Suzuki V-Strom 1050

Suzuki has unveiled the new V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050XT at EICMA 2019. The standard bike is more street-focused while the XT variant is off-road oriented. Both bikes use a 19-inch/17-inch front-rear wheel combo but while the standard variant rolls on alloy wheels, the XT gets wire-spoke units. They both use the same 1037cc engine from the V-Strom 1000 but the motor is now Euro 5-compliant.

Suzuki has also updated the electronics package on the 1050s, which now features traction control, riding modes and load-dependent ABS on the standard bike. The XT variant additionally also gets cruise control and hill-hold control. A fully-digital LCD instrument cluster has been added on both variants to help control all these aids. Other features exclusive to the XT include an adjustable seat and screen.

The overall design harks back to the old Suzuki DR Big, with meaty tank extensions and an imposing stance. Both variants get a fully adjustable upside-down front fork from KYB and preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking is taken care of by radially mounted Tokico monobloc calipers up front, biting down on twin 310mm discs. We expect Suzuki to bring these bikes to India next year with the standard variant priced at around Rs 14.40 lakh and the XT at Rs 15 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). Once launched, it will compete against the Honda Africa Twin, BMW R 1250 GS and Triumph Tiger 800 XCx.