NO BIKE FOR OLD MEN? - Brief review of a 2018 Suzuki VStrom 1000XT

Borrowing slightly from the 2005 novel and 2007 movie "No Country for Old Men", this is quick review of Suzuki's 2018 VStrom 1000XT. As riders age, handling a full-sized motorcycle can become a problem as hands weaken with arthritis and knee and hip jooints begin to fail. Is the VStrom too much bike for the geriatric crowd? Well, not if you've long legs and are still reasonably fit. If you're short and your joints are beginning to fail, that might be another matter...

[@patrickstahl9950]

Its nice to see a video like this, thanks for posting ... I have a 1st generation 2003 V-Strom that I managed to find 5 years ago for a great price , completely farkled..crash bars front/ back, power commander 3, stainless steel brake lines , work stand, nice windshield,2 caribou travel cases, and a nice big tail compartment..and more ...with 50K miles , i was a little hesitant with the miles but..I had done my research well on these AMAZING motorcycles & now almost 90K miles later ,it STILL puts a smile on my face like a big kid at 52 years old ...every time i crack the throttle open ,it will power wheelie in 1st gear ,and it still runs like a champ and starts faithfully ... I cant say enough good about these motorcycles ,its never let me down... although i did have the common," stator magnet issue " which i took care of and that is the only thing besides a couple batteries and oil changes every 3k - 5k miles ... We live in a time where technology is at a amazing level at what the human mind can produce and tune to perfection...and the SUZUKI V-Strom is the perfect example of this just look, around or online at all the people with 50k miles and up to 300k or more with these motors and STILL running strong...quite the human achievement... I'll be riding till i can't get my leg up over the seat ...& Then ... I'll buy a trike or a slingshot 👍 Y'all be safe out there and GOD BLESS !!!..

[@nick949eldo]

Yep. Great bikes to be sure. Ride safely.

[@paulturner7829]

Absolutely mine is 2003 also just done Spain n Portugal 2 up n luggage no bother.Inherited clutch chudder but changed the basket now so happy days 60,000 miles n going strong 😊😊😊😊😊

[@SpeedGoat18]

I have a 2018 xt 1000 that I bought brand new and have put 40,000 trouble free miles on. My wife rides as well and we own four bikes but by far the Vstrom is my favorite bike that I have ever had. Rather riding Deal's Gap, Tail of the Dragon or barreling up rocky, mountain roads complete with small water crossings it had performed amazingly. Thanks for posting!

[@happytoo10]

Love mine and I’m 62.

[@ComfyDadShoes]

This is a very nice and relaxing review. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@archiemillington306]

im 62 and still got mine grate bike iv tried to part with it over the last 6 years and carnt a lower bike be good at 5 .5 its a bit high even iv lowerd it but i like it loads

[@davewojcik1854]

Nice motorcycle! It has a bit of a unique exhaust sound. At least as the audio suggests.

[@jackvliet]

The unique sound of the v strom is from the gear driven cams!! Pretty neat

[@martinpepper9960]

Nice review. I have the yellow model but blacked out as much as possible. Tank, seat etc. I find it quite ponderous now with a bit of a knee injury. Hopefully surgery will cure that. I've still not done enough kms to say I know it intimately but love it anyway.

[@ridewithted2003]

Although a lifelong Harley guy. I've always had a soft spot for the V-Strom. I've never ridden one, but it's a nice bike.

[@stephenbond248]

Hi Nick, Thanks for the review. You must live in or near Kingston, I recognize the roads/landmarks. I just purchased a 2006 VStrom 1000 about a month ago. Looking forward to Spring so I can ride it. I am 61 and I had a Kawasaki Nomad 1600 and was finding it to be too heavy around town. On the highway it was nice.

[@nick949eldo]

Well spotted Stephen. Great bikes, and a good choice for our local roads.

[@henryhawk978]

Good looking bike and bullet proof motor. Like the yellow also. Enjoyed the video Nick and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@John_Ridley]

I had a VStrom 650 for a few years. I never really got used to it, I just didn't like the tall stance. Just traded it in 2 weeks ago for a used Tracer 900. I'm much happier with the Tracer and think it may be my permanent daily driver, though I also have a CF Moto 700 CL/X that's small and fun.

[@nick949eldo]

That's the beauty of choice. Something for everyone.

