PROS Competent allround package , powerful engine , comfortable tourer
CONS Poor tank range , basic suspension , susceptible to corrosion
enough oomph for an adventure style machine . Keep the revs between four and eight thousand rpm and the V-Strom goes very well indeed . The dual throttle valve system balances what you ask for with the throttle with what the ECU calculates it can deliver - basically you open the first throttle valve and the computer opens the second - which smooths out the throttle response and power delivery . For a relatively heavy , large capacity machine , the V-Strom is reasonable on fuel returning around 7l / 100km ( 14.3km / l ) which will give a tank range of almost 300km before making you wish you ’ d stopped at that last servo .
Handling As you might expect from a softlysuspended machine weighing in at 208kg dry , the V-Strom doesn ’ t exactly have sportsbike style handling . However , the aluminium trellisbraced twin spar frame , substantial alloy swingarm and wide bars do allow the bike to be hustled far more quickly than you might imagine . It ’ s possible to feel the weight of the highmounted silencers when changing direction quickly on twisty lanes , but for an adventure bike it has surprisingly sporty handling . The relatively narrow section tyres ( for what is a road-only
machine according to Suzuki ) also contribute to the bike ’ s nimble handling . The Kayaba rear shock and Showa front forks are on the soft side of soft and the forks could do with stiffer springs - a popular modification with owners for whom fork dive is a common complaint .
Ride The previously mentioned soft suspension does have its advantages in that the V-Strom has a magic carpet like ride quality which soaks up most road surfaces to leave the rider and pillion in comfort . For an adventure trailie the seat isn ’ t too high , although it is relatively broad . Pillion and rider pegs are rubber topped to reduce vibration for distance comfort and both are low set to give plenty of leg room . The factory fitted handguards do a good job of keeping the wind , rain and cold off the hands . Top gear is tall and good for motorway miles but drop below 100km / h in sixth and the bike will struggle to pull - best to drop it down a gear ( or two if needing to overtake swiftly ).
Equipment While the rear suspension is pretty basic , the remote spring preload adjuster is a welcome addition on the right hand side of the
KIWI RIDER 85