Hessler Rallye Team has just revealed its custom V-Strom 1050XT Desert Express – and we hope Suzuki is taking notes. Best of all, there’s a kit available to turn your V-Strom into a tricked out desert racer.

Shown alongside the new V-Strom 1050XT at its big reveal at EICMA, the Desert Express is built around the chassis and V-Twin engine of Suzuki’s big adventure bike – but comes with a whole host of new parts, bolt-ons and a modified suspension system.
Hessler’s Desert Express gets 30mm more suspension travel (up from 160mm to 190mm) – with modified front forks, a Wilbers rear shock and a new HRT-made linkage. The front forks slot into new yokes – and above there’s some X-Line handlebars from MAGURA. HRT has also created new footrest hangers, a rear brake pedal, a gear lever and a skid plate. It gets Suzuki RM-Z450 footpegs, a new headlight protector and a Zeta Rallye 1050 screen (which has been modelled around Suzuki’s Dakar rally machines).
It doesn’t end there. It gets a set of Anlas Capra X tyres, Probrake brake and clutch levers, a new luggage rack, number plate holder and a Mivv silencer.
Alright, so it’s not cheap – and will set you back just shy of £4000. But come on – just look at it. If you’re interested in kitting out your V-Strom, click HERE to visit the HRT website.