Test Ride Launch Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE
Suzuki’s big adventure bike has been doing its own thing for quite a few years now. First launched over 20 years ago, back in 2002, the V-Strom’s carved out a niche in an ever-crowded market, offering potential adventurers a slightly more ‘sensible’ alternative to the bigger, badder and more off-road capable competition from the likes of BMW, KTM, Ducati and Honda.
Its bread and butter has always been munching the miles, laden with luggage and a pillion – and riders of a certain ilk love them for it. And why wouldn’t they? After all, not everyone needs a 21-inch front wheel, sophisticated electronic suspension and the latest technology. Or maybe they do? Because Suzuki’s just released a new version of its flagship adventure bike that gets closer than ever to competing with the biggest names in the game. It’s called the V-Strom 1050 DE (or Dual Explorer).
Don’t worry. There’s still a standard V-Strom 1050 to choose from, which has been nipped and tucked and tweaked and improved for 2023 – although it might not look like it at first glance, because the two bikes have the same engine, frame and styling as the previous model. Thankfully the swanky clocks, a tip-top electronics package and few clever changes hint that the newest ‘Stroms’ could be the best yet.
And the
