Suzuki’s new DL1000 V-Strom is aimed squarely at the BMW R1150GS and Triumph’s Tiger corner of the market, which has been dubbed the ‘Sport Enduro Tourer’. 

It replaces the TL1000 but keeps the 996cc V-Twin engine, albeit detuned to around 110 bhp, it has digital fuel injection and should be good for around 130 mph.

The bike has been given an all-new alloy trellis frame on new hollow alloy wheels, which should bring the weight of the machine down to a respectable 205kg (450lbs).

43mm cartridge type forks at the front and single piggyback shock at the rear allow more than six inches of travel at either end.

High-level exhausts, a skid plate under the engine, make it look like a trail bike, but road tyres and the 22 litre fuel tank give it a more road going sense of purpose.

The analogue speedo and rev counter mounted in the dash have a look of quality. Idiot lights are mounted between them with digital odometer and temperature gauges in the bottom of the rev counter and speedo respectively.

Hand protectors are the only thing that stops it looking like a sports bike when it comes towards you. Powerful fox-eye style headlamps add to the aggressive looks of the machine. Expected to be priced around £7500 or €11,550 it should be available in the UK around February 2002.

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Last updated 29/03/02