I was really hoping the 1000 would be similar to the new 650. Only minor differences but same looks like they have always been. If they are going to look this much different it shouldn't be called a V-Strom or the 650 should also look similar. It just makes sense that way.

What are they thinking?

Once again Suzuki proves that they have absolutely no sense of style. Have they never heard that sometimes "Less is more"?

Suzuki should have fired the guy that designed the B-King. Apparently he still has a job designing ugly motorcycles.

For me to buy this new DL1000 it will have to be lighter, more powerful, handle better and get better mpg than the current model.

Let me qualify that. It will also have to be free of weird assed glitches and other funky shit.

If, and that is a huge IF, they have accomplished all that, I might overlook the ugly and consider it.

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Buck

K3 DL1000

K5 VN1600A

Overall, no. But I was kind and gave it an Ok just because looks are secondary to me on a bike. Utility, dependability, performance, is how I roll.

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2006 DL1000, 16:43 ratio, Speedohealer, Stebel air horn-PWD mount, Madstad, Suzuki luggage, throttle lock.
previous
'03 Honda CB750 Nighthawk
'92 Yamaha Virago 1100
'84 Yamaha Seca 650

I agree with you on this.....mostly.
However, I do have a M109R that looks pretty cool.

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2012 DL1000 Adventure (Tinkerbell)
PC-V, TRE, CR8EIX plugs, Madstad bracket, Madstad 22" shield, Fork brace, 17/43 gearing, Airhawks, Chinese mirrors, mirror extenders, RDL.

I like it best without the luggage.

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I live in my own little world, but it's OK, they know me here.

I like it, would consider trading the wee for one if they could get comparable fuel mileage.

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2011 DL650 (The Ghost)
1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200 (The wife's rocket)

I don't mind the M109R styling. But I do prefer the more conservatively styled 109C. But I understand the "C" is somewhat detuned in keeping with its mission.

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Buck

K3 DL1000

K5 VN1600A

It is a niche bike for them, and they don't do things like that.

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BRIAN

2008 WR250R 2008 CONCOURS 1400 "Dearly departed 2005 DL1000"

Damn, I was looking forward to the new style. This just looks like a mechanical chicken.
Sorry, not for me!

My 1975 Honda 750 had an adjustable lube set up on the sprocket shaft. It used engine oil. It was so messy even tuned down as much as possible that I eventually turned it off and manually lubed.