2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS

                              2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS

The 2014 V-Strom 1000 features several key performance upgrades for a bike that has gone mostly unchanged since its 2002 model year debut. Suzuki’s technical presentation to the media explained the inner workings of the company’s first-ever traction control system, the Strom’s larger displacement engine and slipper clutch, as well as its new suspension and braking components.

Now, with this redesigned 2014 V-Strom 1000, Suzuki seeks to split the difference between big, heavy adventure bikes and the smaller ones its 650 competes with in the U.S. At a claimed 503 pounds gassed up, the new V-Strom is 23 pounds lighter than a BMW R1200GS, 75 pounds lighter than a Yamaha Super Tenere, and 31 pounds heavier than its 650 sibling. Suzuki says it was after a compact, lightweight package it calls a “Sport Adventure Tourer.”

Like the previous V-Strom 1000, it is powered by a liquid-cooled, eight-valve V-twin. The capacity is increased from 996cc to 1,037cc; the long list of new parts includes cylinder heads and crankshaft. Maximum power is increased by only 2bhp, to 99bhp, but there’s a bigger gain at lower revs, especially around 4,000rpm where maximum torque is produced.

The 2014 model sources a six-speed transmission with revised gear ratios and a completely new clutch. The Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) provides slipper functionality to smoothing downshifts  with slipper clutches sourced in most of its ADV rivals. The assist function lightens lever pull, with Suzuki claiming 13% less pulling effort.

Fuelling is generally precise, and the broad spread of torque allows strong acceleration with minimal use of the six-speed gearbox. The V-Strom sits smoothly and comfortably at the legal limit, surges forward eagerly in response to a twist of the throttle, and has a top speed of about 120mph. That’s more than adequate, although the V-twin’s lack of zip at higher revs is disappointing.

Instrumentation is excellent, incorporating digital speedo, analog tach and a panel showing a variety of information including fuel gauge, consumption and remaining range that can be accessed by pressing buttons on the left handlebar. The tank is smaller than before, just 5.3 gallons, but the engine's improved efficiency is likely to keep range roughly the same. I averaged 34 mpg and many owners will better that, giving a realistic range of 160–180 miles.

Braking power is impressive, thanks to four-piston Tokico monobloc front calipers, backed up by an excellent ABS system. Suzuki’s electronics update also incorporates the firm’s first traction control system, which is especially welcome on slippery roads.

The suspension felt a bit soft on standard settings. Suzuki says it’s ‘tuned for diverse conditions’. It’s definitely set more for long-distance comfort than performance. The forks are fully adjustable and the shock adjustable for preload and rebound damping. A few turns of the knob on the shock improved the rear but served to highlight the softness at the front.

The 2014 V-Strom 1000 ABS has a base MSRP of $12,699, which is a reasonable price to pay for a member of the 1000cc class of adventure motorcycles (the average price is $13,999). A 12-month factory warranty from Suzuki helps protect new buyers.