2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE REVIEW

[@terrellgarren7125]

Honest review. Rare on a manufacturer paid trip. Thank you. Hard to beat Suzuki reliability.

[@davestafford3749]

Yeah that was a good review you obviously did your homework about the bike before you got on it unlike some other reviewers that end up editing it up on the screen afterwards cos they can,t be bothered to research first. I have a 2018 VStrom and yes it doesn,t set your pants on fire but I,ve been all over Canada and the States and it has never let me down. Comfortable, great weather protection and cheaph ish to service and replace parts with a dealer in almost every city. Mine came with a 5 year warranty which is not very common. Of course we would all rather have a GS or Multi but at the time I bought my Strom those bikes were twice the price.

[@allwheeldrive]

I've had several bikes in my decades of riding, including two V1K's. I currently still have an '18 with a few tweaks that I consider one of the best all-rounders I've ever owned. Great motor, handles and stops surprisingly well (with Road 6s, progressive springs, and sintered pads), and is bulletproof. Get on and ride anywhere. And it's truly fun. Frankly, I'd give up that "build quality, character" thing the competition has for the reliability and longevity (there are many of these with well over 100K miles on them, some over 200K) - important for people who ACTUALLY put miles on their bikes. FYI, in capable hands (easily found here on YT), the 21" front wheel makes a difference, but...only if there are off-road-oriented tires on it! For the rest of us, 19" is the way.

[@ThePalmatron]

I would go for the base model; you know what you´re getting...Reliability, miles and miles of hassle-free use, and cheap to run.

[@aldvex8541]

and a way lot of money . 3k heavier on the price vs 2022 model . Its madness

[@trailblazeratv6306]

@@aldvex8541 yeah too high $$$$ They must be smoking weed !!

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Brilliant engine. I had an SV1000 as a loan bike back in 2003 and thought then it was near to perfect as a power plant. Just the right blend of power, torque and character in a hugely reliable package. Now have as my 2nd bike a gen1 DL650 which I find equally as brilliant bar a slightly low powered lump. Still enough to have fun on. So glad the 1000 has made current emissions and still lives. They just keep making Vstroms better and better without breaking the bank.

[@BlazinBlades]

This is how you do a bike review!!! Absolutely perfect 👍 I remember walking in the 1996 Koln show and seeing that TL1000 unveiled… At 55 I think this new DE may just be my ‘forever bike’… Thank you again Simon A job well done 💯

[@dougiequick1]

So you like chubby gals I guess....whatever not me....550ish llbs? WHY?

[@writestuffmedia]

Thanks man!

[@andyedmond248]

G'day Simon. Terrific review as per usual from you and the team. I had the 2014 model (new), and I had it for 7 years. Not one mechanical problem with this great engine and I really enjoyed riding it. Unfortunately, medical conditions have made me go from road/off-road riding, to purely road. Currently have a 2017 fjr1300AE and loving the ride. If I was able to, I would certainly get the road variant of this restyled/revamped big Vee as that motor is an absolute gem. Service intervals I believe are still 6K kms, but I took care of the servicing at around the 8K mark. Bloody bullet proof these machines!! I do honestly miss the Vtwin vibration and character that it had. You never know, more surgery coming up just may allow me to own another one of these wonderful bikes. As a side note, they handle Australian conditions just bloody fine! Thanks again brother, have fun in the snow!!

[@writestuffmedia]

Cheers Andy, yup, reliable for sure. They've had a few years to sort it out 😉 Sorry to hear about your health man, fingers crossed you get back up and on it. Enjoy the sun!

