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Suzuki’s Big V-STROM Gets New Styling and Other Changes for 2020

2020 Suzuki V-STROM 1050XT

Suzuki is calling the 2020 V-STROM 1050 “all-new”, and you can decide for yourself. The details are in the following press release. Three models will be available, including the standard V-STROM 1050, the 1050XT and the 1050XT Adventure. Here is the press release:

Brea, CA (November 5, 2019) – Suzuki’s legacy of premium adventure touring performance and reliability is revitalized for 2020, making a bigger and bolder statement for riders around the world with the all-new V-STROM 1050 series. In conjunction with Suzuki Motor Corporation’s (SMC) stunning unveiling at the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) is excited to announce each model in the series including the V-STROM 1050, V-STROM 1050XT, and V-STROM 1050XT Adventure. This new adventurer provides riders the ability to go beyond limits with sharper styling, a more aggressive design, and advanced technological updates.

Inspired by the legendary DR-Z800 Dakar Rally bike that proved Suzuki could take on the planet’s most rigorous off-road event and the DR800S, also known as the DR-Big, that was powerful and nimble for its size, the new generation of V-STROM 1050 models share similar characteristics with its distinct design and electrifying colors that harken back to its historical race livery. The V-STROM 1050XT model comes coated in the Championship Yellow color that resembles the legendary DR-Z rally bike while the orange and white combination pays respectful homage to the DR-Big. Whether on- or-off road, commuting, or sport-riding, the all-new V-STROM is poised to help riders master their own adventure.

For 2020, riders can also experience the joy of the open road on the V-STROM 1050XT Adventure with travel-ready capabilities including a set of aluminum panniers and heated grips that help keep them prepared for any conditions. Suzuki’s strong, established community of V-Strom riders are sure to seek new territory with its wide array of accessories and improved technology.

2020 Suzuki V-STROM 1050XT Adventure

In addition to the new V-STROM 1050 models, Suzuki proudly presents its remaining 2020 models including the GSX-S1000, GSX-S1000F, and Burgman 400 scooter. Each model returns with new colors and graphics that showcase their proven performance.

V-STROM 1050

Riding on cast aluminum wheels, the new V-STROM 1050 arrives in trim, new black and gray bodywork. The updated 1037cc V-twin engine has more horsepower than ever before, retaining its strong pull in the lower RPM range with good fuel economy while complying with worldwide emissions standards.

The V-STROM 1050 can take on diverse road conditions, or adjust to the rider’s preference through its advanced electronic aids including new Ride-by-Wire dual electronic throttle assemblies, refined traction control with four sensitivity modes, a new three-mode Drive Mode Selector to select power delivery characteristics, and a new Easy Start System that make start-ups quick and easy.

Above the new, vibration-damping tapered aluminum handlebar is the V-STROM’s all-new, multifunction instrument panel that presents all required information and rider necessities on a full LCD screen via a clean and intuitive layout. Overhead of the instrument panel is a mounting bar that’s ideal for putting accessories like a GPS in the rider’s forward vision. Located near the left side of the instrument panel and mounting bar is a new USB port is that can power a GPS, smartphone or other accessories.

V-STROM 1050XT and V-STROM 1050XT Adventure

In addition to the upgrades found on the V-STROM 1050, additional features have been integrated into the V-STROM 1050XT and the V-STROM 1050XT Adventure models through the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.). These new V-STROM’s now lead the Adventure category in technology as this advanced suite of features is interconnected to a new ECM via a Controller Area Network (CAN) wire harness that quickly transmits information from a new six-direction, three-axis IMU.

2020 Suzuki V-STROM 1050

The S.I.R.S. includes Cruise Control that effectively maintains road speed though the new Ride-by-Wire electronic throttle bodies. The updated Motion Track Antilock & Combined Brake System now includes a Hill Hold Control system to aid the rider when stopped uphill while the Slope Dependent Control System helps manage braking force to avoid rear wheel lift when riding downhill. The Motion Track Brake System also includes a Load Dependent Control System that monitors and retains braking force information to optimize braking force when riding with a passenger or heavy cargo. Each element of S.I.R.S. provides V-STROM 1050XT riders stress-free use and convenience during long distance adventures, commuting, or pleasure riding.

