Suzuki->ke371 product planner Tomohisa Ichimaru explained that his group wanted to build a bike with "big bike" power and performance but easy to maneuver and comfortable to ride. They wanted smooth performance at low-to-mid range for touring, while maintaining the free-revving nature at high rpm. Having owned a previous-generation V-Strom 650, Tomohisa went into the project with the experience of a long-distance touring rider. He brought with him ideas on how to improve the next generation from both an engineering standpoint and from a rider's point of view. For the 2015 model year, Tomohisa and the folks at Suzuki bring you the V-Strom 1000 Sport, available outside the U.S. market.

Continue reading for my review of the 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Sport.

2015 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Sport

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Sport
• Engine/Motor: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 90˚ V-twin

Design

Inspired by the 1988 DR750S->ke1815 -- Suzuki's first big adventure-type bike -- the V-Strom 1000 Sport has fierce styling with black-on-black panels and components, and gold fork tubes extending from a fairing designed to look aggressive. Even standing still, it gives the impression that it's a powerful machine. The wide fuel tank and narrow waist gives you something to really clamp your legs on when you start to brake or release the throttle and experience the fairly hard engine braking. This allows you to maintain your riding position and keep a secure seat. Where the bike might lack in top speed, it more than makes up for in torque and power.

Chassis

Suzuki combined steel frame members with aluminum sub-frame assemblies to produce a strong but light skeleton for the bike. Inverted KYB front forks and a preload-adjustable, rear monoshock float the bike. Fork-tube guards help keep the tube clean to prevent grit and road grime from damaging the fork seals – a nice feature considering some of the places and conditions this ride may wind up having to navigate.

Dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc provide the binding power to keep this bike under control, and the ABS helps to maintain traction by monitoring front- and rear-wheel rotation and intervening as necessary to preserve traction.

The 19-inch front hoop and 17-inch rear ride on lightweight, cast-aluminum, 10-spoke rims that help keep unsprung weight low at both ends of the bike, while the 110/80 front tire and 150/70 rear provide a generous contact patch and plenty of resistance to sinking into soft terrain.

Drivetrain}0}

Suzuki used their 1,037 cc, liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin to drive this adventure-seeking ride. The powerplant cranks out 74.57 kw (100 horsepower) at 8,000 rpm, but the torque comes on early with a maximum of 103 Newton-meters (75.97 pound-feet) of torque at a mere 4,000 rpm – plenty of power for climbing hills given its curb weight of only 502 pounds.

An interesting dual-valve system controls engine intake within the throttle body. While the rider controls the primary valve, the traction-control system actuates the secondary valve to reduce power when the rear wheel begins to slip. However, you can adjust the level of correction or even turn it off completely.

Folks, this is a very quiet bike, almost stealthy – which at first seems fitting, given the blacked-out looks of the thing. The Yoshimura Hepta Force muffler really does a number on the exhaust pulses, and the carbon-fiber silencer tip is a nice, sharp touch.

I like the chrome muffler-mounting clamp, it's sort of futuristic in an “afterthought-ish” sort of way. However, it's almost too quiet. I like to be heard when I'm on the road so the cagers are aware of my presence. This exhaust system is too stealthy for my liking.

A six-speed, constant-mesh transmission keeps the highway-speed rpm at a reasonable level, and helps the engine maintain its 59 mpg rating.

Pricing

The V-Strom 1000 Sport comes in Gloss Sparkle Black for £9,799.

He Said

My husband and fellow writer, TJ Hinton, says, “I like the looks of this bike better than its cousin, the V-Strom 1000 ABS SE, but I can't explain why – it doesn't seem like the bags would make that much difference! Still, it's an odd-looking bird, and while I can't see getting one for myself, I appreciate the engineering that goes into building a dual-purpose ride.”

She Said

"Essentially the same as the V-Strom 1000 ABS sold in the U.S. market, the V-Strom 1000 Sport has a slim waist, so if you're tall enough for the 33.5-inch seat height, you'll be able to flat-foot your stops. The ECM-controlled butterfly valve in the exhaust system optimizes exhaust pressure resulting in stronger torque at low revs and a more responsive throttle. The gold and black exterior gives it a sophisticated fierce look"

Specifications