[@tsh7090]

That review was amazing. So much unbiased detail in a concise manner. I think more bike launches need to be done in inclement weather like this... Just kidding. 😉

[@peted7295]

Had a new 2017 tiger 800. Paint flaking off the frame within 6 months, fastners tarnished in no time, chain wore out in 3k miles, starter button failed due to lack of proper grease and water ingress. Got fed up with that and like a mug I PX'd it for a used 2017 Tiger 1200, didn't take long for the well known clutch issues to arise. Luckily it was still within warranty, after the second repair I bought a new 2019 Strom. Yes the fastners did tarnish, but they're zinc plated just like the T, but it's not a premium bike so I can live with that. and I had the rear subframe powder coated last summer as the winter use was really starting to show Never failed to start, the OG chain was still on it and in good condition at 23k miles when I sold it just before Xmas. Which brand is better quality?

[@peted7295]

@Jay Bee It's a real shame.

[@NtGism]

Honestly, this review was great. I personally like the looks of the Vstrom and was rather interested for this release. But the way you built in your verdict made me have second thoughts on this bike. I like something that Linus Sebastian has said a couple of times "there is no such thing as a bad product, only a bad price". And I feel the price of he Vstrom isn't right taking into account the compromises it seems to take. Compromises that people actually care about when you are "spoiled" by what else is on the market and what's the use case for such a bike

[@Ian-bq7gp]

When you look at the price we need to understand that inflation is at 10% but yes 3k is a lot to swallow.

[@davidneale5821]

I prefer the look of the base model 😀

[@Geshmaal]

Cast wheels suit the 1050 more too, it's really not an off-road machine, Suzuki's spokes rust up pretty quickly and the front tyre having a tube and rear tyre being tubeless with the DE is just weird.

[@fredarts6114]

I really enjoyed this review, thank you. The scenery looked great, even the weather would be fun. Excellent commentary with useful fun facts, observations and options. Looking forward to visiting my local Suzuki dealer to try n ride. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@ewganhoff]

What I want to know is where are UK riders going that needs a 21" front? I can understand the Americans needing 21s on their big adventure bikes with their thousands of miles of forest trails and open desert to ride through, but in the UK? That is a huge handicap on the road for the few times you might go down a green lane for a laugh.

[@drewmorg.]

Ridden dual sports here in California a handful of times on the freeway. It's awful. Would never want this on any street use bike...

[@terrystratford1235]

Miles of green lanes in UK! Plenty b.o.a.t to ride!

[@Trumpets4me]

Great review. I must admit to liking the V Strom, but there have been 2 things that I never liked on last years model, and that was the old LCD display, and that barn door exhaust. Well they've changed one, but I just can't get past the god awful looking exhaust. Triumph have done a great job of their exhaust on the Tiger range, so it can be done if they'd put their minds to it. Who ever in Suzuki signed off on that exhaust, should take a trip to the Japanese equivalent of Specsavers. I think I'll keep my 2016 650 V Strom and use the shed loads of money that Suzuki want and go touring instead.

[@aldvex8541]

Triumph tiger leaks oil all over the place like a slug . I sold my tiger 1200 2020 and now looking for something reliable. The exhaust end is something you change , the engine ,i am afraid not

[@MrAndrew1953]

Definitely go for the sharper clocks over any styling omissions. Don't like crowded switchblocks at all, especially in cold weather,off road Honda. These bikes are huge,in the showroom I thought a 650 was the thousand model.

[@nickrider5220]

Always like Simon's reviews 👍 off roaders like tubed tyres, I'm not sure if this has much relevance with the Strom ? I think the previous version offered more for your money, a really good honest bike that one......

[@4G63TDSM]

Well, for a front 21, there is a huge selection of dirtier tyres. Easier for the rider to swap a tubed than tubeless as and when needed. I'd say it is a good move. I don't recall ever getting a puncture at the front.

[@aldvex8541]

Nah , way too pricey for what it offers . I think im gonna take versys 1000 with elec suspension + 20 hp , 4 cyl engine , cornering lights , multimedia tft bluetooth connection , for like 1 k euro difference , Suzuki had to take a step with tech but that cost us nearly 3000 euro addition to the previous year model 2022 which was priced at 12.990 and now the new one comes at 15.500 . Its redicolous for a tft without instruments and only a quickshifter ... for me its a pass . It is indeed bullet proof and trust worthy but i dont think i am gonna give 15.500 for a 20 year old engine without heated grips ...

