Of all the dozens and dozens of videos out there reviewing this bike this video is the ONLY one with sensible real world bullet points. You have helped me and my wife immensely and we just purchased a 2020 version of the XT. I cannot stress enough how much more concise and to the point your review was from all the rest. Top notch work and none of the Stat sheet bullshit that everyone is wasting time with. Especially appreciate that you focused on the feel of the bike at speed and different gears. Ride safe
What is often overlooked is the extended front fender on these bikes. It does a great job of keeping crud off the engine. Many bikes today have such short mudguards.
Some of the best independent reviews on RU-vid. I think more people are starting to rely on these types of reviews, especially since most dealers are low on stock. Keep up the good work 👌
I've got an 04 with only 34k miles on it. The really good basics - roominess, torquey motor, great sound (I have Leo Vince cans), comfy suspension (mine: weight-matched springs), good MPG and super reliable - seem to be amazingly intact 17 years later! Clearly some welcome modern updates that don't ruin the really likable personality. Gives me thought to look hard at this in addition to the 9 GT and the 1000SX, the two I have at the top of the list to finally replace my old friend (even though it'll easily go 200k miles!). Thanks for the great review!
I have this bike since june 2022 and I like this Suzuki very much . I had a Yamaha Super Tenere before this one and also a BMW R1200R ( liquid cooled) ) , but this Suzuki is much smoother than the Yamaha . I always saw the cardan as the most important when I bought a new motorcycle but I'm glad I took a ride on this Suzuki before buying a new bike and also your review helped me to choose 👍
Crescent must love you giving reviews. I know that you give honest reviews, but Suzuki couldn't better this, everyone would think it was a flash advert. What a beautiful, capable bike though. I don't want one this big, I just wish I could afford it as a spare. 😂😎😊
Thanks for the excellent review Mark. Coincidentally, one of these passed me on the M40 yesterday. Purred by smooth as you like. The rider looked completely relaxed, and not head down as you so often see on the motorway. If I had the money I would certainly give one of these serious consideration. Maybe next year.....
I have a 2014 Big Vee and it has been just brilliant over the last 7 years of ownership. Cannot fault it in any way. Will certainly consider an upgrade to the latest model in a couple of years. Only has100K kms on the clock, so its nearly run in! LOL. Best bang for buck on the market today. Thanks for another great review mark, appreciate it as always. Stay safe.
Hi Mark, Great Review. I bought the XT a few months back, but have not had the opportunity to put many miles on it, but what I have ridden I really enjoyed. The only oddity is the placement of the foot pegs when the bike is stopped, but they a super comfortable while riding. Can't quite figure that one out. Otherwise it's a really nice bike, for a great price. Keep up the good work.
I’ve got the base 1050 and I got it for £8995 from mickey Oates in Glasgow, I’ve updated the springs to hyper pro and added a givi air flo screen, the standard screen was making me feel ill but I am 6ft5! Great review as usual and a fantastic bike for the money!
Hi Mark your videos are awesome I’d love to see the headlights on when you do the walk around because if the lights aren’t good I wouldn’t buy one. Am I the only one that is obsessed with headlights. Cracking machine and fantastic sound. Keep up this awesome channel mark cracking. Best regards Jimbo from Birmingham😊👍
I loved the dl1000gt 07 plate I had from new and made a mistake and sold it after only 3 year of ownership. I think this new version looks fantastic and would love a test ride. Thanks for the excellent review Mark 👍
As always, another great review. I was torn between this and the vfr800x crossrunner. Chose the honda because of the seat height. I my last bike was vstrom 650 and I loved it so the big storm was the obvious choice. But the Honda gave me more confidence due to the height and low centre of gravity. Plus, that vtech man!!!! Keep up the good work
Nice review as always, Mark. I think that if I did a fair amount of touring here in Europe, this would be among my top two or three bikes. It's affordable for its class, has all the safety and comfort features I would want and is ultra smooth and more than enough power for mountains. Also, along with the other Japanese manufacturers, I wouldn't have to worry about reliability.
I've got one of these in orange and white...great bikes...Love the Yoshimura exhaust sound on yours, guess I'll have to save up for this as a Christmas present! Good review, thanks!
Greg i was stuck on a Strom purchase, rode my buddys new tiger 900 rally pro and was swayed a bit, but again find myself thinking the Strom fills the bill exactly for me !.....any input on your thoughts and experience would be greatly appreciated......😊
@@roncolpo5056 I loved my Tiger 800, thought it was one of the most fun bikes I had in years and this was after riding a rocket 3 for a couple of years. I don't doubt for a second that the 900 would be brilliant......however the 1050 Strom for me is just awesome, the v twin engine is a beauty.
