VSTROM 1050 first impressions 

I bought this exact Model as an in-between bike whilst waiting for an upgrade of something else - but now I love it - great handling - comfortable - so smooth - excellent wind protection - economical and more than enough power. Everyone thinks that they have to have all the gismos (which I've had on other bikes) but no-one ever uses them, except for maybe cruise control on long highway rides - I used it once in the last 40k km - ride modes you put it in one mode and ride it - ive never used rain mode on any bike - just dont twist the throttle so much - A quick shifter is always nice but at 63 ive only ever had two that work properly on a Yamaha and a Suzuki GSX1000Gt - the BMW R1200R quickshifter was hopelesss, so never used it The Vstrom is Great in the Twisties and Great on the Highway - its a realworld bike - Love it

An excellent choice that will serve you well for many years to come.

You really made a good choice. The V-Strom is reliable and well tested over the years. That extra power from the 650 to the 1050 just makes it more fun to ride. You’re excited and satisfied, that’s the main thing! 😜 Let the good weather come and enjoy riding on your very good looking bike! 😎

I have the same one and love it! A motorcycle for the grown up man who has nothing to prove.

My only regret is not buying a V-Strom years ago

Congrats on your new ride! I just purchased a new 2023 1050DE and absolutely love it! Like you I plan on many years and many miles of trouble free riding!

Hello Mr. German Jobbies. Just made a deal today to trade some bikes in on a '24 black 1050 DE. Have had 2 gen 3 DL 650's and one is going into the trade. Still going to miss my 650. It was simple, dependable, handled the twisties with excellence. All in all a great bike. The DE is a little tall for me and a lot of others, but I'm looking to tour the country and thought this would be a good choice. Wanted the standard model but wasn't willing to wait.You're better off without all the electronic gizmos. The DE has too much I'll never use. A KTM 1290 I was looking at was so overloaded with electronics, they put out almost an hour video explaining them. I passed.. Anyway, looking forward to the cool engine whine. BTW, seen a 1st gen 1000-998cc with over 400,000 documented miles. Original engine. The 1037cc is still basically the same. It will outlast me.

V-Strom's are very underrated bikes !!

She's lovely mate, and for all the right reasons. I dont dislike that colour, looks much better with all the bars etc on her. Does what it needs to, and does it well, 👍

Treat of a motorbike the strom . Enjoy the better weather mate ride safe 👍

Great review Dunc, suzuki do make great bikes

Well Dunc that was a terrific first impressions. I suspect an awful lot of folk share the same requirements in a bike, personally I prefer they stick stick good tyres and suspension on a bike and keep the gizmos, but that just me. the bike looks brand new and is a cracking purchase.

Very comprehensive review Dunc, but you forgot one redeeming feature of the Strom. The 110 Land rover wing mirrors. Ye can see the entire world oot the back ay yer bike! There's nae chance of anyone sneaking up on ye fae behind wi them! 😁👍🏻

Nice bike big man!

I know because I have one. It’s a venture tour long as that’s on the asphalt and it does a commendable job at that.

glad you like it, and from my own experience after errm ... transitioning, you will like it more as time goes by. Realistically, it's between this and the tracer 9 but that's a sportier bike so it's up to each ones own taste. The 2023's big upgrades are the quick shifter and the CC that works from 2nd gear and 2000 rpms up. And yeah the lcd looks pretty but doesn't offer any extra utility vs the TFT. But you nailed it with the 650 on steroids bit, that's exactly what it is. I took inspiration from your bike and got a labelbike tank pad :))

A phallic projection of compensation 😂 Looks like it rides well Duncan

Fantastic bike Duncan.... The old 1000cc Strom was the same.... No point using 6th gear in the UK 😂 Absolutely love the V Strom. My bike is finally getting fixed.... Let's just say Harley reliability is what they say 🤦🏻 Excellent first impressions 👍🏻

Just bang it in top and ride the torque. Suspension is excellent if you can be bothered to set it up. 30K miles on mine before I sold it. Zero issues.

I too am a person that buys on function, not looks. But I did pick my second wife on looks, and she had a lot of function, but that's another story. Sounds like you have the perfect bike for you! And that is nice to hear. I had a BMW R1150RT 2004. 1200 dollars each time it went in. And we won't talk about me not being a BMW guy at the dealer. Never fit in, it's like my nose didn't go up far enough. But the Harley guys started to wave at me on the road! 😊

Must be stoked with it.

Vstrom is a wonderful bike. Even off road. I did love my GS over the years. They have their place. The vstrom is an AWESOME bike. You have miles and miles of fun ahead of you. And once you run these tires out get 80/20 and you will love all the farm roads you will experience!!!! Can’t wait to follow all the adventures!

I've always thought about the V-Strom. I tried an older one but it wasn't for me. I think a modern one would be much better.

At the 6.3/191cm the screen is noisy. The rest of the bike is wonderful!!

..you can praise the 1050 all you want…the 650 is the winner…end of story!!😂😂😂😂😂…i did 200 km today…what a nice ride that was!!…after the training course i did i am more confident…starting to get the grip of the Vstrom….starting to enjoy it!!…safe travels mate!!!

I'm pleased you're enjoying the big V-strom and beginning to gel with it on the road, may you have thousands of happy safe miles on it. Oh dear it looks like I might have bought into the 🍆 competition, not once but twice. Still you're only as old as the bike you feel and at the moment I'm acting like a three year old. I'm testing what I can and can't get away with, throwing my toys out of the pram and spitting my dummy when I feel like it. Today I was acting like a grown up 25 year old, maturing a bit but still with a hint of teenage spirit.

Hohh KTM are ugly. 2024 with the new headlight is better. But I'm tired of all the orange colour