I have just chopped in my 2022 1050xt (which I loved) for the 800de which after 4 test rides realised was a step ahead of the 1050. After a few weeks and 2000 miles on the 800 is a very very good bike ( in my opinion) ....and......after nearly 40 year's of BMW's I feel released, there is life outside the BMW clique...
I bought one in July 2023 so my opinion is bound to be biased. I just got off a Guzzi V85TT and I wanted an everyday bike that could also travel and not cost an arm and a leg to buy or maintain. In fact, I've tried 3 BMWs, all excellent but between €6,000 and €10,000 more expensive, 2 Harleys (including the PanAm) which just got a €4,000 price increase but nobody noticed, 2 Triumphs (same remark as BMW), the V100 Mandello S, the Ducati Desert X ... in the end, the VStrom isn't the sexiest but it has everything I want and nothing I don't. It's a real pleasure to ride every day, with that easy-going grizzly breath, perfect handling, excellent braking and much better protection than it looks. All that for €15k and a bit. What else? As Georges used to say. I feel it's a connoisseur's bike
The things I love about the V Strom 1050 is the unstressed, torquey yet nipppy engine and also it's sound and character with it's gear driven cams. The brilliant thing is you still get 9500rpm before hitting the red line. Gear driven cams make doing valve clearances a somewhat easier too. What's not to like?
As always, thanks so much for your efforts. You’re one of my “don’t miss” vloggers. Just a comment on quick shifters. I ride a 22 Tiger 900. The difference between 1000 miles and 5000 miles is significant. It started out klunky and now is butter. Let me add that 1st to 2nd still takes finesse but otherwise “ Butter”! I would guess most of your demos would be pretty low mileage.
Really nice first impressions thankyou. I'm personally not a fan of the ipad like dashes. For me, they actually look cheaper than a more integrated dash with a mixtures of dials and displays. Bike sounds great btw. Cheers!
Got to say that I have had mine for 2 weeks now and love it although still in the running in stage. I have the black and bronze wheels and it does get a few looks at the petrol station. For me I can't wait to do a long tour on it and see just what it can do 👍
I got the black and bronze wheels too. Loving it. Had the GSX-S1000 GT before and it didnt have the comfort. This is absolutely mega. Missus loves it too. Im 600 miles in.
Share the road, aye. I've seen people in cars do mad things and I've seen a lot of people on bikes do silly things. Don't be an idiot and don't be in a rush, the main point of getting there is, well, getting there and not to the hospital. Really quite keen on the 1050 whenever I feel the Tracer has served its role. We'll see.
I compliment you on your how you view road mannerism and how considerate you are with others. Must be a girl thing because I too feel the same way. One thing though, please stop calling people from the US “Americans.” America is the name of a continent (yes one, not two). Which was named that in 1507, hundreds of years before the US because a country. One continent, not two. Even though there had been some maps that show two parts to the continent, America Septentrionalis (North America in Latin) and America Meridionalis (South America). But still one continent. Then in 1784, just 8 years after the US became a country, is when the first map dividing the continent into two separate continents was published. Unitedstatians doing what we love the most, creating division. And in a selfish and imperialistic way, the US highjacked the title “America” for our country, and “Americans” for ourselves. But thankfully more and more people in more and more countries in America are waking up and reclaiming their rightful tittle of Americans. Most people in most countries in America also only see one continent and not two. I know, I grew up in the imaginary subcontinent of Central America, and I’ve traveled to many American countries. I have spoken to many people about this subject. And they all agree with me. Except many Unitedstatians. Yes, I said Unitedstatians. May sound funny, but that is really what we are. You call someone from Mexico and Mexican, someone from Brazil and Brazilian, someone rom Colombia an Colombian, and on and on, so why not people from the US? The idea is not a crazy one, Estadounidense (literal translation is Unitedstatian) is a real word in Spanish, and the most common way of referring to people from the US in Latin America. With the exception of the northern part of Mexico. Anyway, cheers mate!
