The RIDE Test Fleet
… In the depths of winter. What makes a good winter commuter and tourer?
I’M NO MARTYR and neither am I a glutton for punishment. So it’s no surprise when people – spouse, off-spring and colleagues – look at me as if I’m crazy when I start the lengthy process of layering-up ready for a ride to or from work. But I really enjoy it; almost as much in winter as in the summer, if I’m honest. I have the right kit to stay warm and dry but I just need the right bike.
If I were to write down what would make my ideal bike for riding through the winter, I’d say: an upright, comfortable riding position; a screen to keep some wind-blast off me; some luggage to keep my stuff dry and maybe, to prevent
frostbite; heated grips would be nice. A gutsy, torquey motor rather than a screamer would improve rideability and of course, traction control and decent ABS and tyres are a useful safety net.
All of these things — and more — are standard on the Suzuki V-strom 1000. The brand’s adventurer is available in a couple of specifications, with this road-focussed, cast-wheeled version being the entry model, albeit with a couple of useful extras, like the luggage and grips.
It uses a 1037cc version of Suzuki’s venerable V-twin (which I have already fallen in love with), which will push its way through the worst of the weather on a crest of effortless torque and have the LCD speedo showing alarming numbers without breaking into a sweat.
It’s a big old thing – and I’m a small bloke – so the 830mm seat height is almost exactly halfway between the ground and the top of my head. I can flat-foot it if I otch my butt across the seat and get the balls of both feet to the ground at the lights but paddling it is tricky. However, once you get to walking pace, the mass seems to evaporate and it becomes very easy to ride.
I’ve only been to the fuel station so far, to brim it before the first run, but already I can tell that the Strom’s key will become a popular commodity over the winter.
But for now, it’s time to get busy with the anti-corrosion spray... JIM BLACKSTOCK