With some light green lanes
It comes as no surprise that I wanted to get right back on the V-Strom 1050 this year. One of the best looking, adventure, touring motocycles out there in my opinion. Having been on the XT fully loaded version of the Adventurer, I really wanted to compare it to the base model.Of course the all-new Suzuki Intelligent Ride System was missed. The new IMU works on 6-directions along 3-axis, allowing to detect pitch, roll and yaw movements. This adds incredible features to an already high spec bike. Infact a lot is already available on the base model, such as traction control system (on three levels) and power modes (also on three levels).
The 1050 V-Twin liquid cooled engine is a rarity in this modern world and it makes a whole lot of difference. Torque at exactly 100 nm is accessible at 6.000 rpm and there's also very usable power below that point.
While the old DL litre adventurer had almost no-go at the top, making you want to change gear as quickly as possible. This new 1050 just feels more capable and eager to be pushed to its limits.
The front-end feels planted and composed, unless you feel naughty. Disabling traction control will make the front wheel pop up, what a joy!
The weight of the bike is 236kg for the base model, 11kg less than the XT. But you won't feel that at all, especially on the move.
The screen can't be adjusted unless you've got some tools on you, but it can be manually adjusted with a lever on the XT.
Even this last one lacks electronic suspensions and a quickshifter compared to its rivals. Perhaps this is really my only negative because there isn't anything else I didn't like about this bike at all!
One of the comfiest of the bunch, with its adjustable seat, neutral foot controls and wide handlebars. The screen completely eliminates the wind on the motorway, making this bike a joy to go on tour.
If you can do without all the electronics that the XT has, you can get a really capable adventurer for much less.
How much less? Well the V-Strom 1050 is now on offer at Bolton Motorcycles for £8,999 or on finance. With £300 deposit, you can snatch this one up for only £102.52 per month on a 3 year PCP. That's cheaper than the little sister V-Strom 650!
GM MOTO
