The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 has received an overhaul that includes the addition of a new offroad-oriented model, with spoked wheels.
Today, at the Intermot show in Germany, Suzuki announced the V-Strom 1000 would now have a street-focused version and an offroad version, similar to adventure-styled machines made by other manufacturers. And, the offroad version (called the V-Strom 1000XT) gets a very significant upgrade — spoked wheels, an upgrade long available for the V-Strom 650, but absent from the 1000 series until now.
While spoked wheels are usually used for styling purposes, they’re necessary for adventure motorcycles intended to see serious offroad use, as they hold up much better on the trails. Inclusion on the V-Strom 1000XT means Suzuki intends to compete head-on with bikes like the Africa Twin and R 1200 GS.
The street-focused ‘Strom and the XT model both get a skid plate, handguards, and adjustable windscreen. They also incorporate a leaning ABS system, a low-RPM launch assist feature, and a linked braking system that activates the rear brake once the front brake pressure reaches a threshold. Traction control has also been updated.
Styling has been updated to emulate Suzuki’s massive DR Big, the first ADV bike to feature the now-infamous “beak” bodywork.
For more details, visit Suzuki’s website here. We understand the new ‘Stroms are scheduled to make it to North America in 2017, but pricing is unclear at the moment.
GALLERY
Check out all the pics that go with this story!
Just a thought, as a Vstrom 650 owner who is now sad that the new bike looks much better to me anyway, why purchase the 1000 when the 650 is probably 4000 cheaper and looks practically identical to its big brother? My bike goes anywhere I need it to; and well over any local speed limit if so desired. I guess it doesn’t sound as good as the 1000.
If you buy the 1000, you get upgraded suspension and brakes the 650 doesn’t have. You also get the power outlet and traction control, and probably a few other bits not available on the 650. Personally, I like the factory luggage on the 1000. The factory bags on the 650 are far to wide, and the locks suck! Bigger, but less useful to me. I have had two 650 Adventures, and the OEM bags sat on a shelf in my garage 90% of the time.
The 650 has traction control, and I think it has the power outlet. I would wager there is little difference in braking and suspension.
The DR650 and V-Strom 650 are the best bang-for-buck bikes in North America.