Got my hands on a brand new Suzuki V Strom 1050 XT for a test ride. Great bike I would consider if I should buy new Adventure bike in the 1000ccm + class. Thanks to MC-Haugaland to lend me the bike.
hi friend you are exactly the test subject ive been looking for . Tell me is it worth to buy a r 1200 gs 2010 used for 12 k euros , buy a tiger 800 xca or brand new tiger 900 rally pro or suzuki v strom 1050 xt ? thanks in advance
I very much like the 1050 update and in that orange color it’s beautiful! The headlight and beak are fantastic. It’s definitely a road touring bike, and it is one of the best handling in the class for that, much lighter than the 1200 bikes with better suspension than most. For the price it can’t be beat, unless you want a 21 inch front wheel.
The greek magazine MOTO (the oldest one here -in fact, the only one left I think) just did a comparison test between ADV bikes, doing many offroad kilometers. Rough terrain in high altitudes. And they declared 3 winners. The Tenere 700 if they were to just do the test again (support car for refueling, this specific route, trying to push offroad etc). If you were to buy with your own money though, they thought that the V-Strom 1050 was the best choice overall, easier to live with and also surprisingly capable off-road (with a set of proper tyres). Then if money wasn't a problem and someone gave you the bike for free for example, they would go with either the R1250GS or the Africa Twin
Beautiful image quality! I'm liking the red/white colour scheme. I currently have the 650 version, but am eyeing this as an upgrade in a year or two. Just wish I could bring over my aftermarket seat.
Very good review got my 1050 coming in two weeks down here in new Zealand love the red i ride a 2018 v storm 650 at moment and love the engine looking forward to the 1050 Cheers from new Zealand
Several years ago I watched video on RU-vid where several guys did some back country tour in Eastern Europe. KTM, Africa Twin and the V-Strom. Part of the "road" up the mountain was mostly a large rock gravel pit vs a road. The only guy to not fall was on the big V-strom. Says more about the rider than the bike - but it showed that the big V-Strom is capable of serious duty in the rough. Beyond my skills but I"m still attracted to the bike.
After buying and collectively riding three new V-Stroms over 200 000 kilometers I can safely say I’m a fan. But relative to the ‘18/‘19 model, this latest edition leaves me wanting more, quite a bit more. Aesthetically? Anyone who cares, or sees motorcycles as a fashion statement, won’t be buying a V-Strom. It’s the functionality, especially access to suspension, braking and exhaust options, that may kill this bike’s appeal. Well, it does to me. Be safe everyone!
It has the same seat height as my Rally Raid modified CB500X, so its a height I am used to. I am 178 cm and don't think the seat height is a challenge. Almost flat footed.
The 1050 is the same motor Suzuki has used in there previous model years with a plethora of upgrades and performance modifications. This motor will provide reliable everyday use for years with little maintenance. The parts are inexpensive compared to the other players in this market. The host of features ,performance and reliability cannot be touched for the asking price. You can literally put panniers on this bike and drive it around the world. Again the price point is most amazing. So when people compare this to the 1250gs it’s rediculous. Best all around,bang for the buck,least maintenance,parts readily sourced. I could go on for days . The vstrom is an amazing machine. Just don’t compare it to bmw.
I would be interested to know what you think of the v strom 650. I've just bought one, trading in my 2019 honda cb500x. I think the 650 has all the real world power anybody needs , if there honest. It feels so planted compared to my cb500x.
I purchased a 2019 vstrom650xt ( glacier white ) a few months back. The bike is almost as quick as the 1000. The machine is planted and feels so sure footed it’s hard to compare anything I’ve ridden in the past. The Suzuki engineers nailed it. .For me the 650 is ideal. I absolutely love this bike. Purchased the outback motortek skid plate and bars.
Very nice video and beautiful village at the end. Sweden? Norway? Denmark? If you get a chance on another video could you show us the new dash on the 1050? Thanks again, stay safe.
