Dl1000 V-Strom

DL1000 V-Strom

SUZUKI 2002

Dumb name, neat bike

MATTHEW MILES

AS MODEL NAMES GO, “V-STROM” MAY NOT have the staying power of GSX-R, Katana or even DR-Z. Good thing this new TL1000-engined “sport enduro tourer” has other merits on which to stand. In fact, if Suzuki’s gushing description of the new DL1000 is accurate, buyers will likely care less what name is plastered to the fairing sides; they’ll just want to ride.

And ride. And ride.

Begin with the engine, a derivative of the liquidcooled, dohc, eight-valve, 996cc V-Twin that in TL trim produced 105 horsepower and 68 foot-pounds of torque at the rear wheel. For the DL, Suzuki spec’d a new fuel-injection system that borrows from the new GSX-Rs. Twin 45mm injectors are managed by two throttle valves, a primary unit controlled by the rider via the twistgrip, and a secondary operated by an electronic servo motor, which opens the valve progressively to maintain maximum intake velocity.

The DL also makes use of a new “Auto First Idling System,” which sets both primary and secondary throttlevalve openings when the engine is first fired.

Engine coolant temperature is continually monitored, and idle speed is upped until the coolant reaches normal operating temp. Smaller intake valves (36 vs. 40mm) and shorter camshaft timing with reduced lift are the only other internal engine changes. The six-speed transmission, meanwhile, has wider ratios, and the clutch is larger in diameter with additional plates. Hydraulic actuation eases effort at the lever.

The chassis is a twin-spar aluminum affair, with a conventional 43mm fork and linkage-type rear suspension mated to an aluminum swingarm. Both the cartridge fork and preload/rebound-adjustable piggyback shock offer more than 6 inches of pothole-swallowing travel for the radial-tired 19/17-inch cast-aluminum wheels.

Up front, dual 310mm discs and twin-piston calipers manage braking. A single 260mm/single-piston setup resides at the rear. Steering geometry is conservative, with 26.5 degrees of rake and 4.3 inches of trail. Wheelbase measures 61.0 inches. Claimed dry weight is 456 pounds.

You’ll need a lengthy inseam to tackle the nearly 33-inch seat height, but once you’ve settled into the broad, flat saddle, the upright ergonomics should satisfy for miles. All of this is capped with an angular, Aprilia CapoNordesque half-fairing, a 5.8-gallon gas tank (Alaska, ho!), an ultra-thin instrument cluster, dual multi-reflector headlights, under-seat mufflers and an engine skidplate.

As for pricing, the V-Strom will retail for $8899, which is thousands of dollars less than its likely competition, the upcoming Ducati MultiStrada. Accessories? “We’re looking at options,” says a company spokesman. “We don’t have any plans for hard luggage. Hopefully, the aftermarket will pursue that.”

So, what exactly is a “Strom?” Suzuki says the word is German for “wind.” Great. Now, where’d we put that heat gun? O