Thanks Mark for a great review, I am always impressed by your earthy honesty! The " Roll on " tests are very relevant , as we are looking at this bike as an all weather commuter.. I have same inseam as you , so it's nice to know this bike is manageable. Cheers!
Hi Mark been watching your reviews for years now & your probably the motorcycle reviewer in my opinion. I wish you could review a Kawasaki GTR 1400 before they stop production of the model. Ride safe
Went out few weeks ago and bought the non xt strom 1050,great handling bike,motor is fantastic, smooth .I ride other bikes ,sports etc.Will enjoy touring on this bike.Did'nt want all the gizmos as fed up of everything going wrong constantly on my other bikes.
Great review, got my 1050 XT back in March, now covered 1500 miles on it, it really is a lovely bike. I only paid £8999.00 pre reg with 4 miles on the clock. My advise keep looking around for the pre reg bargains and save a ton of cash. Very accurate review. Cheers Mark.
I have just purchased a pre reg 21 plate DL 1050 for a cracking £8400 with the XT wheels, centre stand, bash plate, crash bars and handguards all included in the price. It came with the PDI 3 miles on the clock and to be honest I could not be happier. After owning a BMW R1200 GS TE with the high purchase and running costs I purposely went for the non XT as I just wanted to go back to basics with no gizmos and to be honest when the GS was set up to my requirements I never changed any setting for over 3 years so the XT would have been a waste on me.
Very nice looking bike, that aftermarket can sounds gorgeous (without being obnoxious). I do like the Suzuki twins, if this is anything like the 650 Strom then it's a winner as obviously more powerful. Agreed on the Suzuki gearbox, even my old gen one SV650 was probably the best I have experienced, just snicked into position without any fuss or clunk.
Good point about the weight - loved the ride but lots of effort needed to move it about even on the smallest gradient. Upgrading from a DL650 so working out in the gym in anticipation!
Great review thanks. This would be in my top 5 bikes to try - character, understated looks (in that colour), strong reliable engine and fantastic value for money. I like the idea of an adventure bike with some of the low revving characteristics of a cruiser! Cheers.
Got the strom since last October, can't complain at all, smooth, revvie whan you want, an old school mule that can ride fast enough and bend like a street bike.
Own the exact bike in orange/white combo. It's the greatest motorcycle I've ever owned. Does everything extremely well and with great ease. Greetings from Southern Pennsylvania and kudos on an outstanding vid. I did add Oxford UK heated grips and a Givi AirFlow screen which made a great bike even better.
Although I must admit that I am a Yamaha fanboy I can’t really fault this DL by Suzuki! It really ticks all the boxes and the price is really attractive. Looks like Suzuki have knocked it out of the park with this one, great tour mate thanks again for the ride , great stuff!
Thanks Mark. I'm a sad, mid-life crisis rider on his first "big" bike (BMW F750GS) with which I am very happy but I have always had a love/hate view of the V-Strom for multiple reasons. However, you've steered me towards the "love" side and I will certainly take a test ride when I decide to upgrade. ATVB
I have a 2020 Mark, orange and white have the same can on the exhaust. I listen to one thing all day long. Are you thinking beautiful musical instrument great review by the way.
Great review mark.i always wondered why Suzuki make fantastic bikes but the cars are poor.im looking forward to riding again got my CBT this Sunday I'm really excited.
Hi mark nearly into 5000 miles on my xt...superb long or even short runs... bike heavy but carries weight well especially man handling it about...great value ...love that pipe...👌
I'm the same height and seriously considering a Vstrom, is good to see you managing it no problem, although I believe there is a low seat option that takes it down to 830 - 850mm which I would probably get just so I could flat foot it. Great review 👍
I have a 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 (1400 GTR) currently, but am thinking of getting a large Adventure motorcycle so I can add dirt roads to my riding. This V-Strom is high on my list, as is the Honda Africa Twin, but the Honda costs considerably more and the V-Strom likely does everything I would want off road. Thank you for the review which was informative as well as entertaining.
