In contrast to a few of its rivals, Suzuki has by no means actually had a break from the journey bike scene. From the DRs of the ’80s, when the twin sport scene was first taking off, to the touring-focused V-Stroms of the ’00s, Suzuki has regularly produced succesful and dependable machines for adventures nice and small.
And with the introduction of two new fashions in 2023, the 1050DE and the 800DE, we reckon that is the strongest journey bike line up Suzuki has ever produced. Sure, it’s a daring assertion, so let’s check out why Suzuki is on its most adventurous streak in practically three many years.
For 2023, Suzuki has determined to reinforce its V-Strom vary, with updates to the big-bore 1050 and the introduction of an off-road biased model, the 1050DE. Within the mid-capacity section, Suzuki has additionally launched some of the thrilling new journey bikes of this yr, the V-Strom 800DE.
We’ve ridden all of them, and right here’s every thing you have to know in regards to the Suzuki’s V-Strom vary for 2023.
V-Strom 1050 and 1050DE
On the high of Suzuki’s journey bike vary are the V-Strom 1050 and the 1050DE.
The V-Strom has all the time been wonderful worth for cash, and the brand new 1050s aren’t any exception. With the usual 1050 beginning at £12,999 and the 1050DE from £13,699, these large journey bikes provide loads of bang in your buck.
So, what’s new within the 1050 line-up?
The important thing adjustments to the usual 1050 from the earlier yr’s mannequin is the brand new 5-inch color TFT sprint, and the inclusion of a quickshifter, up to date digital rider aids, cruise management, and a centre stand (all of that are additionally included on the 1050DE), making what is basically the entry-level mannequin completely bursting with high-end options.
That is alongside the identical 1037cc engine discovered within the earlier 1050, though new exhaust valves have been added to the engine which Suzuki says improves longevity and reduces warmth.
The 1050DE, nonetheless, has much more new options to make it extra succesful off-road.
This features a bigger 21-inch entrance wheel, longer journey fully-adjustable KYB suspension, and 25mm extra floor clearance than the usual 1050.
It additionally has a 40mm longer wheelbase, due to a brand new aluminium swingarm, in addition to chunkier foot pegs, crash bars, sump guard, wider handlebars, and a centre stand all fitted as normal.
Adjustments will also be discovered on {the electrical} aspect of issues, with a brand new ‘G’ journey mode which is designed for gravel trails. This permits extra rear wheel slip earlier than traction management kicks in, providing you with extra management whereas driving on free surfaces.
And, in line with ABR editor James, who take a look at rode the 1050DE in Greece, it performs on the highway too. In his overview of the bike in ABR journal, James mentioned:
“The DE received me over on and off highway with its straightforward going highway manners and commanding driving place. Should you fancy including some inexperienced lanes and navy roads to your subsequent journey, the 1050DE is greater than as much as the duty.”
Click on HERE to seek out out extra in regards to the V-Strom 1050 and HERE to seek out out extra in regards to the V-Strom 1050DE.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Whereas the 2023 1050 and 1050DE deliver some welcome adjustments and updates to an present platform, the V-Strom 800DE is a very new and reasonably thrilling bike.
At its coronary heart is the brand new 776cc parallel-twin engine (the ‘V’ in ‘V-Strom’ has by no means stood for V-twin, however reasonably ‘Versatile’), which is energetic and interesting at each high and low revs.
The brand new engine utilises a 270-degree crankshaft configuration, which imitates the facility supply and character of a V-twin, and with a specialised cross balancer system, the engine is clean and plentiful throughout the facility vary.
Coupled to a buttery transmission with a quickshifter outfitted as normal, and also you’ve acquired a severely fulfilling platform to work with.
However the 800DE doesn’t cease there within the combat to outdo its rivals. It comes effectively packaged will fully-adjustable Showa suspension offering 220mm value of journey entrance and rear, and Nissin brake parts that supply responsive management each on and off the highway.
Alongside the {hardware}, the brand new V-Strom comes packaged with the identical Gravel mode as on the 1050DE, together with three-level throttle management, three ABS modes, and 5 completely different traction management settings, together with Gravel mode.
These are all offered in a transparent and concise 5″ TFT show. All collectively, you get a motorcycle that’s succesful throughout quite a lot of driving surfaces and will be tailor-made to to fit your degree and elegance of driving.
You may learn a full breakdown of the brand new V-Strom 800DE right here, however right here’s what ABR Chief Bike Tester Julian needed to say when he rode the bike in Sardinia earlier this yr:
“Within the 800DE, Suzuki has made a really succesful and fulfilling bike, with confidence inspiring dealing with away from the blacktop, and a ravishing new motor that simply retains delivering the products.”
You’ll find out extra in regards to the V-Strom 800DE right here.
V-Strom 650 and 650XT
Fortunately for V-Strom followers each previous and new, the 650 nonetheless stays in 2023 because it has since 2004, albeit with quite a few adjustments all through the years.
It nonetheless presents the identical approachable construct and all-round capabilities because it all the time had, and the continued gross sales success of the V-Strom 650 and its adventure-specced brother, the 650XT, highlights the recognition of the V-Strom vary.
Consider me after I say the 650 isn’t to be underestimated. Should you’re on the lookout for a motorcycle that may do all of it whereas providing excellent worth for cash, the 650 is a good possibility. Actually, we prefer it a lot right here at ABR, we purchased one.
You’ll find extra data in regards to the V-Strom 650 HERE and the V-Strom 650XT HERE.
Discover out extra in regards to the Suzuki V-Strom vary
So there you’ve got it, Suzuki’s journey bike line-up for 2023, with some returning faces, some contemporary appears, and a completely new mannequin.
Even counting the Dakar days of the Eighties and the DR Massive collection, we reckon that this line-up is Suzuki’s most adventurous but. Having mentioned that, we’d positively be glad to see a return of a giant thumper to finish the vary and fulfill followers of the DR collection on this aspect of the pond, myself included. Over to you, Suzuki.
However, whether or not you’re on the lookout for entry-level all-round capability, big-bore touring consolation, or middleweight go-anywhere enjoyable, there’s a V-Strom for you, and I counsel you’re taking one for a take a look at journey.
Head over to Suzuki’s web site right here for extra data.
