Suzuki is all set to launch the latest adventure tourer, the 2018 V-Strom 1000XT in India this year.
Thanks to the legendary Hayabusa and recent GSX-S series, Suzuki has enjoyed a fairly good presence in the Indian supersport motorcycle space. To cater to adventure-seekers and tourers, Suzuki introduced the V-Strom 1000 ABS in 2014. Priced at Rs. 13.82 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai), this CBU import doesn’t come across as a value proposition but there are no two ways about its sorted nature. Suzuki is expected to replace the current model with the updated 2018 V-Strom 1000XT in September 2017.
The 2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT comes with a host of updates, of which the exterior changes are limited to spoke wheels, new fairing and windscreen. Suspended on a light weight aluminium chassis, the new motorcycle will continue to offer incredible agility and nimble nature of its predecessor. Along with a new wider handlebar, the bike gets hand guards as standard. Optional storage accessories are offered with a single-function key. Suzuki has also integrated Motion Track Braking System to ABS and added combined braking technology as well.
Powered by the same 1037cc liquid-cooled engine that does duty on the current generation, the 2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT will produce 99 BHP of power at 8000 RPM and 103 NM of torque at a rather low 4000 RPM. The parallel-twin motor comes mated to a 6-speed constant mesh transmission. Braking duties are performed by a twin disc setup at the front and single disc brake at the rear. The upright riding posture, typical of adventure tourers, provides the rider enough space and comfort.
The bike comes with inverted telescope forks at the front and a link-type suspension at the rear, which gives it a supple and compliant ride quality. With a tank capacity of 20-litres, the V-Strom 1000 is well suited to long distance touring. Thankfully, the tyres have been updated to Bridgestone Battlewing dual-sport while features such as heated handlebar grips, ABS and traction control are carried forward from the previous version.
The 2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 features Motion Track Braking System which relies on the five-axis inertial management unit supplied by Bosch to improve braking efficiency and prevent wheel lockups. It works in sync with the bike’s ABS unit. Expected to be launched by September 2017, the new version is a worthy update to the current model provided Suzuki prices it right.
The 2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT will compete with the likes of BMW R1200GS, Kawasaki Versys 1000, Ducati Multistrada 1200, Triumph Tiger Explorer and the recent adventure motorcycle to go on sale, the Honda Africa Twin.
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT
– India launch expected in September 2017
– Gets spoke wheels, combined braking technology and Suzuki’s Motion Track Braking System
– ABS and other key features continue to be offered, no change in mechanicals
– Rivals the Ducati Multistrada 1200, BMW R1200GS and the likes
Source – CarandBike.com