[@ralphwarom2514]

I don't entirely understand how this engine used to make more power almost 20 years ago. 100hp from over 1000cc feels like a waste. Considering the completion is overnight so much more.

[@gingerelvis]

It's a tricky one, Suzuki have obviously stuck to the formula that has worked so well for them over the years but jacked the price up. I love a V-twin and it's nice to see a manufacturer still using one over a parallel twin. the price is a killer here, the build quality, attention to detail and toys just aren't there when you consider the competition. It's a shame the V-Strom has always been a great (maybe not trouser tightening) bike for the money but they have lost their USP. I would happily overlook the toys if the price was right. The miss match of tubed and tubeless is a turn off as well, just seems like a cost cutting afterthought.

[@aldvex8541]

i tottaly agree . I would go for the v strom if the price was logical for what it offers , We are 3 k up on the price for a tft screen without connectivity and a quick shifter only for that money ! as for the DE which obviously is a killer on the looks , the tube type tire on the front is a deal breaker

[@terrystratford1235]

Y is tubeless bad? I know it could be a fast blow out rather than a slow loss of air, but for off road apparently it will absorb bumps better!?

[@gingerelvis]

@@terrystratford1235 tube or tubeless isn't bad either way, I've ridden and repaired both. It's more that tubeless rims are more expensive to produce and now days have a better range of rubber available. Mixing tubed and tubeless front and back isn't too clever as they handle differently, we've all ridden mismatched tyres but it's not ideal

[@spikeccx]

You should all ways oil the wireing looms , i use wd40 and push the straw into open ends ect There are junctions in the loom !!! The loom where it wraps round head stocks PULL AND MOVE A LOT ! THATS WHY THEY BREAK If you lube the wires internaly in the loom they slip easyly aginst each other !

[@splodge57]

Had a TL1000S in 98, loved it. The VStrom is now an old tech budget bike that is way overpriced. Nearly chocked on my cornflakes when you mentioned the tubed front, tubeless rear tyres. Suzuki are taking the p*ss!

[@the88lundberg]

I got my yellow TL1000R in The garage. Great engine, a machine with character.

[@the88lundberg]

@willm8182 just stay with oldies then. I mean a good bike is a good bike. I wont get rid of my TLR anytime soon.

[@VoLuTheR]

@Mozzer what are you on about, the 800DE are entirely new engine, it's no longer an L twin based on SV

[@robsayer8028]

Thanks for the excellent review (as always). The problem with the V-Strom used to be it wasn't a bike you would aspire to, more one that you were forced into because you couldn't afford anything else. Now it would seem that not only would you not aspire to one, but there are plenty of alternatives that (in my humble opinion) are better and in the same price bracket. Even the display which is admittedly one of the better ones, isn't quite as good as the BMW tft, but also doesn't justify the price tag of the bike.

[@fishingwcp]

Here in sunny greece!!😂😂 ❄️ ⛄️

[@pd0di]

Hope they changed the clutch basket compared to gen1. Had to send mine to germany so it could be modified. Had a DL1000-03. All the time spent in the garage… changed to a T7-22. No regrets

[@andrewshore262]

Nope it’s identical clutch chudder alive and well in 2023

[@robertbates1079]

I suppose the bmw boxer twin is over 40 years old and that comes out as a good thing , evolution .its a good reliable all rounder bike ,I like the standard one .

[@kawabungah20]

A very thorough review, given the sketchy road conditions. Y of shared excellent insight! It looks as though the big V-Strom has moved at least a "notch up" from it's "ho-hum" performance reputation. That's encouraging for this big beautiful bike. I'm still more interested in the 800 DE.

