Suzuki Philippines has unleashed the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT with rally-style looks inspired by the iconic Dakar Rally edition, combined with increased power and lots of highly functional electronic add-ons.
First introduced in 2002 as the DL-1000 V-Strom, this third-generation adventure bike by Suzuki is now powered by a 1,037cc, 90-degree V-twin engine that generates 107hp and 100Nm. Its off-road capable Euro 5 compliant mill boasts of new camshafts and pistons that are fed by 49mm ride-by-wire throttle bodies. This setup allows smooth and precise throttle grip action, giving the rider total control of the bike even in extremely slippery and rugged road conditions.
Among the outstanding new features of the Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT is the cruise control and an updated four-mode traction control system (including “Off”). There is also a Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) which gives the rider the freedom to choose from three engine power delivery settings.
More so, this on- and off-road machine is equipped with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, a comprehensive electronic safety package that includes the updated Motion Track Anti-Lock and the Combination Brake System with a new Bosch six-axis IMU (inertial measurement system) and a rider-selectable ABS sensitivity which is a great safety feature when cornering at high speeds.
All of the V-Strom’s major components are held together by a rigid yet lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame that ensures optimal handling of the bike in different road conditions. The suspension package includes an inverted KYB fork with adjustable pre-load with additional compression and rebound damping force adjustment based on the rider’s preference. A single rear shock with remote hydraulic spring adjustment is mounted to the cast aluminum swingarm. This modern system allows the rider to tweak the rear suspension setting by just pressing a button.
A high-tech 32-bit ECM operates the Automatic Idle Speed Control (ISC) which improves cold starting and stabilizes the engine idle to avoid stalling especially when stuck in traffic.
This gorgeous stallion rolls on a set of tubeless spoked-wheels (19in in front and 17in at the rear) and uses a highly visible LCD multi-function display with adjustable illumination to effectively relay to the rider important vehicle information.
Being a true-blooded adventure bike, the 1050XT features a hand-adjustable windscreen and a pair of lightweight yet sturdy handguards.
Fortunately, Top Bikes Philippines was able to see in the metal the first batch of 1050XTs at the Wheeltek Dealership in Makati.
Priced at P859,000, the Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT is offered in three color combinations—Champion Yellow (main photo), Glass Sparkle Black, and the heritage special Blaze Orange (photo below).