V-Strom 1000 specifications revealed

SUZUKI has announced the specifications of its new V-Strom 1000 adventure bike.

The 1036 V-twin will make 96.8bhp and 75.9lbft of torque, the firm says.

It will weigh 228kg, 8kg less than the original DL1000 V-Strom, which was more road-biased and went out of production in 2009. It makes the new bike the lightest in its class according to Suzuki.

The 2014 model has a twin-spar aluminium chassis, 19-inch front wheel, ABS with radially mounted calipers and a traction control system which Suzuki says was developed by its MotoGP engineers.

Suzuki is also claiming 59mpg and a 259-mile range from a 20-litre tank.

Suzuki GB's General Manager, Paul de Lusignan, said the V-Strom would be priced "around the £10,000 mark, making it one of the most competitively priced models available".

The machine was unveiled last year as a concept, which Suzuki said had been inspired by the DR800, a 779cc, single-cylinder trailie known as Dr Big

It will go up against the likes of BMW's R1200GS, which makes a claimed 125bhp with 92.1lbft of torque, weighs 238kg wet and costs £11,650 on the road.

Suzuki's release said: "Set to be Suzuki's most advanced adventure model ever, the V-Strom will feature a new 1036cc V-Twin engine, developed to deliver excellent low-mid range power and torque. Power is confirmed as 100PS @ 8,000rpm with torque at 103Nm @ 4,000rpm, demonstrating the new bike's eagerness in real-world riding conditions. The V-Twin engine layout also contributes to the bike's slim design and nimble handling ability.

"To keep power in check on every type of road surface, the new V-Strom features a completely new Traction Control system developed by Suzuki's MotoGP engineers and is one of the most advanced systems ever seen on an adventure bike. The new system analyses information from five sensors on the machine, helping to deliver optimum traction with precision, and features multi-function settings, too.

"The V-Strom's all-new chassis provides impressive manoeuvrability and agility thanks to a Twin Spar Aluminium frame that contributes to an overall kerb mass of 228kg, some 8kg lighter than the original V-Strom 1000 and the lightest in its class. As well as reduced weight, the new bike boasts a 19-inch front wheel - the preferred size in the adventure bike class, providing stability and agility.

"Suzuki's lightweight  ABS system is combined with new radially mounted brake calipers, providing braking performance that is as controlled as the new V-Strom's power delivery."

De Lusignan, added: "We've all been eagerly anticipating the final specification of the new V-Strom 1000, so to get some hard facts as we approach the launch period is great. Crucially this has been a model development process driven by customers. We've consulted and conversed with existing and future riders to see what they want on the new bike. Agility and manoeuvrability came back loud and clear, and I believe potential customers will see that we've listened and delivered a bike that's not just about bigger capacity, but strikes the perfect balance between lightweight handling and real-world performance."