Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000: review, history, specs

Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Production	2002 - 2012
Class	Sport touring
Engine	four-stroke, liquid cooled, 90 degree V-twin, DOHC, 8-valves, TSCC
Bore / Stroke	99.1mm x 99.1mm
Compression ratio	11.3:1
Horsepower	98.03 HP (73.1 KW) @ 7400RPM
Torque	73.76 ft/lbs (100.0 Nm) @ 6400RPM
Fuel System	EFI, Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV)
Transmission	Gear box: 6 Speed, manual Final Drive: #525 chain Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual
Suspension	Front: Telescopic, cartridge-type, oil damped, adjustable preload, 160mm travel Rear: Link-type, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, 163mm travel
Brakes	Front: dual 310mm discs, ABS optional Rear: single 260mm disc, ABS optional
Front Tire	110/80 R19 M/C 59H, tubeless
Rear Tire	150/70 R17 M/C 69H, tubeless
Wheelbase	60.39 inches (1534 mm)
Length	90.39 inches (2296 mm)
Width	35.79 inches (909 mm)
Seat Height	33.11 inches (841 mm)
Weight	238.0 kg (wet)
Recommended Oil	Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40
Manuals	Service Manual

The Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000 was a four-stroke, liquid cooled, 90 degree V-twin, DOHC, 8-valves, TSCC Sport touring motorcycle produced by Suzuki between 2002 and 2012. Max torque was 73.76 ft/lbs (100.0 Nm) @ 6400 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 98.03 HP (73.1 KW) @ 7400 RPM.

Engine

A 99.1mm bore x 99.1mm stroke result in a displacement of just 996.0 cubic centimeters.

Drive

The bike has a 6 Speed, manual transmission. Power was moderated via the Wet multi-disc, manual.

Chassis

It came with a 110/80 R19 M/C 59H, tubeless front tire and a 150/70 R17 M/C 69H, tubeless rear tire. Stopping was achieved via dual 310mm discs, ABS optional in the front and a single 260mm disc, ABS optional in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic, cartridge-type, oil damped, adjustable preload, 160mm travel while the rear was equipped with a Link-type, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, 163mm travel. The wheelbase was 60.39 inches (1534 mm) long.

2002 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000

2002 is the first model year for the DL1000 V-Strom 1000, Suzuki's big-bore adventure-touring machine. The bike was designed to offer a sporty character on the road and decent " flipability" when riding on rougher surfaces. The bike's riding stance and ergonomics have been tailored for long-range comfort, while the compact design also provides decent weather protection.

Lightweight thanks to the aluminum frame, the 2002 MY V-Strom 1000 is powered by a spirited 996cc liquid-cooled v-twin which can deliver 98 hp and north of 100 Nm of torque. The generous tank and excellent loading capacity with optional side cases add to the functionality factor and allow the liter-class Strom a neat entry in the touring world, even without the wire spoked wheels.

2003 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000

The 2003 MY V-Strom 1000 has received a lot of nifty updates, with the fully-adjustable front fork preload being probably the most important. This allows riders to alter the fork's response according to the demands of various surfaces and make sure that the best ground-tracking performance.

Other updates include a new seat cover material which is more durable and provides a more comfortable ride, and a new design for the speedometer and tachometer, now offering better readability.

2004 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000

The 2004 MY V-Strom 1000 also replaces the Suzuki brand name on the tank with the S emblem, but this is only one of the many improvements the bike received. The big Strom got a new design for the hand guards and the underbelly bash plate, and now offers slightly better ground clearance. The windshield is also new and can be adjusted in three positions with a total travel of 50mm.

The the same time, the whole dashboard was revised, with redesigned, larger gauges and a new LCD element was installed, as well. On the tech side, the V-Strom 1000 is good for 98 hp and 101 Nm of torque, and is also eager to hit the road, solo or with a passenger and full sidecases.

2005 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000

The 2005 MY DL1000 V-Strom 1000 shares the black frame, swingarm and wheels which have become standard throughout the street bike line-ups. The bike was not changed from the previous models, as the recipe seems like a successful one. The liter-class V-Strom packs a lot of comfort for long rides, and offers excellent weather protection to the rider.