2 and a half weeks left until I get mine (the blue one) and I wish I had a time machine. Already planning to put it on a diet, end can, lithium battery, removing the center stand, hopefully I'll get rid of some 10 kilos. And then I can put them back on in accesories :))
Thanks Kate, wonderful review as always. I am looking at picking one of these up at the moment and I am looking at the road biased version. The closest I will come to "off road" is riding some back lanes as a shortcut here in Devon.
So you can be kind to horses! I coincidentally made a comment to one of your older video’s a few days back in which I joked about you scolding a horse in it while I expected you to be a horse type, for instance nagging Userdad for a pony when you where young. I am a true horse type myself though I never could afford my own one. A bike is cheaper. A whole shed of old bikes is still cheaper. But I also always react proactive towards horses when on the road. And the owners often appreciate that. Not som much these 2 though.
This looks lovely. If I was a richer man, I’d have one. Maybe when they’ve come down a bit I’ll consider one. Lovely discreet exhaust note, plenty of gear, looks well made, should be of typical Suzuki reliability. Everything you could need in a daily motorbike. I was watching UK Moto Clips recently (might as well be called knobhead bikers on film) and fully winced when that car got a bit eager on the roundabout. I was fully expecting a lap of the roundabout, Rev bombs, fingers, shouting, expletives, the whole 9 yards.
Hi Kate from Greece, i would like to have a comment for the fuel consumption (l/100kms) and more details for weather protection. I have a honda Varadero of 2007 and it is time for changes now i reached my 60s. I am very keen to suzuki v strom but going from a Honda so well protected as Varadero i would like to have an honest opinion for consumption and weather protection. Thanks George
Great practical review Kate. My mate who is vertically challenged also has the 1200gs and had a sit on my f800gs and said no, too tall. So being able to put two feet down adds to your confidence.
🎉yes I did enjoyed it. Love your vids and comments. As for the colour this red one,sorry Burgundy is veery nice. 😮 on my opinion the 19front is a better choice for the just love to travel type people. Should you need a more extravagant and really bashing through the wilderness -please take the 21. Love that burbling sound of the vtwin engine at idle... Be safe dear and keep going. All the best!
Great review thank you, theVstrom is a tool not a hobby, lol I have the 2022 XT version I use it all year snow an exception, what am saying is the 90 degrees engine is a true gem it has never let me down . I looked at the up grades and thought why bother my XT has everything heated grips factory fitted, ok no tft but do i need that answer no, in short the standard Vstrome is the same as the XT 2022 but with a tft screen the DE is just a gimick like what they all do two three types of the same version of bike, dont forget the GS has the same size rims and nobody says a thing about that not having a 21'' front sorry for going on but I think the Vstrom old and new is great bike ATB to you. I think the quick shifter is an inprovement but still I wouldnt move of mine its solid, thanks again .
Thanks Kate ! I like the part where you remind people to SHARE the road 👍 I have a 2013 VSTROM 650 and I love it ! Always good to see the English country side....I got to experience it in Nov.1992 ! Good to see that you are a sensible rider ! Stay safe and love from the land down under !🇦🇺🦘🏍🌹
I was trying to scope the rev counter past your camera Kate and did see that this bike is geared a bit taller in top than my SV1000. I've often felt that my bike could do with dropping a couple of back sprocket teeth, but, as you may be aware, as of the 17th of this month, Wales is being burdened with a blanket urban speed limit of 20 MPH. Even with my standard gearing, all local stuff will have to be done in no higher than third gear as of next Sunday, and I'm unsure if my own internal ratios differ from this V Strom. I fully agree with a 20 limit near schools, hospitals etc. but most of us in Wales think that the Welsh Assembly is a gathering place for virtue signalling cretins, whose main concern is cash revenue from speeding, rather than concerns over road safety.
You give off great vibes Kate! I feel ashamed for many of my fellow countrymen (USA). We have lots of great people but as you know plenty of not so great, spoiled and inconsiderate people that seem to overshadow "the good ones" and seem to always push the limits way into the danger zone. The bad apples spoil the bunch as they say, then everyone hates apples. Same if not worse with the car culture. On a more positive note, nice ride along with you and the V-Strom. The bike looks like it has plenty of grunt power and has a nice sound to it. As far as a looker goes, I would match it up with my toaster. It looks okay, does the job but it does really get a second look. It's appliance sexy.
