Gone is the 1050XT, replaced by the new 1050DE aimed at full-on ADV riding while the regular V-Strom 1050 long-distance touring steed remains.

The DE is the star of the show with the ADV-specific 21-inch front wheel, longer travel suspension, and engine protection in the massive aluminum bash plate.

Under the hood, the two bikes are identical in the 1037cc V-twin that’s received a few updates including hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves for better heat distribution, a revised six-speed gearbox, and a new bi-directional quickshifter for smoother gear shifts.

The 1050DE’s electronics now feature a G mode, which stands for “Gravel” and retards ignition timing to help the rider better negotiate gravel roads by allowing some slip when riding on unpaved surfaces (i.e traction control). The electronics also feature a six-axis IMU, Suzuki Intelligent Ride System containing Suzuki’s Motion Track Anti-lock and Combination Brake System, Hill Hold Control System, Slope Dependent Control System, and Load Dependent Control System assist braking performance. There’s also the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS), a new updated Cruise Control, traction control system and LED lighting with fog lamps.

At the twist grip, the ride-by-wire throttle is new to give better control in slow speed/low grip situations found off road and the mission control is now a class-standard five-inch TFT LCD screen that does away with the Gameboy-like dash of the old ’Strom.

The chassis has been modified with a longer wheelbase, longer rake, and more front and rear ground clearance from the fully-adjustable front end. The rear suspension gets preload and rebound adjustment.

As for the more road-focused V-Strom 1050, there are all those changes plus a height-adjustable windscreen, a different engine cover and the center stand is now standard fitment.

The MSRP on both the base and DE V-Strom’s haven’t yet been made public but the DE will come in yellow/white and blue/white colorways. The base model will come in a blue/black colorway.

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