Suzuki flew Zane down to Melbourne to check out the majorly updated Suzuki V-STROM 1050 range, check out what he thought of the Standard and new DE models in his video review below...
V-STROM fans asked, Suzuki delivered. The majorly updated V-STROM 1050 and the new 1050DE, which phases out the 1050XT, sees the most off-road capable machine that has ever graced the line-up. I took off to Victoria to see how it handled on and off-road riding.
Read Zane’s full review of the 2023 V-STROM 1050/DE here…
2023 Suzuki V-STROM 1050/DE Tech Talk
The new 1050DE model will replace the outgoing XT version as a more off-road centric option for customers.
ENGINE
The 2022 V-STROM 1050/DE is powered by the latest iteration of Suzuki’s distinctive liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 90° V-twin DOHC engine. Notable changes include the introduction of Suzuki’s Bi-directional Quick Shift System and an update to the transmission.
The 2022 V-STROM 1050/DE is powered by the latest iteration of Suzuki’s distinctive liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 90° V-twin DOHC engine.
The engine design provides perfect primary balance, with each of the two cylinders cancelling out the vibration of the other. This eliminates the need for any balancer shafts, preventing the mechanical loss associated with them, and this connects to improving thermal efficiency for higher power output. Because each cylinder is independent, each can be optimised to facilitate the use of dual-plug heads.
The V-STROM 1050/DE is the first Suzuki motorcycle to employ hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves. They help reduce temperature in the combustion chamber.
Existing Engine Features
- Dual Spark Technology which utilises two iridium spark plugs per cylinder.
- Optimised exhaust and intake cam profiles combine with cam timing to provide combustion efficiency that contributes to high power output, low fuel consumption and Euro 5 emissions standard compliance.
- The cylinder bores inside the aluminium die-cast cylinders are plated using Suzuki’s SCEM process.
- Highly-rigid, lightweight forged pistons engineered using FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis.
- Each of the two cylinders is fed by independent 49mm large bore electronic-controlled throttle
bodies. - 2-into-1 exhaust system.
The updated six-speed transmission adopts a high-geared first and sixth gears that make shifting into second, and from there through fifth gears, smoother. The updated gear ratios also combine well with the operation of the new Bi-directional Quick Shift system.
The updated six-speed transmission adopts a high-geared first and sixth gears that make shifting into second, and from there through fifth gears, smoother.
Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS)
The slipper clutch partially disengages when downshifting to decelerate to mitigate the effect of engine braking. The assist function leverages precision-engineered ramps to force the clutch boss and pressure plate together and efficiently transfer torque to the rear wheel under acceleration, all while using softer clutch springs.
The slipper clutch partially disengages when downshifting to decelerate to mitigate the effect of engine braking.
Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.)
The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) features a collection of advanced electronic rider assist systems. Check all of them out below…
S.I.R.S. electronic systems employed by the 2022 V-STROM 1050/DE
- Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS)
- Suzuki Traction Control System (STSC)
- Cruise Control System
- Ride-by-Wire Electronic Throttle System
- Bi-directional Quick Shift System
- Suzuki Easy Start System
- Low RPM Assist
- Combined Brake System
- Motion Track Brake System
- Slope Dependent Control System
- Load Dependent Control System
- Hill Hold Control System.
Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) fully leverages Suzuki’s electronic throttle control system to offer a choice between three modes that deliver different power output characteristics.
- Mode A (Active): provides the sharpest throttle response at low to mid-range speeds and reaches the top of its power curve at lower rpm.
- Mode B (Basic): reaches the same level of maximum output, but features a more linear curve with softer throttle response at low to mid-range speeds.
- Mode C (Comfort): provides the softest throttle response and more gentle torque characteristics, while delivering power in a linear fashion that eventually reaches the same level of maximum power output at high rpm.
Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) fully leverages Suzuki’s electronic throttle control system to offer a choice between three modes that deliver different power output characteristics.
Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS)
The higher number the mode, the faster the control takes effect and the more proactive the system is in limiting wheel spin. As such, Mode 1 is for sport riding with minimal intervention from the system. Mode 2 offers a balance that is ideal for city riding and regular road conditions. And Mode 3 is well suited to wet or otherwise slippery road conditions. The system is programmed to continuously monitor front and rear wheel speed, engine RPM (as calculated using data from the crank position sensor), throttle position and gear position. It is designed to immediately limit power and help prevent slipping when an imminent loss of traction is detected by retarding the ignition timing and limiting the throttle opening.
New G (Gravel) mode (V-STROM 1050DE only)
In addition to the 3 modes (+ OFF) of STCS, the V-STROM 1050DE introduces a new Gravel (G) mode setting that retards ignition timing to help the rider better negotiate gravel roads by allowing some slip when riding on unpaved surfaces.
Ride-by-Wire Electronic Throttle System
Suzuki’s electronic throttle control system takes advantage of the 32-bit ECM to control the action of the throttle valves. Throttle grip action is set to be slightly stiffer on the 2022 V-STROM 1050/DE, particularly when first opening the throttle.
