Test: Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT (2020) // The Giant Returns Home

This is exactly the case in the more adventurous version of XT, it costs a good 13 pieces... The base model costs just under 12 thousand. This is important information when discussing your arguments when deciding whether to buy arguments.

Compared to its predecessor, its appearance at first glance has changed significantly, but it is new mainly from a technical point of view. They came up with new environmental regulations with an improved engine. It's a tried and tested 1.037cc V-twin and a great drivetrain.but now it is cleaner, has more power and torque. The mechanics of the new V-Strom 1050 XT do not differ significantly from their predecessor. However, thanks to reprogramming and new camshafts, the engine now develops instead of 101 "horsepower". slightly more specific 107,4 "horses".

The driver can use three engine programs to change the reaction rate to gas addition. In addition, electronics it also controls the stability of the motorcycle very well as it is easy to select the three-stage method of rear wheel slip control and good in practice. As an enthusiast, I liked that I was able to completely disable the system that makes sure the bike does not idle.

Sliding around corners on gravel is a fun thing to do with a firm and reasonably soft suspension, as the wheels follow the ground well even over small bumps. However, I think that few people will turn off the electronics completely if there is something other than asphalt under the wheels.

The winding mountain road is still the most natural habitat for the V-Strom. Although the torque is now on average higher in all engine modes, it the peak of the torque and power curve is again reached at higher speeds. While driving, it does feel, but not at cruising speed, with the engine running in the lower rev range, when you two are enjoying a Sunday ride and admiring the surroundings, but when you climb halfway up. More precisely, over 5000 rpm. Therefore, dynamic driving often requires downshifting and allowing the engine to spin more.

I also felt slight vibrations of the engine during hard acceleration, but they do not interfere with the movement. During dynamic cornering, frame, suspension and brakes work together perfectly. They are more on the comfort side than on the sporty side, but when riding for two, the rear shock had to be adjusted with a pivot knob under the seat. Ten clicks to the right, I closed the return a little more and the problems with rocking and stretching too fast due to excess weight disappeared.

The fact that between the legs, say, 1200 cubic centimeters there is an engine of a thousand or more, is differently felt during long turns and overtaking. Then, for decisive acceleration, it is necessary to open the throttle fully or even downshift. To some extent, this is also possible on the highway. But we are not talking about a lack of power. Effortlessly picks up cruising speed, when the throttle lever is fully wound, the numbers on the digital display continuously increase towards the 200 km / h mark.

For a decent motorcycle ride (even for two), the power is enough. It should be noted that the rear passenger sits very well. In general, I have no comments on sitting and standing behind the wheel. The XT version is designed for everyone who enjoys long journeys and even goes to the field. The adventurous image is accompanied by very useful and effective solutions.

The comfort seat is height adjustable and has additional 12V socket for charging electronic devices such as phone and GPS, spoked wireswhich also withstand dynamic off-road driving, very good protection of engine pipes and vital parts, which saves a lot of money in the event of an awkwardness or a fall, hand protection which is a more cosmetic solution to keep you warm in the morning and very easily adjustable windshield glass. In the basic version it can only be adjusted with a tool, while in the XT model you can move it to a higher or lower position with one hand when you release the safety clasp.

I also want to note that the wind protection is good and does not cause unpleasant turbulence or noise while driving. In addition, it still looks modern - like on the Dakar Rally cars. I believe the bike will appeal to many with its versatility, quality finishes and looks. He relies not on adrenaline and excitement, but on a well-thought-out equation.where a very favorable price is set taking into account the wishes and what is ultimately offered to the user.

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT is proof that instead of striving for great performance, a smarter average route is really enough for an enjoyable two-person ride or even a more serious off-road motorcycle adventure.

Face to face: Matyaz Tomažić

Congratulations to all those who reworked the almost forgotten V-Strom. I myself have always said that the great V-Strom is a Japanese who, in addition to the right male character, also has the right old school honey. Finally, it became a beautiful motorcycle, especially in this legendary racing color from the Paris-Dakar rally. With all the electronics turned on, he caught a more expensive competition, but this, in my opinion, is of secondary importance, because it is more important that he takes me home for a long time each time and lures me into an evening circle around the city. Just a beautiful motorcycle, which I did not find the slightest dissatisfaction with.

• Basic data

  Sales: Suzuki Slovenia

  Base model price: 13.490 €

  Test model cost: 13.490 €

• Technical information

  engine: 1037 cc, two-cylinder V-shaped, water-cooled

  Power: 79 kW (107,4 km) at 8.500 rpm

  Torque: 100 nautical miles @ 6.000 rpm

  Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain, traction control as standard, three engine programs, cruise control

  Frame: aluminum

  brakes: front 2 spools 310 mm, Tokico radial clamping jaws, rear 1 spool 260 mm

  Suspension: front adjustable telescopic fork USD, rear double swingarm, adjustable single shock absorber

  Tires: before 110/80 R19, rear 150/70 R17

  Growth: 850 - 870 mm

  Ground clearance: 160 mm

  Fuel tank: 20 l; slave 4,9 l 100 / km

  Wheelbase: 1555 mm

  Weight: 247 kg

We praise and reproach

off road view

motor protection

undemanding to driving

position of the driver's and front passenger's seat

dynamic driving requires a lot of gear changes

final grade

Admittedly, the Suzuki V-Strom has undergone design changes almost overnight and morphed into one of the bikes with an extremely distinctive appearance, which is its advantage. Of course, we are recognizable not only by the sharp beak that the square LED headlight boasts, but also by the combination of white-red and yellow-blue colors. This is reminiscent of the days when Suzuki was the only major manufacturer to bet on a single-cylinder engine and was therefore very different from everyone else.