Suzuki unveils 2020 V-Strom 1050

Joining the displacement race

It appears Suzuki is joining the displacement race of adventure bikes, bumping up the engine size of their new V-Strom to 1037cc. This is clearly in response to BMW’s new R 1250 GS, Ducati’s 1260 Multistrada, and the new Honda CRF 1100 Africa Twin. Suzuki took the wraps off the 2020 V-Strom 1050 at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy.

With the new engine comes a sleek new look, inspired by the DR-Z Dakar racer and 1988 DR750S (DR-Big). Suzuki retains the distinctive front beak, while adding a more aggressive and bolder look. Key features include a height adjustable windscreen and aluminum tapered handlebars as standard.

The new V-StromTROM is powered by a 1037cc, 90-degree V-twin engine, producing more peak power than before while maintaining its strong pull off the bottom of the powerband and good fuel economy, all while still complying with emissions standards worldwide. New camshafts and pistons are fed by a pair of large, 49mm, Ride-by-Wire electronic throttle bodies that deliver smooth, light, and precise throttle grip action.

The ride-by-wire electronic throttle control system adjusts the intake and exhaust cam profile to produce the best mix for balancing both higher power and lower fuel consumption. Rider usability and convenience are enhanced with the newly-installed S.I.R.S (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System), which works for various riding scenarios with electronic control systems including SDMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) with three different output modes, and a traction control system, also with three modes selection.

In addition, the Suzuki Easy Start System fires the V-Strom’s engine up with just a momentary press of the starter button. Suzuki’s Low RPM Assist system makes it easier for the rider to avoid stalling the engine when pulling away from a stop or maneuvering through heavy traffic. The rider aids don’t end there. There’s also cruise control, hill hold, and hill descent control.

For off-road protection, the top-of-the-line V-Strom 1050XT comes with wire-spoked wheel rims and knuckle covers, aluminum under cowling, an accessory bar, center stand, LED turn signals, seat height adjustment, and 12V DC socket as standard equipment.

Suzuki is also offering a special body color called the Heritage Special, which resembles the DR-Z, the 1988 Paris-Dakar Rally machine based on the DR750S.

All of this is built on a twin-spar aluminum frame for light weight and rigidity, returning optimal handling on all types of roads. The cast aluminum swingarm is controlled by a single rear shock with remote, hydraulic spring preload adjustment so adjusting for cargo or a passenger takes just seconds. Up front, the inverted KYB fork has spring preload adjustment plus both compression and rebound damping force adjustment for easy tuning. It rolls on 19- and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels shod on Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tires.

The 2020 Suzuki V-Strom is offered in 1050, 1050XT, and 1050XT Adventure trim levels.