Share

Suzuki V-Strom: February SA launch

Suzuki’s V-Strom 1000 dual-purpose motorcycle has been announced and is expected in South Africa in February 2014, about the same time as its appearance in Europe’s showrooms where it is already garnering accolades.

The new V-Strom, Wheels24 was told, will be available as only one model but with a shopping list of Suzuki accessories, among them luggage that was designed for the motorcycle as it was being developed.

The new V-Strom adventure bike has an all-new chassis, heavily revised engine, anti-lock brakes and a three-way traction control system, while remaining competitively priced (in the UK) at the current (Jan 2014) equivalent of R183 000.

LONGER SERVICE INTERVALS

A South African dealer estimate it would cost around R135 000 here – but as prices had not been announced and given the current state of the rand, that could be a very optimistic figure.

It’s seen as a competitor for BMW and Yamaha long-distance bikes.

Extensive engine development has led to longer service intervals: the first will be at 1000km, subsequent service every year or every 12 000km. If you do a lot of riding on gravel you might like to reduce those intervals.

Suzuki Britain’s general manager Paul de Lusignan said: "We were delighted by the feedback the new V-Strom 1000 received at its international media launch in December 2013 and by feedback from potential customers who have been able to take test rides on our recent nationwide (UK) dealer tour.

“This is clearly a highly anticipated and eagerly awaited bike, not just for customers but for Suzuki, too, and we're looking forward to customers being able to get their hands on them."

CHOOSE YOUR SADDLE
That international launch was in the mountains of southern Spain, with journalists praising the bike's lightness and ease of handling, as well as the impressive 103Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

One journalist, Matt Hull, commented: "It is one of the most comfortable long-range bikes I've ridden with one of the smoothest V-twin engines I've tried. The V-Strom is as happy on B-roads as it is on motorways and it's very good value.”

Motorcycle Sport and Leisure's Tony Carter wrote after the launch: "Suzuki has made something that might just be one of the best adventure bikes we’ve ever seen."

Buyers can benefit from Suzuki's seat-exchange programme - a higher or lower saddle for no extra cost at point of sale.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE