![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ef0b44_f706865b05f54750b4a5cecd81bbb737~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_147,h_91,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/ef0b44_f706865b05f54750b4a5cecd81bbb737~mv2.jpeg)
It's official! After years of saying that the V-Strom is not an off-road bike, Suzuki has done the unthinkable and given us a properly capable adventure platform in the shape of the 2023 V-Strom 1050DE.
Announced today via Suzuki's global press service, for 2023 the big V-Strom gets a number of big updates for both the standard and flagship models.
Key updates and improvements for the new bike - which will replace the XT model in the lineup - include the move to a tubed 21-inch front wheel while retailing the tubeless 17-inch rear wheel, full TFT instrumentation, factory skid plate and (FINALLY) switchable ABS as part of the six-axis IMU-backed SIRS electronics package.
Notably, the V-Strom 1050DE retains the proven 90-degree v-twin powertrain which comes with a bi-directional quickshifter for 2023. Suzuki really has thrown everything at the 2023 V-Strom 1050, which could be the last hurrah for the V-twin incarnation of Suzuki's flagship adventure bike with the engine tracing its heritage all the way back to the turn of the century.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ef0b44_1af6e93283884c0dad98895977b01ce6~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/ef0b44_1af6e93283884c0dad98895977b01ce6~mv2.jpeg)
As always, Suzuki has continued to refine its legendary V-twin to get the most out of it. For 2023 in addition to the quickshifter, the 1050's engine gets hollow, sodium-filled exhaust valves, and a taller 1st and 6th gear.
The new valves help reduce the temperature in the combustion chamber, which Suzuki claims not only results in better loading efficiency and a better feeling but also contributes to improving the durability of the engine. Making the bombproof v-twin even more so? Yes, please.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ef0b44_e7da3e9b29f24d65ba0773247f583492~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/ef0b44_e7da3e9b29f24d65ba0773247f583492~mv2.jpeg)
According to Suzuki the gearing changes make shifting into second, and from there through to fifth gear, smoother and deliver greater acceleration performance.
The 1050DE also features a new, stronger drive chain with sturdier links and larger diameter pins, as well as a dedicated new shift lever, better suited to off-road riding.
The chassis has been revised and along with the 21-inch front wheel for the DE version of the V-Strom 1050 which also gains 1-inch of ground clearance over the standard bike thanks to longer travel suspension.
The V-Strom comes in a bit on the heavy side with the 2023 1050DE having a listed kerb weight of 252kg compared to the standard bike's 242kg.
There is still a lot to unpack from the 50-page model info sheet, but we'll update you with more as we wrap our heads around it all.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ef0b44_507ce897caab4c36805a13c126463c5c~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/ef0b44_507ce897caab4c36805a13c126463c5c~mv2.jpeg)
Suzuki NZ is yet to announce local pricing and availability of the 2023 V-Strom 1050 and 1050DE but we expect an announcement in the near future. Watch this space.