Suzuki V-strom 1050XT Desert Express by Hessler
Rallye Team
German DR-Z, DR Big,
and V-Strom specialist Hessler Rallye Team (HRT) has created
this V-Strom 1050XT Desert Express. It is based around the
chassis and V-Twin engine of Suzuki’s new flagship V-Strom
1050XT adventure machine, but uses a host of new components
manufactured in-house by HRT, plus modified suspension and
aftermarket bolt-ons.
Hessler’s Desert Express – which plays on the name given to the original
DR750S – gains 30mm of suspension travel over the standard machine (up from
160mm to 190mm), with modified front forks and a new rear shock from Wilbers,
plus a new HRT-made linkage.
The front forks slot into new yokes, also made in-house, and atop sit X-Line
handlebars from MAGURA. Further HRT additions include footrest hangers – which
support Suzuki RM-Z450 footpegs – rear brake pedal and gear lever, and skid
plate. A new headlight protector and Zeta Rallye 1050 windscreen are copies of
the original items found on Suzuki’s Dakar rally machines.
A lift kit raises the front mudguard to fit Anlas Capra X tyres, brake and
clutch levers come courtesy of Probrake, and there’s a new luggage rack and
number plate assembly. A Mivv silencer adds to the racey look and enhances the
V-Twin rumble, and the whole package is finished in a HRT graphics kit.
Suzuki’s V-Strom 1050XT uses a flexible 1037cc V-Twin engine that produces
107.4PS and a broad spread of torque throughout the rev range, which is wrapped
in a lightweight, compact, and narrow twin-spar aluminium frame.
It is also equipped with the new Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), which
features a full suite of electronics including an inertial measurement unit (IMU),
lean-angle sensitive ABS with two settings, linked brakes that can detect and
adapt to load and inclines, plus hill hold control and cruise control.