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RIDE REVIEW I 2023 SUZUKI V-STROM 1050DE P124 tivate the ABS while riding off-roading reduces the pucker factor when you don't want it to kick in (like going down steep descents for exam- ple). Turning it off simply increases the DE's fun factor in the dirt. Now you can slide the back end around for turning or simply for giggles. The new Gravel mode is a nice addition. It gives you a little warning before things could get sideways without being annoying. The DE's Tokico (front) and Nissin (rear) brakes have a big responsibility of slowing this large motorcycle down from speed, and they do their job well. They are powerful enough and have a good feel, and you hardly notice the brake pedal when the ABS kicks in. The all-im - portant front brake is linked to the back (but not vice versa), so one finger is usually all you need for casual braking. End of the Day The DE is a better motorcycle in the dirt than the previous XT. No question. When we tested the XT three years ago, Suzuki addressed some of our gripes. We wished the XT had a skid plate, check. We wished the rear ABS could be turned off, check. We wanted a TFT display, check. We wanted a convenient storage space for small items, such as a wallet or cell phone. Oh well, can't have everything, right? And we always whine when long-distance touring bikes don't come fitted with hand warmers. Maybe next time. Suzuki also made changes that we didn't ask for that we're glad they did, like the 21-inch front wheel, which greatly improves off-road han - dling. They improved suspension that is now noticeably better on the dirt, and they gave the bike more ground clearance, which means you can attack rougher trails a little harder than you could the XT. Despite the upgrades, however, you still must give the DE a lot of respect in the dirt; after all, it is a 550-plus-pound motorcycle. However, the DE still shines brightest on the pavement. It is a wonderful street tourer that can eat up the miles hour after hour in absolute comfort, and since it's a little more versatile than before, you can add more destinations to your list of places to go, even if that means get - ting a little rough and dirty. CN 2023 SUZUKI V-STROM 1050DE ($15,999) ENGINE: 90° V-twin 4-stroke DISPLACEMENT: 1037cc VALVETRAIN: DOHC, 8-valve BORE X STROKE: 100.0 x 66.0mm COMPRESSION RATIO: 11.5:1 FUEL SYSTEM: EFI, Ride-by-Wire IGNITION: Electronic ignition LUBRICATION SYSTEM: Wet sump CLUTCH: Wet, multi-plate TRANSMISSION: 6-speed constant mesh FINAL DRIVE: RK O-ring 525 chain FRONT SUSPENSION: Inverted fork, coil spring, 43mm KYB, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: Single shock, link-type, fully adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL: 6.7 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL: 6.6 in. FRONT BRAKE: Tokico, 4-piston calipers, twin disc REAR BRAKE: Nissin, 2-piston, single disc FRONT TIRE: 90/90-21 in. Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour REAR TIRE: 150/70R-17 in. Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour WHEELBASE: 62.8 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: 7.5 in. SEAT HEIGHT: 34.6 in. FUEL CAPACITY: WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED): 554 lbs. RIDER AIDS: Traction Control, ABS, Motion Track Brake System, Slope Dependent Control System, Load Dependent Control Sys- tem, Hill Hold Control System, Drive Mode Selector, Cruise Control, Quick Shift System, Easy Start System, Low RPM Assist System WARRANTY: 12-month unlimited mileage limited warranty S P E C I F I C AT I O N S