[@dionbyrne4540]

That my friend was a good,as in honest review..well done you

[@djking44151]

Great bike. Plenty of deals out there for 2022 XT model with full luggage

[@jerzygroclinek5066]

What Is the gross vehicle weight for this new model (maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded bike) ? Because in the case of the previous model it was very low

[@Ian-bq7gp]

It maybe a bit expensive but those engines last hundreds of thousands of kms so its totally bulletproof and is over engineered as the same crank was used in the TL1000 widowmaker. I have had more suzukis than any other bikes and they take some punishment and ive never been able to blow one up.

[@writestuffmedia]

Suzuki have certainly had plenty of time to iron out any flaws 🙂

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Absolutely simon. I know their crankshafts were used a lot in the 1980s onwards as they were so overengineered and a lot of dragsters firstly used Gs1000 cranks then gsxr motors or busas. It wasnt for nothing and mechanics knew it.

[@terrystratford1235]

I've had a 1987 gsxr1100h for 22 years! She has 42000miles. I don't ride her much, when I do, totally amazing! Very strong engine! V strom 1050de will look great parked next to her!!

[@williamrae9954]

What's wrong with the DE is the 17" rear, the bike is nose high,the exact opposite of what you want on twisty roads...fit an 18" on the rear,drop the forks through the clamps 20-25mm,it'll make it handle better and just look right...personally I'd go got the 19/17" wire wheel combo too!

[@darrenmilo9565]

Interesting. Seems like Suzuki are pricing themselves out of the market. Currently have a 17 plate VStrom 1000 XT but would definitely go for the triumph at this new price point.

[@stevemccormick8432]

I have a 17' DL1000 in yellow (not the XT). Paid NZ$13000 for it 5 years ago. Was an ex demo but the RRP was around NZ$18000 at the time. At roughly 1 UK pound = 2 NZ $$, the new models are over UK Pounds 13000 and so over NZ$26000. I like my Vstrom but at that price I would be looking elsewhere thanks.

[@elitetileandstone]

My sentiments exactly! I purchased a 2019 1000xt Adventure just before Covid, for $10,600 US. The Adventure came equipped with aluminum panniers,heated grips and engine guards. The new DE will cost approximately 60% more.

[@danharrington2976]

Great review

[@thewelshhobbit6105]

Nice review, not the bike for me. Way to expensive for what you get for the money.

[@andrewshore262]

Good review In challenging conditions, somebody had an off apparently (hope they’re okay). Sold my 18 DL1000 a few weeks ago, purchased as an ex demo with 250 miles on the clock I lost £2300 over a period of 4 years, never let me down, great big comfortable easy to service lazy V twin. I wouldn’t buy either of the modern day equivalents minimal progress (evolution) the engine is identical, and I reckon you’d lose a stack of money on residual values. The bike’s okay but the competition has moved on, personally I think Suzuki are taking the piss with pricing there are much better options for similar money

[@johnharvey5338]

The TLS had 120 hp 30 years ago and was very spritely, over the years it got less power, they could have tuned it to 120 from years gone by and not had to gear it down, not what you call progress.

[@stephenclarke6114]

Euro 5 is where the 13 bhp went

[@Oscar240z]

It is looking pricey and so is the new 800 V Strom at £1000 more than the Honda XL750! Looking forward to that test!

[@moniquemoors1974]

Dream bike tho, got a t7 now. But would love the non de version just suits me better than a t7. But cant sell my t7 to, to mutch memory's...

[@philipbassett5129]

Quick question, does the road biased, non DE have the altered gearing as well?

[@teneretraveller8980]

Devotion above and beyond in those conditions! A confused bike, I feel. Who are they trying to compete with at that price? Tube/tubeless, fixed screen, tall but seat won't adjust? The usp was good, budget bike. I really don't know now. Safe, happy travels 👍

[@stevek4449]

Do you need to remove the fuel tank from bike to change the air filter after a dusty ride?