Hi Mark , thanks for your video , I was between a DL650 and a DL1050 , I did not like the DL1000 2017 model that I rode . The DL1050 is a big bike but does not ride like one , I'm 5'11 , 31 inch inside leg , 100kgs and seat height is fine , Used as a 50 mile a day commuter the DL1050 is doing almost 60mpg which is really impressive , managed to get a 0 mile pre-reg base model for 8.5k , for the price an amazing bit of kit , did not want wire wheels to keep clean and all the extra electrics on the XT model , cheers Steve
Hi Steve ....snap ...I road the 1000 and was a bit underwhelmed ,650 better ,but this 1050 is ace,and wow I've seen some great deals on these at the moment,good price for yours ... cheers mark
This is a great review of what seems to be a highly underrated bike. I’m at the point of changing my 675 street triple for an adventure style bike, I need to do a lot more mileage and need more comfort. I’ve only tried the bmw f 900 xr so far and while I like the handling and riding position the engine didn’t appeal and the options list can make it very expensive. I need to try the tiger 900 also but not sure that would have the grunt for two up riding. I’m also looking at a used bmw r1200gs and a s1000xr . However the finance deals on this Suzuki are so good it’s hard to ignore. The only downside to me is I’m also not the tallest at 5’7” with a 29” inside leg and would likely need the low seat at additional cost. I’m hefty though at 100kg and feel confident the weight wouldn’t be an issue. Wheels motorcycles is currently selling these models in the 2020 colours (nice red and white) at £10295. Seems a heck of a lot of bike for the money! Anyway thanks for this review, it’s given me a lot to think about!
Hi Simon, I'm in the same boat as you - 100kg, 5'9" but with only 29" leg. Sat on one of these at Scottish Bike Show last year just before 1st lockdown and it was a bit of a stretch but just about OK - would need to test ride one though. Also sat on Tiger 900 which was slightly lower but think max load capacity is not that great due to new subframe; Tracer 9GT is the third bike on my list but also doesn't have a great load capacity. Any idea what the Suzuki can carry Mark? It's a spec that manufacturers don't often publicise...
@@johnnyfanta Hi, thanks for this info. It’s hard getting payload figures that’s for certain and you’re y make a good point about the tiger, hadn’t considered the new subframe. I test rode the bmw f 900 xr which has an enormous carry capacity and was lovely to ride but not the best value for money as per!
Hi thanks ...I thought so initially when I started riding ...but after a while you get used to it and really enjoy the sound ...I don't think it decats the bike ,the catalytic converter is still in bike exhaust which keeps the noise down ...if you went for a full system then it would be loud !! Best regards mark
The saddle width is important too. Fatter makes your legs stick out, and reduces reach to the ground. This bike saddle looks quite slim. I'm 5'8" but have only 28 1/2 (724mm) inside leg, so would struggle with the V-Strom, much as I really fancy one.
You always give very fair reviews of bikes. I think the excitement levels were higher with the Yams, however. Why does a bike with all the stuff not have a quickshifter? Suzuki are now, definitely, my 4th fav Japanese brand.
Great review again Mark. I like the look of the V Strom but reckon it would be a bit too big and heavy for me. Looks good value for money as well. Keep up the good work!
Just in the process of trading my Harley roadking in for the 1050 vstrom. Now the Harley is a heavy bike, fortunately I've never dropped it. Looking forward to the change.
Yet another great Vid.! I'm not sure if you have recently,.. however I would love to hear your opinion on the new Kawasaki Concourse 14. Again thanx for the content.
Hi mark thanks for this review i did buy the 2021 Tracer 9 GT off the back of your review of that model but sadly it was stolen some three weeks ago gutted is an understatement i cant even look at yamaha so im looking into getting hold of a nice used example of the 1050 v-strom keep the great content coming ATB ✌
@@markpulling12 yes cracking bike I put braided break pipes on mine heated seat upgraded indicators crash protection axcel protectors the whole lot like I said gutted it an under statement 👍🏻😔
I have the previous model XT1000. Maximum torque is at 4000rpm on that engine mapping Not the most powerful adventure bike however it has plenty of overtaking ability and I really like the torquey engine. Sit it all day at 4000rpm and wind on the throttle a bit to overtake. Much fun.
A revisit to the review. I just got an 18 XT to replace my 04. Simply a much better version of the same inherent virtues. Great brakes and handling, motor is even better. I looked at the 9GT and 1000SX (though couldn't ride them!), and then found an incredibly well-kept, unique used V. Love it, and might be looking for a replacement in a few years, now! Still have a Speed Triple that's a thrill to ride, but if I'm planning more than an hour out, the V1K is a no brainer. Far more comfy and practical, and it can really cook when you want it to.
