punch to pull away and keep pulling. It’s a high revving
engine and therefore needs the revs kept up to pull away
down low however, once above 4000rpm to goes, and goes
very well.
The initial pulling away could be problematic for some
riders, something that perhaps Suzuki has acknowledged
by adding a Low RPM Assist feature that increases engine
revs when the clutch is released, it’s a great touch and does
indeed work.
In the dirt or rougher stuff, the high revving nature of
the engine can be a little annoying, a minor nuance that
makes finding the right gear a challenge. Feathering the
clutch becomes something you need to be an expert in,
it doesn’t matter, the V-Strom’s clutch is one of the best
around. It works well and is quite forgiving, the action
is light and perfect for the off-road riding, something
highlighted by the hydraulic system rather than cable.
The V-Strom’s engine is a little characterless, the power
and torque curves are quite flat making overall riding quite
easy, at least above 4000rpm. It’s perfect for all standards of
rider. Engine braking is superb on the V-Strom. The large
v-twin slows immediately when rolling off the throttle. It
comes into its own on the dirt; roll off and you slow, head
down hill and you rarely find a need for the brakes, the
engine will do it all for you.
The traction control system on V-Strom is as good as
anything in the class, if not better; three settings allow for
all conditions. Off road, it’s best to reduce the TC, keeping
it on demonstrates how good it is which can cause issues
in the dirt. Fully off, or midway, are the way to go.
The V-Strom's handling is what you'd expect from an
adventure bike, good in most situations, better in some
than others.
On road is where it feels most comfortable, the factory
settings are well suited to highways or country roads.
Although the suspension could be considered a little stiff
it is still supple enough for a comfortable long-distance
ride, the upright seating position helps with this.
Turn in, on the bitumen, is a little lazy something
attributed to the 19inch front wheel, yet once into the
corner the V-Strom behaves like a sport bike, it’s responsive
and forgiving, any level of rider will find it a delight.
Taking on the twisties with the V-Strom is a pleasure, a hell
of a lot of fun.
Hit the rough stuff and the V-Strom’s handling does
fall a little. Rebound is a little stiff and takes a little
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