2023 Suzuki V-Strom DL1050DE

1050 mainOne of the most recognisable and iconic model names in motorcycling has to be the Suzuki V-Strom, well at least in the top five offerings that is. Originally born in 2002, Suzuki has enjoyed sales of over 100,000 units worldwide since its conception, thus proving and continuing the V-Strom's legacy. Well we’re now into 2023 and here’s the latest contribution to the V-Strom large capacity platform – the new DL1050DE.

We think this is the fourth generation, or it  may be the fifth, but the biggest update came in 2019. This new version may look similar at first glance, but there are more changes to it than to a team, at half time, during a dreadful American football game!1050 group01So, before we get into ‘how it feels’, let’s chomp away at what’s new and, as there's quite a bit to cover, make a mug of tea, sit back and relax while your brain absorbs the following:

Some said the frame on the new DE remains the same as the previous model but it most definitely is not! Firstly, the rake has been kicked out because of the 21-inch front wheel for improved stability off-road. Then, the swing-arm is also longer and 10% stiffer for the same reason (wrapped around a new and more beefy drive chain), as are the strengthened seat frame rails and sub-frame. The ‘bars are 40mm wide and higher and the foot pegs also adopt a wider design for better grip in the rough stuff. While you’re enjoying the dirty side of life, and the chance of unavoidable obstacles, you’ll notice hand-guards, hefty crash bars each side of the engine and a monster sump guard/bash plate to protect vital parts, all of which are standard fittings on the DE.1050 group02The unbreakable 1,037cc, DOHC, 90-degree V-twin obviously remains, stomping out a claimed 107hp@8,500rpm and 100Nm@6,000rpm of the torquey stuff. It also has new hollow exhaust valves filled with sodium if you’re interested (unlike myself), to keep internal temperatures cooler I’d imagine. Inside the gearbox are revised ratios producing a taller first and sixth gear – Suzuki say these are better for off-road; not sure about sixth but the first gear most definitely is. Then, to cap it off, there’s a new bi-directional quick-shifter, but never say that in the pub or you'll sound a bit suspect, if you know what I mean.1050 group03Suspension has been changed for the better with increased stroke front and rear (around 10mm) from the KYB specialists,  also increasing ground clearance to 190mm. It is fully adjustable at the front with pre-load, compression and rebound damping and pre-load and rebound at the rear. Rear pre-load can be adjusted with a simple twist of a protruding big knob, and I advise to never mention that in a pub either!1050 middle01These new components are there to aid with the 21-inch front wheel adoption, which I’m still confused about as all big BMW GS' have 19-inch front wheels don’t they? Anyway, due to demand, the 1050 V-Strom now has a 21-inch front hoop. Strangely the front has a tube inside while the rear 17-inch rim is tubeless and no one seems to know why. Apparently a tube can be easily replaced but a heavily torn tubeless can’t. Anyway you can put a tube in the rear should it be needed but it’s not really something I’m concerned about.

Predictably major updates are from the wealth of new electronic rider aids or S.I.R.S. (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System). These are all displayed and adjusted using the far better, new, 5-inch full colour TFT screen, which can be changed to a black or white background if you fancy.1050 group04Ok, we now have three traction modes: A,B,C, as well as Off and the new G (gravel mode), allowing for limited rear wheel slip and softer throttle response, I think. The ride-by-wire throttle action is now a bit stiffer for more precise throttle action, they say. A new six-axis IMU has been fitted that allows for ABS cornering and you can turn off the ABS rear for more off-road fun if you desire. The IMU also combines with the linked Tokico brakes to assist with hill hold control, downhill assist and load dependant control by changing brake pressure between the wheels, which is quite clever really. Oh, there’s also cruise control if your wrist gets limp after a long day in the saddle.1050 group05Speaking of the saddle, the new DL1050DE is a very tall bike with a seat height of 880mm. Some complained about this  during our SA Launch but it never bothered me as I’m around 6-foot tall. I did, however, find the ‘bars a bit too tall for my liking but that’s an easy and cheap fix/change. I’d drop them by an inch or so but that's my preference and not necessarily anyone else's. I felt a bit like I was looking over the neighbour's fence when I was a young lad during sunbathing days, if you know what I mean, or perhaps it's better if you don't!1050 middle02Even though it weighs in at 252kg (wet) it never felt like it once I was on the move. I’m not a huge fan of off-road but, for some inexplicable reason, I enjoyed every moment of our ride through and around the delights of rural Durban. The suspension was superb and plush while many ‘others’ are way too hard and the fat, padded seat and ergonomics were certainly as commendable as well.

The engine was, and still is, a peach in its effortless delivery and it sounds great. It’s nice to hear a ‘real’ V-twin when the new breed of parallel-twins seem to be on a quest to make them sound like one, right? It’s not about revs and horsepower on the DL1050DE, it’s more about smooth torque delivery and the new quick-shifter combines with that effect perfectly. Sure it’s a fast motorcycle if you need it to be and it’ll easily surpass 200km/h and pull wheelies if you desire.1050 group06I also liked the new clocks which make monitoring the many setting so easy in any form of light - an important attribute I’d say. Weirdly I did find the bike more potent in the B mode power setting, or maybe that was after a longish day in the countryside. On the road though I felt no adverse effects from the adoption of the 21-inch front wheel. The DL was entertaining, stable and turned quickly and predictably, an undisputable long distance touring bike on all counts for sure! You can also add genuine Suzuki luggage packs should you wish, so ask you dealer about those additions.

This is, without doubt, the best big V-Strom ever made to date and that says a lot after 20-plus years of development. It’s very good looking as well, especially in Suzuki's signature yellow, or you can have a blue/white or black one if you'd prefer. Equally good for both off-road or road adventures alike, it is now, most definitely, the big Adventure bike Suzuki riders have been asking for!1050 lastOh, and one more thing before I go. In this world of big Adventure bikes' prices getting closer to 400k by the day, the new DL1050DE comes in at a highly respectable R259,000, and that includes all the standard equipment mentioned above. V-mendous I’d say!

Images: Chris Kuun.

Go to www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for more technical information and to book a test ride.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

favicon4