One reason seat height could feel different to the specs is if the suspension compresses more or less when sitting on it, another reason is seat/bike width
I owned a 650 Adventure V Strom. It was OK but kind of Dull after a a year or so. But the price for the 1000cc bike is out to lunch in Canada. At almost $20K there are way more refined bikes out there nowadays. Suzuki had a niche with the "price" in the past but have since lost that advantage. You can buy a Triumph 900 GT for the same price and its way better looking.
I've got my eye on a heavily discounted ($2500) Vstrom 1050 potentially, which makes the purchase a bit more reasonable. Thing is, for $500 less I can just grab a ($1000) discounted brand new Norden 901 and wonder if that wouldn't be the better bike and value. To further complicate things, for another $2000 less than the Norden I can just grab a new (demo) Tuareg 660 for just $16k after tax out the door. Suffice it to say, I have been having a hard time deciding between the three. You are right though, the regular price of the Vstrom 1050 bikes these days is dreadful here. Normal price puts them at about 18k-20k pre tax. That's so wild.
14 here as well but with the Two Brothers exhaust and it's very very hard to park it once done riding because it's just so damn fun and I love the sound.
Yes, the 800 DE and the Vstrom 1050 base have the same seat height on paper. I bet the Basic Vstrom 1050's suspension sags a little more than the 800DE when you take your seat on the Vstrom 1050 basic model. Better for shorter people.
Here we go...!! This is the bike that caused my local dealer to ban me from sitting on...., coz I can't stop dribbling all over it. A fantastic bit of kit. Some years ago, I had one on loan for a short period of time and did more km. on it than I would have done in the same period of time, had I been on my own bike. I've loved it ever since. It's the ideal allrounder and yet, damn it, i've never owned one. Forget the Hondas, Yamis & BMWs, this is the way to go..., although there are many, singing happy songs about KTM's equivalent, which I know nout about. Maybe you do!? You sure do have some beautiful landscape up your way, I would love to be able to ride that area, where is it, Rivington in? A bike as good looking as this screams out, "take me on an adventure and get lost with me" and if it is the colour Red, what more coul you ask for. Get up and go!! You do know that if you don't turn your head to look back at the bike every time you've parked it, and walk away, then you've bought the wrong bike! With this machine, i'd be walking into every Lamp post!! Well then, up the Wanderers..., no not really, i'm a Red. See ya. Oops sorry, just noticed, after watching so much of your wonderful work and 👍 it all, i've not yet Subscribed... that's better, i'm now officially subscribed to Usernamekate and having a ball !
Im stuck between getting the 800de or the 1050 road version, i have the 250cc v-strom atm, im used to naked bikes i.e the gsr750, but since having the 250 v-strom its made me hungry for the bigger v-strom, what would you choose ? The 800 or the 1050?
I fell in love with the 800de. But, I have suspicions that Suzuki may reveal a none DE version of the 800 at the Bikeshow which i'd hope would have cruise control (I've no insider knowledge - just a prediction)
@@UsernameKate thankyou for your reply, im steering more towards the 800 cruise control isnt high on my needs tbh just something thats comfortable and has some grunt, and thats is good on fuel
Test rode one of these the other day. The sales girl advised against the 800 due to my size. I'm 6'3" but only 32" leg. I found it immediately confidence inspiring. I thought the torque was tremendous, overtaking in top became simple and regular. It's smooth and sure. Yesterday I tested the BMW R1300GS, not for me. Later today I'm testing the older Triumph Tiger 1200. It's going to need to be very good. Nice review, thanks.
@@UsernameKate the Triumph was lovely! I wanted one over the BMW. I found, because i was road testing and therefore exaggerating things that the BMW didnt appreciate slowing down in top say for a roundabout, and became a bit agricultural wheras the Triumph felt almost unbothered. Unfortunately I kept doing a silly dance on dismount as my right leg is damaged and I keep dragging it over the seat. The 900 was absolutely fine and lower so easier to dismount BUT, I'm a tart and would know I preferred it's big brother but for the seat height.
