Suzuki V-Strom

First up, let me explain. If you don't already know, the name means 'Stream of wind' in German. Yes, I know, but there's a reason, (even if I reckon it's not a very good one). You see, it's been so given to service Europe and in particular the German market where the dualsport category is king. Pity the rest of us can't help but see it as a spelling mistake...

It is amazing how these dualsport things can fulfil just about every wish a rider could hope for. Quick, comfy, cheap, buckets of fun. The universal motorcycle? Well, certainly the category comes as close as possible to producing things that could take that moniker. In short, pick a use and the V-Strom will do its darndest to carry out your wishes.

While our European friends have embraced the dualsport category with a welcoming focaccia and a kiss on each cheek, we've been a little slow to catch on down here in the Big Brown Land. We are however, coming around to the sort of thinking that will see this category continue to show the growth it has in recent times, but the 'if-your-head-and-arse-aren't-at-the-same-level-its-not-a-bike' mindset is still a strong element of the Aussie big bore purchaser's approach.

Pity that, because I'm sure as heck that these bikes are the ones I personally want to be on. Yep, I'm getting old, but so is the average bike purchaser in this country and I like to think it's got as much to do with attaining a more sophisticated range of opinions as carrying an ageing set of bones around. Probably just wishful thinking...

GRUNT ME UP SCOTTY
So what's at the heart of the matter? Glad you asked. The bike makes use of the 996cc V-Twin, TL1000S powerplant which was always a favourite. Okay the TL had its problems, but none of them had anything to do with the engine. Just ask Cagiva. The Italian company was quick to see the benefits of the donk and used it in its Navigator and Raptor range to universal approval.

This time the engine is in a different state of tune to those heady, front-wheel-lofted, silly TL days. Yes, it's lost around 25PS off the top and some will lament that.

Don't sulk though. For every Yin there's a Yang and in this case the upside is an engine that places its power right where you want it - in the midrange. Want to belt past that truck with a minimum of fuss? Like to be a little 'left-foot' lazy when whacking open the taps? Think a huge top-end rush is a little frenetic for your tastes? Well, all it takes is a little of the good ol' twisto-wristo around four-grand to change the scenery from clear and relaxed to a blur of impressionist-canvas-colour in a flash.

Fact is the more user-friendly cams, smaller inlet valves, lighter conrods and revised ECU have delivered the bike with an engine that is very hard to criticise when considered in its likely habitat.

Suspension is hardly ground-breaking on paper, but at no stage did I find it wanting. Pick a line, slam it in and throttle out. Sound like sports bike technique? You betcha...

NO FAT, NO FUSS
The jewel in the crown for the V-Strom is its weight. Just 207kg (dry) and a nicely stiff chassis make it a very flickable mount indeed. Lean angles that appear obscene are the order of the day here and you'll impress your friends with your ability to scrape pegs at will.

Traffic-crawling is aided by the high seating position and the wide bars make quick decision-making a breeze in confined spaces. That same leverage comes into its own when dropping into a tight, open road corner. See what I mean? Another set of examples that illustrate that these things are the smart things to own - in and out of town. In your suit or leathered up you'll have the goods at your disposal.

The transmission is nice, but what else would you expect from Suzuki? I regard its gearboxes to be the finest in terms of smart ratios and clean, precise changing and the V-Strom only enhances that hard-earned reputation.

Sixth is an overdrive and this is reflected by a small warning light on the instrument cluster. While on the instruments, I reckon they are too small and a little plasticky. They look neat enough, but the dials are not easily read at a glance and I'd like to see them 20 percent larger.

Brakes are adequate, if not startling. By virtue of a slightly soft front-end there's some dive under serious braking, but that's inherent in the category and no real criticism.

THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Some will consider it ugly as did I at first glance. All angular and aggressive but with a 'utilitarian mister-friendly' sales pitch. It all seemed a little at odds with itself. But I got used to it and now I like it. If it were a bloke it wouldn't pull the supermodel, but it would get its share over a period of time. Bit like most of us really...

Its not on its own in not taking the world by storm (or should that be Strom?) at first glance. Fact is the category itself is not conducive to stunning and shapely bodywork. Think Varadero and you'll get my drift. I hasten to say the Big Suzi is a damned sight better looking than that aesthetic disaster...

But you'd hardly go the sorts of places on a Ducati 998 you can on a V-Strom. Majestic or multi-skilled? You make the call, but you'll rarely get both in the same bike.

THE ADD-ONS
Nice touches are to be found here and there. Span adjustable levers, bark-busters - that sort of thing. It's not absolutely loaded with scene-stealing features, but at $15,490 it wouldn't be would it? I reckon the specs sheet is good at that money.

There's a good set of luggage available from Givi for those that are looking to cut out some bigger touring kilks and you can get an optional higher screen along with a centrestand. I'd certainly be looking at the stand, but the screen was very good indeed for my 178cm.

So what does Suzuki Australia's General Manager for Motorcycles Perry Morison expect from the bike? Let's toss it to him then...

"Here in Australia we believe the adaptable V-Strom will have particular appeal because we live in a country which is ideal for long distance touring with many locations separated by challenging roads. Similarly it is a country where the motorcycle is a sensible mode of everyday transport in metropolitan areas.

"The V-Strom is an entirely new concept for Suzuki and one that reflects the growing demand for greater recreational flexibility from motorcycles."

WILL I OR WON'T I?
What you get with a V-Strom is value for money. It depends if you put a lot of store in that virtue. I know I do - and this sort of bike would be high on my shopping list.

Over to you...