The legend returns
The V-Strom has garnered quite a following here in SA with its torquey V-twin engine and gravel touring credentials. Here at AutoTrader, we are no strangers to this machine, having spent considerable time with the 1050 on various adventures and test rides.
Related: Suzuki DL1050 XT (2022) Review
Despite being a phenomenal motorcycle, this previous model failed to capture the attention of local riders in quantity. This is most likely due to the XT derivative being short a few offroad essentials and as mentioned in our review, being more road-biased than its contemporaries such as the Honda Africa Twin. This has now changed as Suzuki has seen where the DL was coming short and introduced a new and improved DL1050 in DE trim. Suzuki SA invited us for a quick one-day adventure trip through the KwaZulu Natal highlands to put the new model to the test.
What's new on the DE?
Starting with the biggest change, the DL now comes equipped with a 21" tubed front wheel, coupled to that, longer travel front and rear suspension and wider handlebars and you get a machine that handles infinitely better offroad that the previous model. Gone is the adjustable-on-the-fly screen and its place, a taller fixed piece, gone also is the adjustable seat replaced with a contoured and embossed arrangement that I can honestly say is also much more comfortable now.
The frame and engine remain the same although the engine has been fettled and the gear ratios have been changed up. The addition of the crash bars and belly pan as standard equipment ensures that if you do have a tumble or get into some hefty trails the bike and is panels will be protected.
The biggest addition though is the electronics package with added Traction Control levels and a Gravel mode wherein one can adjust or disable the ABS to get the rear out in the loose stuff. The bike retains a familiar feel and weight that inspires confidence when pushing on.
The Ride
Let's start out by saying that everyone should be familiar with the devastating floods that caused total havoc in the KZN area not so long ago. These floods destroyed so much infrastructure and severely damaged just about every road you could possibly ride on, perfect then for a mini adventure. Our route took us from King Shaka Airport down to Verulam and then inland toward Hazeldene Dam and the surrounding countryside.
Almost every road was severely pockmarked with potholes, entire missing sections of tar or just simply gone. This was a true test of the DL's credentials as one could be winding up a stunning tar mountain pass, dodging potholes with your knee down, and then suddenly encounter gravel or domesticated wildlife. The brakes are very good as is the suspension with both handling some interesting situations best left to the imagination!
Although the tar sections were huge amounts of fun requiring fighter pilot-like reflexes, it was the gravel and trail sections between rural villages and tar roads that proved that Suzuki has come to the party. Even with the road-biased touring-style tyres fitted, the DL was able to tackle the hills and dales with ease taking us on to some truly spectacular scenery, and being able to switch off the ABS or select Gravel mode just made the riding that much easier. Comfort levels were on point and even though you can feel the weight moving under you, you never feel like you're wrestling the bike.
Another surprise on the trip was the diminutive DS 250 SX V-Strom. This little wonder stuck with us through the entire trip, keeping up and in many cases passing us while we tackled the trails. It may not have been the focus of the trip but it definitely made an impression.
Model and Pricing
| Suzuki DL 1050 DE (2023) V Strom | R 259 000 |
| Suzuki DS 250 SX (2023) V Strom | R 58 900 |
Verdict
I have always had a soft spot for the V Strom even if it was more road-biased. Now, with the new features, the DL1050 can call everywhere home. Although the DL will face continued competition from the likes of Honda's Africa Twin and the smaller KTM 890 Adventure, those bikes are geared to hardcore adventure types whereas the DL1050 is a near-perfect compromise where the riders that only do the occasional gravel tour will be incredibly happy with the normal touring capabilities and offroad prowess of the Suzuki. Performance, tech, comfort, and a keen price come together in another winner from the red S.
