2017 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 XT test: a super cost !
The Suzuki V-Strom 1000, relaunched in 2013 after a career suspension in 2008 due to Euro 3 standards, made small changes in 2017 to strengthen its versatility. Very slightly restyled and equipped with an ABS sensitive to the angle, the maxi-trail also receives a new more convincing bubble. XT version trial.
Suzuki V-Strom 1000 XT test page 3 – MNC technical point
Engine
Recent, as it was developed during the relaunch of the V-Strom 1000 in 2014, the 90 ° V-twin of the Hamamatsu maxi-trail did not therefore need many upgrades to meet Euro4 standards. Only the injection and exhaust systems have been revised – via the addition of an oxygen sensor and a second catalyst, resulting in a slight drop in performance. If the power remains at 101 hp at 8000 rpm, the torque thus loses two newton-meters with 101 Nm at 4000 rpm against 103 Nm in 2016.
Technically, this V-twin renews its previous characteristics identically: a displacement of 1037cc (100 mm bore x 66 mm stroke), dual ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder) and the “in-house” treatment of the cylinders for reduce internal friction (SCEM, for Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material). As on many Suzuki motorcycles, the injection is based on two shutters (SDTV: Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) and on ten-hole injectors.
The twin-cylinder cooling is provided by a lightened radiator for 2017, while the clutch renews its assistance system "Suzuki Clutch Assist System" This "SCAS" works like an anti-dribble: it decreases on the one hand the pressure during downshifts to prevent the rear wheel from jamming, and on the other hand reduces the effort to be provided to the left lever to disengage.
Cycle part
Unchanged, the frame of the v-Strom 1000 consists of two aluminum spars to which is bolted a rear loop of square section. This is rigid enough to allow the simultaneous transport of a 35-liter top-case and suitcases. A 55-liter top case is also available as an option, but this model capable of carrying two helmets cannot be installed at the same time as the suitcases. The swingarm is also made of aluminum.
Damping is based on an inverted 43mm fork and a mono-shock from Kayaka. The front and rear are adjustable for preload, compression and rebound. The shock absorber also receives an adjustable offset preload knob, always handy for loaded duo escapades. Everything is identical to the previous vintage, and therefore bypasses electronic control of depreciation laws unlike more sophisticated rivals.
In general, Japanese trails are resisting in this area since only the Yamaha XTZ1200 Tenere offers electronic damping … Note however that in this category of 1000cc trails, the Honda Africa Twin, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 or the KTM 1090 Adventure do not have it: semi-active damping is more frequently encountered on 1200cc maxi-trails, which are more expensive and therefore more sophisticated..
When it comes to braking, the V-Strom 1000 carries over to the same system: 4-piston radial calipers with radial mounting at the front, which pinch 310mm discs. The 19- and 17-inch rims are fitted with narrow 110mm tires at the front and 150mm at the rear. On the standard model, these wheels are ten-spoke and come from Enkei.
On the XT version, these are tubeless spoke rims made by DID. These rims adopt a golden anodized tint on the yellow "Champion" version of the V-Strom XT. This more adventurous V-Strom is also distinguished by its wider handlebars (+ 4 mm), with variable section. Handguards and engine guard are fitted as standard on the standard version. Too bad the latter is made of plastic, so not very effective against shocks. A point to consider in view of the limited travel of the suspensions (160 mm front and rear) and the ground clearance of 165 mm.
Due to its practical developments (higher adjustable screen of 49 mm, in particular), the V-Strom 1000 charges an additional 4 kg on the scale. The 2017 model is announced at 232 kg all full (233 for XT) with its 20 liters of gasoline in the tank, against 228 kg in 2016. This weight equivalent to that of the Africa Twin remains reasonable in the category.
Electronic
Like all the latest Suzuki motorcycles, the V-Strom 1000 is equipped with starting assistance, the famous "Low RPM Assist" which slightly increases the engine speed as the rider shifts in first. MNC remains divided on the real interest of this device, which does not prevent stalling by clutching too brutally.
The simplified starting system – "Suzuki Easy Start System" – is also part of the game: no need to keep the starter pressed or disengage. The main electronic innovation for 2017 is the arrival of an inertial unit capable of measuring the position of the motorcycle on 5 axes. This IMU is connected to Bosch ABS, which takes the opportunity to take a new step forward in terms of functionality: the control unit is now able to adjust the pressure between the front and the rear (coupled braking) taking into account tilt and trim.
Strangely, these values continuously measured by the IMU are not used to provide information on traction control, as on some high-end trails … "This is a deliberate choice," Suzuki replies. "This feature will undoubtedly appear on the next model", assure the developers. It is also probable that the additional cost generated by the additional programming dissuaded Suzuki. Compromises are essential to stay below the € 13,000 mark !
Consequently, the operation of the traction control remains centered on the comparison of the rotation speed of the ABS toothed crowns installed on each wheel, as in 2016. In addition to this calculation carried out every 4 milliseconds, the control unit also takes into account the position of the accelerator and the crankshaft but also the gear engaged.
Depending on all these parameters, this traction control acts on the injection then on the ignition in the event of slipping. This anti-skating has two operating modes – level 1 being the least intrusive. The choice between each mode is made when stationary, gas cut, via the buttons on the left stalk. Note that it is also possible to deactivate it while driving, a practical feature that is rather rare on a Japanese motorcycle..
The instrumentation has changed slightly for 2017 with in particular the possibility of resetting trips to zero from the handlebars (on the dashboard via front push buttons). This console consists of a needle tachometer on the left and two LCD screens on the right. Inside these digital windows are displayed the speed, the gear engaged, the odometer, two trips, the air and engine temperature, the battery voltage, the range, the average and instantaneous consumption. , fuel level and time.
Related articles
-
Test Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2017: right in the thousand ! The V-Strom 650, a real best-seller with more than 170,000 sales since 2004, takes advantage of…
-
2017 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 XT test: a super cost ! The Suzuki V-Strom 1000, relaunched in 2013 after a career suspension in 2008 due to Euro 3 standards,…
-
Test Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT 2017: right in the thousand ! The V-Strom 650, a real best-seller with more than 170,000 sales since 2004, takes advantage of…
-
2017 Suzuki GSX- R1000R review: the beauty of Gex Driven by the most recent hypersport motorcycles for lack of developments in the last ten years or so,…
-
2017 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 XT test: a super cost ! The Suzuki V-Strom 1000, relaunched in 2013 after a career suspension in 2008 due to Euro 3 standards,…
-
2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 test: no, the Supersport is not dead Yamaha is the only major motorcycle manufacturer to keep its 600 cc sports car in its catalog in…
-
V-Strom 1050 XT test: Suzuki reconfigures its maxitrail The Suzuki maxi trail, relaunched in 2013 and revised in 2017, takes advantage of the Euro5…
-
Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum ! Yamaha is launching its new Tmax 530 2017, available in three models: the standard, the…
-
2017 Kawasaki Z1000SX review: a super bike for the road Kawasaki is taking advantage of the changeover to Euro 4 to refine its Z1000SX on many fronts:…
-
Suzuki V-Strom 650 and 1000 2017: initial information Suzuki took advantage of the Intermot show to present its new 2017 V-Strom 650 and 1000 (standard…