The debut of the new Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS is approaching

We knew it as a prototype and were subsequently able to understand how the project for the new one was born and developed V-Strom 1000 ABS. The last stage towards the long-awaited debut in EICMA 2013 of the new Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS is probably the most important one.

How's the new one? Sports Enduro Tourer Suzuki? How does it behave on the road? What are the riding prerogatives of a motorbike that brings with it so much expectation and enthusiasm on the part of those who conceived and developed it? Mr. Sato and Mr. Plaschka are Suzuki testers, within the development department, and represent the most suitable people to answer these questions, describing the evolutionary steps of a project that involved them and the entire working group from the first clay model up to the circuit tests and on the roads in Europe and the USA.

Many innovations introduced by the new VStrom 1000 ABS and series proposals, among which the innovative control of
traction settable on three maps (1, 2 and Off, based on needs) derived from the development of the MotoGP prototype and the ABS system. The philosophy that accompanied the entire project is in fact that of proposing a motorcycle capable of standing out even in such a contested sector. “There are many good models to choose from in this very competitive category – says Mr. Sato –, I knew that competing against them would require a high level of performance. I was very rigorous in my evaluations of the first prototypes”.

It was an exciting job and a difficult challenge, articulated through meticulous analysis down to the smallest detail. A commitment that required numerous meetings and discussions between designers, engineers and testers but which led to a result that “I think it's even better than initially imagined”.

Mr. Plaschka, a former Endurance rider, is even clearer in expressing his satisfaction with the success of the project: “The new V-Strom is significantly lighter than any other model in the over 1000cc maxi enduro segment and this is immediately evident! Top handling, ease of driving, precise steering and fluid changes of direction. Torque is high at low and mid-range, with excellent throttle response and control
efficient traction”.

1.037 cc V-Twin engine, 100 HP at 8.000 rpm and above all 103 Nm of torque at just 4.000 rpm. This value speaks of a full and vigorous twin-cylinder right from the lowest revs, capable of pushing decisively with every impulse on the throttle and at the same time being exploitable and elastic, providing tasty and satisfying performance. Numbers that escape the analysis of a simple technical sheet to define a new evaluation parameter: driving. Because there is no power or performance that can involve and satisfy the user's needs other than those that can truly be exploited.

This is why the development of the new Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS had as its main focus the handling and pleasure of driving, essential qualities for establishing a new point of reference in the sector. From here also derives the weight contained in just 228 kg, in running order and with a full tank of fuel (20 litres): a figure that Suzuki is proud to disclose as a real value in conditions of use of the motorbike (a good 8 kg in less than the previous model), which in the design phase had much smaller displacement models as its reference.

This feature, combined with the easy handling given by the 19" front wheel rim coupled to the 17" rear, immediately makes it clear that the new V-Strom 1000 wants to establish itself as a new model of satisfying driveability and fun, comfort and usability on the road.

“Driving on slow and fast routes had synergistic effects, it was very difficult to satisfy the stability and handling requirements that we had imposed on ourselves. At the end of the work, we were all very satisfied”, continues Mr. Sato.

All this commitment has as its core the passion for one's work. An indispensable motivation to create an exclusive product, developed through the eyes of true enthusiasts, who are the only ones capable of
determine the real usefulness of every single detail with the imperative of not making compromises. Everything can be summed up in a statement that contains the inspiring principle of the new V-Strom 1000 ABS and all the
Suzuki: “You can talk to your bike and feel our philosophy as soon as you start the engine and start riding it.”