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As a motorcycle manufacturer, Suzuki is known for its fire-breathing sportbikes. From the GSX-R600 to the GSX-R1000 and Hayabusa, the Japanese brand is more synonymous for its balls-to-the-wall superbikes than its adventure touring motorcycles.
While big-bore offerings like the BMW R1200GS ($16,100), Ducati Multistrada 1200 ($16,995), and Triumph Tiger Explorer ($15,699) offer European style in the premium market, the more affordable end of the spectrum is scarcer, with the Yamaha Super Tenere ($15,090) coming most immediately to mind within this particular niche.
Does the freshly redesigned 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS hold its own with its tempting $12,699 price?
What's New
For 2014, Suzuki made extensive changes to its venerable V-Strom 1000, starting with the engine. The V-Strom's 1,037cc 90-degree v-twin gains Suzuki's first implementation of traction control, which has two levels of permissiveness. The system can also be switched off, and those controls are managed via large buttons on the left switchgear. The engine's cooling capacity has been increased, which enables elimination of the oil cooler. Weight has also been reduced with the new single muffler system that's equipped with a computer-controlled butterfly valve, and other engine improvements include new injectors which enable more power and better fuel economy, and bigger pistons which manage to maintain the same weight and strength. The slipper clutch and transmission also enjoy smoother operation, particularly in 6th gear, while the chassis claims lighter weight and greater rigidity.
Other improvements include floating disc, 4-piston front brake rotors, Hayabusa/GSX-R inspired styling, and a new 9-way adjustable front windscreen.
On the Road: Large and In-Charge
The 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000's seat height has been lowered to 33.4 inches, which might still be a bit tall for some riders. The clutch must be pulled for the engine to be fired up, even when the transmission is in neutral-- which might be annoying to some-- but the V-Strom carries through with a surprisingly satisfying ride dynamic. The big v-twin has plenty of personality with its mellow pulse, but runs smoothly enough to make it comfortable over several hours of riding. Long distance freeway speeds, however, revealed some helmet buffeting (I'm 5 feet, 11 inches tall), no matter what position the windscreen was in-- which I suspect might be solved by the Adventure model (which comes at a $1,300 premium and includes a taller screen, saddlebags, and hand guards).
Acceleration is strong (though not as wheelie-poppingly outrageous as with Ducati, Yamaha, and BMW's big adventure bikes), and there's enough flexibility from the 1,037cc engine to minimize downshifts and encourage passing slower traffic by gunning it in the current gear. Clutch lever action is smooth and easy, and the shifter requires a gentle tap and responds with positive engagement and a reassuring "click" when it enters into gear. Ride quality is generally smooth, with fully adjustable Showa forks and a rear single-shock suspension that's adjustable via a hand dial. The new display panel includes gear position, instant, and average fuel economy information.
The V-Strom 1000 ABS has sharp steering that encourages confident cornering at slower speeds, and the suspension refinements go a long way towards making the smaller (and older) V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure model feel crude in comparison.
Bottom Line
Though the big 'Strom doesn't feel quite as refined as pricier European alternatives, its powerful engine, comfortable saddle, and huge 5.3 gallon fuel tank make it well equipped for long distance, high-speed riding, though you might want to double-check the windscreen for the aforementioned buffeting, which will depend on the height of your helmet. Opt for the $13,999 V-Strom 1000 ABS Adventure model (or order its accessories individually), and you've got a capable, fun-to-ride adventure touring bike that's a viable alternative to pricier, more exotic alternatives.
Though it may not have the brand cachet or sportbike-like abilities of some of its competitors, the 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS proves that if you're not a label lover, you can get away with owning a fantastically capable motorcycle at an entirely approachable price.