2019 EICMA: Suzuki V-Strom 1050

Suzuki has unveiled its latest-generation big-bore adventure bike at this year’s EICMA show, with new styling, Euro-5 compliance and electronics the main talking points for the 2020 model year.

Looking every bit the firm’s legendary Dr Big from the 1980s, it uses a rectangular headlight, the ubiquitous beak-style front guard and squared off lines, all complemented by neo retro paint scheme.

Despite the name change, the V-twin engine’s capacity remains unchanged at 1037cc, though there’s now six more ponies chiming in 500rpm earlier (106hp at 8000rpm), while peak torque has dropped ever so slightly, down by 1Nm to 100Nm and peaking 2000rpm higher than the current machine. New cam profiles and a redesigned exhaust have meant the machine now ticks the Euro 5 box.

The chassis and running gear remains unchanged from the model it’s set to replace, however the addition of a ride-by-wire throttle, three ride modes tweaks to the traction control system should make for an improved base-model V-Strom.

As previously, a more off-road oriented XT version will be offered. As well as wire wheels, a bash plate, hand and engine guards and a centrestand, the XT variants also benefit from a six-axis IMU, meaning Suzuki’s offering can now stand their own in the ever-growing market of highly intelligent large-capacity adventure machines.

It adds cruise control, cornering ABS and traction control to its resume, as well as hill start control and a combined braking system that will modulate intervention depending on how steep a hill you’re on or how loaded up you are.

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2019 EICMA coverage

All version get an adjustable screen – the XT’s is a tool-free fair across 11 positions, while the base model has three levels of adjustment and is a side of the road job.

Suzuki Australia says both machines are expected to arrive in Australia during the middle of 2020 with final specifications, colours and pricing being confirmed closer to launch.