2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050/XT/XT Adventure

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and its two other iterations, the XT and XT Adventure, bring on the adventure (with some road-biased intent). The 2020 MY V-Strom experiences updates to the 1,037cc V-twin to improve power output while meeting stricter Euro 5 emission standards, as well as improvements to the electronic rider-aid package. The three models differ in that the base features cast aluminum wheels instead of the spoked ones seen on the XT and XT Adventure. The XT also features a centerstand, crash guards, brush guards, cruise control, hand-adjustable windscreen, and a slew of rider aids. The XT Adventure has the same features as the XT, but pumps the model up with heated grips and aluminum panniers.

In regard to the redesign, test rider Seth Richards applauded Miyata-san’s reboot saying it “finally makes the V-Strom as desirable as it’s always been capable.” Further, the 1050 XT’s “engine is refined and well-mannered, the powerband is still characterful, begging to be run hard between apexes—a feeling furthered by the slick-shifting transmission and slipper-assist clutch. Yes, on paper the V-twin lump is a little long in the tooth, but you’ll never think twice about it in the real world, where it provides the marriage of excitement and usability you want in a do-it-all motorcycle.”

The mid-tier 2020 V-Strom 1050 XT ran on our in-house dynamometer to record these rear-wheel horsepower and torque measurements: 93.4 hp at 8,650 rpm and 64.5 pound-feet of torque at 4,630 rpm.

The V-Strom 1050 is significantly updated for the 2020 model year. The engine internals see new camshafts and pistons which are fed by a pair of 49mm ride-by-wire throttle bodies. Four modes are now available to choose from in the new traction control system as well. The V-Strom is completed by new styling and a new multifunction instrument panel.