Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT | Why don't more people like this bike? 

I own a 2012 v strom. Most right ups don’t do it justice. 60 mpg average. I’m 50 50. Street dirt . 100 percent stock . I’ve owned 18 motorcycles in my life . Many different brands . I’m 58 and I see me riding my v strom when I’m 90 .. just a wonderful all round ride .

Been on v stroms for 16 years now. Two in the shed. Got a 2014 dl1000 with 92,000km on it. I love how the GS riders look down their nose at it. And KTM owners think the same. Well, I live on a dirt road inbetween a national park and national highway one. Perfect adventure bike territory. If you think you need a 184hp multistrada to ride on the back tracks, you probably pay more attention to what other people think about your bike, than what you actually need. The reality is, over 100hp and 100nm, is way more than you'll ever need in most situations to kill yourself or lose your license. I love mine. Not because I can't afford the "snob" brands, but because it's all the bike I'll ever need. Fuel economy is directly related to the throttle input. Sometimes mine isn't so great when I am feeling frisky. In Australia the distances are huge, and it's easy to "crib" a bit on the open road, and range suffers as a result. Not a complaint or a deal breaker. The biggest selling point for me is the bombproof reliability and ease of maintenance. Huge range of aftermarket farkles to suit every taste. I don't mind that everyone thinks Ewan Magregor and Charlie Boorman are expert adventure riders, (when they are actually BMW employees) and they copy them into a GS. I hardly ever see any of them on my road, coz it's actually dirt haha. Happy trails

The best most comfortable bike ive ever owned a first class tourer .

Most of the Moto mags have given it lukewarm reviews. Comparing it to the BMW GS series and finding it lacking. Not mentioning the fact that you can buy a Suzuki 1050, load it up with all of the bells and whistles you really need and still have money in your pocket, as compared to a GS.

Sold my 2018 vstrom about a year ago and now regret it, because only now I realise how good it really was. I’ve since had a KTM 790 adventure, a 1050 adventure, and I’m now driving a BMW 1200 GS. Although I like the other bikes, my plan is to go back to a V Strom for my long-term Bike because they are super for touring bulletproof handle great and our super comfortable. The engine is super smooth, which is one of the things I like best in a bike.

I love my 2020 1050XT. It's built well, has great performance and I never worry about it breaking down, because it's a Suzuki with a motor they've perfected over two decades. Only thing I changed was the muffler to give it more of a bark, and a taller Puig windscreen because if you're a little taller like me, the stock windscreen beats your head pretty badly at highway speed.

Great bikes. On my second one, an '18. Did a few small upgrades (suspension bits and tires) and it's a VERY capable, reliable, and fun all-rounder.

Good to see you back with another excellent review Dan. Keep well, and look forward to many more like it.

Good honest review about an extremely capable bike.I’ve owned many motorcycles of all types but not many are as capable and reliable!!I chose mine over many other adventure bikes and I could afford any of the others ! Great machine keep up the good work

I did order the regular 1050 for 2023 and it should come in few weeks. With quickshifter and TFT I see it as a pretty perfect bike since I love Suzuki Vtwin. My last one was 2018 1000 XT. Last year it was the new KTM 1290 SAS for 6 months before it got stolen. I dont mind less power with Suzuki, the engine has great sound character with Akrapovic.

Yeah a new video!! Excellent review!! great motorcycle!! I keep learning to Drive one of this. Cheers!

Good to see you back with another fair review on the bike.

Good to see you back!

EnglishBikerDan posts a new bike review vid, my day improves considerably. Nice to see you back here Dan. 👍

Great review, cheers Dan.

I bought the 2020 model, orange and white and the reason for mine yet its reliability and make a good road presence and a touring bike and the fact that it has gear driven camps is a plus

Glad to see you back Dan .

The Stroms are great bikes, Vee and Wee. Personally the 650 suits me better, it has enough power for me riding solo and i prefer its lighter weight and better mpg. But if i rode two up the 1050 would probably interest me more.

