At the 2018 INTERMOT show, Suzuki introduced the new 2019 Katana. The new model pays homage to the 1981 GSX1100S Katana and shares its underpinnings with the litre-class naked roadster, the GSX-S1000.
Also read: Suzuki Gixxer 250 to be launched in India by June 2019 - Report
According to a new report, Katana may not be the only brand on the revival list of the Japanese two-wheeler brand. Suzuki is reportedly working on bringing back another brand, and this time it would be an adventure motorcycle. Trailridersmag reports that the Japanese two-wheeler brand would introduce a new DR Big adventure bike by 2020. Given the timeline, the debut could take place at the 2019 INTERMOT or the EICMA motorcycle shows.
The DR brand made its debut in 1988 and 1989 with a 727 cc engine before it received a displacement bump (779 cc) in 1990. The new 2020 model is expected to arrive with an even bigger engine. The new motorcycle would be based on Suzuki’s existing V-Strom 1000. Regular readers would know that the V-Strom 1000 is available in XT variant that gives the litre-class tourer better off-roading capabilities than the standard model.
The DR Big would get further enhancements to give it even better off-road prowess and compete against the likes of Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin. In fact, by the time the Suzuki DR Big 1000 arrive, Honda Africa Twin would have received its own set of upgrades, both visually and mechanically. Other rivals to the upcoming Suzuki adventure motorcycle would include the BMW F850GS and the Tiger XC range.
While the V-Strom 1000 XT comes with a 19-inch front wheel, the DR Big 1000 could get a more off-road focused 21-inch unit. Apart from a bigger wheel, the DR Big 1000 could also pack better ground clearance and a taller set exhaust than the V-Strom 1000. We certainly hope that the DR Big 1000 retains the tubeless wire-spoke wheels.
It could be powered by the Suzuki V-Strom 1000's 1,037cc, DOHC, 90° V-twin, liquid-cooled engine that delivers 101 PS of maximum power at 8,000 rpm and 101 Nm of peak torque at as low as 4,000 revs. The DR Big 1000 mounted motor could get revised gear ratio and a new map to match its character. The engine on the current V-Strom 1000 is Euro-IV-compliant while the unit on the DR Big 1000 would meet Euro-V standards.
Also read: 2019 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT introduced in India
Electronic aids would include switchable traction control, ABS and multiple riding modes as standard. Optional accessories to enhance the motorcycle’s off-road capabilities should be offered, and expect the list to include comprehensive crash protectors and a metal bash-plate.
[Source: Trailridersmag.com]
