Suzuki has thoroughly tackled the V-Strom 1050 launched at the end of 2019 for model year 2023. The popular one-litre Allroad is equipped with extensive electronics, but that’s not the only thing they have adapted in Hamamatsu. The XT version has made way for a V-Strom 1050DE, which is even more tuned for off-road use.
More advanced electronic control systems from the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (RIRS), an up/down quickshifter, an improved traction control with now a special Gravel mode (G-mode) on the 1050DE for when driving on unpaved roads, 21″ front wheel for the 1050DE and a 5″ TFT color display are just a few of the innovations Suzuki has made to the V-Strom 1050 for 2023.
To start with the electronics. Suzuki has equipped the new V-Strom 1050 with a 6-axis IMU, which continuously monitors the engine’s Roll, Yaw and Pitch and uses data for the following systems: Motion Track Brake System (MTBS), Hill Hold Control System ( HHCS), Slope Dependent Control System (SDCS) and the Load Dependent Control System (LDCS).
Impressive abbreviations, but what do they mean now? The MTBS is a system that ensures that you can also fully rely on ABS, which is popularly known as cornering ABS, under lean angles. With cornering ABS you can choose from 2 modes: Mode 1 ensures minimal intervention, while Mode 2 intervenes more proactively. The Hill Hold Control System speaks for itself, it acts as an automatic parking brake when you have to do a hill test.
Slope Dependent Control System provides more stable braking when descending and Load Dependent Control System supports optimal braking when carrying luggage or a passenger. Thanks to the Suzuki Easy Start System, the engine starts with a quick push of the start button, without having to use the throttle and clutch levers. Suzuki’s Low RPM Assist feature helps maintain engine idle speed for a smoother and easier start-up, ideal in stop-and-go situations.
Suzuki has further improved cruise control to allow for a wider range of speed and gear settings. This helps to reduce fatigue when covering longer distances, especially when driving at constant speeds.
Once the SET mark appears on the new color TFT LCD instrument display, the rider can easily adjust the speed setting up or down using the selector switch on the left side of the handlebar.
It is now also possible to set the speed while driving in second gear or higher, at engine speeds between 2,000 rpm and 7,000 rpm and at speeds from 25 to 160 km/h. The special convenient function re-enables the system and accelerates to the most recent speed setting after canceling.
Speaking of speed and gears, following the GSX-S family, Suzuki has now also equipped the V-Strom 1050 with an up/down quickshifter, which makes shifting a lot more relaxed. Not that he needed it strictly speaking, because shifting did the V-twin always sublime.
In addition to the quickshifter, Suzuki has also adjusted the gear ratios. First and sixth gears have now been lengthened, which should have made shifting up to second and from there to fifth gear smoother. According to Suzuki, this must also have resulted in more exciting acceleration.
Of course, Suzuki has equipped the V-Strom 1050 with the well-known Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, which aids the rider in tailoring the throttle response and power delivery to the conditions. The traction control…excuse… Suzuki Traction Control System has three positions, but can also be switched off.
From the saddle you now look out on a 5″ full-colour TFT color screen, which has an additional function of displaying large pop-up warnings. The tachometer also serves as a programmable gear indicator and will flash when the preset RPM is reached and the engine speed is reached. so it’s time to switch up.The display has an automatic day/night setting, but that can also be selected manually.
Then the V-Strom 1050SE, which has taken over from the 1050 XT. Where the XT was no more and no less than a regular 1050 with wire wheels, Suzuki has made much more distinction with the 1050DE. For example, the bicycle has a modified chassis with longer and stiffer aluminum swingarm and a larger wheelbase, longer suspension travel (170 mm front, 168 mm rear), discontinued wheels with 21″ front wheel and equipped with Dunlop TRAILMAX MIXTOUR tires.
Another specific feature of the V-Strom 1050 DE is the new Gravel mode (G-mode) of the Suzuki Traction Control System. This mode improves handling on unpaved roads and allows disabling of the rear wheel ABS for better performance on gravel. The new G-mode setting delays ignition timing so you can drive better on gravel roads by allowing some slip. This is achieved because the rear wheel continues to deliver power without interruption and only suppresses excessive wheel spin.
An extensive range of new colors is available for both the V-Strom 1050 and the V-Strom 1050DE. The V-Strom 1050 is available in four color combinations; black in combination with gold rims and Blue/Black with black rims. Red/Black and Gray/Black are both combined with red rims. The sporty 1050DE is available in three color combinations; Yellow/Silver gray combined with gold-coloured wire wheels, Blue/White with blue wire wheels and Black in combination with black wire wheels.
With over 30 items available for the new V-Strom 1050/1050DE, Suzuki has expanded its current accessory list. Accessories that, according to Suzuki, all improve comfort, usability, protection and design. The collection includes a range of top and side cases in different sizes, materials and colours, heated grips and an LED fog light set.
The redesigned V-Strom 1050 and 1050DE will make their debut at the INTERMOT Motor Show in Cologne from October 4-9, 2022. Consumer prices will be announced at a later date.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.