The compliant suspensions will offer great performance on both asphalt and gravel, even though riding hard off the road is a rather delicate affair, because of the cast wheels. With around 100 hp and a 6-speed transmission, this touring bike has no problems traveling at highway speed even when fully loaded and with a passenger. It is equally fun for city slicing and commuting, and generous tank capacity offers a good range for maximum enjoyment.

2006 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000

It doesn't take a bike specialist to figure out what's with the V-Strom 1000. We're looking at the bigger version of the initial 650cc V-Strom, a touring bike with even more grunt, better highway speed at lower revs, while adding to the acceleration figures, as well. This liter-class v-twin machine packs excellent long-range comfort even in the back seat and good weather protection for the rider, thanks to its generous windscreen and upper fairing. So you get the classic v-twin rumble plus the high-speed fun of a bike engineered to ride fast combined with comfortable seating and plenty of passing power.

2007 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000

The story behind the DL1000 V-Strom 1000 is as simple as it gets: Suzuki needed a road-touring machine which can effortlessly do highway speeds with luggage and a passenger, while being comfortable for long hauls and which could tackle a bit of off-road, too. Sure, they already had the 650 version, but it was a bit underpowered in certain scenarios, so the liter V-Strom was born to a rockstar life.

The 2006 version seemed good enough and the 2007 model year got new clear turn signal lenses for a sporty image and new swingarm pivot covers for a smoother surface on the frame, plus updates gauges, brake master and levers.

2008 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000

The DL1000 V-Strom 1000 is almost unchanged for 2008 and sports the same streetability and long-range worthiness as its predecessors. You'll ho aboard a liter-class V-twin machine with power to spare and excellent road stance regardless of how loaded it might be. With good weather protection for the rider, the DL1000 V-Strom 1000 also offers plush comfy seating for the passenger.

Compliant adjustable suspensions provide excellent ground tracking even if the asphalt is not perfect, and the cast wheels will even be able to tackle some gravel every now and then, even though the trail is not their second nature.

2010 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000

If you feel like you could use more power and torque during your long hauls, the 2010 V-Strom 1000 is here to solve the problem. The liter-class adventure-touring Suzuki sports a bigger and significantly more gritty v-twin engine which can hurl two riders and a full load at highway speeds and beyond without any noticeable effort. Even if the V-Strom 1000 is a bigger machine than the V-Strom 650, you won't feel too much of a difference, because the strong-pulling power plant and the tuned transmission are engineered for a nimble feel of the bike.

Cue smooth suspensions and light gravel capabilities, excellent weather protection from the adjustable windshield and the generous 22-liter tank which makes touring a real pleasure, an engine guard and hand guards as stock trim and prepare to reach your next destination.

2011 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000

The 2011 model year carries on the acclaimed features of the V-Strom 1000, a liter-class bike which combines the sporty, street-oriented nerve of its v-twin engine with the comfort and long-range-minded ergonomics and suspensions. Comfortable for both solo and two-up rides, the V-Strom 1000 hasp strong suspensions which make even riding on mild off-road a rewarding experience, as long as you remember you're rolling on cast wheels.

Weather protection is also great, making the V-Strom 1000 a worthy touring machine, especially as it can carry a lot of luggage and riders can improve convenience and the practical nature of the bike with a wide range of accessories.

2012 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom 1000

There are no major changes for the 2012 MY DL1000 V-Strom 1000, as the bike was a a pretty well-made machine. The bike retains the versatility of the 650cc model, but is taking things to the next level, as it introduces the extra grunt the liter-class engine delivers. This means stronger accelerations and easier cruising even when loaded with luggage and carrying a passenger, on the highway or on back roads.

A large fuel tank delivers excellent range while the hand guards and the adjustable windscreen improve the rider's comfort, especially during long hauls. The 2012 V-Strom 1000 is an open invitation to choose destinations which are further away form home each time you get in the saddle.