2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 1000XT First Look

A smarter V-Strom


Large displacement adventure style motorcycles have traveled far, carving an ever-growing chunk of the market with no sign of slowing down. While Suzuki's V-Strom 1000 has been a fixture in this segment since 2002, the versatile V-twin proved more suited to on-road use than wilderness adventure. A major platform revision for the 2014 model year lent this traveling/commuting workhorse more contemporary ADV style and a chassis treatment that's proven fire road worthy. A host of updates given the early release 2018 V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 1000XT models deliver more convenience, comfort and style with the tubeless wire-spoke wheel XT model sure to inspire the imagination of the casual ADV rider.

2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 1000XT.Courtesy of Suzuki

Suzuki regards the V-Strom 1000 as a "Sport Adventure Tourer" offering optimal balance of power, lightness and maneuverability along with a high level of comfort and ease of use. In its latest iteration, topping the list of updates are a new seat, cowling/windscreen design and Motion Track Brake System.

The new windscreen is 49mm taller than the previous model and features Suzuki’s patented ratchet mechanism allowing a choice of three angles and only requires the rider to push the screen into the desired position. Three pre-set hight positions allow the screen to be lifted 15mm or 30mm upwards from the standard height.Courtesy of Suzuki

Up front is a restyled nose beak that more faithfully mimics the look of the circa 1990 DR-Z desert racer and DR-Big models to emphasis the heritage of Suzuki in the category. Hand guards and an under-engine cowl are now standard equipment on both the V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 1000XT, as is a newly shaped windscreen offering both height and angle adjustment. The XT gets a taper-style handle bar for added strength and appearance befitting the off-road image projected by its DID wire spoke wheels. While the XT model aspires to a purposeful look, it comes equipped with the same road centric Bridgestone radials in 110/80R19 front and 150/70R17 rear sizes worn by the cast wheel V-Strom 1000.

2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 cockpit view. The XT office looks similar with the addition tapered handlebars.Courtesy of Suzuki

While the 1037cc liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin engine is a carryover from the previous model in terms of specification and performance, a couple key new convenience features have been added. Suzuki Easy Start System now enables engine start with only one-push of the starter button and a Low RPM Assist feature that automatically raises idle rpm when pulling away from stops or putting along at low rpm to alleviate the chance of stalling the bike.

2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT.Courtesy of Suzuki

While the 2014 model was the first Suzuki to come equipped with traction control, this latest liter-class V-Strom adds IMU-based Motion Track Braking System to the electronic rider assist list. This is what we have come to know as cornering ABS, a more precise anti-lock implementation due to input from the 5-axis inertial measurement unit. There’s also combination element to the system that adds a measured amount of “stability enhancing” rear brake when the front is applied. Unfortunately, the TC system hasn’t been changed to reap benefit from the onboard IMU.

The new 55L accessory top case is not designed to be used with the side cases and should alone according to Suzuki. The side cases are meant to be used with the 35L top case.Courtesy of Suzuki

Accessories for the new models include detachable 3-piece hard bags with ignition key matched locks. The top case is available in 35-liter or a new 55-liter model capable of swallowing two helmets. Low and high accessory saddles, center-stand, taller touring screen, heated grips, crash bars, fog lamps are among the items available when the V-Strom 1000 reaches dealers in March with the XT model to follow a month later. Pricing and color options remain to be announced.

2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in Yellow.Courtesy of Suzuki
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT in White.Courtesy of Suzuki
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT in Black.Courtesy of Suzuki
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 seat.Courtesy of Suzuki
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT under cover.Courtesy of Suzuki
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 two-up action.Courtesy of Suzuki
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