2021 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT | Full Review

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The V-Strom 1050 XT is the type of update that the bike needed. Suzuki have been trying hard to climb back out of the funk they've been in with. The Katana and GSX-R have both been well received and facelifting the V-Strom line makes perfect sense.
What we weren't expecting was to enjoy such a small change in such a big way. The V-Strom is still a V-Strom but it's now a prettier one. That ultimately adds polish to a good bike, a bike that is enjoyable to ride, effective and a one that most people would enjoy.
If you've got any questions, ask away!

[@terrellgarren7125]

Sold my Ducati Multi 1200S. Bought a 1050XT. Not as fast, not as powerful, not as well finished, not as much tech, no Ducati on the tank. Cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain, less to break, better parts and accessories availability, owner maintenance is easier, smoother engine. Most importantly, I don't worry about a breakdown and how much it will cost me to repair. No regrets.

[@unclebadger597]

Just did a 2 day, 500 mile on road off road trip in Texas. Hill Country 500. Look it up. My 1050 did every single bit that the WR250 and the KTM 390 and the Husqvarna 701 and everything else did. Did it slower and sloppier, but she made it. An experienced rider (not me) can get that bike to do more than you'd think. But it's true, it's a great road bike, but not an off road bike👍

[@frankcastle5294]

Single greatest motorcycle ever built. And the Orange/creamy white color scheme is stunning. Love my 2020.

[@almightybilly]

yeah we get is. your mom is the greatest woman in the world and your wife is probably the most beautiful. we appreciate the spirit from these declarations. but they are not really very helpful.

[@Jays-Days]

i will never work out why most people expect one motorcycle that's capable of doing everything absolutely perfectly. the unicorn bike does not exist. nor should it. buy the bike that fits your needs/wants. keep it within budget and reason and there you have it. great review, love what you do. keep up the hard work. I'll see you in the next one.

[@cpuuk]

Awesome as a long distance tourer, handles surprisingly well (decent suspension), rock solid at high speed.

[@sb35notout13]

Every time i think about changing my 1050XT I Watch your review and realise i don’t really need to bother! As a capable rider it does everything well , not perfect but very consistent at most things ! Easy to surprise those on sports bikes with little skill just how capable this bike motorcycle can be ! Great production as ever , 👍

[@victorherrero4790]

Great review. The bottomline is that the Vstrom 1050 XT for me is the most balanced Adv bike in the market. Is not as big, powerful and with so much tech as the KTM 1290 Adv, BMW 1200 GS or Multistrada 1200, but is a well rounder touring/ adventure big bike. Cool retro style, the right amout of tech, easy to use ( not like Honda's Africa Twin with so many buttons) and a bulletproof smooth engine. Its got great value. Its a touring machine that you can take light off road too. The only flaws for me are: In the XT model it has no Quick Shifter other than that I am fine, even with that retro LCD dash. In the Base model the big flaw is that it has no Cruise Control, that is a deal breaker and most people would go for the XT version. I own a Vstrom 650 and I really hope that the next gen comes with this 1050 design and please with Cruise Control!!!! And one last word for all of you that dont like this Lcd dash I am pretty sure that Suzuki will update this 1050 Vstrom with the TFT of the GSX S -1000 GT...wait to next year and you will see. Ride safe.

[@josemariashearmandemacedo5841]

Turns out you were right. 2023 vstrom 1050 has aluminium rims, tft, cruise ctrl and quickshifter. Cant wait to test it

[@victorherrero4790]

@@josemariashearmandemacedo5841 told you bro....

[@jaimemetcher388]

To be honest, I wouldn't take a 1290 (what a ridiculous bike!), GS, or Multistrada if you paid me. Stupid power, stupid weight, bloated and encrusted with tech is exactly what I don't want. Hoping the strom doesn't go in that direction.

[@erocnw1341]

The Vstrom isn't really a balanced ADV bike. It is a good road bike but it is not a very capable off-road bike. I own one and really like it, but IMO most of the other big ADV bikes are better off road.

[@imkindofabigdeal4308]

I picked up an '18 base model for commuting and touring. Put a Givi Airflow and some boxes on it and love this thing. Cruise control would be nice...but other than that it is a really good machine.

[@DmitriyAdv]

Great review. I had a 650 for a few years and I think the V-Strom line is very underrated in general. They are fantastic motorcycles - incredibly affordable, reliable, and easy to ride. They might not give you all the latest/greatest bells and whistles, but they give you everything you need and will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go with minimal fuss.

