Living with the Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT: MCN’s long-term test verdict 

So, essentially it's what the big V-Strom has always been. Useful, versatile, reliable as a hammer, not terribly exciting, and cheap. But now with some decent electronics, cruise control etc. Well done Suzuki, well done.

I dont get this thing where windscreens need to be adjustable while driving ... ive had adventure bikes from multiple brands and ... you fiddle with the screen until you find a setting that works for you, and then you never touch it again ... (well at least in my case)

I bought a 2019 pre-facelift model brand new with all the luggage and an Yoshi can thrown in for 8.5K. Now thats value! It may be the lowest horsepower bike I have owned for 25 years plus but to say it is not engaging is a bit mean. The power and more importantly the torque are immediately accessible and you can use more of the performance on real roads. If this bike is teaching me anything, it is that you do not need to have 150hp or spend a fortune to have fun on our congested roads.

I bought my V-Strom 650 new in 2011. I have not had one thing go wrong with it since. The V-Strom is an incredible bike!

I’ve got 6000 miles on mine and love it. Long term friend.

Had mine for 20 months. Best bike in years, prefer it to my GSA TE. The engine is an absolute beauty.

I've got the same bike. Weight for me is not an issue, and it is rock steady on the road, yet really flickable. Power is perfect. I have the screen in the position I want, and now will never change it - so not an issue. Still love the looks. Only niggle is wish the heated grips showed current setting on the screen (and had a bigger button). Overall top bike, happy customer :-)

Things to consider with the 1050XT not mentioned. First is reliability. Hit the forums from the early 2000s and it's clear this is a get-on-and-go rig. Early ones had issues now all sussed by the aftermarket. Many owners have kept theirs even as they bought new bikes. Second is related: longevity. This motor, an under-stressed version from the legendary TL1000S/R will *for real* go 200K miles. In this employment it's not a revver, but it's got bags of broadly spaced, very useful torque. I've got a Speed Triple, and an '04 Vee (with all the fixes and updates) that I hop on for anything more than an hour ride I don't see selling anytime soon. The 1050 is for the long haul, in every sense of the word; highly important to people who use their bikes daily - like they should be.

Got a 650 V Strom which is heaps for me, tons of power for what I need and mainly I'm on roads. Bulletproof. Sometimes I don't know what guys want, I meet quite a bunch of BMW guys with much bigger more expensive bikes...I'm sure there's an advantage but so far haven't seen it, I cruise with them easily ....maybe doing the Dakar. The problem if you want one 2nd hand the Strom hold their price really well because they're bulletproof and really well liked by their owners

The more reviews I watch of this bike the more I like it. thank you

A no nonsense bike from Suzuki. Loved my 650. Shame this bike seems to be overbooked. Intelligent review, thank you.

In Finland Suzuki DL 1050 XT is around 19k euros where basic GS is 25k euros and as far as I know pretty much no one is buying GS in standard, I think the real price gets closer to 30k euros after all bells and whistles. Pretty much the same story with Multistrada and KTM. Yamaha Tracer 900GT is almost in the same price range with Suzuki but it is matter of taste which you prefer. It is all about the preferences which path to take by choosing more advanced bike and pay for it or take the cheaper bike instead and put the difference in money in traveling and courses etc. At least in my country it seems that Suzuki and the rest Japanese bikes are not dropping in price as dramatically as the rest brands are. Once you get KTM or BMW it is better to keep it for 5 years or more otherwise you will face a huge price drop.

Great review, i like the guy's style and knowledge. I'm not a big adv fan, but always liked the Stroms as unpretentious workhorses with a bulletproof reputation capable of collosal miles. This version is a looker imo too.

Nice review. The Vstrom keeps being the same old sturdy, reliable, jack of all trades bike full of value but NOW with electronics. In the big adv bike the Suzuki hits the sweet spot for the segment, does not stand out at anything but it does not do anything wrong either. This Vstrom are the rational buy.

I Love this "Post it's" review method MCN does lately. I'm going to use that myself for my reviews. 💖💖💖👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Great real world review & like your honest point right at the end. At my age, I'm not into the 'Fun & sexy' stuff (Well, not for transportation anyway). I want something I know I can jump on, twist the key on & get going day, month, year in and year out. Also, the pleasant thought of not having to acquire a $272 special tool just to twist the spark plugs to exactly 189 degrees like on the Ubber Euro machines, & being able to change oil on my own without sacrificing a months pay cheque appeals a great deal.

I've got one of these & two things I really want to ask 1050xt reviewers are How often do you adjust the seat ? I adjusted mine once tried it in low found it too low & adjusted it to high & it's stayed there all the time but reviewers always complain I could understand if two riders were sharing it ? & same goes for the screen tried it in a few positions then left it on high.