So, I embarked on phase two of my midlife crisis in September last year. Wanted a bike but was unsure about gears, so putting the horse before the cart I bought a Honda Forza 350 and booked my direct access. I was not interested in mega speed and it seemed to fit the bill. My instructor made me have a good look at myself 😁 and I did it on an SV650 and somehow passed with no faults (oh yea of little faith). I must say the Forza is great fun and to my great surprise my wife wanted to get on the back for rides out. This prompted a search around weight bearing capacity, luggage options etc etc. With that info in hand, and with some trepidation I purchased a 2nd hand 2021 1050XT - a month after passing my test. Only 2.5k miles on it and extras including bash plate, GIVI panniers, spots, heated grips, radiator grill and engine guards etc. A leap I know and a steep learning curve, however I have to say I am extremely happy with the decision. Using the rider modes has allowed me to get used to its power in a phased way, the cruise control is awesome, gear changes are smooth. The Hill hold function has helped me whilst getting used to clutch control and the pillion space is comfortable and generous. I've added a Shad box with back rest for the wife to feel more secure. It's made no difference to the handling. As my confidence and skill grows the bike has more to offer and I find myself wanting to ride it everyday. Yes it's heavy and the weight is up top - I've dropped it once whilst stationary (adverse camber) but we picked ourselves up, put our backs in to it and lifted it up and carried on. A minor scrape on the engine guard and that was it. I know there could be a million comments on here about A) buying such a big capacity bike with my level of experience/riding etc and B) The fact I have nothing really to compare it to - but as a new (and mature) rider I love it. It's not a hooligan but it's more than quick enough for any safe and legal ride. It shuttles me and the Mrs around with no trouble whatsoever and is very comfortable. Yes I love the look of BMW Gs's but I don't love the price and servicing - yes I can afford it but there are other things I want to spend my money on, particularly maybe a different sort of bike like a Bonneville or similar. The Vstrom is a good workhorse, it handles well enough for me and I have never felt scared on it - ok, a bit apprehensive when I first rode it but within a few miles I was totally at home. Maybe affordable, reliable and just good at keeping going (whilst keeping you safe with the IMU etc) might not be sexy or ultra marketable but it works for me and at just over £8k a year old with low mileage is very good value for money. My pal has just bought a Harley Davidson Pan America and funnily enough we get to the same places at the same time........

Nice to see you back Dan!

I love my 2022 1050XT and deliberately bought this model instead of the 2023 DE. My previous bike had a TFT and it was a pain to use with setting very deep in the menus. Also, the 2023 has a tubed front and tubeless rear which was not what I wanted. I reckon the 2020 - 2022 model is the sweetspot for this bike.

Good to see you back.... Great review as always.

Now the 2023 model offers a really complete package with the quickshifter and the TFT display. :) For most riders it was more than OK even before, so this model that you rode in this video. A great bike overall. Got my like.

Great review as always and great to have you back I hope you are good and keeping well

Yeah I agree about the 6 axis thing. It would be nice to have but I certainly haven’t felt like it was essential on my old VFR..

Good video Dan and although looks are subjective with this bike, I agree with you about that lovely sounding engine. Along with updates in 2023 it’s now not a bad bike at all. Good to see you back Dan, much missed.

That's my bike, in the yellow too. Love it, just complete joy to ride.

Great review Dan, good to be reminded of dry roads!

Good to see you back 🤘

Seems like a great value alternative to the usual adventure bikes you see everywhere nowadays. Shame on the old fashioned display, but again at this price it's fine. Another great review Dan, fair and unbiased as usual. As always, flawless editing and great production on the video. Look forward to more content 👍

I like this bike so much I bought one & am very happy with it. I think these are so underrated, thanks for really enjoyable video.. Nice one 👍👍🏍️👍👍

Been away from bike for quite a while but do love the look of this bike 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I would say the screen adjuster on the front is a good safety point, i wouldn't want to start adjusting my screen whilst riding, and the temptation would be there if i could do it whilst sat on the bike

Welcome back Dan. I can't put my finger on why, but even when I'm not particularly interested in the bike your reviewing, your vids are very watchable.

I bought a 2020 1050XT leftover last year (Great Deal on it) and really like the machine except for the seat. For the price I have a touring machine that will do a bit of off road, and a road machine that does the twisties without a problem. Great Review, and I agree with you on "A" Mode. The power delivery is incredible.

Glad to see you Dan.

Welcome back bro, great review as usual ✌🏿✌🏿✌🏿✌🏿✌🏿

I bought the 2022 and in 53 years of riding it is my absolute favorite motorcycle

Brilliant review, as always!

Welcome back!

Welcome back Dan. Hope you're doing well

Great review Dan.