[@hopsl69]

I fully agree ☝️ after several years of riding a 650 XT, I've ordered a new 1050 XT 😎

[@christianxzowner2958]

I think its a great tourer plus lil bit explorer...overall bring a nice big smile in my face

[@76olahpeter]

This is the best review by far that I have seen or read about this bike. Thank you!

[@davidc1961utube]

My first "ADV" bike was a 2006 V-Strom 650. I tried really hard to break that bike, but failed. Even the 650 was enough power for me as a middle age guy returning to riding, so the 1050 would be a nice bump up. The challenge it faces is the number of bikes that are similarly priced, but noticably better at one thing or another. Probably not many bikes better in many ways and still similarly priced.

[@peterholst8875]

I have the 2012 version. Sure on acceleration it could be nice with more power, but when on tour with other riders who have bigger bikes. I can outperform many of them in the Alps. It's a matter of being a good rider, and not being afraid of hitting the revlimiter. It just needs high revs, then it's awesome!

[@jaimemetcher388]

The main argument for the 1000 over the 600 is better suspension, brakes, and ergonomics (for a taller rider). Like pretty much every bike over 600cc, it has way more power than you actually need. Arguably if you spend a lot of time riding up steep mountains with a passenger and luggage the power is nice, otherwise it's only useful for scaring yourself and doing stupid things (which I realize is a large part of the attraction of motorcycles for many of us!)

[@BlackThor15]

There's bike reviews and then there's Llel's Brake Magazine bike review!!! Awesome, thank you, keep it up, you're doing great!! 👍👍

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad you like them!

[@billboring3925]

Really good honest reveal. I enjoyed it. Everything you said is absolutely right on.. I think you nailed it

[@matthagge4792]

I loved my old 650xt. I traded it for a Tenre as I wanted a better off-road bike, but the v-strom was just an astoundingly good all-rounder. With the upgrades and electronics the 1050XT has gotten, and my previous experience with my 650, I don't see why I'd look at BMW/Triumph anymore if I wanted a tourer. If I wanted a long distance touring bike that wouldn't see more than some gravel roads this is without a doubt what I'd get.

[@simemo75]

Love your reviews: very detailed, objective and unbiased.

[@terrybrooks7140]

Ive watched a lot of reviews but this is the best ive ever watched 5 stars you clearly know vstroms inside out 👍

[@wombal177jim]

The Vstrom is solid no matter what people say its the most understood bike ever, but the best

[@drewmorg.]

Fantastic recent review of the 1050 XT! Really added to the body of reviews that already exists instead of just saying the same ol stuff "oh the screen could be better". We get it. Loved the parts about the suspension tweaks to make it better for off road and/or on road balance - USEFUL. I wonder what kind of character change would accompany this bike with a tune and exhaust. You know with Euro 5 and Suzuki being a Japanese brand + being a twin there's some secret power locked in there. Maybe then it will set your pants on fire like a Multistrada - maybe :)

[@caroldave4037]

Totally prejudiced here bought one last september ...great value for what you get and off the radar . . .did 1200 miles in scottish trip long trips are where xt is at .

[@BrakeMagazine]

I totally agree. Great bike. Nothing to stand out but super solid buy.

[@mcfermulen2693]

Id, fantastic bike!

[@zzxx33mh]

Unique bike,..by its own,.and no doubt about its real ability in long range..congrats

[@ajmf-hy8qt]

@@BrakeMagazine grate videos . watching your vstrom 1050xt and the 890 adventure standar videos cant decide wich to buy as an only bike and best street bike. thanks

[@BrakeMagazine]

@@ajmf-hy8qt You gotta get your bum on them both really. They ride so differently

[@DougFarr]

Awesome review! I’ve had mine for just over a month and love it. I put some Metzler semi off road tyre and it’s a dirt road Beast.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Right on!

[@robertbates1079]

Real good review llew, tried the 1050 but went for the thou. Brilliant brakes , handles well , plenty of grunt and the mrs reckons it the best pillion ride too, 2nd to the wing we once had. Professional review.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Nice one!

[@zzxx33mh]

Best budget 'Adventure' Sport Tourer..owners are by their old class..wish they redesign the 650,yes its more for on than off ,and that what it for..

[@BrakeMagazine]

I agree that class they've made is a bit vague 🤣🤣 I wish Suzuki would make a legit ADV bike 😁

[@bonedale]

@@BrakeMagazine yeah Yamaha and Honda did, not sure why Suzuki won’t jump in. I mean Harley beat them, that’s how bad it is.

