Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT [2020] | First Ride Review
The venerable good value Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT gets a refresh for 2020 with new tech, an updated engine and a Katana-style facelift
It may not have been the most show-stopping new launch at the 2019 EICMA extravaganza but in the real world the Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT represents one of the more important unveilings for 2020.
A long-serving member of the Suzuki family, the flagship V-Strom 1050XT receives an update for 2020 to keep it competitive alongside a wealth of ADV rivals that have just been updated, including the Honda Africa Twin and the Yamaha Tenere range.
As such, the V-Strom 1050XT gets a facelift to bring it into line with the recently launched Katana, a hike in the equipment levels, new tech and an updated 1037cc engine, which is now Euro5 compliant.
We took the Suzuki V-Strom 150XT for a spin on the road and across some green lanes to assess whether it remains a value alternative in the hotly contested ADV market.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 First Ride Video Review
| V-Strom 1050 Full Specs |
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS | |||
| Overall length | 2265mm (89.2in) | Overall width | 870mm (34.3in) |
| Overall height | 1515mm (59.6in) | Wheelbase | 1555mm (61.22in) |
| Ground clearance | 165mm (6.5in) | Seat height | 855mm (33.7in) |
| Kerb mass | 236.0kg (520.4lbs) | Fuel capacity | 20.0 litres (4.4UK gallons) |
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS | |||
| Engine capacity | 1037cc | Engine | 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90˚ V-Twin |
| Bore | 100.0mm x 66.0mm (3.9in x 2.6in) | Compression ratio | 11.5 : 1 |
| Lubrication | Wet-sump | Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection | Transmission | 6-speed constant mesh |
| Drive | Chain | Starter | Electric |
| MPG* | 57.65 | CO2 | TBC |
| Power | 79.0kW @ 8500rpm (107.4PS) | Torque | 100.00Nm @ 6000rpm (73.76lb.ft)† |
CHASSIS SPECIFICATION | |||
| Front suspension | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped | Rear suspension | Link type, coil spring, oil damped |
| Front brakes | Disc, twin | Rear brakes | Disc |
| Front tyres | 110/80R19M/C 59V | Rear tyres | 150/70R17M/C 69V |
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