I just traded my Tenere on this. Best thing I ever did. Only immediate fix is the turbulence on my Arai XD4.. I’m doing more road and gravel, and this thing destroys the Tenere for that purpose. Also, Suzuki needs to teach Yamaha how to build a first rate gearbox. I test rode a Multistrada V2S, and I’m glad I didn’t spend the extra. Suzuki needs to teach Ducati how to build a smooth tractable engine, and gearbox lol.

The sound reminds me of our SV1000 we used to have 😊

another great video !!! Thanks!

I think this bike are brilliant, and has no problem doing the same job as its bigger competitors. However l wish the on road version(not the DE) would get shaft drive.. Guess my tiger will go for a new dl1000/1050 soon.

I think too many people are influenced by spec sheets. I like many wanted more power from sportsbikes some years back, they ended up getting it and then they lost their real world fun. If I was in the market for a good do it all bike, I'd probably get one of these....I've got 4 bikes already though !

I like it as its capablle and cheap. A Honda dealer near me has a 2022 XT model with 6k miles and luggage for a shade over £7k. Thats cheaper than some Chinese equivalents. 3 year warranty too.

Add a full exhaust and a woolich tune. The low down v twin torque is restored! Hp lands about 105 at the rear.

One of the most overlooked big adventure bikes I think. I think they are really good bikes at a very fair price.....Perhaps its the old skool looks that put people off.

thanks for this agree with all you say about this bike i bought a used one 2022 low mileage ackrapovk can, and its a very nice machine much misunderstood bike the screen in my experience is you adjust it once and forget about it. ATB

This is one Awesome Bike for sure, i only test ride the old version, after some time you figure out all you need is 3'ed gear on this brilliant bike ;-) Windscreen thing, i would recommend a bigger screen insted of putting one on top ;-)

didnt set out to buy a dl1000xt in 2018. but i made a list of requirements for my next bike, and the suzuki ticked more of those boxes then any other bike(except looks, it aint pretty, and a 18inch front wheel woulda been perfect) no regrets, its a keeper fantastic road bike

Nice to have you back! I bought my first bike , 2019 Honda CB650R, based on your review. I’m now looking at some touring bikes. Considering Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, BMW F900XR and Triumph 900 GT Pro. Which would you recommend and why? Keep content coming!

The suzuki stigma..... many would only consider them as second hand bikes. I had a gsxs1000 and loved it. Bought it used at a great price.

Welcome back Dan! Refreshed I trust? Have you booked the ABR Festival yet? I’m going to keep on your tail until you do 😉😂

Dan is back !

Good value bikes, and the new 2023 ones will be a very good value bike with the extra bits and bobs on them. Can see the sales rising with those. Disappointed to see they haven't done anything with that stupid screen adjuster though.

Looks great in yellow

I love it, i just need the money to buy it! I own 1st gen K2.

He's back 👍

I think it's too much of a sensible choice for most people! Well, I bought one and I love it! Maybe I'm just getting old and want something practical.

I absolutely love mine , even the dash. Who needs a quick shifter anyway, it’s not a racing bike.

I like it, especially yellow.

I'd like one as a daily run about... Can't afford it but would get one

Absolutely no reason to skip this bike. In India we have SX 250, after trying KTM 250ADV and Himalayan I am convinced that Japanese do something with their bike, their refinement is top notch. Although here it's Single cylinder 250cc bike it's still a good pick.

He's back! I'm still waiting for update on the SV650 (selfish I know, but I am looking to get a middleweight for the welsh lanes) and cannot decide which one

Had a TL1OOOS in 98, loved that engine. These are a bit old hat now although they are going for £10,795 otr which is good value.

What is the leg room like. I'm about 6'2" and own a 2005 GS with 100,000 miles and I'm looking to replace. One of the things I like with the GS is the room. Especially the leg room. I really like the 1050.

Nice vid & all good points but the problem is that the Suzuki isn't very cool or desirable. It's for those on a budget & that's just not sexy. Suzuki give you what you need but not always want you want & there are often compromises. Nonetheless they make great bikes & are still my favourite manufacturer as I think they're generally the best value for money, especially secondhand.

I am 5'8 with 30 in-seam, I wear my boots and try this bike recently I barely touch the ground both feet. Stock seat up to 850mm, I have confidence to drive this big adventure bike, But the seat you have there is it stock?

