VOL. 51 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 19, 2014 P55
THE CHASSIS
For 2014, the V-Strom also gets
a new chassis design with a
completely redesigned frame,
subframe and swingarm - the re-
sult of which is a 20mm longer
wheelbase and 33 percent more
rigidity. Impressive is the fact that
the new frame weighs 13 percent
less than the old one.
The length from the front axle to
the swingarm pivot bolt is shorter,
but the swingarm itself has been
lengthened giving the V-Strom a
longer 61.2-inch wheelbase. The
bike has 6.5 inches of ground
clearance and the rake and trail
changed from 26.5/110mm to
26.5/111mm. Suzuki says it went
with the changes to the chassis
to increase stability and give the
bike a more confidence-inspiring
character.
The all-new 43mm KYB invert-
ed fork comes from the sport-
bikes in the Suzuki lineup and
are fully adjustable for compres-
sion, rebound and preload. The
forks feature a larger piston for a
more stable ride on the heavier
V-Strom model.
The shock comes with re-
bound clickers and a manual pre-
load adjustment knob that has
20 clicks and allows the rider to
change rear ride height without
using any tools.
Super trick and lightweight, the
19-inch Enkei 10-spoke cast alu-
minum wheels and Bridgestone
BW501/502 tires keep things
rolling smoothly. The wheels
have larger front and rear axles
for added stability with the front
increasing from 20 to 25mm and
the rear going from 20 to 28mm.
To increase rider comfort the
handlebar position was moved
back by 34.2mm for a more re-
laxed riding position. Foot pegs
were also moved rearward by
15mm for more legroom. Addi-
tionally, the passenger pegs were
also repositioned for increased
comfort. The center of the bike
- where the seat and fuel tank
meet - is now slimmer, allowing
riders to easily put their feet on
the ground and have more knee
room when their feet are on the
pegs. The seat itself has been
redesigned for improved shape,
better foam density and seat grip.
LOOK AT ME
Up front the V-Strom1000 ABS
has a new look, as it gets a verti-
cal headlight similar to the GSX-
Rs and Hayabusa. It is said to be
18 percent brighter than the old
V-Strom headlight. It also gets a
front beak, which was first seen
on the 1980s Suzuki Adventurous
Spirit Dakar race bikes.
The adjustable windshield fea-
tures a six-way adjustability aimed
at reducing wind noise as well as
riding fatigue. With tools you're
able to mount the windshield in
three locations (standard, 15mm
and 30mm higher) depending
on rider preference. Without
tools and on the fly you're able
to change the angle of the wind-
screen with a slight push forward
in normal, 7.5-degree and 15-de-
gree increments.
A new modern, multi-func-
tion instrument panel features
a single-gauge design unlike
the bulky, outdated dual-gauge
unit on the previous model. The
(Left) There's a reason why they call
it a beak. (Above) The all-new motor
pushes nearly 100 horsepower (up
3.7 hp) and offers so much torque
that you will be giggling under your
helmet every time you roll on the
throttle. (Above right) The new dash
tells you all you want to know.