The thing that makes a motorcycle exciting is how dangerously you ride it... The Strom is a world beater... If you were equipping an Army you'd buy these...

Amazing, real world details that you will not find anywhere else.

Hopefully the 650 will also have this design one day

A nice honest review! Thank you! 👍😎🇦🇺

Hey someone who bothers to adjust the suspension on their review bike. So many people review bikes and complain that the suspension is too soft or hard despite it not being preset for their weight.

Props for the location of the USB. My street triple, under the rear seat. No overly useful when the phone is being used as gps on the handlebars

Excellent review. Quick and To the point. No bs. 💯

The yellow/blue 1050XT brings back my 80's yearnings for the TS250X when as a poor student at the time I could only stretch to a GP100. The gold rims look amazing new but I'd be worried about wet Scottish roads wrecking them early doors. Anyone got one with the gold rims please chip in your feelings about the cosmetics staying good. I think it's an amazing big machine with a great look and fab engine reliability, might yet get one...

from an owner..2018 VS 1000xt...6k miles..value pricing..chk..quality build..chk..handles great (flickable..)..chk..braking..fantastic..chk..range ..very good..275 on a tank chk..hydrolic clutch..easy smooth..chk..slipper clutch..rev match..nice..chk ..guage package..lots of info..chk..seat super comfy..chk..rear rack..value..chk..best of all..V twin motor..low end grunt..usable power..all in all I rate this bike fairly high.. ride one..see what I'm sayin..downside is this..same for all others in this class..ITS NOT A DIRTBIKE..at 500 lbs..mild fire road..ok..bout it....anywho..my 2 cents :0)

Great review mate, I really enjoyed it (even though no trains went past 🙂) !

I was surprised by your comment it's not much fun to ride. I've done 18000 KLM on mine and I love riding this bike. It handles extremely well when cornering and you can feel the 6 Point Axis IMU stabilise the bike on long sweeping bends. I found the original tyres performed really well although the rear had to be changed at 12000 KLM and the front still going at 18000. I did replace the tyre with the original and I feel they are safe and give great grip. I did change out the screen for a Givi two piece screen and it's miles ahead of the original screen that didn't give much protection and was noisy. With the new screen I can ride with my visor up and I can adjust the screen height whilst sitting on the bike. Even though is only 107 hp this bike gets up and moves and can give you a very spirited ride..

Great review in simplistic easy speak... thanks mate!

I really like the look of this bike.

Simple straight forward review, well presented. A little spoiled if you think you get all the bells and whistles at that price though. Does what it does though.

Best review till date.. Direct to the untold , should have been told info..

too the point review with great info. Wish it had mentioned the reliability and longevity of the bike. These bikes have a reputation for being bullet proof even when used as a daily bike. Would love to see more on how it is to tour on one. Agility? Braking? Comfort? Offroad vs road capabilities but otherwise a good (and short) review.

In Europe this bike retails for the equivalent of £12500, which is a huge jump. I haven't seen a single V Strom in Italy since it's release. Goes to show how dependent manufacturers are on world trade deals.

More of this guy, please. Nice review.

Hi! Thanks for sharing! I think it is a decent motorcycle at a very decent price. I also like the thing that it has spoked rims and tubless tires in standard! It would be definitely on my list if I were about to change my actual motorcycle.

Best brakes on any bike I've ridden too, assuming they the same on the older thou. And don't forget reliability and servicing costs come into it too if you ve not been given one for free to hammer about on. Also about 10k cheaper than a specced out gs.🤔

A very refreshing honest review, critical without being prejudiced, and right on so many points. £300 for heated grips? What a rip off. And more praise for mentioning a pillion, as since my wife retired about 75% of my journeys are 2-up, and so few testers bother to mention pillion accommodation. Is it roomy enough? How hard to get on & off? How high are the pillion pegs? These are a deal breaker for us.

Heated grips should be standard in the UK. Overall I think the Vstrom is my favourite bike.

It would be a bigger pain faffing around with a C spanner on the rear shock.

Very good review. Honest simple bike which can take from point A to point B.

Nice review . A good no frills bike sound and reliable what more could you ask for and yes a lovely v twin engine its a winner from Suzuki.

Great Review. Thank you very much! I just sold my 09 Strom which I LOVED. WANT Cruise Control... (and easier air filter change) Thanks again.

