Revisited: Suzuki V-Strom 1000
The best value and most versatile big trailie ever, now from just £5500 – it’s time you tried a V-Strom…
What we said then…
in the knowledge it has quality traction control and ABS.
It’s also comfortable, natural, frugal and simple
– yet still has neat touches such as an adjustable ratchet screen and optional panniers. It’s distinctive, looks good, there’s a comprehensive list of accessories. Maybe the competition should be worried. From the launch report, MCN December 10, 2013
What’s it like now?
As a new bike, the 1037cc V-Strom was amazing value at just £9999, but today it’s even more of a bargain. The 2014 model starts at as little as £5500, while the updated 2018 model complete with Bosch cornering ABS and a suite of hard luggage is yours for around £7500. Build quality is solid and owners say the Strom will shrug off winter without a hint of rust. Reliability is excellent, but there were electrical recalls on 2014 and 2016 bikes for problems arising from water ingress to the ignition switch.
Worthwhile extras?
One of the biggest gripes about the 2014 V-Strom 1000 was the buffeting created by the screen. It was improved slightly on the 2017 model, but even so many owners opt to fit one of a plethora of aftermarket screens available for the model. Suzuki’s hard luggage system is another popular addition on many used bikes available today; it looks good, is capacious and easy to use. left in its standard settings the overall ride quality is stable and confidence inspiring. Likewise, the four-piston Tokico monobloc calipers help provide strong, progressive stopping backed up by Bosch ABS. The V-Strom is never going to electrify you with thrills. It’s not breathtakingly quick, but it is easy to ride and manageable, delivering loads of low and midrange grunt. You can throw it around with confidence safe In 2014 Suzuki re-entered the adventure fray with the all-new V-Strom 1000 ABS. Positioned significantly away from many rivals – such as the premiumpriced 1200cc offerings from BMW, KTM and Triumph – it’s smaller, cheaper and lighter. It’s also the first Suzuki with traction control.
Despite its larger, more refined 1037cc engine and allnew chassis, it feels instantly like a true V-Strom. At low speed the handling is light and easy. The fuelling is good, though not perfect as there’s a slight snatch at low rpm. Most of the grunt is delivered from 4000 to 6000rpm, which makes the ride effortless. Once out of town you only need fifth and sixth gears as there’s plenty of torque. The riding position is roomy and natural, the pegs low, the bars high and wide without forcing the rider to over-stretch and the simple screen is easy to adjust.
As you’d expect from a bike with a 19in front wheel, the steering isn’t razor-sharp, but it flows nicely into and out of corners, helped by a 150-section rear tyre that helps it to turn. The suspension control is surprisingly sophisticated, too. The front neither dives dramatically on the brakes, nor wallows like some adventure bikes, and its stability is excellent. The front fork is fully adjustable whilst the rear has a remote preload adjuster and rebound damping control, although