[@danielkoerner7127]

Good review. These are excellent bikes for the money. Owned a 2012 DL1000 and the 1050xt is a generation ahead due to the electronic rider aids and refinement. Just did 200 backroad miles on my 1050xt yesterday. It makes long distances easy...a very good all rounder.

[@kidlatazul]

If it's not really suited for off-road riding (19" front wheel, low ground clearance, suspension not really suited for off-road riding, etc.), then why does Suzuki offer it with spoked wheels? Wouldn't it be even better on the road with cast wheels (lighter and stiffer)? The spoked wheels do look cool, definitely old school--is that the reason Suzuki sells it that way? Seems like a confusing choice. (I remember my first motorcycle, a '74 Honda CB350. They all had spoked wheels back then, which you had to true periodically, at some expense.) (BTW, excellent review!)

[@whitetailpoet4243]

A great fit for me here in Northern Minnesota. Plenty of paved lake county byways, with miles of backcountry gravel roads and hard-pack trails to explore as well. Thanks for the review.

[@Oscar240z]

Really enjoyed that review. Comprehensive, informative and some nice video.

[@davidbesant]

I wish Suzuki would drop the off-road pretence. Put some proper road tyres on it and call it a tourer, because that's really what it is. Or, just sell a road version like triumph do with with the Tiger.

[@ThePalmatron]

I love your reviews; thorough and not biased....Thanks!!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad you like them! Can you go tell people on our Adventure bike of the year review now please? They think BMW pay our wages 😅

[@ThePalmatron]

@@BrakeMagazine I will! Haha!!

[@sb35notout13]

great review , on point ! people go on about the screen adjustments, many other bikes require spanner’s !! fyi off other owners, my XT is two years old and has just spent nearly three weeks at dealers with a charging fault, broke down with a flat battery prognosis corroded wiring loom under the tank and a broken indicator relay. i covered mine in acf50🤦‍♀️ great bike though and massively underrated 👍

[@stevewolff5780]

Looking forward to your review of the two new DE models in 2023 (hope you will make the reviews) Keep up the great work!!!!

[@powpowdingdong]

Ghost in the Shell reference, YES.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad someone got there 🤣🤣

[@MrDAVIDRACE]

Good Review thanks. I have my eye on one of these. Thanks for the nice simple ways you did the review.

[@kttmmedellin7138]

I have an old 2003 one-I asks no questions and tells no lies.I they'll let me back home this year She'll do a few more trouble free miles

[@mcfermulen2693]

Have the 1050 XT for over a year now and it is a fantastic bike. He is doing very well on the road, gravel roads and light off road and also on the track he has done well. For the real off road work I do take a dirt bike. This is truly an adventure bike.

[@TheZanshen]

Great review mate

[@curlybill3966]

They are reliable and a long term travel companion.

[@andrewshore262]

A few things to note I own the previous model 1000 - it definitely has cornering ABS on the AL8 model and the screen is adjustable for rake (3 positions) which effectively alters the height. You definitely don’t have to stop the bike climb off and alter the screen, unlike the new model - Suzuki what’s that all about 🤷‍♂️. I test rode the new XT back to back with my own, the initial low down torque punch just isn’t there and when you look at the figures you can see why, max torque appears 2000rpm further up the rev range at 6k. However, the engine spins much more smoothly and above 6000rpm really flys much faster spinning than the old 1000, and much sweeter. The suspension has been tweaked on the 1050 and that gives the impression of faster turn in’s on corners etc. On balance it is of course a better more modern machine, with some really useful upgrades, cruise control, LED lights, updated instruments. But Suzuki still can’t get the bloody screen right (just as turbulent), the seat is as uncomfortable as the previous gen , and for a bike that really isn’t off road you’re stuck with spoked wheels. Will I buy another I’m afraid not Suzuki, it’s just not a big enough update for me and worst of all it actually weighs more. For not much more money you can bag yourself far more fun, I don’t understand why Suzuki didn’t apply the makeover to the 650 (which outsells the 1000 2 to 1) where these updates would’ve made better sense, dropping the 1000 completely and launching something a bit special that competes with the front runners. Suzuki don’t seem to be in the race any more, same old same old with a few tweaks, all that vast pool of know how is going to waste. The discounting on ex demos has been really aggressive, and the inside word is these bikes are not selling in big enough numbers. An opportunity missed

[@houstonstation]

Collecting mine tomorrow trading in low mileage 2010 Varadero 1000xl

[@hymek7017]

What a great warts and all review. Mant thanks.