Dr Big looks, it’s far better looking in my opinion than the bird like shapes of most modern suzuk’s 👍🏻😎

To the point - thank you very informative

I have a 2018 vstrom 1000XT. At 5'10 the ratcheting wind screen works good for me. And when going slow on a hot day I move it to the back position . Something I added was a Givi mud guard it keeps a lot off dirt off the chain. And I like the Givi crash bars, they help protect the tank. I rode the HD Pan america and loved that engine. But really 100 hp Suzuki will get me a ticket at any time.

I've had a blast on mine and you can lug it around loaded up with no issues. change out the tires and a couple other minor adjustments and the bike is golden. I am disappointed the bike in Canada didn't come with heated grips or the panniers as the XA (XT) model. I like it and don't need the image of I own a beemer to have a good time riding.

I like the screen lock, simple , might be a little tough, but it will last for a while

hello thank you for review it's very nice motorbike

I'm on my second super tenere but I was originally a big suzuki fan .Had a 2018 v strom for a month or 2 and I did think the foot pegs were a wee bit high compared to the super 10 which ment I had tight stiff knees after 100 or 150 mile and had to had to stretch my legs regularly.Super 10 was definitely more comfortable but heavier!but definitely the v strom 1000 or 1050s are great machines and good value.

Great review. I have the same bike and love it. I also softened the front suspension a tiny bit and it made a big difference. Also - I personally find the bike extremely fun to ride including the engine/intake sounds... and this new 1050 version likes to rev. All good stuff.... and it should be extremely reliable over the long term. Question - is that an aftermarket TPMS display mounted in the middle section on the handlebars? If so, which one and would you recommend it? Any other TPMS recommendations? (the only feature I wish this bike had)

Thanks for the review, I just brought one new with Suzuki boxes in NZ paid on road 9k pounds which I thought was awesome for the XT model I was going for the Yamaha 1200 tenere but it has gone up now to 13.5k without boxes just too much on my budget in these interesting times. Will give feed back later after my NZ road trips 👍😉

I'm on my 3rd Strom and spend about an hour doing all the adjustments to suit me, and that's it. Why would you want to swop everything , ok maybe the screen (10seconds)if its hot. Suspension (30seconds)if i increase the load. Does anyone really spend sleepless nights worrying about this stuff? I suppose i would lose sleep if i was asked for another 4 grand for my bike...

Thanks.

How many riding modes do you need FFS ! ?......none would suit most people I think . Your review was thorough albeit a bit unnecessarily whingey

Hi. Could you go into a bit more detail about how you mounted the scottoiler . I see it on the headstock there. .cheers

I have a totally customized one of a kind 2018 1050XT which I bought new in Aug 2017, which came out 4 years before the so-called new 2021 1050XT, as I thought since the new 2021 1050XT's engine is the same 1037cc displacement and my 2018's engine I figured that I could also call mine a 1050XT, So I ordered a pair of 1" high 1050XT vinyl decals which I applied to the upper gas tank side covers, and wala I had a 1050XT for $10,85, which is the cost of the two decals.

Good review 👍

Thanks for the review. I just bought one, replacing a 2014 DL1000A. What is the device on the handlebar mount? Thanks.

Hi Jordan Great review, PLEASE HELP I'm in Sydney Australia love the vstrom1050 but also like the new versys 1000 s the SE not in dealers at this stage maybe later. Need some advice, what are your thoughts on the versys 1000 s. The price between vstrom 1050xt and versys 1000 S is only about $ 900. In your opinion which one is better on value for money, longevity, comfort, mechanically, riding with pillion, features, panniers and all the things you mentioned about the vstrom1050. I haven't ridden any of them at this stage so don't know which one would be more comfortable for me as i am 171cm and about 105kgs ( not skinny). Please all you boys that have a vstrom might be a little biased and understandable so, but would like your thoughts as i am in two minds and interested only at the vstrom1050 and versys 1000 S . Cheers

Just ordered my 1050 yellow XC Tour.

The motorcycel certainly works well. Unfortunately, it's just boring. I rode it for a summer and sold it. Nice honest review by the way

I bought a new DL650XT in 2015 it's exiting enough for this ancient geezer. Cruising about (60-70mph) I had 74 MPG. The bike was full loaded even came with center stand and Sat nag, cost about eight & half grand, it wieghs in at 214K naked, wot not to like. As for speed It will chuff away all day at 80 MPH. Who needs to go fast I aint getting paid to race, we all get there in the end, but I get to the destination with clean underpant and licence intact.

Nice review, i think it would be a great bike for commute and touring but I feel the 650 would even be adequate (and even more affordable, lighter). Sure it's not terribly exciting so I guess it depends on use case.