Nice video Sven. Been wanting to try it out. Having read umpteen reviews it's IMHO in for (too?) tough competition, from BMW, Honda and KTM to mention the most important. Worse still, when Husqvarna Norden 901 is released, I'd guess 2021 now, Suzuki might find themselves in even more of a pickle than now. Time will show.
@@thetubelesschannel Was that the full spec version with all extras & electronics? From what I can gather the price (In Norway) is in the neighborhood of Honda CRF1100L basic version.
@@KMeyn yes its a bit cheaper than the standard CRF1100L in Norway about $500-1000. It was the XT and it had all that extras as listed for the XT: Spoked wheels, adjustable windscreen, central stand, crashbars, hand guards, LED blinkers, adjustable seat height and a 12V output extra under the seat. It also had alle the electronics, Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, Cruisecontrol, Hill Hold Control etc.
You tested a really nice beast. I've checked some other videos from you, too after seeing that you own cb500x 2019 which I also have for about a year now. Don't get me wrong, Honda's really good (1st bike for me) but I am usually feeling some more needed power is missing and checking to sell it maybe soon enough in order to get the Suzuki Vstrom 650 XT that seems like a big VFM in the market for years and years. Question to you Sven: How come you bought 500x after you had ( I think ) GS model and possibly you could have something with more power+comfort+dual sport like Vstrom 650, Tenere 700, KTM 790, etc? It's surprising to me that you had bigger and went way lower and not remained above 600cc. Of course experience and taste play big part but are you not considering getting something from the perfect (for me) 650-800 series (any company), capable of commuting, touring, off-road and everything? Stay safe and have many pleasant rides.
because the 500 is cheaper to buy cheaper to maintain, it has very low fuel consumption and why pay for more capabilities if you wont use it? and by the way it is the most comfortable from the the bikes you mentioned. Mr Olsen will tell if im wrong.
The thing is that in Norway, where I ride most for the time being, the speed limit is 80 km/h. We have a lot of narrow twisty roads, mountain passes, and I like to take the bike out in the dirt occasionally. Most of the time I didn't need the power of the R1200GS. It was too heavy and to costly to play with in the dirt. So I bought a CRF250L to do the dirt job. Problem is that we have to ride a lot miles to get into the greatest dirt roads. So even if I traveled long trips with the CRF, I didn't in great comfort. It also had low fuel range (small tank) so I had to bring extra bottle. My CB500X is the compromise. Sold the R1200GS and the CRF 250L. Had enough money left to buy a CB500X and upgrade it with stronger wheels, some better protection and better, longer travel suspension. Thats also gave me better ground clearance. I also have managed to keep weight low, as OEM. CB500X has a lot better fuel range than all the other bikes you mentioned. It is also lighter. Its comfort is OK, its a cheap bike, its is very reliable with low running costs. Enough bike for all my needs. The closest bike to consider for me was the Tenere 700. But it wasn't available when I was in the market for buying, they also hyped the bike for years which kind of pissed me off. I cannot wait months for a bike I don't even have tried. Its also a bit to tall for me and carries its wheight quite high. For a price lower then the Tenere I have got a bike with two sets of wheels, making it easy to switch between knobbies and street tires. And way better fuel range. BUT. When I am starting to explore the Alps I will have to ride long stretches of Autobahn, and will probably be heavy loaded. THEN I may buy a larger bike again for example the big V-Strom, Africa Twin or a 1250GS....or similar.
@@thetubelesschannel Hi Sven, hope you are well and thank you for the detailed answer. It is sure a valid case that you have speed limit and you follow it (at least most of the times). Where I live in Greece, the speed limit is higher like 130km/h in left line but most people go above 150 with no second thought. Having a pillion with you and touring would possibly need bigger bike but for one person and (a bit) off-road, it's good. I am also waiting for the long-awaited AfricaTwin 700(?), Transalp 650(?), whatever they come up with in 1-2 years as they said they are preparing something similar if it's true at all. Last question: Have you ever tried the vStrom 650 (XT) 2017+? Seems like the "perfect" one with having in thought every single aspect in your mind, like mpg, weight, comfort, torque, price, etc.
