to all conversations.
No mention of horsepower at all. Why is this indifferent to performance attitude migrating to the motorcycle world from the car world.
This is garbage and it's disgusting.