[@ricardofabia]

Looking for a bigger bike since I've outgrown my first bike, a baby Versys. The Vstrom was high on my list due to the longstanding and fantastic motor, reliability, and support. Then I started looking at the Africa twin, and it doesn't look so hot anymore. The AT is better suited for off-road while maintaining on-road nimbleness, has a better electronics package with TFT display, less weight... what are the designers at Suzuki doing? The competition is fierce in the ADV segment.

[@michaelcrotty1265]

Great and thorough review. Thank You.

[@christianxzowner2958]

Didnt want to pay the Africa Twin price...i got a compromise with this one but in the end i chosen right

[@skyworks1621]

I have the 2019 Vstrom 1000 XT and I love it. Only thing I miss is the cruise control and a few more horsepower. And since the new one has less improvement that I hoped I wont upgrade. I wish Suzuki would have new suspension, chassis, brakes, more engine power. But it has one think I dont need. That is 15 kilograms more weight. ( I know it has centre stand and small engine bars), but new chassis would help keep the weight down.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I mean, they solved those two problems and while new is nice, this bike is really good!

[@brucekendall52]

Outstanding pro analysis.Will assist a person in making a good buying decision.Thanks.JHB-SA.

[@Sunrazor]

I see a lot of whine in reviews that it isn't that good off road. Well a T7 isn't that good of a tourer. And the AT isn't as much fun in the twisties. Any bike can be decent on gravel and mild trails. Saw a girl that rode pretty much anything on an MT-07. It's about getting tyres for what you want to ride. Put some 50/50 tyres on the V-strom and it will be very predictable on gravel and decent trails. No it will never be a KTM dirt bike. But it never claimed to be either. You can't get 250kg of touring bike to fly around an enduro track. But it will do gravel. And correct me if I'm wrong, but that is most people's idea of adventure.

[@richedwards4651]

Great review 👍

[@mattmccarty72]

This is a 70/30 bike, 70 on and 30 off, if you understand this, I think you will enjoy the bike. This is not a BMW and at half the cost fully outfitted, with much lower repair costs, this is what most travelers should be most concerned with. It is chain drive not shaft, again, if you plan on being anywhere there is not a BMW repair shop, chain seems to be the way to go. I have never seen a world traveler that is running any adventure bike flat out or pushing the bike to the breakable limit, most smart riders know that whatever they break on their route, they will be the one fixing it.

[@podnucmo5]

Curious what drone you are using in these shots. The image quality is superb. Might be able to color grade that raw footage a bit better though. Quite unsaturated other than the greens. Just a simple critique that 99% of your viewers likely don't care about. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Cheers!

[@BrakeMagazine]

This was shot on original Mavic air. We've moved onto the Air2S now but thanks for the kind words and advice.

[@podnucmo5]

@@BrakeMagazine Amazing drone. I just picked one up myself actually. Keep up the awesome work good sir. Stellar cinematography 🤘🏻

[@UncleWally3]

I should thank Suzuki for helping me break the habit. Having bought three new ‘Stroms over the years, I had high hopes this new rendition would be different enough to buy a fourth. Respect for the bike but, that’s it for me.

[@gasdive]

What would you want to be different?

[@davidmurdock7555]

You are really going to miss out on a great bike.

[@BrakeMagazine]

There are few other great bikes he could buy. :)

[@BrakeMagazine]

It being lighter or good off-road?

[@ioandragulescu6063]

you guys really understand v stroms :) I am curios if the 650 will get a similar treatment. Also, I wonder how many of those riders who actually want more pazaz as you said, actually have the skills to use it.

[@christianxzowner2958]

Any news on the Big Dr comeback yet..?

[@adamking6419]

Proper review 👍👍

[@dadmadforgot4050]

Great sport tourer, great value

[@ontwo-wheels]

Hello, I have a question here. Can the 2021 V Strom 1050XT use fuel with a lower octane rating than 95 say for example 91? I was just ordering the 2021 V Strom 1050XT and read somewhere that t cant take anything lower than 95 Octane fuel.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think probably so, but what Octane rating are you talking about and where are you going?

