Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BIG SUZUKI IS AN EASY-RIDING JOY
It’s hard to believe Suzuki first introduced the V-strom 1000 way back in 2002. It became an almost instant hit as a comfortable, easy-to-ride, light but powerful new player in the adventure-tourer market.
It was updated in 2004 and revised in 2013, taking in influences from the DR-Z desert racer and inheriting that unique front ‘beak’.
It also employed Suzuki’s first traction-control system and the engine was increased to 1037cc. Although never as popular in terms of sales as its smaller sibling the 650, the bigger Strom still made nearly 65,000 riders happy around the world between 2002 and 2015.
The current line-up includes the standard model and the XT version, tested here.
This features wire spoked wheels, tapered handlebars, hand guards and an under cowling. My bike also came with the optional heated grips.
The ride position is upright and relaxed and the seat comfortable over many miles. The cockpit features a large analogue tacho, plus digital speedo and gear indicator. Below that you’ll find all the other usual information.
There are two traction control modes and it can also be switched off.
Hit the start button and the V-twin purrs rather than roars into life. Head off and you are immediately struck by the smooth gearshifts.
The lever action is beautifully light and the hydraulically actuated clutch incorporates an assist/slipper system which is very similar to that on the excellent GSX-R1000, and makes downshifting in particular completely hassle-free.
A nifty feature is the low-rpm assist system which automatically raises the idle speed when you engage the clutch or ride at low speed, meaning you are unlikely to ever stall. The bike is deceptively nimble at low speed and there’s plenty of low-down torque, with the maximum being reached at just 4,000rpm. There’s plenty of power too, with motorway speeds quickly reached and comfortably maintained.
Braking is via twin 310mm discs up front and a 260mm on the rear. The Bosch ABS system includes a five-axis inertial measurement unit which senses when you’re cornering and adjusts accordingly.
Front and rear suspension are both fully adjustable, and the bike feels light and stable.
The big V-strom has a justifiably proud history – and this one is the best yet. Suzuki V-strom 1000XT
Engine: 1037cc V-twin
Power: 101bhp @ 8,000rpm
Torque: 74.5lb ft @ 4,000rpm
Colours: Yellow; black; white; grey
Price: £9,999 XT (£9,599 standard)