New 1050DE Adds More Off-Road Capability to V-Strom Range

Suzuki has revealed a new V-Strom 1050DE, which adds more off-road capability to the firm’s adventure bike range. The DE, which replaces the XT as Suzuki’s flagship adventure bike, gets a series of performance enhancements shared with an updated V-Strom 1050, plus additional features, modifications, and improvements designed to improve its performance when the highway ends. 

The V-Strom 1050DE is designed for wherever your journey takes you – on any terrain, to any horizon, on any adventure – and builds on a proven, robust, and reliable platform that has made the V-Strom a cult motorcycle and the choice for many adventurers.

For 2023 both the new V-Strom 1050DE and the V-Strom 1050 feature a unique, full-colour TFT dash and a bi-directional quickshifter, plus a suite of complex electronic features that includes:

• Six-axis IMU
• Lean angle-sensitive ABS with two sensitivity modes
• Slope-dependent control
• Load-dependent control
• Hill hold
• Linked brakes
• Cruise control
• Three power modes
• Three traction control settings

The V-Strom 1050DE also boasts several additional features, including:

• 21-inch front wheel with Dunlop TRAILMAX MIXTOUR tyres front and rear
• 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
• Additional off-road ‘G mode’ traction control setting

Styling

Much like the previous generation, the new V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050 channel the design ethos of Suzuki’s iconic DR-Z800 off-road racer. While both models embody the DR-Z with a similar silhouette, beak, and unmistakable design cues, the DE goes further in its homage with a traditional yellow and white livery, complete with gold rims, plus a blue and white colour scheme finished with blue edges. Both are available alongside a classy all-black version.

The 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.

Electronics

It’s not just differences and improvements to the chassis that make the V-Strom 1050DE better equipped to tackle the trails and tracks when the highway ends, but also an enhanced electronics package.

The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) found on the 2023 V-Strom 1050 includes a six-axis IMU used to govern systems such as lean angle-sensitive ABS and linked brakes with slope and load-dependent control, plus hill hold control, while an updated ride-by-wire throttle responds faithfully to the rider’s input and delivers a more natural feel, with a slightly stiffer grip action when opening.

Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, with three modes, remains, as does a three-mode traction control system (plus off), cruise control, low RPM assist and Suzuki’s easy-start function.

For 2023 the new V-Strom 1050DE adds an extra G (gravel) mode to its available traction control settings, specifically designed for use off-road. The additional method retards ignition timing and allows more rear wheel slip.

This continues to deliver power to the rear wheel without interruption and suppresses it only enough to help prevent excessive wheel spin. As a result, the bike remains controllable, and the rider still gets the consistent power output they want.

While the V-Strom 1050’s SIR package includes two ABS modes, allowing riders to choose from different sensitivity settings, the new V-Strom 1050DE adds the ability to disengage the ABS from the rear wheel entirely, giving riders more freedom and control off-road.

A new bi-directional quickshifter is found on both the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050 and enables clutchless up and downshifts for smoother gear changes and enhanced performance both on and off-road.

On both models, each electronic system is controlled via a simple rocker switch on the left-hand handlebar, excluding the cruise control activation button, with all the information displayed on a new, full-colour TFT screen.

Engine

Both the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050 use the proven 90° V-twin engine, which remains a perfect fit, with a design that provides perfect primary balance, with each of the two cylinders cancelling out the vibration of the other.

This 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 for a slimmer chassis design with a lower centre of gravity, contributing to more agile handling and excellent manoeuvrability.

However, the engine benefits from improvements for 2023, including hollow, sodium-filled exhaust valves. The new valves help reduce the temperature in the combustion chamber, resulting in better loading efficiency, a better feeling, and improved durability.

There are also updates to the transmission. New, taller first and sixth gears shift into second, and from there through to fifth gear, smoother and deliver more excellent acceleration performance.

The DE also features a more robust drive chain with sturdier links, larger diameter pins, and a dedicated new shift lever better suited to off-road riding.

Practicality

Despite the differing on and off-road focus of the two V-Strom models, they share many practical touches, including a standard-fit centre stand and hand guards, to repel the worst of the weather and protect knuckles from stones and debris.

A USB power socket next to the TFT screen allows for the easy charging of smartphones, while other devices can be powered via a 12V socket under the seat.

LED lighting, including headlights, taillights, and indicators, is found all around.

Owners can further enhance the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050’s practical levels to suit their needs with a comprehensive collection of accessories, including items such as entire aluminium luggage, heated grips, lower seat options, and fog lamps.

Pricing and Availability

The new V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050 will be available in Suzuki dealerships in early 2023.

Download the full V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050 media pack here.

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