Is the weight 247kg dry or wet? I really like the grunty sound of this bike. And it’s probably the first bike with a “beak” design that i kind of like! 🤔😃
@@thetubelesschannel tidligere Vstrom 1000 har havnet på tilbud ganske raskt etter at de ble introdusert. Mulig at Korona viruset og fallende kronekurs vil endre på dette. Men jeg føler at Vstromen slik det ser ut nå er litt overpriset i forhold til f.eks Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro, som koster 180.000,- og har alt mulig av "gadgets".
Hei Sven, du er en trivelig fyr! Dette er ikke et brukbart Adventure sykkel! 247 kg er rett og slett ubrukelig i ulendt terreng! I hvert fall når man kjører alene! Det er allerede alt for mange Mc av samme sorten på marked! Lykke til videre med CB500X 👍
Helt enig i at sykkelen er for tung i ulendt terreng om man er alene. Det var derfor jeg solgte min R1200GS og kjøpte CB500X. Men til touring og grusveger vil den fungere godt.
I just had a test drive on the very same bike, and also took it to Hervik! And that was before I saw this video! Some coincidence? (Did not have time for a gravel test though.) Found the bike surprisingly easy to maneuver compared to my -08 Vstrom 650.
I had a 2019 cb500x, it was a great bike but not quite right for me . I've bought a v strom 650, it's about 25% more to buy but at least 50% better ( for me ) the 1000/1050 are too much. Just love the v twin engine. ; )
Hi everyone i want to but a Suzuki DL 650 its a. 2005 with 159000 on the clock the current owner said he rebuilt the engine 8 months ago please i need some advice
I'm corious Sven, if you will exchange your nice HONDA into the V-Strom 1050... The SUZUKI is quite similar to my bike, the Honda Varadero 1000, but more modern and a bit lighter. I'm still in love with my Varadero 1000 with V2 engine, but only 95 horses and 95 Nm of torque. But it still runs very nicely and powerful enough. I love its V2 engine...
I have no plans to exchange bike. The CB500X will be kept for all kinds of trips. But I may buy a powerful tourer (sports tourer or adventure bike) for use after retirement. For those long trips down Europe mostly on asphalt and heavy loaded.
@@thetubelesschannel Ahhh, ok... that makes sence... for I think thar for the norwegian roads, your CB 500x is perfect. I think, that the SUZUKI is a good choice... as I know you, you surely will try out the HONDA Africa Twin as well... :-)
glad du gikk for T7. ellers så ville du angret med tanke på offroad mellom v-strom og T7. og T7 er betydelig bedre skikket offroad i forhold til v-strom.
don't know what it sounds like in reality but i sounds not so good on your video almost like the gearing isn't so good, But i will test ride one for the fun of it
Thank you Sven for give us reviews, in fact ai don't really like this bike. Beeing new I think there are lot better trails bike 1000cc as Africa Twin or Bmw 1250gs, beeing heavy as same but more confortable por use and better quality. In my opinion Suzuki have to improve a lot os things in all them bikes. Thank you again Sven, stay save with the lockdown.
That engine noise would drive me insane it sounds like a dam food blender, compared to your CB500X the power and weight will be a hindrance off road and consume almost twice as much as your Honda.
The mic was placed at the dash, and doesn't gives a fair impression of the sound. It will be masked by wind noise and you will also hear exhaust better when riding.
It depends of the use I think. Most people buying this type Adventure bikes only occantional hits gravel and for that it is capable. Would not take such a heavy bike to off road sceneries....
You started out calling it Beautiful ??? If there is one thing, the DL1050 is not. Then its beautiful ! Its a fine bike, and might one day have one. But its very ugly. I now have DL1000 K7 - the very old version. Even that is prettyer than the DL1050. AND THATS A FACT !