Sometimes we at Billysbikes get invited to something a little ‘different’, rather than the usual launch outings. This was certainly the case when I was requested to attend this rather interesting tour of the Karoo, an area that I’m not really familiar with. So, with a resounding yes I found myself on a plane to Cape Town and then on to their planned entertaining adventure, Suzuki style.
As you know we in general ride motorbikes, in this case Suzuki’s V-Strom DL 1050 XT, which I’ve enjoyed since its arrival in SA. Then to add a ‘twist’ to the terrain we were given the option of driving Suzuki’s cute ‘baby’ SUV, the delightful Ignis GLX.
One of the reasons to amalgamate the DL 1050 XT with the Ignis GLX is the price, they both cost R229,000 +/-, so this is an interesting feature on all counts.
After coffee and greetings I found myself aboard the V-Strom on our way to Barrydale. The chosen road was a dream as was the best part of the V-Strom. Now look, I’ve recently been on a few large capacity Adventure bike launches and one thing that stands out on the DL 1050 is the seat. Quite simply it’s the best in class and you don’t have to buy some expensive posh version to improve the stock option, just putting that out there. So after carving through the Cape’s tarmac we soon arrived in Barrydale for hefty but charming milkshakes. The venue was Diesel and Cream, not in the same bowl of course, but well worth a visit, as is everything in this stunning area of South Africa.
Once the cream was cleaned from the surroundings of my mouth I decided to relax in the Ignis GLX, my first time with the chunky SUV. Quite a surprise it was too as the feisty 1.2-litre engine soon propelled passenger and myself to an indicated 160kph, so cruising at legal speeds is effortless. Then we turned onto the off-road section towards a remote place called Bosch Luys Kloof (www.boschluyskloof.co.za).
You just can’t get more remote than this place and the road to it was an adventure on its own. High valley roads carved into the hills made for eyebrow raising fun in the Ignis. No matter where the Ignis was pointed it went. Rocky river beds were rolled across in a fashion that small cars like this shouldn’t, but it did. I think this small car shocked me more than my terrible driving, so the unfortunate passenger said.
Anyway and meanwhile on two-wheels the DL 1050 XT also devoured the washed out roads with zero complaints. I recently had fun with KTM on their new Adventure bikes and some sections were more technical here in the Karoo on the V-Strom, which romped through anything thrown at it, so there. It also sits on road tyres, so that answers that question about the DL 1050 not being a ‘proper off-road’ adventure bike and then some. 
The next day we climbed back out of the canyon on our way Calitzdorp. Again the DL 1050 and mighty Ignis impressively swept the terrain aside. Later we came to a stop, for lunch, at Kobus de Gat restaurant before climbing the mountains, which I think in English, was the Black Mountain pass. Quite possibly the most dramatic scenery in SA was rolled out around every corner as we again reveled in both forms of Suzuki transport. Either the car or bike was a perfect companion for all the right reasons. In fact you just have to travel around this area if you haven’t already, it’s that impressive folks, no matter what you drive/ride.
That night we slept in the ‘vintage’ style Klaarstroom Hotel off the N12. We were then taken to Forgotten Metals Workshop where various impressive restored vehicles were ours to view, and a treat of local dancers delivered their skills in true Karoo SA fashion.
The next morning I rode the DL 1050 to the final destination, the airport at George. The soothing big V-twin easing away the kilometers were a prefect way to finish off the pleasurable adventure we’d been through. The three days had flown by and apparently we’d covered over 500km in the process. Making new friends and enjoying Suzuki’s duo of machinery will always be a fond memory, especially considering the price they are to buy.
The Ignis GLX car is a real tough little bugger and the V-Strom DL 1050 XT is equally worthy of a gold medal. Just one more thing before I go. I recently heard of a guy who bought a new BMW 1250 GS Adventure with full panniers and an Akrapovic exhaust. It cost him around the same price as the Ignis and DL 1050 combined – how’s that for value for money when you can have both Suzuki’s instead, just another thought?
Visit www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za and www.suzukiauto.co.za to view their range of enticing products.
