The updated Suzuki DR Big, the subject of gossip since February, has been spotted undergoing testing in Europe. Or at least, that’s the story reported by Acidmoto.
Supposedly, this shot was taken in Italy, where the machine was being put through its paces. Wait, wouldn’t you test an adventure bike in the desert? Not if it has cast rims, instead of spoked wheels … and if the bike is being developed with significant input from Suzuki’s European subsidiaries, then it makes sense we’d see it there.
The new DR Big is said to basically be an update of the V-Strom 1000, not a massive, big-bore thumper like the original.
The spy shot here doesn’t give away much, thanks to the dazzle camo paint job. The bodywork looks more like the Africa Twin than a KTM or BMW, with more curves and few sharp angles. The new headlight looks more in line with what BMW uses on its machines, and less like an omniscient robotic eye. Aside from that, you’ll have to guess as to whether there are any tech upgrades (big bore job on the engine? leaning ABS?). Don’t expect this to be a tech-heavy bike, as Suzuki’s big on keeping things simple and cheap these days, which means lots of recycled bits. That policy also keeps prices down, of course.
How do we know this isn’t just a new V-Strom? What I see nothing in the picture that suggests a DR BIG.
the buzz is that it is basically going to be a new V-Strom, but under a different name
Dropping the V-Strom name seems insane….although it does suggest what I’ve long suspected….that the next Strom will be a parallel twin. The Para-Strom.
There is already a 250cc parallel twin V-Strom in other markets, so you’re likely correct.