VOLUME ISSUE AUGUST , P121
And how can you not love the
quickshifter? The DE's might not
be the smoothest quickshifter
I've ever felt, but I love it. It
performs well enough in both
directions.
The 21-inch front wheel
doesn't change the V-Strom's
mannerisms on the pavement,
at least to me, but you start feel
-
ing a slight difference between it
and the previous 19-inch wheel
as soon as you pick up speed on
the twisties. However, I found it
a non-issue; I always felt in com
-
plete control of the DE in the
corners. I much prefer having a
21-inch front wheel in general
than not having a 19-inch front
wheel for the pavement
on a bike like this. But
there is always the 1050
if you just have to have
a 19.
The DE is also rock
stable on the pavement,
leaned over or straight
up. I certainly appreciat
-
ed its stability when I got
caught in a nasty wind-
storm on a desert high-
way, with cars all around
little taller and heavier than the
XT because it rides so well. It has
plenty of power (approximately
100 horsepower, same as before)
and is delivered ultra-smoothly.
Vibration is nearly non-existent, and
wind protection is surprisingly good
despite the downsized windscreen.
The DE's 1037cc,
90-degree, V-twin
engine delivers
ample horsepower
and torque. Some
other bikes in
its class might
make more power,
but the DE's
approximately
100 horses feel
sufficient for us.
The DE is ridiculously comfortable.