Cruise Control System
Updated settings for the 2022 V-STROM 1050/DE allow the speed to be set when riding in 2nd gear or higher at engine speeds between 2,000rpm and 7,000rpm, which translates to vehicle speeds of roughly 25km/h to 160km/h. The handy resume function re-engages the system and accelerates to the most recent speed setting after cancelling.
ABS unit
The V-STROM 1050/DE is equipped with a new Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) unit from Bosch that is even more compact and lighter in weight than the unit it replaces. Working in conjunction with the IMU, the ABS unit realizes features such as the Motion Track Brake System, Slope Dependent Control System, Load Dependent Control System and Hill Hold Control System
For 2022, the Suzuki VSTROM gets an updated frame with rigidity and strength kept in mind.
CHASSIS
The twin-spar aluminium alloy frame for the V-STROM 1050/DE incorporates aluminium castings along with extruded aluminium sections that lend the right amount of suppleness and strength to an overall rigid alloy frame structure.The result is a lighter, stronger frame. The frame’s updated seat rails add battery and rear fender mounting brackets that better support the input load from unpaved surfaces.
The V-STROM 1050DE gets its own dedicated chassis geometry with a longer wheelbase, longer rake, more ground clearance and a wider handlebar grip. The purpose is to improve stability and controllability when riding on unpaved surfaces.
Specifically, the V-STROM 1050DE adopts a longer swingarm to offset the larger front tyre and lengthened front suspension.
Optimised front and rear suspension
Fully adjustable KYB inverted front forks with 43mm diameter inner tubes deliver a smooth, controllable ride. The spring preload and compression/rebound damping can be adjusted, allowing the suspension to be set to best match the rider’s preference or the usage conditions.
The link-type mono-shock KYB rear suspension contributes to agility and stability. In addition to adjustable damping force and spring preload, the rear suspension’s preload can be adjusted by simply turning the dial by hand.
The front and rear suspension spring rate, valve, and piston settings were custom-tuned for the
V-STROM 1050DE to maximise performance and comfort when riding on unpaved surfaces.
Updates to the front and rear suspension also see a longer 170mm front fork suspension
stroke and an extended 168mm of rear wheel travel.
The V-STROM 1050DE rides on wire-spoked wheels and adopts a 21-inch aluminium front rim which is wrapped in a 90/90-21 Dunlop TRAILMAX MIXTOUR tyre in the front and 150/70R17 Dunlop TRAILMAX MIXTOUR tyre in the rear.
The V-STROM 1050DE adopts wider (20mm per side) new tapered handlebars made from thicker tubing and a softer grade aluminium than the V-STROM. The 1050DE seat features a fixed-height design with a new bottom shape.
V-STROM 1050DE adopts an aluminium engine protector as well as new side and centre stands designed to match the taller ground clearance of the VSTROM 1050DE’s custom chassis geometry.
A custom new 5-inch full-colour TFT LCD multi-function instrument panel features a clearly legible display of a rich variety of information.
2023 Suzuki V-STROM 1050 [1050DE] Specifications
Price: $22,990 [$24,690] Ride Away
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometre
Colours: Metallic Reflective Blue/Metallic Matt Black [Champion Yellow/Metallic Matt Sword Silver, Pearl Vigor Blue/Pearl Brilliant White or Glass Sparkle Black/Metallic Matt Black]
Claimed power: 79kW [106hp]@8500rpm
Claimed torque: 100Nm@6000rpm
Fuel capacity: 20L
Engine: 90-degree V-Twin, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves, 1037cc, EFI
Gearbox: Six speed
Clutch: Wet multiplate slipper
Final drive: Sealed chain
Chassis: Twin-spar aluminium frame
Rake: 25.4 degrees, Trail: 110mm [27.3 degrees, 126mm trail]
Suspension: Fully adjustable 43mm KYB USD forks, KYB remote shock, preload and rebound adj, 160mm travel
Brakes: Dual Tokico radially mounted four-piston calipers, 310mm rotors, single 260mm rear rotor and Nissin caliper, combined braking system, cornering ABS
Wheels & Tyres: 17in tubeless spoked alloy rims, 110/80-19 – 150/70-17 tyres. [Wire wheels, 90/90-21MC and 150/70-17MC]
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 1555mm [1595mm]
Seat height: 855mm [880mm]
Overall length: 2265mm [2390mm]
Height: 1515mm [1505mm]
Width: 940mm [960mm]
Instruments & Electronics: 5in TFT dash, ABS, Cruise, Traction Control, LED Lights, Ride Modes, Hill Hold, S.I.R.S
Editor’s Note: If you are reading this article on any website other than BikeReview.com.au, please report it to BikeReview via our contact page, as it has been stolen or re-published without authority.
The Verdict | Video Review: 2023 Suzuki V-STROM 1050DE & 1050
Heavily Improved!
Suzuki flew Zane down to Melbourne to check out the majorly updated Suzuki V-STROM 1050 range, check out what he thought of the Standard and new DE models!
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