Las Vegas LOVES your post it reviews!

well done

Tall bike. Dropped mine twice. Glad to know I'm not the only one :)

I like this guy

If the cruise control is unsophisticated and the weight is too much, what does it give me over the 650XT? I would buy that model and save £3300 and 30+ kg

Looks like the handle for the screen is the wrong way round and why it's difficult to use. Try unclamping, turn anticlockwise 180° and reclamp. That will loosen the clamp by a smidge and put it the right way round.

Excellent review. How about overall reliability and ease of ownership?

Nice bike 👍

One day somebody will teach motorcycle journalists the difference between price & value so that prospective owners can make objective purchasing decisions. If manufacturers sponsored my bikes then I could afford to be choosy too. Having owned & ridden a number of V-Stroms (mainly as second bikes) during the past ten years, they really do take some beating in the" value for money league" .

So what would you get instead?

Could you let me know the make of the front spotlights

Yep, time to trade-in my KTM1050 for this.

Ha! Saw the yellow squares and thought they were super-safety-nerd reflective patches.

V-Stroms are like swiss army knives. They can do just about anything with really no complaints at the end of the day.

Wow, a long term test with a lot of sticky notes......... but not a word about brakes..... really thorough test....

I’m trading in my Aprilia Tuareg 660 for this 2020 1050XT in yellow. My dealer has one with the cases and it has 15 miles on it. 12k US dollars. Sold!

So basically, fix the cruise to function in all gears, at all speeds like a car functions. Give the TL1000 engine some actual power: 120 horsepower would be very nice. Make the windscreen adjustable from behind, on the fly. Install heated grips as standard. Put a release latch for the main seat, no tools needed. Reduce weight by about 22 pounds / 10 kg.

Does anyone know if the 2020-22 1050XT can have both an up and down quickshifter fitted? Or is it only up shifts?

The price of this means i can afford to buy one and still keep my Busa! Less electronics to go wrong, more likely to want to own it passed the warranty period.

Is a good bike, compared to the unreliable GS aka broken chasis and fork, or Triumph aka electronic issues bike. The Vstrom, is no the most fast bike, but is durable and indestructible bike.

I love my 2014 1000adv. Only complaint is that the side cases are too small. However, I don’t like the beverage cooler style side cases that Suzuk put on this bike.

Excellent overview Jordan. Don't think this is the bike for me. You gave me a good idea of what Suzuki have done with the V-Strom update.

Have Suzuki finally redesigned the clutch basket? ????

Nice review. 'Boring' comes in many forms, but I agree with you on that one, and don't see the point of having a bike if it indeed feels boring to me.

Unless you routinely run the tank dry, can you really judge the accuracy of the range indicator?

Why would you need to constantly adjust the windscreen and seat height? Once my bikes are set they stay that way for the entire length of my ownership. I'm not getting taller or shorter so why would I need to change those more than the first time?

I love this bike but hey the vibrations with anything over 5k rpm. My hands and D go numb, never had this issue on any other bike

Between xt and 1290 ktm super adventure s.. what would you choose?

Cruise control is a bit of a let down only works in 4th or above, and you can’t accelerate the bike on the button, so hopeless for 30 zones, and it disengages when you check out some of the information on the screen that really is half arsed. The weight is actually up on my 2018 model, and thats already top heavy at slow speeds what are Suzuki playing at. I was hoping for a lot more on the new Strom, but essentially it’s a redesign of the tuppaware with some updated electronics - and they’ve kicked max torque up the rev range. At least you can alter the screen rake on the older model whilst on the move, but it’s good to hear the stock screen is now much better than before (which was rubbish). The headlight is a plus, the previous model’s muddy yellow output was as dim as ditchwater but the throw was pretty good. I’m not really sure cheap cuts it anymore, who buys a bike outright these days (having said that I did but it was an ex demo on an unbelievably good deal), I just think there’s much better for a bit more on that PCP deal. Great review, honest and informative 👍

What were the original tyres?

Are the auxiliary lights from Suzuki ?

I disagree. It's one of the most fun bikes to ride I have tried. Why? Well partly because the engine sound and the way it pulls, partly because the weight is just gone on a twisty road and partly because it so damn pretty.

I think he threw up in his mouth at one point. Fantastic review mate.

Does everyone know which were the stock tyres?

I dropped my tiger once slipped on spilt diesel at fueling stop, the fact that you have dropped your Suzuki 2 or 3 times would be a concern coupled with the seating position and needing tools to remove the seat would for me be a definite No No. Great video I'm now much the wiser, think I'm going to stick with Triumph although Harley have just got my attention with the Pan American interested to see what the reliability will be like.

I got new tires, but things still don't feel like they're gonna be alright