Sport. Adventure. Tourer. Three claims made by Suzuki
of the DL1000 V-Strom. Sport. Adventure. Tourer. Is it
possible a bike can be all three? Is it possible the V-Strom
can be all three?
Initial impressions of the latest guise Suzuki V-Strom
1000 is that it is definite improvement over the looks of
the previous version. Now into its second year of sales,
the larger of the v-Strom’s is now starting to look like
its contemporaries; rugged, purposeful and ready for
adventure.
A slew of electronics
has seen the latest
V-Strom become quite
possibly one of the
safest bikes in the
adventure class, while
making it quite easy to
ride. Cornering ABS,
Motion Track Braking
System,
Low
RPM
Assist all make the ride
easier and safer.
Cosmetic
changes
have also made the latest
V-Strom look better,
while also providing
some comfort for the
rider. Handguards have
been added, protecting
the rider’s hands and the levers in the inevitable fall. A
larger redesigned screen is also added to keep the wind
off the rider. With a ratchet mechanism it’s quite easy to
position the screen so that it suits the individual, perfect
as in the full up position it is perfect for shorter riders,
our female tester commented that “this is one of the best”
she’s experienced. Taller riders would probably need to
pull the screen back as there was significant buffeting
around the helmet in the full upright position.
Throwing a leg over the V-Strom 1000 gives indication
that this bike is perhaps more sport orientated. The pegs
are quite high and small, a taller rider feels that their legs
are quite tucked up, not uncomfortable however, would be
better suited if the pegs were lower and perhaps wider.
The seat is wide and comfortable, perfect for long
distance and yet slim enough at the front that the rider can
slide forward putting more weight over the front wheel.
It’s a great design that works well.
In the seated position, the handlebars are well positioned
and wide, they feel like
you’re on an adventure
bike and ready to take
on almost anything.
There is a downside,
taller riders might find
that they are too low
when in the standing
position, one of our
riders commented that
he “felt like a jockey on
a thoroughbred” as he
felt so far forward and
uncomfortable, almost
unstable. Getting used
to this took time, but it
was time well spent as
the V-Strom started to
prove it was more than
capable of almost any conditions.
The ergonomics of the V-Strom’s dash are well thought
out. A large analogue tacho and digital speedo are
positioned so that they are easily visible in either the seated
or standing position. Selected gear, warning lights and
information displays are all in logical positions providing
the rider with all relevant information with a quick glance.
On the road, the V-Strom, with its 1037cc engine, comes
alive. The v-twins 74kW (99hp) engine provides enough
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