Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE in the 1000PS Off-Road Test 2024

With the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE, we visited the largest enduro park in Europe, the Red Stag terrain, in Rohr im Gebirge. The expansive area, about an hour southwest of the Vienna city limits, offered a perfect testing environment with 15 kilometers of forest roads and 28 different off-road trails. There are ample opportunities for every riding level to have a full day of fun. With our large adventure bikes, we mostly stayed on the wider forest paths. However, we also integrated some green trails (easy difficulty level) into the test routine to thoroughly put the big and noble bikes to the test.

The Suzuki V-Strom has brought me a lot of joy. It's the well-balanced overall package of the Yellow one that gave me a lot of confidence and a good feeling from the very first meters. While the Suzuki may not be the best in individual ratings for major points like engine, chassis, handling, electronics, ergonomics, and brakes, it delivers solid and good performance in all areas. You simply know what you're getting, without frills and negative surprises. The V-Strom doesn't have a particularly striking character and essentially no big, charismatic ego, but it's precisely this Japanese efficiency that makes it so good. It has everything you expect from such a bike, and everything works unobtrusively well. In direct comparison with other 21-inch bikes, the pegs felt a bit higher mounted, which also shifted the rider's center of gravity slightly upwards. In theory, this is not necessarily the most conducive for handling and balancing off-road, but in practice, it was not a problem.

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE impresses in off-road use with its smooth yet very torquey V2 engine, which offers great power delivery at low revs while also being excellently controllable. What also stands out is the simple operating concept. For a change, you don't have to dive into a menu - you can directly adjust the engine mapping, traction control, and ABS settings on the straightforward display - simple but brilliant! In terms of the chassis, a good compromise has been struck; the Suzuki surfs pleasantly stable over loose surfaces and works its way calmly through almost any terrain. The suspension travel (170mm) and ground clearance (190mm) are not overly generous, but it compensates with great responsiveness and good damping reserves. The large 21-inch front wheel suits it excellently and provides additional stability. The wide handlebars offer great control, and the grippy pegs as well as the side fairing allow for a firm grip with the knees. The only downside is that the leg spread to properly grasp the tank is somewhat large compared to the competition. Speaking of which: In direct comparison with other vehicles in this class, the slightly higher weight also became noticeable in the tough sections.

From its image and visual impression, the V-Strom 1050 DE appears more like a comfortable tourer. However, not only the professionals but also we hobby endurists were thrilled by its stability, versatility, and willingness to rumble over rough terrain. At low speeds and during maneuvers, you naturally feel its weight, and in this area, it presents the biggest challenges for amateurs. But as long as you can keep the big Suzuki moving, a lot is possible in loose terrain with its potent, capable chassis, well-designed ergonomics, and powerful engine.

The intensive off-road test conditions were perfectly suited to put our equipment to the test. When it came to helmets, the 1000PS crew uniformly relied on the new Tour-X5 from Arai. The helmet sits perfectly balanced on the head and behaves very neutrally in the wind, regardless of speed. The fit of the helmet is generally comfortable. It provides a snug contact feeling over the entire head area. As is typical with Arai, the padding also pleasantly encloses the jawbone and does not create any uncomfortable pressure in the cheek area. The interior lining used in the Tour-X5 feels cozy and high-quality on the skin, even after a long, intense, and sweaty day. With various ventilation openings in the forehead, chin, and upper head areas, you can get enough fresh air when needed. The craftsmanship is top-notch - the helmets not only look noble and beautiful when new, but they also remain in excellent condition even after several tough days off-road. Ventilation openings and visor locking mechanisms can be perfectly operated even when dirty. A great, versatile helmet for all kinds of motorcycle adventures. We give it our highest recommendation!

During our adventure bike test, we uniformly wore gear from the renowned manufacturer Leatt. Our editors were equipped with either the Flow Tour Combo or the Multi Tour Combo. LEATT, well-known for high-quality motocross and hard-enduro apparel, has recently started offering robust and versatile protective clothing for adventure bike riders in their new ADV Collection. The Flow Tour Jacket particularly impressed us with its outstanding ventilation, providing pleasant cooling even in hot conditions up to 35 degrees. Thanks to the integrated hydration bladder system, our testers stayed well-hydrated even on dusty trails. The generous, waterproof pockets offered ample storage space for personal items and allowed for comfortable access while riding. The Multi Tour Combo, on the other hand, scored points with its versatility and three-layer construction, offering optimal protection and adaptability to different weather conditions. Both models are equipped with CE-certified protectors at critical points, providing maximum protection without restricting freedom of movement. Even a LEATT Neck-Brace is compatible with the jackets. We particularly liked the split chest protector on both models, which not only ensures safety but also offers high wearing comfort when the zipper is open. LEATT's gear proved to be ideal for our intensive tests. Robust, safe, and providing the necessary comfort for long riding days under extreme conditions.