New adventures at Suzuki: Firm ditch 1050 XT for off-road focused 1050 DE in updated 2023 V-Strom range

Updated: 10 February 2023

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE on the dirt
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE sliding off road
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE dash
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE with luggage
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE right side
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE on the road
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE and standard 1050

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Suzuki have whipped the covers off their 2023 V-Strom 1050 adventure range, ditching the now two-year-old XT model in favour of a new DE with more promising off-road credentials.

Read our full Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE review

Available in dealers from early next year, the DE will sit alongside a standard 1050, with both bikes receiving a 5in colour TFT dash to replace the current LCD unit, which appears to share a similar design to the firm’s GSX-S1000GT.

Also included for both bikes is an up and down quickshifter, a centre stand as standard, handguards, plus USB and 12V sockets for charging gadgets.

Outside of that, the standard Strom remains largely unchanged – with both bikes retaining the old 1037cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine and similar beaky styling, said to be inspired by the thumping Dr Big single of the late 1980s.

Most of the juicy stuff can be found on the DE, which drops the old XT’s 19in front wheel in favour of a 21in hoop, equipped with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tyres. The standard model continues to use a 19in front and 17in rear and rolls on Bridgestone A41s.

Outside of the rims, the DE also gets longer travel, fully-adjustable KYB suspension to help it tackle the rough stuff, plus 190mm of ground clearance – 25mm more than next year’s standard Strom and a whole 30mm more than the old XT.

But that’s not all, rake and trail have also been increased on the DE, with the wheelbase also increasing by 40mm over the base model. This is thanks to a new aluminium swingarm, which is said to retain the same level of vertical and lateral rigidity, with torsional rigidity boosted by 10%. You also get chunkier foot pegs for off-road boots, and 40mm wider handlebars – said to provide a better riding stance off the beaten track.

But the changes don’t end there, with both adventurers getting tweaks to their twin-spar frames. Suzuki have added new aluminium castings and extrusions along certain sections in a bid to produce a lighter, stronger chassis. That said, the standard model is 6kg heavier than before at 242kg.

And, despite being the same old 90-degree V-twin unit, the engine has been lightly breathed on with new hollow, sodium filled exhaust valves that are said to help reduce heat in the combustion chamber and add improvements such as better longevity.

There’s also a taller first and sixth gear and the DE gets a claimed stronger drive chain, plus a dedicated shifter for a greater focus on off-road riding.

To help keep you upright away from the tarmac, the DE also gets some new electronics. Both models gain Suzuki’s six-axis IMU for two-stage lean-sensitive ABS, plus hill hold and more. An updated ride by wire throttle also assists with the cruise control, three-stage traction control and three power modes.

What sets the DE apart is a new ‘G’ mode (gravel, not gangster) as part of its traction control settings, designed for hitting the trails. This allows more rear wheel slip – continuing delivery of power to the rear wheel, until the system deems it too excessive.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE and standard 1050

Prices are yet to be announced for both models, with a range of accessories including luggage and lighting available. An optional higher screen is also available for the DE, with the bike fitted with a smaller design as standard for claimed better visibility.