[@jamescavanagh9276]

Would not agree that a larger front wheel adds to agility as a rider of both 17 and 21 inches front bikes. The larger wheel has a greater gyroscopic effect that takes much greater effort to change direction, wide bars aside, you are pretty much committed to the riding line you are on, and need to compensate with lean angle to avoid going through a hedge If you get caught out which is sometimes risky on an adventure profile tire

[@DJPTEXAS]

What was Suzuki thinking having the launch in an area under winter conditions ?....... Why not in Alaska ?

[@888buzzz]

Nice gig if you can get it. All expenses paid luxury trip to Greece and free motorcycle riding. All you have to do is make a glowing, non-critical video. I’d sell out too if I could.

[@writestuffmedia]

Always amazes me how people see the same world so differently. It *is* a nice gig - it's the best gig - but I promise you it's not easy (at least if you do it the way I do it) and I'd question the 'luxury' assumption 🙂 But does it come across as a glowing, non-critical video?

[@tomdonahue3453]

​@@writestuffmedia I was just going to say Simon is one if my favorite reviewers. He strikes me as a practical, slightly cynical real world rider, which is just what I need. (I'm in the US, so he's never going to be my favourite.)

[@keztate8512]

Kawasaki didn't use it in the KLV1000, the KLV was a VStrom with a Kawasaki badge, 100% Suzuki, not just the engine.

[@twotter1969]

I can see these being heavily discounted.

[@williamrae9954]

Was thinking £9999 for the road version very soon?

[@terrystratford1235]

@@williamrae9954 just looked on AutoTrader 22 de is 9999 to 10500. 2500 off! The new 23 is 13699 non de is only 500 less!

[@williamrae9954]

@@terrystratford1235 DE is only a 2023 model...XT is the old model

[@terrystratford1235]

@@williamrae9954 the 22 is a de. 23 has more toys! I'm new to adv bikes, long time sports bike rider,now with bad back and looking for a more upright ride. I think(and could be wrong) the de replaced xt in 2021?

[@chrissmith2114]

The Suzuki 'L' twin has a proper linear power curve, no surprises in store for being heavy with the throttle...

[@thehowlingterror]

Proper job by Mr H.

[@garethharris3758]

I think it looks great

[@stewiemac4017]

Is there a single reason to fork out this much for a 240kg V-Strom rather than the new 200kg 890 Adventure, the top rated bike in this modality, which will spank it on and off road.

[@colindeans5972]

Yes, the KTM will be full of electrical faults causing it to spend its time in the repair shop. KTM = Keeps Taking Money.

[@stewiemac4017]

@@colindeans5972 you are confusing the 790/890 parallel twins with the awful Gen 2 1290's 😁

[@Marc-zf3xv]

Tubed front and tubeless rear? Yeah non-starter for me, fail Suzuki. Saying it was due to the best tire selection is as bad as taking one front brake caliber off and saying it was because the best brake pads only came in sets of one....

[@chadsacrey6274]

Are you sure about the price. It's shows $13,300 here in Canada. Big difference in pounds

[@folconitro]

We have to thank Suzuki for continuing to believe in the V-twin, it's practically the last one left in the segment but why they make always weird choices, such as the 17" rear rim or the 21" front wheel but with an inner tube... or the different windshield adjustment mechanism : the 1050 with the lever, DE with tools. Btw GREAT test. Wonderful weather to ride a bike like this ;) at least u can try very good the electronic.

[@andygreyriderGRN]

Like the Suzuki cars, made in Hungary and those also have shot up in price. My Suzuki's are middle to late 1980's. I don't trust electronic packages and if it ain't got four cylinders I am not interested. I was just curious about this model.

[@1audun]

1037 cc since 2014 model year.

[@chrissmith2114]

I thought that the idea of fitting 17 inch wheels on bikes was to sharpen up the handling, now you are saying the opposite, that 19 inch front wheel will improve 'flickability'...

[@mmahdim5912]

King suzuki

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Road bike looks better, great that it has 6-Axis unit which will please many. That price is way too fruity though given what else is on offer.