Thanks 😊👍🙏

Enjoyed my first viewing of this video so watched it again. My only criticism and one of my pet hates - Americans use 'levvers', so say 'levverage', the UK and England use 'leavers', which becomes 'leaverage'.....not 'levverage'......please Dan, you're English, be proud to use your 'leavers' for better 'leaverage' 🙂

Dan, tell us: if you were to pick this one or the GSX-S1000 GT for say on road travels + town riding only (so no off-road) - which one would you pick and why?

I put 30K miles on the XT: If you take the time to setup the suspension you can surprise quite a few sports bikes. I now have 1290S and the electronic suspension is only on par with the manual v-strom suspension. In summary: I never had the XT wallow, wobble or bounce out of shape, even cranked over and hitting a Welsh pothole- damn fine tourer.

I like the look of the 1st generation V-Storms better. Great bikes though!

Not the most beautiful bike but it's a great fit for tall riders. And dont forget the cost of ownership. 12000 km service €344,00. No issues , just twist the throttle and enjoy the ride. Nice review👍

Because most bikers drive to have fun. The 1050 maybe a good motorcycle but there are lot's of bikes that are more fun to drive.It's comfy an pleasant on motorways, but that is every car too. I bought one of those and sold it almost instantly. The engine is liveless, the bike weights ~250kg's.

I tested the regular V Strom 1050 today. Initially I didn't like it but I changed the rider mode and it transformed the bike the middle setting is spot on. It's a bit of a thumper but overall I enjoyed it.

How long ago was this filmed?? It looks like summer and we're in February!

U have to understand what suzuki does. It builds bikes that are cheap to buy cheap to own and cheap to maintain. I'd take a suzuki v strom over a gs any day. It's taken them 20 years to finally offer looks handling reliability and decent spec. But it was never a bad bike. Just ugly. It looks much better than a gs and it will last longer

Tried it really didn't like how boring it was at low rpm and was using mode A

Dieses Jahr im Urlaub hat jeder von uns die Motorräder der anderen getestet. Zur auswahl standen: KTM 790 BMW GS 1250 HARLEY DAVIDSON PANAM 1050 XT (meine) Einstimmige Meinung Meine ist der letzte Mist. Mir ist das ziemlich egal, sie fährt sich sehr gut hat eine gute Sitzposition sowie eine gute Ausstattung. Der Preis ist Rekordverdächtig.

If I still liked litre-plus adventure bikes, I'd probably want this, but they are all so heavy now. My favourite one now: KTM 890 Adventure R

Just bought a 2020 1050A off the dealer at a discount. Just waiting for the snow and salt to disappear 🇨🇦

I wish Suzuki would make a SV1050, I am sure they would sell alot of them!

I tried a 650 and a 1000 of the previous gen, and was surprised to prefer the engine of the 650. Was just more fun, the bigger engine had more torque but somehow it felt flatter...

Is it faster than an Sv650?

VSTROME 1050 is awsome bike and for me is best adventure bike

1050 doesn’t sell because V-Strom 650 is better pick; lighter, cheaper, better fuel efficiency, less TFT crap etcetc..

It’s a bit whiny because it has gear driven cams, which is really good because you don’t have a cam jam chain make a noise that’s excellent

To me it seems like the best, affordable alternative to the new 800de! I’m considering it myself for that reason. Gotta get rid of some stable first

I test drove the 2023 vstrom 1050 de adventure and liked it but it was too tall for me. Bought the 2023 Vstrom 800 de adventure instead just because it was a little lower.

I got 256 miles out of one tank full.

I have this bike in black and silver. The only change I am making is a new pipe, just too quiet... Haha

Why is it headges all around in the english coutryside?

Can anyone tell me what the XT stands for and are Suzuki still making the XT ?

I think it's because the original V Twin was such a great engine and made such a great bike that people were like " if it isn't broken don't fix it " , all they had to do was build a bigger V Twin . You can't call the bike a " V-Strom " if it hasn't got a V Twin Engine ....................

How would you get to the screen adjuster lock on the inside?? It'd be too dangerous and you'd end up knocking your phone off or worse.You only need to adjust it once for you and leave it alone..no big deal and really not worth mentioning, honestly the things that folk complain about these days is quite staggering. as for TFT screens...??

For the price you can't go wrong, even the newer models are priced well! I guess it's just people being snobs, I would consider this as an option