2014 Suzuki V-Storm 1000 ABS Review

It might have been a big challenge for the company in updating their flagship adventuring motorcycle, the Suzuki V-Storm 1000, which was already a best piece. Then just imagine how it would be if the company update their best machine to the next level. It would be more than awesome and perfect. You just can't ask a better stuff than this for adventuring. Let's checkout what all makes the machine the best.



Looks
The sharp front-end, which is the hallmark of an adventurer, is seen here as well. The design cues a lot from the 1988 DR750S. Its vertical headlight and larger air-cleaner box placed just below the headlight gives a sharp look to the machine. A single, right-side muffler that provides a lower center of gravity replaced the old twin mufflers, which entirely refreshes the bike. Meanwhile, the alloy wheels are redesigned to 10-spoke, cast-aluminum Enkei wheels wrapped in Bridgestone rubber. It has also got a new aluminum twin-spar frame and a subframe. And the body panels, graphics, rich exhaust, LED turn signals, sharp tail lamps, stylish seat, and sporty fuel tank make the motorcycle to the next level.



Engine and Performance
The all new 2014 V-Storm 1000 is powered by a bigger 1037cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC 90-degree V-Twin engine. It was previously powered by a smaller 996cc heart. In order to offer increased torque at a lower rpm, and amp up the horsepower of the liquid-cooled, DOHC 90-degree V-twin, Suzuki increased the piston bore from 98mm to 100mm, which resulted in the increment of the displacement from 996 to 1037cc. The V-Storm 1000 generates a peak power of 100 hp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 103 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It's coupled with a 6 speed transmission.



New Features
Bigger 1037cc heart

The exhaust features Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET), which is comprised of an ECM-controlled butterfly to optimize exhaust pressure.

The 2014 V-Strom is the first Suzuki motorcycle to come with Traction Control system, which features three modes: 1,2 and off.
Mode 1 for minimal rear-wheel spin used in semi-slick conditions.
Mode 2 for maximum control of rear-wheel spin.

New 10-hole injectors for better fuel atomization and improved fuel economy.

Plated cylinders with Suzuki Composite Eletrochemical Material (SCEM) for better heat transfer and reduce friction.

New aluminum twin-spar frame and subframe.

A 43mm KYB inverted front fork that has fully adjustable damping and spring preload and 20 way adjustable monoshock.

Bosch ABS, which monitors wheel speeds 50 times per wheel rotation. This is absolutely incredible.

6-way adjustable windscreen.

10-spoke, cast-aluminum Enkei wheels.



Ergonomics and Riding Comfy
The V-Storm 1000 is coupled with invetered telescopic, coil spring, oil damped front suspension that is fully adjustable, while the rear gets link type, coil spring, oil damped suspension which is 20-ways adjustable. And along with an 110/80R19M/C 59V, tubeless front tyre and a 150/70R17M/C 69V, tubeless rear tyre, which are coupled in 10-spoke, cast-aluminum Enkei wheels, you can get one of the class best rides on it. To stop the bike, we have twin disc at front and a single at rear, and they all are comprised with ABS.



Verdict
The V-Storm 1000 is certainly the best of Suzuki in the adventure touring class. Still, it is to be checked whether the machine is the best in the class or not? Because, we have KTM 1190 Adventure R, BMW R 1200 GS, and Aprilia Caponord 1200. When the V-Storm is compared with them, the machine stands far behind. So if you're a a Suzuki fan and you love some controlled power in the one liter adventure class, this is the motorcycle for you.