Looks? OK, but what's with the beak they're adorning bikes with lately? Surely there's a less ridiculous looking aerodynamic solution. 😅 And looks best in black... imho. Great vlog. First of your's I've seen (& immediately subscribed to). 🙂
Great test ride video Kate, real world test & bang on . I`m on my 2nd 1050, 1st was an XT & yes the seat does seem to be more comfortable on the new bike with cast wheels so maybe they have changed the compression of the sponge as early bike did get some stick. I used to have a BMW R1200R with active suspension before my first 1050 & I can honestly say I dont miss the Active suspension. Keep up the reviews & the realist feedback, some vloggers would be better off getting a sales job as every bike they test is "fantastic" & everything is perfect when we know there not!..good luck & safe riding
Pour ma taille et mon poids, je préfère le VStrom. Je ne pouvais pas posséder le sport Africa Twin Adventure parce que le poids est porté haut sur l’AT et le stand est court. C’est donc une lutte pour moi de sortir l’AT du stand! Pas idéal.
I was trying to find a review you had done on the BMW F850 GS, not the Adventure, but I can’t find you ever having done it. If you haven’t can you. Many thanks John
I bought in 2007 a vstrom 1000 2003 model for 5000 euro except maintenance I have spent not more than 3000 euro and got it until now very reliable bikes.
Good review Kate, Regarding the seat hight's maybe look at the profile of the seats because if it is still comfy but narrower or wider the bridge like shape our under carriages make will lengthen or shorten to our tippy toes to the ground, even the thickness of our thighs could make a difference , could also be density of the fill that is in the seats. I suppose the only way to truly see true seat hight's is to painstakingly get mike to make you a large Scribing block, then on all your reviews you will get a true life seat hight. 😁
Hello Kate how are you doing today i always love seeing your vlogs nothing beats seeing my favourite Bolton biker chick on a sportsbike wearing your leathers and your world famous swanky helmet and dark visor ride safe lovely only one username Kate greetings from your friend Stevie x
Thanks for that Kate. Yes I'd say it's the best looking Vstrom so far, but there's still something about that beak I can't warm to. As you say it would be boring if everybody thought the same. Take care.
Glad you had a sunny day to swing it around a corner or two Kate. My latest impulse buy was a Suzuki 2005 DR200SE just because (4,224.7miles on it). Hope your week was a good one also.
Hit the nail on the head with the looks, it isnt a very exciting looking bike. It would also annoy me a lot to have to add on heated grips, that's just stupid.
Truimph Sprint 1050cc - 128 bhp (96Kw) and torque of 80 lb-ft (108Nm). It's 2010 technology and no TC of any description or quick shifter but it just out paces a 2023 1050cc a decade later 👌😉 Won't talk price cos the Sprint would win in that Top Trumps category every time 😁 And, mile munching in comfort ? That's down to the rider but my Triumph Sprint just devours those miles with style !
Your colour tones in this video are nice. Quite dramatic without being vivid. Moody maybe. If you end up going off on a tangent about something, let it happen. You can always come back to the bike but to get back on a tangent isn't easy. What's the route you ride? I've seen you do the moorish fell road a lot and it looks a nice road.
That's a big misconception; the world would be wonderful if we all liked the same things. Well, it depends on scarcity etc, but in terms of colors let's say. If we all loved burgundy, the V-Strom would be burgundy and we'd all be happy.
Well that was disappointing was waiting for the hilarious bloopers and out takes you've been putting at the end. 😂😂 p.s. don't like the headlight/ front and the heated grips should standard on a touring bike. Good review tho👍🏻
Thanks again Kate for the ride through my old home town of Horwich and the Mores of Rivington, Belmont and Smithills. Definitely nicer views than here in Perth Western Australia.
You can see the bike at 21:11 or throughout the whole video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qiB44qJ9hD0.htmlsi=7Hw90Lm8lW4tVRVN Hope this helps :)
Hi Kate, do you ever go over to Glasson Dock, near Lancaster. Nice place for a brew and even a bit of lunch or breakfast and usually a few bikers there. Pop over and Ill buy you a coffee if I'm there ha ha.😃