The V-STROM 1050XT comes with a new adjustable, wind-tunnel developed windscreen, redesigned handguards and mirrors, a new height-adjustable two piece seat, plus a rugged accessory bar and center-stand, and much more. The 1050XT has two exciting color schemes; the Championship Yellow color that resembles the legendary DR-Z rally bike while the Orange and White combination pays respectful homage to the DR-Big.

The 2020 V-STROM 1050XT Adventure has a deep Glass Sparkle Black color and adds to the 1050XT’s impressive standard equipment list with a set of Suzuki’s quick-release aluminum panniers and heated hand grips.

2020 Suzuki V-STROM 1050XT

The new Master of Adventure has arrived and each V-STROM 1050 is ready for any adventure a rider can imagine. Suzuki has a wide range of accessories specially developed so riders can personalize their V-STROM. This includes side and top cases, high or low seats, engine protectors, LED fog lamp set and turn signals, aluminum chain guard, and a side stand extension plate, plus tanks bags that clip on and off of the fuel tank mount in seconds.   


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46 Comments

  1. pskam says:

    It looks like a Colombian cop bike from ‘Clear and present danger’.

  2. Buzzard says:

    This new Vstorm looks good. Everyone I spoke to even the older models were the “ most fun bike they owned”. I can’t wait to see it at Long Beach show of all the motorcycles. It will stand out! I’d like to know price though. We’ll have to see.

  3. motorhead says:

    Would I buy this, or the new Honda African Twin? I’m tall, want a comfortable ride, tour, and take some back trails occasionally

  4. pm says:

    The front end (tank forward) reminds me of the Flying Glove, maybe with a blue meanie riding it. If you know what I’m referencing tell me you don’t see the similarity.

  5. SeTh says:

    Another basic upgrade needed is [optional] longer-legnth gear shift lever so that shifting with big adventure boots isn’t a chore? These levers end far to close to the pegs.

  6. mechanicus says:

    All hail Beakus Maximus.

  7. bmbktmracer says:

    Sadly they missed an opportunity to perform a rhinoplasty.

  8. Fred N says:

    ” Wind tunnel tested Windscreen” Lets hope that Human’s of a range of height’s actually sat on it during those tests, rather than a deaf Shop Dummy.
    I rather doubt that seeing the last 2 generations have failed in regard to windscreen design with styling way over function in priority. Yes, I’ve had both.

  9. Brett says:

    I’ve owned a 2018 yellow/black XT for a year and it’s been great. It turned 10,000 miles yesterday and has only been to the dealer once…for the break-in service. No issues at all and I now enjoy my 85 mile daily commute. It’s very easy to DIY maintain and the $8900 price (new) makes it even better. I’ve owned a BMW GS and several Ducatis, which were fun too but the ‘strom is my overall favorite. Not the best at any one category, but the overall package can’t be beat.

  10. GT says:

    Make Yellow Great Again !

  11. Ken Kenworthy says:

    An excellent bike since 2014. Great front end and engine which really provides more over-rev past the 8500 mile mark along with the continued diesel-like torque. Super easy to live with …only exception being footpeg position interference when stopped. An easy work around as most time spent on the pegs. Liking the addition of cruise control the most!

  12. Gregory Plassmann says:

    Displacement not withstanding, the Adventure class seems to be splitting into 2 segments – those with 21″ front wheels, and those without. Those with know how much it matters in the dirt. Those without are betting that most buyers want a heavier street bias.
    The big DL maintains its strong street bias.

  13. motonut_1 says:

    Suzuki retains it’s title. Biggest beak in the business.

  14. Ken says:

    Not bad, but I do wish Suzuki would change the location of that oil filter.

  15. SeTh says:

    Weren’t there some basic issues to address before getting new art and electro-gizmos, e.g. making the air cleaner a quick change, or getting Multistrada-width tires?

