| The large capacity V-Twin
market will receive a new addition in April 2002 with the arrival of
Suzuki's V-Strom 1000 'enduro-tourer'.
Suzuki claims that the V-Strom is designed to accept hard saddlebags or a pannier case but we have yet to see pictures of the bike fitted out as such. Suzuki have indicated that panniers and a top case will be available accessories along with a larger windscreen, heated handlebars and centre-stand. A luggage rack is fitted as standard however and attaching any type of luggage should prove to be hassle free. Large capacity V-Twins always have a big appetite for fuel but it is very common for manufacturers to then fit the bikes with small fuel tanks which amplify the problem even further. Thankfully Suzuki have realised this and provided the V-Strom with a healthy 22-litre tank.
Braking performance should be excellent with dual 310mm discs up front and a large 260mm disc at the rear. Fairing protection looks ample and the dash layout is attractive and comprehensive with a conventional speedo and tacho gauge also housing LCD displays that show dual tripmeters, odometer, water temp', fuel gauge and clock. Lights are provided for the indicators, high beam, oil pressure, neutral, temp, FI and over-drive. The V-Strom certainly looks to have the goods to shoot straight to the top of this class. If it was 10 or 20 kilograms lighter then there would be no doubt in that statement.
|
Cagiva's
Navigator is the closest thing to the V-Strom in today's market and even
shares it's engine with the V-Strom. Both bikes use the fuel injected
engine from Suzuki's TL1000S sports model. This engine has been
universally acclaimed as an excellent engine that pumps out great low and
mid-range performance.
A
twin spar alloy frame is suspended by 43mm cartridge forks that offer
160mm of travel. At the rear a single shock handles the bumps. A handy
feature is a hydraulic preload adjuster which allows preload to be set
without the need for any tools or grazed knuckles. Rebound damping is also
adjustable.
