Following the June announcement of returning sport, dual-sport, supermoto, and off-road motorcycles for 2023, Suzuki has announced new and updated models in its V-Strom adventure lineup: the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050, 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE, and 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure.
Suzuki’s 2022 lineup included the standard V-Strom 1050 and the up-spec V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure, with the Adventure version featuring aluminum panniers, fog lamps, and heated grips.
Related Story: Suzuki Announces 2022 Returning Models
For 2023, the V-Strom 1050 returns with numerous updates, and the V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure will be replaced by the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure.
Previously available only on the XT models, all V-Strom 1050 models now feature a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) electronics suite, which includes ride modes, cornering ABS, multimode traction control, cruise control, and braking systems that compensate for hill starts, slope, and load. Supporting these electronic systems are an updated throttle-by-wire system, a new ABS control unit, a new CAN (Controller Area Network) wiring system, and a new 32-bit ECM (Engine Control Module).
Other changes common to all V-Strom 1050 models include an up/down quickshifter, a new 5-inch TFT display, a new windscreen that’s hand-adjustable to 11 different positions over a 2-inch height range, a new 12-volt power outlet under the passenger seat, revised mirrors, and revised LED turnsignals and taillight.
The standard V-Strom 1050 features a new dual-height seat (33.7/34.5 inches), while the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure models feature a new fixed-height seat (34.6 inches).
Inside the engine are new sodium-filled exhaust valves, which reduce temperature in the combustion chamber for improved flow efficiency and durability. The 6-speed transmission has higher ratios for 1st and 6th gears that smooth the shift action into second and higher gears and contribute to smooth operation of the quickshifter.
V-Strom 1050 models use durable steel sprockets and feature a new stronger and longer O-ring drive chain. Under the bike is a new cowl that protects the oil filter, exhaust header, and engine, as well as a more sure-footed centerstand.
All V-Strom 1050 models are powered by a liquid-cooled, 1,037cc 90-degree V-Twin. When we tested the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT, it made 96 hp at 8,500 rpm and 66 lb-ft of torque at 6,300 rpm on Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno. The 1050XT has a 5.3-gallon fuel capacity, and during our 2020 test, we averaged 49.8 mpg and 264 miles of range.
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 has a 5.3-gallon tank and a curb weight of 534 lb.
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure
Joining the standard V-Strom 1050 are the new V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure, which are geared toward more off-road-oriented adventures. The DE models feature a 21-inch front wheel for rolling over obstacles with a tube-type rim for maximum durability. The 17-inch rear wheel is tubeless, and the DE models are shod with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour adventure tires.
To improve control and handling off-road, the DE models have unique features in the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), including new Gravel (G) traction control and the ability to switch off ABS at the rear wheel. They also get their own dedicated chassis geometry with a longer wheelbase (62.8 inches vs. 61.2 on the standard V-Strom 1050), longer rake (27.3 degrees vs. 25.4 degrees), more trail (4.96 inches vs. 4.33), more ground clearance (7.5 inches vs. 6.5), and a handlebar grip that is 1.6 inches wider.
To further enhance their off-road capabilities, the DE models get a dedicated suspension system with unique spring rates, damping force valving, and piston settings. The adjustable 43mm inverted fork and rear monoshock also have more suspension travel than the standard V-Strom 1050, with 6.7 inches of front travel (vs. 6.3) and 6.6 inches of rear travel (vs. 6.3).
For added stability, the DE models also have a longer swingarm with 10% more torsional rigidity. They also feature a new three-piece front fender assembly that combines the effectiveness of a conventional fender with the protection of fork guards like those used on a motocross bike.
To maximize visibility during off-road riding, the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure have a unique smaller windscreen, which is more than 3 inches shorter and slightly narrower than the V-Strom 1050 windscreen. The wider handlebar on the DE models is cast in thicker tubing from a softer grade of aluminum than the V-Strom 1050 handlebar, which allows more flex and better shock absorption.