[@martinhughes9769]

Definitely not cheap, considering they haven’t put heated seat and grips as standard,like the colours,,that exhaust looks dreadful,

[@terrybrooks7140]

Brilliant review. Your bang on vstroms have always been affordable a bit budget but very capable ive seen previous model for sale new for £ 7500 I wonder how much they will be discounted when they don't sell in any numbers I would buy tiger 900 all day long over Suzuki .

[@johnnyblue4799]

That oversized exhaust can is probably so heavy that it makes it a bit easier to touch the ground with both feet. It's horrible looking...

[@ianlen]

Great review. it make sense.

[@payas0insan0]

Hermosa Moto

[@timbailey3002]

Nothing Special . Africa Twin just class

[@dougiequick1]

Two words describe my sudden lack of interest in this model that initially I WAS very interested in! The two words? "Oink Oink"

[@smiffter97]

Suzuki have lost the plot, the V Strom is far too expensive. You used to pick the Strom as a substitute for the Africa Twin, Not now...

[@stuartmoles843]

Just buy the normal one, don’t really see the advantage of this unless you are doing a load of off road bias riding and let’s be honest most riding is 90 percent road.

[@stavrossavva2432]

I love anyway mine 2022 xt

[@lenetisg]

Don't worry, we got what you mean just fine. But you forgot to tell us how the DE was in the dirt.

[@Greggspies]

Dont want a history lesson I want a bike review

[@tomryner5830]

Suzuki Sweden doesn’t seem to have confidence in the V Strom 1050 Standard since the only version sold in Sweden is the DE. Probably has to do with the launch of the GSX S1000GX. Strangely high techy and inches close to a Tiger 1200 in price… which is just plain daft.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice review. Seems like Suzuki have missed the mark with the DE & cut the wrong corners. They always seem to have a bizarre choice in them & the DE epitomises that. The tubed front & not redesigning the now non-adjustable almost adjustable screen to name but two are just odd & uneceassry. I suspect they will correct both in the not too distant future when they don't sell any DE's. Either way it seems the standard version is a better bet as if I was going off road I wouldn't choose the DE or any bike of that weight for that matter.

[@DavidKD2050]

Nice adventure bikes, ? 250kg!!!!! No! No. Nice road bikes. Commuter-weekend and touring bikes.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

It makes no sense to me why suzuki put a tubed tire on the front and a tubeless on the rear

[@dynamodav]

Where’s the sound of the bike? Get rid of that noise cancelling mic

[@writestuffmedia]

If I gave you the raw audio, you'd not listen because of the wind noise!

[@RichO1701e]

Top quality review guys, conditions permitting. I was looking at the either the 1050 or the new 800DE, glad I went with the KTM 890 Adventure now. Going to watch Richy Vida's experience of the launch now. He's used to the snow, he brought it with him from Scotland!

[@angusrodger6407]

Suzuki are extending the life of the wrong V twin!

[@cai11tube]

no, it doesnt have that iconic v-twin engine anymore so you cant continue naming it the vstrom... it should be renamed pstrom

[@drewiliffe4855]

1050 still a v twin

[@ttmadness34]

Er yes it does, it's still a v twin.

[@AleksiJoensuu]

What, so... It costs more, has a new stupid tyre setup, and no windscreen adjustment. In what way is this an upgrade? Because of the screen? Ohh boy.

[@paulking8055]

No Brainer......Suzuki just handed sales to Honda and the Africa

[@hughmac7423]

It might be a great bike, but it looks like every other adventure bike, and in my mind is horrible, it has no character.

[@kennypool]

Suzuki paid "journalists" hahahaha hahahaha hahahaha. Gimme a f n break

[@allwheeldrive]

So, you've ridden one? Tell us all about it.

[@RichO1701e]

Didn't sound like a "paid review" to me, maybe you should put your tinfoil hat back on, and run back along to your Qannon corner of the internet.

[@kennypool]

@@RichO1701e yeah, that sounds like fun. While you're sucking my thumb