Suzuki V-Strom 1050 (2023)

A fast, comfortable bike packed with great features, excellent value for money – I decided that after 66,000 very happy kilometres on a Vstrom 650 I'd upgrade. The Vstrom 1050 seemed a logical choice at the time and the only way I can describe it is that it's a completely next level adventure motorcycle! I had shortlisted the Vstrom 1050 with the Triumph Tiger 900, Honda Africa Twin and the Ducati Multistrada. The Triumph was too tall for me and felt a little top heavy. The Africa Twin was again too tall and way too expensive. And while I love the Ducati it's maintenance costs were rather prohibitive as well as the up front cost. The 1050 has all I wanted except for Android Auto connectivity. It has ABS, Motion track Braking, and perhaps the most nifty braking feature, combined braking in which you only need to use the front brake lever and the bike's motion sensors will provide back braking to balance the bike. It's amazing. While having to avoid an Emu near Cobar I went from 110 to 10 in about 20 metres...no skidding, no loss of control. It stops on a dime. The bike has a punchy 106hp v twin and the low down torque is just fantastic. While the redline is around 10,000rpm the reality is that you hardly have to go above 6000 for a thrilling ride. The 2023 model 1050 is fitted with Quickshift up and down which enables you to change up and down the gears without using the clutch. This amazing feature takes a little bit of getting used to but it makes for a much smoother gear change. On changing down it even gives the engine a rev to smoothen the change. The TFT display is a big step forward from the old LCD display of the previous 2022 model and it's much clearer and easy to read, as well as having day and night modes. On the road the bike is just a dream to ride. She handles twisties well and always feels sure on her feet with the OEM Bridgestones. I intend to go back to Michelins however, at the next tyre change just because I'm very accustomed to the grip they provide. The bike has ride by wire throttle with three throttle modes. I generally use the mid mode (mode B) but the choice of modes changes the throttle sensitivity and certainly mode C is handy in wet weather as it provides smoother power delivery. The factory fitted cruise control is heaven on long distance rides. I use this bike for a lot of long distance touring around Australia and it has already proven itself more than apt to the task. She is a comfortable, easy to ride, fast and feature-filled bike. I'd also like to make a shout out to Western Edge Motorcycles in Rockingham, WA who made the purchase so quick, easy and friendly. Highly recommended!