Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1251702
VOLUME 57 ISSUE 21 MAY 27, 2020 P51 in front of the screen, which means you have to get off the bike to access it. That wasn't a big deal for me but might be for some. Behind the screen (close to the rider) is an accessory bar for mounting things like a GPS or smartphone, which can be kept charged via a new USB port attached on the left side of the dash. A 12-volt socket can be found under the seat, as well. Speaking of the seat, it is, as mentioned, adjustable, but requires tools and a bit of time to get the job done. At first, I thought that was a pain, but really, how often do you have to adjust the seat? Levers are also adjustable, but no tools are required. The new LED headlight does a great job lighting up the road, though the headlight itself looks a little dated. Overall, the revamped V- Strom 1050 is an improved mo- torcycle, that is, if you like more power and having plenty of rider aids that have been added or enhanced. Not to mention, there are the improved looks, though some still question the V-Strom's notorious "beak." (The V-Strom has always invited debate as to its look, right from day one.) But the old-school V-Strom of the past is now more refined and performs better, and it's just as well-mannered and a joy to ride as ever. There isn't much not to like about the new V-Strom, but there are a few things at least for me. I think the 'Strom is in desperate need of a skid plate, and you should have the option of turning off ABS, at least in the rear. A TFT display should be a given, as well. And, there are no small compartments to stash a wallet or phone. My second pur- chase after a skid plate would be heated grips. And, no, I wouldn't step up to the XT Adventure just to get the hand warmers, either. Besides, I'm not much for pan- niers anyway, and black doesn't do the 'Strom justice as the yel- low and orange XTs do. But even with these nitpicks, the V-Strom is an impressive all-around motorcycle with good value. CN S P E C I F I C A T I O N S ENGINE: .............. Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 90° V-twin DISPLACEMENT: .............................1037cc BORE X STROKE: ..................100 x 66mm COMPRESSION RATIO: ...................... 11.5:1 HORSEPOWER (CLAIMED): ....... 106 hp @ 8500 rpm TORQUE (CLAIMED): ............73.75 lb.-ft @ 6000 rpm FUEL SYSTEM: ...... Fuel injection, 10-hole injector, 49mm throttle body, Ride-by- Wire equipped RIDER AIDS: ........Cruise control, traction control, three-mode Drive Mode, Mo- tion Track Anti-Lock Brakes, Low RPM Assist, Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), Hill Hold Control System, Slope Dependent Control System, Load Dependent Control System IGNITION: .......Electronic (transistorized) HEADLIGHT:........................................... LED TAILLIGHT: ............................................ LED STARTING SYSTEM: ...................... Electric LUBRICATION: ..............................Wet sump CLUTCH: ................Wet, multi-plate, slipper TRANSMISSION: ....6-speed, constant mesh FINAL DRIVE: ............ Chain, O-ring, RK525 FRAME: ......................Twin-spar, aluminum; swingarm, aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION: .....Inverted telescopic fork, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: ......Single shock, link, fully adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL: ................... 6.3 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL: ..................... 6.3 in. FRONT BRAKE: ................Tokico, 4-piston calipers, 310mm twin floating disc, with linked ABS REAR BRAKE: .. Nissin, 2-piston, 260mm single disc, with linked ABS FRONT TIRE: ....................... 110/80R19 in. Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A4 REAR TIRE: ...........................150/70R17 in. Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A4 WHEELS: ........ D.I.D-supplied spoke-style wheels with aluminum rims FUEL CAPACITY: .............................5.3 gal. WHEELBASE: ....................................61.2 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: ..................... 6.3 in. SEAT HEIGHT: .................................33.5 in. WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED): ..... 544.6 lbs. COLORS: ........ Pearl Brilliant white/Glass Blaze orang / Champion yellow No. 2 2020 SUZUKI V-STROM 1050XT ($14,799)