The DE models feature a new, more durable fixed-height seat (34.6 inches) with a new bottom shape that increases rigidity while reducing weight by 1.5 lb (a 37% reduction in mass). According to Suzuki, the rider and pillion seats provide a comfortable upright riding position, and the sides of both seats are covered with high-grip texture material to help the rider and passenger stay connected to the motorcycle.
Given their higher stance, the V-Strom 1050DE and the V-Strom 1050DE Adventure feature longer, model-specific sidestands and centerstands. They also feature a new engine protector made of 3mm-thick aluminum plate that shields the front and bottom of the frame, exhaust header, and engine from trail debris.
Unique to the V-Strom 1050DE Adventure are a set of 37-liter aluminum panniers with an anodized silver finish that attach to powdercoated, stainless-steel carriers. Constructed from 1.5mm-thick aluminum plates with strong, no-pierce rivet technology, the panniers feature hinged lids that stay in place when open, internal and external tie-down points, keyed stainless-steel latches, and quick-release hardware. Built to be waterproof with rubber-sealing lids, the panniers have powdercoated interiors that avoid transferring aluminum stains to cargo.
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE has a 5.3-gallon tank and a curb weight of 554 lb. The weight of the panniers on the Adventure has not been announced.
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 will be available in Metallic Reflective Blue / Metallic Matte Black with black wheels, the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE will be available in Pearl Vigor Blue / Pearl Brilliant White with blue rims, and the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure will be available in Champion Yellow No. 2 / Metallic Matte Sword Silver with gold rims.
Pricing and availability have not yet been announced. For more information, visit the SuzukiCycles.com.
Well, that sucks for riders who aren’t long legged.
Suzuki just crossed itself off my short list.
I’m with you Mike; we mistakenly bought a new GS1150 Adventure and sold it within two weeks for a $5000 loss due to it being too tall for my 30″ inseam. Gravel roads, on tiptoes, not good. When are manufacturers going to realize that those of us normal size folks ride too.
Pick your feet up, ride the bike. Take some training. While I agree large adventure bikes are a pain off road, you should never, ever, be on a big bike if you think you need both feet down. Learn how to do it right on a smaller bike, and then move up.
Riding short legged on a tall bike can certainly be done. However, a 30″ inseam on a 34.5″ seat height/ 550 pound bike is a combination that increases risk. Now load the bike and put a 150 pound passenger on. Stepping down on the low side of an incline is going to be a problem. I know, don’t step down on the low side. Have you ever done that by mistake? If not, you are a great rider. With around 200,000 miles on a variety of machines, I am not ashamed to admit that I have. On a Moto Guzzi T-3, it wasn’t a problem, I could muscle it back up. On a Honda ST1300, loaded, it as going to land on the crash wings. FYI- I have a 30″ inseam, but am quite strong and fit.
For many years, tall riders had nothing. Shorter riders have far more options on motorcycles and there are so many to choose from. While the GS may be too tall, every single Ducati is way to small for me. I don’t make negative note of it, I just look for a taller bike.
I sat on the DE and it is a bit too high but lower than my DRZ400. I have a 30” inseam. Also ordered the lowered seat option when ordering the new DE.
Boy ! I am really confused now, I can’t decide on this new Suzuki 1050 or a Moto Guzzi V85tt. I really like the idea of a shaft final drive that the Guzzi has.
Reliability and cost of ownership, V-strom wins. Also better performance and I think the weight is better placed on the V-strom.
Bikes keep getting taller and taller. It really is a shame folks do not realize not everyone can ride bikes with seat heights over 32″ safely.
While I somewhat agree with your comment, people need to truly learn to ride and invest in training. Seat height hardly matters if you know what you are doing. People who want to ride 3 times a year, yeah, they are screwed, but people willing to learn will be fine. The weight on the other hand, that needs to come down. Seat height aside, 530+ lb bikes eventually feel like 530+ pounds, regardless of how “balanced” the reviewers sat they feel.
