2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS and
V-Strom 1000XT ABS |Â 10 Fast Facts
Suzuki is skipping 2017 for the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 line, moving right to the 2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and 1000XT. There are enough meaningful updates to celebrate. Check them out.
1. The 2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS and 1000XT ABS are not completely new, but significantly revised. The engine and chassis remain unchanged, but there are many electronic, detail, convenience, and styling enhancements that put the new V-Strom 1000 on our to-ride list.
2. Electronics are the biggest news for the V-Strom 1000. For 2018, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 gets a five-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), which is a lynch pin for new electronic features, including sophisticated Bosch ABS and traction control.
3. Both V-Strom 1000s get a new ABS design. Called Motion Track Brake System by Suzuki, the system not only measures wheel speed when considering applying ABS, but it also looks at the positioning of the V-Strom 1000. This provides superior ABS performance when the bike is leaning or the wheels are not in line.
4. Linked brakes are part of the new Combination Brake system. If you over-apply the front brake, the Combination Brake system will actuate the rear brake to stabilize the V-Strom 1000.
5. The 2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 traction control system has three positions, including off. Mode 1 is for sport riding; mode 2 is rain-ready; you can turn the system off for off-pavement riding. The system considers wheel speed, throttle position, gear position, and crankshaft position before decreasing rear wheel power via restricted air delivery and altering ignition timing.
6. New fuel-injection settings and more exhaust catalyzers make the 2018 V-Strom 1000s cleaner running. With a very minor decrease in torque, and no change in maximum horsepower, the 1037cc engine now meets Euro 4 standards.
7. Touring riders will love the new rear rack. Not only does the standard rear rack make it easy to carry a bit of cargo, it also allows for the installation of accessory sidecars and a top box without tools—a gigantic stride forward.
8. Convenience and comfort features make the 2018 V-Strom 1000s more user-friendly. Like previous Suzukis we’ve ridden, the V-Strom 1000 platform gets Low RPM Assist (adds revs as the clutch is released if you haven’t twisted the throttle enough), Easy Start System (just stab the start button—don’t hold it down), a new adjustable windscreen, and standard handguards. A low seat is optional, as are heated grips, LED fog lamps, and a centerstand.
9. The V-Strom 1000 styling is upgraded. The beak is more pronounced than ever—inspired by the legendary DR-BIG—and there’s plenty of new plastic that is part of what Suzuki calls its Tough Gear concept.
10. The 2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT ABS gets a few extra features. Be sure to check out the wire-spoked tubeless wheels and tapered aluminum handlebars. On the Champion Yellow 1000XT, you get matching DID rims.
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS and 1000XT ABS Gallery
Love it. Nice article, thanks for sharing!
So it in fact has “cornering ABS”? I haven’t seen a reference to the exact term but the IMU knows to what degree the bike is leaning (a linear axis) and apparently how quickly the rear is coming around (I assume yaw is one of the rotational axises the IMU looks at).