2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050, 1050XT and 1050XT Adventure | First Look Review

2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Orange and White
2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT in Orange and White

Suzuki has announced updates for its lineup of big V-Stroms, including a nomenclature change from 1000 to 1050. The 2020 V-Strom 1050, V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure feature sharper styling with bold, bright paint schemes that reflect Suzuki’s historical race livery, and a few technological updates.

Read our Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT vs V-Strom 650XT Comparison Review

At the heart of each Strom is the tried-and-true 1037cc 90-degree V-twin that Suzuki says has been updated with more horsepower while still complying with worldwide emissions standards. Ride-by-wire with dual electronic throttle assemblies powers a revised traction control system with an additional ride mode (for a total of four), a new three-mode Drive Mode Selector that adjusts power delivery characteristics and the addition of Suzuki’s one-touch Easy Start System. There is also a new LCD instrument with mounting bar for a GPS and a new USB port.

2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050
2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 rolls on cast wheels and comes in Gray and Black.

The base V-Strom 1050 ($13,399) rolls on cast wheels, but the V-Strom 1050XT ($14,799) and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure ($16,999) both include tubeless spoked wheels for more off-road endeavors. They also feature the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with a new six-direction, three-axis IMU. The S.I.R.S. includes electronic cruise control and an updated cornering ABS and combined braking system that now includes Hill Hold Control and a Slope Dependent Control System that manages rear wheel lift when riding downhill.

Read our Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT Long-Term Review

Both the V-Strom 1050XT and 1050XT Adventure also come with a redesigned windscreen, hand guards and mirrors, a new height-adjustable two-piece seat, a centerstand, engine guards and more.

The 2020 V-Strom 1050XT will be available in two colors, Championship Yellow and Orange and White. The V-Strom 1050XT Adventure will be available in Glass Sparkle Black and includes quick-release aluminum panniers and heated grips.

Check out Rider’s 2020 Guide to New Street Motorcycles

Keep scrolling for more photos….

2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Yellow
2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT in Championship Yellow
2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Adventure
2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Adventure in Glass Sparkle Black

10 COMMENTS

  1. These updates are long overdue. Even with them, the V-Strom 1050XT Adventure just catches up with models such as the Africa Twin and the Triumph Tiger. They’re still a ways off from the KTM Adventure or BMW GS models. I completely understand that the target audience is a little less hard core, and the price point is a bargain by comparison.

    I have a 2007 DL650 V-Strom, which I’ve ridden at events where plenty of high-end adventure bikes were present. I hung in there pretty well with the big boys, but wondered how much sweeter it would be with more power and better suspension. Despite where it stacks up in the spectrum of ADV bikes, the new 1050XT Adventure may be worth considering. I can’t wait to read the full test, when it’s available.

    • I owned a 2007 wee Strom for 9 years, great bike. Three years ago I moved to the KTM 1190 Adventure. Great brakes with feel and modern high quality suspension are much sweeter indeed. Cornering ABS and TC make every ride safer as well. The lovely little 650 twin had enough power for everything except passing, twice the power from the 1190 makes short work of short passing zones but is otherwise more than you need. Love the 1190 but maintenance costs are very high. I’ll be looking hard at the V Strom 1150 and 2020 Africa Twin before I have to shell out four grand at 18,600mi.

    • I took one for a test ride, sweet ride, good balance on gravel roads, and easy to turn around on a gravel road. do not like where the cooler filter is, and the upside down front suspension. does not make sense to me for an adventure bike.

  2. Saw the new 1050XT “project bike” on display in the Suzuki exhibit at the New York motorcycle show. Yellow color with special Suzuki graphics, Akropovich exhaust. It looked really serious with the spoke wheels, as if you could really take it off road and hang with the KTM 1290, but I serously doubt it. The Suzuki spoke wheels make the biggest difference in appearance. If you’re looking for a great adventure style bike that looks like it can go off road, this might be the one.

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