Until Motorcycles come with reverse gears, seat heights matter quite lot for tight-space manoeuvring. Something as simple as being able to quickly dive into a tight spot up to a curb, front first, on a street with a bit of a crown, if you have a seat low enough to give leverage to push it back. Vs having to hold up traffic backing in (which may not even fit if you have panniers). Ditto paddling the bike into and out of tight bike lots.
“Offroad” you may normally have sufficient space to get off and pull the bike back from one sider another. Or I suppose you can strop the suspension down. Batman, what a faff. Simply putting your feet down and yanking the bike back, is a lot easier even then.
For very light, narrow bikes (up to perhaps 690 enduro for someone my 200lb’ish size), the “get off and push/pull” works much better. But a big adv is so big, with so much weight and so much girth sticking out, that any sort of manhandling is much more likely to run into space issues. Even if you should be strong and balanced enough to be able to deal with the weight issues. The 1050 Strom is the least troublesome in that regard (low COG, rather narrow past the handlebar), but it’s still no 690, much less a dirt bike). Harley’s adv supposedly does lower automatically for manoeuvring. But I can’t imagine any such system ever passing the reliability/”lack of unnecessary complexity” test over at notoriously sceptical-of-fluff Suzuki.
Whats the safety issue?
21″ front wheel. yay. Too bad they aren’t applying these improvements to the 650.
One of the most underrated bikes in the market.
That sweet V-Twin puts off NO heat on its rider.
A seriously good front end including brakes & suspension.
Not to mention the frugal benefits of being Japanese.
The V-Strom’s are great bikes, but never on my purchase list because the seat height doesn’t work for me with a 29 inch inseam. I’m currently riding a Triumph Tiger 800 XRx Low and love it for 3,000 to 5,000 mile tours. My next bike is probably a 1250 RT or Can-Am Spyder (I’ve been riding since 1969).
There’s probably a low version of this too.
Still has a chain…non-starter for me.
After owning and riding shaft Adventure Bikes on long trips I’ll never go back to a chain.
My 2021 XT 1050 is an absolute rust bucket, the quality of the material used is shocking. I’d never have a Suzuki ever again and can’t wait for my PCP deal to end. the wheels and spokes are corroding too! Great bike if you never use it and keep it in a heated garage!
I Have ridden 15,000 miles on my XT 1050 including 2 winters and a complete lap of Spain/Portugal (4500 miles without cleaning it), including some very dodgy tracks and river fords and mine still looks like new. Ps I have owned BMW’s (dodgy electrics), Yamahas, Triumphs (leaked oil) Honda’s, Aprilia’s ( err Sorry officer) and other Suzuki’s etc. Yet none have ever really rotted and I like to ride them in all conditions. What did you do park it in the sea?
Weights?
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 has a 5.3-gallon tank and a curb weight of 554 lb. Fuel capacity is the same on the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and it has a curb weight of 554 lb. The weight of the panniers on the Adventure has not been announced. (Thanks for pointing out this omission! We’ve added this info to the story above.)
I’m with most buyers the mfg really needs to seriously look at the seat height there are so many that just can’t ride a bike that tall
The new styling makes the 1050 less porky looking.
Everyone complaining about the seat. Try it the other way around. I’m 6’ 6” tall and my whole life (I’m 65) every bike I’ve tried is just way to small. And I don’t know if anyone noticed but the younger generations just seem to be getting taller and taller. I for one am in favour of the higher seat heights.
How would you replace the front tube type wheel to a tubeless type wheel
Can I put the front wheel from a 2022 1050XT Adventure on the 2023 model. Tubes suck and Suzuki cheaped out with putting a bicycle wheel on a freeway capable motorbike. The new 800 P-Strom is going to sit on the showroom floor and die there because of tubed wheels. Please let me know about the swap and thank you.
Tubes just crossed me off s a potential customer