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2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom Overview
The 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom is an enduro / off-road motorcycle built around 996 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11.3:1. 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom delivers 72 kW @ 7400 rpm of peak power and 101 Nm @ 6400 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 207.5 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2012 DL 1000 V-Strom tips the scales at 252 kg, carries a 22-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 840 mm and spans a 1535 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 80.7 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom compared with other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category
Here is how the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom stacks up against other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1434 models.
- Top speed of 208 km/h is higher than that of 414 of the other 449 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
- Only 67 of the other 773 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category have a heavier wet weight than the 252 kg of the DL 1000 V-Strom.
- With 996 cc, the DL 1000 V-Strom has the joint 152nd largest engine displacement of 1434 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category, 105% above the category average of 486 cc.
- Narrowing the field to the 146 models within five model years of it, the top speed of 208 km/h is higher than that of 115 of the other 145.
Versus the 2009 model
Compared with the 2009 model, wet weight increased from 236 kg to 252 kg (+16 kg). Peak power, peak torque, displacement, seat height and top speed are unchanged.
2012 DL 1000 V-Strom - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom makes 72 kW @ 7400 rpm with 101 Nm @ 6400 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Fuel injection: The fuel injectionwith 45mm throttle bodies system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
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Large fuel range: The 22-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 840 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
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Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
The Liquid cooled system on the DL 1000 V-Strom needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from fuel injectionwith 45mm throttle bodies. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Brake disc and pad wear
The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the DL 1000 V-Strom runs Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, 43mm forks and Swingarm, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable for preload and rebound damping at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Aluminium, twin spar - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Handling the weight at a standstill
At 252 kg, the DL 1000 V-Strom is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.
DL 1000 V-Strom - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom with its 996 cc enduro / off-road, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 14 years old, this enduro / off-road is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained DL 1000 V-Strom should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the DL 1000 V-Strom's 996 cc four stroke, 90°-v-twin, dohc, 4 valves per cylinder.. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With an 11.3:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The DL 1000 V-Strom's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom have?
The 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom uses a Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. engine with 996 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom has a factory-quoted top speed of 207.5 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom weigh?
The 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom weighs 252 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom make?
The 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom produces 72 kW @ 7400 rpm of power and 101 Nm @ 6400 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom has a 22-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 366-440 km between stops.
Is the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom has a seat height of 840 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom have?
The 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom uses 2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers at the front and single 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom use?
The 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom runs 110/80 R19 front and 150/70 R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom have?
The 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom Spec Evolution
The Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom was produced across 8 model years (2003-2019). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2003 |
2005 |
2009 |
2013 |
2014 |
2016 |
2018 |
2019 |
| Max Power |
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm |
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm |
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm |
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm |
73.9 kW / 99.2 hp / @ 8000 rpm |
73.9 kW / 99.2 hp / @ 8000 rpm |
73.9 kW / 99.2 hp / @ 8000 rpm |
73.9 kW / 99.2 hp / @ 8000 rpm |
| Wet Weight |
236 Kg / 520 lbs |
236 Kg / 520 lbs |
236 Kg / 520 lbs |
252 kg / 555 lbs (with accessories) |
228 kg / 502.6 lbs |
228 kg / 502.6 lbs |
228 kg / 502.6 lbs |
228 kg / 502.6 lbs |
| Top Speed |
207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph |
207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph |
207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph |
207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph |
225 km/h / 140 mph |
- |
- |
- |
| Seat Height |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
851 mm / 33.5 in |
850 mm / 33.6 in |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
| Fuel Capacity |
22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal |
22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal |
22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal |
22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal |
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal |
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal |
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal |
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal |
| Displacement |
996 cc / 60.8 cu-in |
996 cc / 60.8 cu-in |
996 cc / 60.8 cu-in |
996 cc / 60.8 cu-in |
1037 cc / 63.2 cu-in |
1037 cc / 63.2 cu-in |
1037 cc / 63.2 cu-in |
1037 cc / 63.2 cu-in |
| Brakes - Front |
2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers |
2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers |
2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers |
2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers |
2 x 310 mm discs, 4 piston radial calipers, ABS |
2 x 310 mm discs, 4 piston radial calipers, ABS |
2 x 310 mm discs, 4 piston radial calipers, ABS |
2 x 310 mm discs, 4 piston radial calipers, ABS |
| Wheelbase |
1535 mm / 60.4 in |
1535 mm / 60.4 in |
1535 mm / 60.4 in |
1535 mm / 60.4 in |
1555 mm / 61.2 in |
1,535 mm / 60.4 in |
1,535 mm / 60.4 in |
1,535 mm / 60.4 in |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque
101 Nm / 10.3 kg-m / 74.5 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm
Top Speed
207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Weight
252 kg / 555 lbs (with accessories)
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
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Full 2012 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom Specifications
Year
2012 - 13
Make Model
Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom
Seat Height
840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase
1535 mm / 60.4 in
Ground Clearance
165 mm / 6.5 in
Height
1335 mm / 52.5 in
Length
2285 mm / 89.9 in
Width
910 mm / 37.0 in (without accessories)
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Wet Weight
252 kg / 555 lbs (with accessories)
Displacement
996 cc / 60.8 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke
98 X 66 mm
Compression Ratio
11.3:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Fuel Induction
Fuel injection with 45mm throttle bodies
Ignition
Electronic ignition
Spark Plug
NGK, CR8EK
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Wet, multiple discs, hydraulic
Final Drive
Chain, RK525 SMOZ7, 112 links
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Aluminium, twin spar
Suspension - Front
Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, 43mm forks
Suspension - Rear
Swingarm, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable for preload and rebound damping
Trail
110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front
160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
162 mm / 6.4 in
Brakes - Front
2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper.
Tyres - Front
110/80 R19
Tyres - Rear
150/70 R17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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