  16. Dan says:

    If I was a larger person this would be an awesome bike

  17. Stuki Moi says:

    Whoever decided to leave cruise control etc. off the cast wheel one, …… I don’t want to go there… Unless the new spoked wheels are made of carbon nanotubes, the cast wheels are the ones which show off the ‘Strom’s qualities the best. Heck, the chassis and geometry are good enough to make use of forged Marchesinis.

    • RyYYZ says:

      The standard 1050 with cast wheels is completely de-contented. No cruise control. No hand-adjustable windshield. No braking ABS. No IMU. No cruise control. No heated grips, no luggage, no centerstand or crash bars.

      I have no interest in spoked wheels. I guess I might consider getting one with spoked wheels if I wanted the other stuff, but I’d rather not have to. Don’t really need or want the crash bars, either.

      Curious marketing/design decision. Some of those features, like the cruise control and hand-adjustable windshield should be on every version, IMHO.

  18. The Highwayman says:

    Tubeless spoke rims?

    Check.!
    Decent size fuel tank?

    Check!

    Electronic Cruise Control?

    Check!

    Affordable not only to buy but also to maintain?

    Check!

    Not made in pussified Deutschland?

    Check!

    Not so heavy that even the neutered manlets of certain websites could pick it up if they had to?

    Check!

    They call me The Highwayman…

  19. RSVR says:

    Looks like a Honda AT to me.

  20. zuki says:

    I like the V-Strom again! Love the orange & white. Well done, Suzuki, well done.

  21. Hot Dog says:

    That’s a really nice engine, it has a front fender extender and I like the new colors. The only color option that would be better is a matte tan/brown, It wouldn’t have to be washed but once every 3 years.

  22. Kermit says:

    The very first thing I thought of when I saw the new Strom, was a Katana. While I like the orange and white combo, the darker shades tone down the styling somewhat. And it needs toning down.

  23. Kevin P says:

    As Neal and Selector stated the displacement has been the same 1037cc since 2014. But great colors, cruise control finally and not as awkward. The 2018 handled amazingly on road, had perfect fueling, grunty and smooth engine, very strong brakes, and comfort for days. They got it right. I’ve have two DL650 models and these are great all around bikes for dirt roads, touring and commuting. Now with cruise control, I’m all in.

  24. Tom R says:

    Does anyone under 45 even know what the DR Big was?

  25. Kebrider says:

    Changing the model name to 1050 makes it easy to remember if cruise control is available on the that used V-Strom on Craigslist.

    • RyYYZ says:

      That won’t help, because the standard 1050 model doesn’t have cruise control. Nope , you have to get the XT model to get something that should be standard on all versions.

  26. Neal says:

    As others have pointed out, engine displacement hasn’t changed. The big news here is Suzuki’s first implementation of RBW throttle and cruise control, as far as I can tell. I think the bike got uglier though, the design could grow on me though.

  27. Selecter says:

    Err… the size of this engine isn’t increasing. It was 1037cc starting in 2014. It’s remaining 1037cc for 2020. The only thing related to the engine displacement that’s changing is the name moving from 1000 to 1050 for some inexplicable reason.

    So it’s definitely not “the biggest news” here at all!

  28. Jeremy says:

    This is like a retro adventure bike.

  29. ApriliaRST says:

    I’m liking the styling, but I notice, as usual, no weights are listed. To me, big ADV bikes fail trying to cross the dual-sport and sport-touring categories. In the end, I need a mid-size ADV and a full-size sport-tourer. Surely a good choice for riders who are comfortable with this blend, and a nice offering of color options.

  30. Tom says:

    Diggin the retro blue and yellow colors.

    • mickey says:

      Shades of the DR Big.

      Buddy of mine had one of the 1000’s. It would comfortably eat up freeway miles.

    • steveinsandiego says:

      ugh, hate’m…jmhofwiw, as is yerz 😉 gray/black is cool beans. red/white/black comes in 2nd.

      sure did enjoy my 2015 v-strom 650 for a couple of years, and i never rode off-road…well, not on purpose, anyway LOL. no more scootin’ since sept 2017….sigh and sigh…

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