Hessler Rallye Team builds V-Strom 1050XT Desert Express

German DR-Z, DR Big, and V-Strom specialist Hessler Rallye Team (HRT) has created this V-Strom 1050XT Desert Express. Shown for the first time at the reveal of the new-for-2020 V-Strom 1050XT at Eicma in Milan, Italy, the Desert Express is based around the chassis and V-Twin engine of Suzuki’s flagship 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.

Making its UK debut at Motorcycle Live next week (16-24 November at Birmingham’s NEC), the V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050 will arrive in Suzuki dealerships in the spring.