Pricing in for delayed Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT

Australians awaiting the new 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT will need to wait a little bit longer, with Suzuki Australia confirming its significantly updated big-bore adventure bikes won't reach local showrooms until October.

First unveiled to the public at the 2019 EICMA motorcycle show in Italy, Suzuki says the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic and associated shipping issues have delayed the new V-Strom 1050's introduction by several months.

However, Suzuki Australia has announced pricing for the new model, or at least it has for the flagship variant. The top-spec 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT is priced from $20,990 ride away, while in a curious move Suzuki Australia says pricing for the base model V-Strom 1050 will be announced closer to its arrival.

The current Suzuki V-Strom 1000, of which several examples are still available in Australian dealerships, is priced at $16,990 ride away.

While both new variants adopt the same engine, frame and suspension package, the up-spec XT model benefits from the new Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) – a comprehensive package of electronic rider aids – plus spoked DID rims and a host of standard features.

The standard XT inclusions span a centrestand, crash bars, a height-adjustable screen, handguards and a lower engine guard, all of which are available as factory options for the base model.

The base-model 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 receives 10-spoke alloy rims but makes do with basic ABS and three-level traction control, although like the XT it still gets the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) and its choice of three ride modes.

Both variants are powered by a 1037cc DOHC 90-degree V-twin with new camshafts and pistons and a ride-by-wire throttle. The engine now produces stronger top-end power while achieving the latest Euro5 emissions compliance.

Suzuki Australia says the engine now produces 106hp (79kW) at 8500rpm, up from 101hp (74kW) at 8000rpm.

Related reading:
2019 EICMA: Suzuki V-Strom 1050
2017 Suzuki V-Strom 1000GT Review
2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Launch Review

But while the output is up, the biggest headline concerns the arrival – in the V-Strom 1050XT, not the base model – of the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System. This utilises a combined brake system and a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) to package together a number of electronic smarts.

The SIRS suite comprises two-level cornering ABS, three-level traction control, hill hold control, electronic cruise control and a choice of three ride modes, plus features like Slope Dependent Control (which regulates braking pressure on downhill braking to prevent rear wheel lift) and Load Dependent Control (which adjusts braking to suit varying loads, from solo riding to two-up with luggage).

That's on top of other Suzuki features like the Suzuki Easy Start System and Low RPM Assist, the former affording single-touch starting and the latter preventing stalls at low engine speeds.

The new V-Strom 1050 is only the second Suzuki model to utilise a ride-by-wire throttle system (the first being the GSX-R1000), while the V-Strom 1050XT is the first Suzuki model to feature electronic cruise control.

The twin-spar aluminium frame and KYB suspension continues, the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050/XT riding on a fully adjustable inverted fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock.

Both variants receive a 19-inch front/17-inch rear wheel package – the base model receives 10-spoke alloy rims while the XT gets wire-spoked DID items. Both are shod with Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 rubber.

Styling is refreshed with a more aggressive look. The base-model 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 is available only in Glass Sparkle Black, while the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT is available in Champion Yellow No. 3, Glass Sparkle Black, or Pearl Brilliant White/Glass Blaze Orange.

Other features include new LCD instrumentation, a USB charging socket near the instruments, a 12-volt auxiliary power socket under the pillion seat, and an LED headlight.

The base model has a wet weight of 236kg versus 247kg for the XT, while both come with a 20-litre fuel tank. Seat height is tall, at around 850mm, and can be increased by a further 20mm if desired.

The Suzuki V-Strom has carved itself a solid legion of fans since its introduction in 2002, earning a reputation as a road-biased and budget-friendly big-bore adventure tourer. While the new XT's pricing is $4000 more than the existing standard V-Strom 1000, it undeniably packs in a heap more gear and features, although those on tighter budgets will keenly await pricing for the new base model V-Strom 1000.

"In the previous V-Strom range we had two specifications and we actually dropped one of them because they were so close to each other; the only difference was the wheels and the handlebars," said Suzuki Australia's marketing manager – motorcycles, Lewis Croft.

"Whereas this time the factory has made quite a big difference, that being the wheels but also the electronics package. The XT gets all the bells and whistles including the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System and electronic cruise control, while the base model gets basic ABS and traction control – there's actually a fair difference. The XT comes standard with just about everything, bar luggage – it's really well equipped straight out of the box."

Mr Croft said he anticipated the XT variant to account for the majority of the new Suzuki V-Strom 1050's sales. Bikesales will bring you more information on the new V-Strom models as it comes to hand.