I've been out on a 1-day touring trip on the V-Strom 1050XT and would like to share my review of it. The V-Strom 1050XT that I used for the test ride is equipped with engine guards as STD equipment on the wire-spoke wheels. It is a high-end version of the travel specs with more enhanced electronic control, and it is a model with a stronger adventure color than the STD specs.
Feels like Paris-Dakar!
First of all, it looks much cooler and more adventurous. The straight-line design from the protruding sharp beak to the body is very masculine. The red and white color scheme is reminiscent of the Marlboro colors of the 1988 Paris-Dakar DR-Z (ZETA), and the combination of red and white makes me feel like I'm in the Sahara Desert.
In terms of data, although the data shows that the vehicle's size and riding position should be the same as the previous model, the steering wheel position was raised a bit and the rear end was lowered. The previous model seemed to be more road-sport-like and slightly lower in the front. The windscreen is higher and the meters are full LCD, which is visually up to date and pleasing. The size is large and the seat height is not low at 850mm, and especially the XT is a well-equipped machine that weighs close to 250kg, making it an imposing, heavy-duty machine.
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Intense but easy-to-use flat power
The 1036cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, which has been boosted to 106ps thanks to improvements to the intake and exhaust systems and camshafts, is so powerful that even in a high-speed tourer, it's clear that no more power is needed. The V-twin's characteristic pulse is not too assertive, and the revolutions are smooth and vibrations are minimal.
The small torque at extremely low speeds, which was a concern with the previous model, has been eliminated, and the power rises flat over the entire range from low speeds to high speeds. I think the output characteristics are perfect for high-speed tourers.
The lineage of the original Alpha Loader with the quality and sturdiness
The handling is straightforward and consistent, and the twin-spar frame is as thick as a supersport motorcycle, providing excellent stability in high-speed corners and on winding roads. The high center of gravity allows for dynamic cornering.
The front and rear suspensions are set up to be more on-road oriented, with stronger dampers, and the machine is able to handle the roughness of the road without being wobbly. You can feel the bloodline of the original "Alpha Loader" that was trained on the European mountain roads.
The electronic control system is more precise with a new Bosch 6-axis IMU. The braking system is particularly beneficial, and the ABS for cornering makes a difference in the sense of security when banking. The system automatically applies the rear brake when stopped on an uphill slope, which is especially useful on a machine of this size to prevent standing around on a hill.
You can enjoy off-road more than you can imagine
I tried traveling on the off-road as well, and it was even better than I had imagined. The 19-inch front and all-purpose BS A41 tires were used, but on flat, wide forest roads and hard dirt roads, you can open up the throttle and go for it. However, don't overdo it because of the vehicle's weight. Also, it would be difficult to do without a full-scale block tire with deep gravel or loose soil.
If you want to turn around while letting the tail drift, and if you like to ride like other adventure machines, it's best to turn off the traction control and use a gentle C mode for SDMS. The 2-stage ABS should be set to a low intervention level to make it easier to stop in the off-road. Also, since the rear shock is easily adjusted with a dial for preload, those who are lighter should remove some of the initial load beforehand to lower the rear ride height and make it easier to maneuver.
The new V-Strom 1050XT is a true reflection of the "adventure sports tourer" concept, and it's an all-round machine that allows you to enjoy long-distance touring in comfort while satisfying your adventurous spirit. The price is the same as the STD version around 800 USD, so I would like to personally recommend the fully equipped XT.
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