Suzuki bolsters V-Strom 1050 range in UK with new 1050DE offering

Suzuki has beefed up its off-road motorcycle lineup in the United Kingdom with the reveal of the updated Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and the new 1050DE. Per the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer distributor there, both the two offerings get a host of performance enhancements for 2023.

The former gets a new full-color thin-film-transistor (TFT) dash and a bi-directional quick shifter. It also received a suite of complex electronic features that include the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), lean angle-sensitive anti-lock braking system (ABS) with two sensitivity modes, slope-dependent control, and load-dependent control. It also comes with rider-assist technologies such as linked brakes, hill-hold control, cruise control, three power modes, and three traction control settings.

Meanwhile, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE builds upon the abovementioned features and adds increased suspension travel and ground clearance plus revised chassis geometry and ergonomics, wider bars and steel footpegs, two ABS modes plus the ability to disengage rear ABS, an additional off-road “G mode” traction control setting, and a pair of Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires.

Power for both the motorbikes will come from a 90-degree V-twin engine. The powerplant fitted on both the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and 1050DE is said to have a design that provides perfect primary balance, with each of the two cylinders canceling out the vibration of the other.

According to the Hamamatsu-based motorcycle firm, the design eliminates the need for any balancer shafts, preventing the mechanical loss associated with them, and this connects to improving thermal efficiency for higher power output. The layout of the V-twin engine also allows a slimmer chassis design with a lower center of gravity and contributes to more agile handling and greater maneuverability.

The engine of both adventure models also features hollow, sodium-filled exhaust valves that help reduce the temperature in the combustion chamber.

Providing smooth shifting is an updated six-speed transmission.

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE also gets a new, stronger drive chain with sturdier links and larger diameter pins, as well as a dedicated new shift lever, better suited to off-road riding.

Much like the previous generation, the new Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and 1050DE channel the design ethos of the brand's iconic DR-Z800 off-road racer. The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 will come in black and gold with gold wheels, blue and black, a classy grey with red rims, and a red and black version with the same red wheels.

On the other hand, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE comes with a traditional yellow and white livery, complete with gold rims, a blue and white color scheme finished with blue rims, and an all-black version.

The looks of both off-road motorcycles are improved as they come with numerous LED lights. Other practical touches include a standard-fit center stand and hand guards. Owners can further enhance the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and 1050DE with a comprehensive collection of accessories including items such as full aluminum luggage, heated grips, lower seat options, and fog lamps.

Both the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and 1050DE are slated for an early 2023 release. Pricing for both bikes is expected to be announced soon.

The “DE” model, Suzuki said, effectively replaces the “XT” trim as its flagship adventure bike. XT models available here in the Philippines include the Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT and the smaller Suzuki V-Strom 650XT with ABS. 

Photos from Suzuki

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