Just bought a new one, 1050XT. I live a mile above sea level in Denver, Colorado. I have just over 1000 miles on it, it’s a great motorcycle, I commute every day in crazy Denver traffic and on the weekends I go up into the mountains with my wife. Comfortable 2 up. I think I will get a Yoshi can for mine, sounds great. Go see Mike at Fay Meyers Suzuki. Great review also.
Good job. Suzuki gets overlooked, but the V Strom 650 is a truly all around bike with a great v twin. This model is too tall for me. I’ve opted for the 2021 Honda NC-750x 6 speed. BTW I purchased a 2017 Triumph Trophy SE after seeing your purchase, and I’m in love with it. How is yours doing and maybe a short update? Cheers from Wisconsin.
Hi thanks for the comment ...I sold the trophy as it was getting a bit heavy for me ...but did 5000 very enjoyable miles on it ..got a ktm 690 duke now for the summer :) Cheers mark
Man the torque on the model looks insane. My son is deciding on the Suzuki or the Honda Africa Twin. Did you ever make a comparison video with your observations?
Hi I did review the Africa twin but not a comparison video ...both very similar performance ...the Honda feels a little more refined but I prefer the v Strom engine :)
I was planning on getting one,then my buddy got the triumph 900 rally pro,its fantastic although a little buzzy at 70 mph.....and the seat is murder on the butt,but I was thinking of switching to the tiger,instead the offroad aspects of either would be limited to sneaking back to a camp sight, or unimproved back gravel roads,and now I find myself drawn to the v Strom again....any thoughts?....thank you great review.!.......
The best value bike in its class for certain. I think it looks really good for an adventure bike. This isn't the best colour. Another thorough review, Mark.
Hi guys, I am planning to get one, a used one with 200 km only on the clock. Do you think it’s a good catch? Based on reviews that I have read, almost all feedbacks by followers were positive.
Have just traded my Strom 650 for a 1050XT black and gold. She is gorgeous and agree with all you say. I tried a new 1250 GS for 2 hours, and just cannot understand why so many people buy them, like driving a tractor, and the price they pay for that badge! The Suzuki V- Strom 1050 XT is a gem of a bike and brings back that joy of a bumble out on yer bike. Good work Mark.
I have had 2 air-cooled GS1200’s and now have a V-Strom 1050XT. I think build is equal to BMW but the GS’s were definitely better at slow speed manoeuvres and I struggle with the V-Strom’s weight and limited steering lock. But out on the road it’s a different story and I think the 1050 is simply the best blend of the old 80’s trail style (that I love) and the more modern adventure bikes (many of which now are going the way of sports bikes in that they all look the same!). Seat is uncomfortable for all day touring. I am 5’6 and weigh 70 kilos. Whilst I had no reliability issues with my BMW’S I have more faith in engine life and long term low running costs on the Suzook. If you can handle the weight, I think they are simply brilliant regardless of the lower price.
@@davidbirchall5124 hi David we are similar in size .. I wasn't flat footed ...see the cut scene at about 4 mins ...but I still felt confident on this bike ....a very impressive machine Regards mark
Hi Mark, a Question, as you know I'm 5ft 8 ins I have a Kawasaki z1000 sx at the moment, but im looking for a suitable adventure bike to change to fit my height and 29 inch leg, I like the vstrom, the royal Enfield Himalayan and the tracer 9 GT, I tried the tracer but it to high, any other suggestions for me to try...??? Cheers in advance 👍
Thanks Mark... wow, this is so different from the old whining Suzuki's of yester year. It's an interesting segment of the market. These V-Strom's appear to be going after the Harley clientele looking for an adventure tourer that still have a V Twin under the hood... err, under the arse. They even made it heavy, like an ole Harley. But... that really isn't the new direction of the adventure tourer. But it works for the clientele they are going after... that hasn't caught up yet. But it just can't compare to the light weight Tracer 9 GT. That segment of the market is the sport bike clientele looking for an adventure tourer. I think lighter weight is the new direction for the adventure tourer... especially the off-road adventure tourer. But I saw some testing done on various bikes including the BMW 1250 off-road adventure tourer... and in spite of it's weight, the Honda Africa Twin still came out on top for off-road handling and performance... even better than the Yamaha Super Tenere. Honda really knocked that one out of the park imo. But for on-road touring, give me the light weight Tracer 9 GT over all the rest. Gordon
Hi Mark, Would you be so kind as to do a review on the latest Suzuki V Strom 1050. I’m unable to ride one here in guernsey so would really appreciate your views. You did a review on a 2021 bike but they’ve been upgraded a lot since then. They also have cast wheels to which is the version I’m very interested in. Kind regards John.