[@ontwo-wheels]

@@BrakeMagazine 91 Octane rating

[@BrakeMagazine]

Sorry, the country you're in depends on the type of rating used. In the Europe, Australia & NZ it's RON, so you see 95 as the basic at the pump. In the USA, Canada and Mexico they use AKI. So UK 95 is the equivalent of USA 91. I would expect your V-strom will fine on 91 RON, maybe even lower, but it won't run as well and you might get some detonation. @@ontwo-wheels

[@ontwo-wheels]

@@BrakeMagazine Thank you so much for the insights and feedback

[@actstuntcam]

Sounds like it is still a pretty good bike :) Do you think it is as good off-road as the original 03 model? I always liked mine. It wasn't super easy to ride off-road, but generally, it went everywhere I wanted it to. Back-to-back with the BMW 650 Dakar of the same year, the V-Strom was better everywhere and wayyyy more confidence-inspiring off-road, well certainly for me as a road rider.

[@themittonmethod1243]

Original was '02... I have one, it broke.. now I have an '07 650.. and after a week, am loving it.

[@actstuntcam]

@@themittonmethod1243 02,03... same shape...same bike. Glad your enjoying your 650 :)

[@BrakeMagazine]

I didn't ride the '02. I was just out of primary school sorry.

[@campbellrousselle9752]

@@BrakeMagazine Then you are a very naughty boy! You should immediately find a tidy well maintained version and proceed to give it a good thrashing!!! I expect your thoughts soon ;P

[@bikenavbm1229]

top effort as is the norm here.

[@bikenbush]

Great 👍🏽!!

[@PabloMontero1976]

Simon is awesome!

[@Ahduciekwndnbbbsvvvghhhyyyyy]

Here it's priced equally to the standard Africa Twin. How would you compare them?

[@unclebadger597]

Africa Twin might be better off road, but I'd bet the V-Strom is better on the street. Just my hunch from riding alongside the Honda on my Strom

[@nathanielclark1981]

Own one! Love it…not a beginner bike though. Love the reliability. Love the road presence. Hate the weight (although in its class it’s not overweight). I feel like the engine lacks the character of like a Ducati but that’s remedied with an exhaust swap. I’m 5’10 I can handle it but if I was two inches shorter I’d be looking at a Triumph. The engine also gets super hot. The Vtwin under your ass in summer weather gets a little swampy. Love the way it looks and even though it’s missing the grip warmers Oxford makes a very reliable, easy to install kit and for $100.

[@yellperlapper]

There has been discussion on whether this bike should have a quick shifter. I don't feel it needs one as it's not a sports bike.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Mmm, need vs want. I love quickshifters. They're a lovely luxury.

[@matthewnadler7521]

Thanks for the Suzi review..but where is your KTM 890 review?? and/or comparo to the 790 that you were all over last year?.....mn

[@BrakeMagazine]

890 Adv review is live on Patreon for subscribers. It'll be along shortly.

[@matthewnadler7521]

@@BrakeMagazine looking forward to seeing it......thanks mate...mn

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

So V-Strom or Tenere 700 for a basic dual sport, road and off roader?

[@bcol127]

I expect the T7 will be far better if you’re doing any amount of off-road riding.

[@francoispellerin7633]

Tenere 700…..100%

[@windchaser83]

great review! I think it fits perfectly for how the most people use a long distance bike in central Europe. Maybe it lacks a little bit of bling, but the handling of it on the street is really nice.

[@rocketj7449]

The Vstrom 1000 will handle dirt roads, and mild jeep trails quite nicely, it will just do it a little slower compared to a dirt bike. Push the bike too fast offroad, and the suspension will bottom out. And also from experience, disable abs before taking this bike downhill. Otherwise, you will experience the butt pucker of a lifetime.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It will do it slower than almost any ADV bike too. The suspension alos bounces off every rock. Agree about the ABS too.

[@gordonjames8811]

The refinements are really Lacking, other than looks is it worth to sell your 2014-2019 and spend another 7 or 8 grand not for me, ill keep my 14 .thankyou for your review.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Not really. It's only a small progression to an already good bike.

[@nickthequick]

A clear and competent review but - you're a bit late to the party ..

[@chrisjarvis3609]

Doesn’t even have semi active for suspension

[@ronaldwhite5670]

Why doesn’t the thumbs down record

[@BrakeMagazine]

Because KZbin changed how it shows thumbs downs. Thanks for voting my video thumbs down though, I really appreciate it 🤣

[@anil_das]

Reviewing a bike for 18 minutes without properly showing what the hell you're talking about. Think again

[@uytouytoo9944]

it looks old.

[@peterholst8875]

Yes, old in the best way possible 🥰 I really like the new "old school" look.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Me too. I like it 😊

[@unclebadger597]

Your mom

[@davidmurdock7555]

It looks great!

[@christianxzowner2958]

I think its a great tourer plus lil bit explorer...overall bring a nice big smile in my face