Suzuki unveiled the new V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050DE at the Alpes Aventure Motofestival in Barcelonnette, France. The event’s sixth edition was held from 9–11 September and, according to the announcement, attracted 15,000 visitors. The world premiere coincided with the 20th anniversary of the V-Strom family and was conducted by Guillaume Vuillardot, director of Suzuki France S.A.S.

The main changes are concentrated on the V-Strom 1050DE, with a focus on gravel and relatively flat dirt roads. The model has a 21-inch front wheel, 190 mm of ground clearance, a rear-ABS-off mode and a new Gravel (G) setting for the Suzuki Traction Control System. Participants praised these updates for the stability and control they provide on those surfaces. The DE also receives a wider front profile, a smoke windscreen and gold-coloured forks.

The unveiling was backed by a riding programme. Suzuki France made the current V-Strom range available for testing, while around 180 Suzuki dealers and customers took part in a 190 km route through the mountain roads of the French Alps and the passes of the Ubaye Valley. The programme also included lunch at an altitude of 2,000 m. Custom builder Greg Loaec and adventurer and motoblogger Ben Blake appeared at the Suzuki stand; Blake presented a video about a Portugal trip on a V-Strom 1050.

Both new models retain the powerful V-twin engine and easy handling already appreciated in the range. They add a TFT LCD multifunction instrument panel and Suzuki Intelligent Ride System with a bi-directional quickshifter. Suzuki is presenting the pair as an evolution of its sport-adventure tourer, with the DE taking the clearer step towards riding away from paved roads.