2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 First Ride

 What is an Adventure Touring bike? Ask ten riders and you’re likely to receive ten different answers ranging from a lightweight, knobbied big-bore Single with a luggage rack to a 600-pound, multi-cylindered monster with electrically-warmed everything. Although the descriptions vary, we all know a true adventure bike when we see it, and the 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 will not be mistaken for anything but. Now the real question is where does it fall in the spectrum of adventure-ness? We found ourselves in the usually sunny coast of Southern Spain to find out.

In the past few years the sales of the V-Strom 1000 have dropped drastically, in large part to the economy but also because of the success of the smaller V-Strom 650 and the removal of the larger V-Strom from several markets because of emissions regulations. When Suzuki decided to move forward with a new 1000, they focused on European markets and conducted extensive surveys to find out what current and potential V-Strom owners liked, disliked and wanted. Features such as traction control and ABS were high on the wish list, but just as important were excellent handling and all-day comfort. Suzuki responded with an all-new V-Strom 1000 featuring an updated engine, chassis and look. Additionally Suzuki’s very first traction control was fitted along with ABS.

Suzuki laid-out nearly 200 miles of winding asphalt for our ride around the coastal town of Almeria, but not a lick of dirt. This is telling of the placement and purpose of the V-Strom 1000. While it features the requisite front beak that says, “point me at the dirt,” the V-Strom will spend most, if not all, of its time on the street. Suzuki went heavy on street prowess as most owners of ADV bikes will never see anything more nasty than a fireroad. Hill-climbing and log-jumping is the dream sold in brochures, but not the reality. Of course, there are exceptions, but those people are not the majority. It’s far better to sell to the masses and not the few, right?

No the V-Strom may not get full off-road capability, it does have the upright riding position, wide bars and big seat that allows for striking out for the horizon and beyond. The bars are pulled back 34.2mm and the footpegs migrated 15mm aft as well for a more relaxed fit than the previous model. The seat height is unaltered at 33.5 inches but the shape has been thinned at the front to allow for an easier reach to the ground. Suzuki also has a wide range of accessories available, including a 1.2-inch lower option and a 1.4-inch taller unit.
Sitting on the V-Strom it was an easy reach to the pavement with my 32 inch inseam, and I would say the standard seat height will work for those that are even slightly vertically challenged. Taking hold of the steel handlebars found a very natural and comfortable layout with plenty of leverage. The feel of the levers are thin and not as quality feeling as I would expect from a machine in this segment. The rest of the cockpit is excellent however; the instrument cluster relays all the info that is needed, including instant and average fuel mileage, ambient temperature, miles to empty, gear position and traction control level. The LCD gauge also displays the speed with a large analog tachometer to the left. Switching through the modes and traction control levels is simple and straightforward with the left thumb control. Other brands should take note. The slick three-position ratcheting windshield is easy to use and provides adequate protection. It doesn’t punch a huge hole in the air to hide behind, but it does take the weight off your chest and head enough to have a comfortable ride.