2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT First Look Preview

V-Strom lovers everywhere are celebrating the arrival of the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT adventure bike. The latest version of the venerable V-Strom is built around the tried-and-true 1,037cc 90-degree V-twin and twin-spar aluminum frame. Displacement remains the same with new tuning tailored toward increased peak horsepower while retaining the rider friendly low-end grunt. The 2020 1050XT utilizes a new ride-by-wire system to operate the dual 49mm electronic throttle assemblies, which in turn opens the door for a number of new rider assist functions.

This next generation V-Strom will be offered as three different models. The base model V-Strom 1050 is not target for off-road use so it gets 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels and weighs 30 pounds less while the 1050XT and 1050XT Adventure get spoked wheels. The Adventure comes with heated grips and key-matched panniers. Otherwise, all three models receive the same 5.3-gallon fuel capacity, engine tune, chassis and updated electronics package across the board.

At the core of the new V-Strom is a new six-axis Bosch IMU in charge of the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) which takes the electronics package of the V-Strom to a whole new level. The list of new safety functions is as follows: Motion Track Anti-lock and Combination Brake System, Hill Hold Control System, Slope Dependent Control System and a Load Dependent Control System that manages braking power at all times. They also get a new cruise control system and updated traction control. Management of these rider assist functions is managed through the switchgear located on the left handlebar and monitored on the new lightweight LCD dash.

Of all the updates to the new V-Strom the most obvious is the new angular bodywork with an 11-way adjustable windscreen, lots of LED running lights as well as an all-new stacked rectangular LED headlight. Suzuki says the new look is inspired by its old-school Dakar Rally bike like the one ridden by Gaston Rahier back in the 90s, but it still stays true to the V-Strom heritage. Suspension is handled by a 43mm KYB inverted front fork adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound-damping with a rear shock with rebound and easy-access remote hydraulic spring preload adjustments.

Braking is provided by a pair of 310mm discs and Motion Track ABS-equipped Tokico radial mount four-piston calipers up front and a single disc with a two-piston Nissin caliper on the back. The 1050XT comes with D.I.D. tubeless aluminum spoke wheel shod with Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tires which alludes to the new and improved bike’s off-road potential. An aluminum skid plate comes standard on both the XT models as well.

In addition to all the slough of high-tech goodies, the new receives an upgraded two-piece gripper seat, tall dirt bike type handlebar with brush guards, wider footpegs with rubber inserts and two power ports located close to the rider and passenger. A USB-type near the front is perfect for a GPS or smartphone while a DDC socket by the passenger can be used for heated gear or other powered products. Like we mentioned earlier, it also comes with an adjustable windscreen too.

Pricing and availability were not released at this time but we do know what colors each model will be offered in. The base model 2020 V-Strom 1050 will be offered in Glass Sparkle Black/Solid Iron Gray, while the 1050XT is going to be available in Pearl White/Glass Blaze Orange with black rims or the Champion Yellow version with gold rims. The flagship 1050XT Adventure will only be available in Glass Sparkle Black with black rims.

This V-Strom reboot has been a long time in the making for Suzuki, and we are excited to see these updates to their popular adventure bike. Let us know what you think of the motorcycle as well. We’d like to hear your opinion.