2002 Suzuki V-Strom DL1000 Video
For 2014, Suzuki is finally updating its V-Strom 1000, a bike that has garnered a relatively large underground following.
To further build anticipation for the revamped model, the Japanese marquee continues to tease the new V-Strom 1000 with various videos. Most of the videos are about the planning and design stages of the new V-Strom, but Suzuki also released a video produced in 2002 to market the original V-Strom DL1000.
The 2002 V-Strom DL1000 was developed to fill the category Suzuki nicknamed “Sport Enduro Touring.” The bike, featuring its upright ergonomics and bulletproof 90-degree 996cc V-Twin, catered to the sport-touring rider who also craved a bit of light, off-road fun.
Though Suzuki clearly had the adventure category created by the Germans with their BMW GS series in its cross hairs, the V-Strom became more of a versatile commuter and tourer in stock form. But with a few mods, it was more than capable off road.
The V-Strom Dl1000 remained on the U.S. market up until 2009, only offering its younger brother, the V-Strom 650. But following a two-year hiatus, the bigger V-Strom returned with no major revision for the 2012 model year, now marketed as simply the V-Strom 1000. Suzuki again offered the V-Strom 1000 for 2013, but again as a carryover. But much is going to change for 2014 when the bike gets its first major overhaul since the original 2002 model.
Suzuki says its new V-Strom (V stands for V-Twin; Strom is German for “Stream” or “Current”) will be released this fall. The bike is expected to be similar to the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Concept unveiled at last fall’s INTERMOT in Germany. The Concept features Traction Control and ABS, something never offered on the Suzuki V-Strom 1000.
Ultimate MotorCycling’s Online Editor has a 2002 Suzuki V-Strom DL1000 that is pushing 75,000 miles. In stock form the bike was a capable tourer, but wasn’t much of a fun bike off-road. Lieback changed this, though; he has upgraded the bike, and has shown that the V-Strom can ride with the best ADV bikes available, including the venerable BMW R1200GS and KTM 990 Adventure.
Stay clicked to Ultimate MotorCycling for a first look and first-ride reviews of the 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 when it’s available to the press.
