VOLUME ISSUE AUGUST , P115
G
oodbye XT, and welcome DE.
Suzuki's latest generation
(fourth to be exact), large-
capacity Adventure motorcycle
received enough updates to justify
giving it a new designation. The
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE re-
places the previous XT with several
key revisions aimed at improving
the big V-twin's performance on
the dirt. None of the updates are
revolutionary, but there are many,
and most are welcomed.
It should be noted that Suzuki
still offers the "standard" V-Strom
1050 as its more street-bearing
all-around adventure touring model.
The 2023 1050 also has many up
-
dates (like the DE's). For those with
little interest in tackling anything
more than gravel roads or country
trails, the 1050 might be the bet-
ter choice. The DE, however, is for
those with more dirt than street in
their DNA.
Dirt Intentions
The DE has a 21-inch front wheel,
versus the 1050's and the previous
XT's 19 incher. This will be well
received by those wanting better
off-road performance and handling
out of their beloved V-Stroms. The
rear is still 17 inches. The DE is also
fitted with slightly more off-road ca-
pable Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires
that Suzuki says were explicitly
developed for the DE. The front tire
is tubed, and the rear is tubeless.
The previous 1050 XT had very
little ground clearance, just 6.5
inches, which was not excellent
even by light-duty off-road riding
standards. You get an inch more
clearance from the DE. That might
not seem like a lot on paper, but it
is on the dirt.
A 21INCH FRONT
WHEEL, MORE
SUSPENSION
TRAVEL, AND
SWITCHOFFABLE
REAR ABS GIVES YOU
MORE INCENTIVE
TO TAKE SUZUKI'S
HEAVYDUTY
ADV OFFROAD
INCENTIVES