Would you mind another question? You said you also tried the Honda NC750X recently. Do you prefer one or the other? (I have to say, DCT is very tempting, especially for city riding.)
Hi David no they are both different but both have their virtues The Honda is better for commuting and city work,dct all the way for me,plus it's 80 mpg ,the v Strom is more fun with it's 100 hp ,it thunders down the road ,I'd have a hard choice deciding as they are both great . Really depends on your circumstances Best regards mark
@@markpulling12 Thanks again! I'm seriously considering the NC750, but after your review of the V-Strom I think I need to look at it too. I'd really like to do another cross-country ride next year, and the Suzuki might be overall a better choice. Thanks for making the decision more difficult! --Seriously, I appreciate the review, very well done with lots of good information.
Thanks for this review. Two questions and three comments. 1.) At 160mm, the ground clearance on this is lower than that of the 650 (which itself is pretty low; so not a high bar there at all). How much of an issue would that GC be over rough terrain? I don’t necessarily mean off-road, but on-road irregularities like speed breakers and potholes. 2.) You keep discussing the speed on the dash in MPH; but you are in the UK; so shouldn’t it be KMPH? Or is the bike set to MPH? Comment: if you think those are bumpy roads, I am not sure what to say. That looks like velvety tarmac to me. I am saying that because I’m truly thoughtless surfaces that we call roads where we ride, that suspension has its work cut out for it. Comment: You should make a video on how to adjust the front and back suspension on this bike. Comment: Take it off-road and tell us how it feels. Like a really rough trail with lots of gravel.
Hi thanks for the comment ...I'm in the UK so it's mph It's a mint demo bike so I can't really take it off road . The dealer wouldn't be happy lol The suspension is simple to adjust with screwdriver etc Many thanks
My current bike is a V-Strom 650, had a go on one of these recently and had a few thoughts: 1) brakes and suspension are much better, I think this bike suits my 100kg+ 6'3 self more than the 650. 2) the engine felt luggy at lower RPM and rattly at high RPM, it felt like an old motor mated to a fancy new electronic throttle - bit weird all round. 3) stock windscreen is awful for someone my height, dumps wind right in my face. 4) the Suzuki pannier racks interfere with the passenger grab rails - you can't really get fingers fully around the grab rails, pretty poor ergonomically 5) the two piece seat is a huge pain to work around. Overall I feel like I wouldn't gain much by upgrading from my 2016 650 to the new 1050. I would however consider giving the 2013-2019 (I think?) DL1000 a go to get the same frame/engine/suspension/brakes but at a lower price and with a more sensible seat design and more aftermarket windscreen options.
Love the vstrom but, just like my NC750x, that reverse LCD is dreadful for readability. We all know it’s done for cheapness and trendiness but I wish they’d ideally go back to an analogue tach or at least a non reversed lcd.
Wonder if it's worth going for the xt version to get the cruise control? I don't like the spoked wheels and I'd rather just fit Oxford heated grips. as for the rest of it...fancy lean sensitive abs etc I could do without, never liked abs anyway. I like the styling of this 1050 model not every ones cup of tea I suppose but you don't look at the mantlepiece when your stoking the fire!!
Hi Mark, great review.....i own a Tenere 700 and also searching for a more road bike....I can not choose between de Vstrom 1050 and the Tracer 9 GT.....luxery problems.
@@markpulling12 I believe that's the one to buy because the Strom comes more to my Tenere 700. The tracer is more sport/road. I did smile a lot after the testride.....have a nice drive on yours!
@@giela5737 Highlands and Argyll, I find the CP2 Tracer7 far better than the 900 and GT...I wouldn't go back to one, but I'd have a V-Strom 1050(just need to strip about 30kg off of it).
Hi rather than vibes more a v twin thump which is a character of the v twin engine I like it ... whereas vibes from.say an in-line 4 can be buzzy and annoying Best regards mark
Hi Keith ...I agree the 650 is probably the better value....when I rode the 1000 v Strom as few years ago I was a little underwhelmed....but this new 1050 is brilliant .. is say it's equally good as the 650 ...and if you want more power /fun plus cruise control it's worth the extra ££££ Cheers mark
Hi tough choice as they are both very capable ...but for me the tracer 9 just wins because of its very exciting engine ...but a used v Strom 1050 would be a great buy Cheers mark