[@jimh2061]

Nice review! Ive been riding a Versys 300x for about a year. Im age 60 and just started riding and at first was intimidated by the weight and size of the big bikes. Im now looking to upgrade because i want to be able to travel longer distances in comfort. Was looking the 650 but sat on the 800 and that bike felt really good ergonomics wise. But now im wondering if I should be looking at the 1000 with cruise control. I know thats a big jump from 400lb 300 im riding. The 650 would probably have all the power i need but not sure about comfort. I don't think it would be a problem handling the bike while riding. But I kinda figured if the bike falls over I'm not picking up a 550 lb bike. When you get older it's tough to even pick up a 450 lb bike. Back isn't what it used to be but that's why I'm just gonna order one of those moto winch things.

[@nick949eldo]

Technique is more important than strength when it comes to picking up a bike. Brains triumph over brawn. Any 650+ will be large and comfortable enough. Don't get seduced by marketing hype. Bigger isn't always better.

[@rodneybjornstad9016]

I have had two vstrom 650s Both 2012 models Both tricked out Both fox orange Fab bike Really great This time around maybe. 1000 But if you’re jumping from. 300 Do the 650 It will fly down the highway with ease at 80-85 mph Really

[@derweibhai]

They work well with a 205/50r17 car tire on the rear. I am an aggressive rider and never lack traction. 4x + tire life is awesome, just wish my 14 had cruise control!!!!

[@richardjohnson3463]

I think it would be too heavy and tall for me now but I'm sure it's a very capable machine. I'm starting my 70th year on the planet tomorrow and I'm really starting to notice the weight of my Guzzi Spada now at a standstill or when pushing it in/out if my garage. My Triumph 900 Street Scrambler which weighs the same as the Guzzi feels so much lighter in comparison, due largely to a lower C of G and higher, wider handlebars. The older 'bike still feels more of a "machine" than the modern one and although it requires more input and effort it still somehow is more "satisfying" to ride. But then, it's a Guzzi 🤔🙂

[@nick949eldo]

You whippersnapper. And I saw you doing handstands only a week or two ago. 😄 Yes, it's funny how balance is more important than weight and some bikes seem to roll easily. Don't let that Spada gather dust. Perhaps I'll have to come and exercise it for you 😆

[@richardjohnson3463]

@@nick949eldo 🤣🤣

[@PaulDevall]

What year is the Cade? My 87 LX had the same mirrors and I think later models had different style fitted. I currently have a 1000XT. The "Yellas" are ridiculed in the UK. Have no idea why....😮 I just turned 68. It is definitely a good bike for old men especially with Michelin Pilot Road 6's fitted.

[@nick949eldo]

Hi Paul. My Cade is an 86.

[@didierdidier1932]

Nice bike, but the Yamaha super ten. is almost the same price with a drive shaft. The bike I would like to have is the Honda NC 750x with DCT transmision.

[@nick949eldo]

We are lucky to have choices.

[@stevemchale9775]

I was gonna say it looks lite. I guess I just did.

[@davidcox8961]

At 76 it's time to get a smaller bike. My BMW 1100rt it just too damn heavy for me. Might have to take a test ride on a V strom.

[@nick949eldo]

I'm not sure you'll find sufficient difference between your 1100rt and the V Strom to make a difference.

[@davidcox8961]

@@nick949eldo Why do you say that? My RT weighs about 650 lbs. The V Strom is much lighter. A buddy has been trying to convince me that I should get a lighter bike and one that is sure footed on rough terrain. He suggested the V Strom. Thanks for the reply. Cheers!!

[@nick949eldo]

@davidcox8961 the v Strom 1050 is 554lbs. The 650 is a bit lighter at around 476lbs. If that's enough of a difference, go for it. Only you can tell how manageable a bike is for you. Absolute weight is less important than how it carries the weight.

[@davidcox8961]

@@nick949eldo Yeah, you're right. I need to go on a test ride. Thanks!!

[@theeaselrider4032]

I am on my 2nd 2008 DL650, and every time i go anywhere, or ride for more than an hour or two, I ask is there another bike that could have done a better job, or would have made the ride more enjoyable? The answer is still no. And that's after test riding a new DL800DE last week. It had better brakes, and felt like it had 30 more horsepower than mine, but I was quite happy to get back on the old Grass Mud Horse for the ride home. What road were you on Nick, it looked very familiar? If you're out that way, my son & I are doing a moto camp weekend at Silent Lake P.P., likely riding through Coe Hill, Bancroft, maybe up to lake St. Peter, Wilberforce, & all the usual suspects.

[@nick949eldo]

Desert Lake Road and the road into Frontenac Park. Not sure what I'm doing this weekend but I doubt I'll be up that way. Have a great trip.

[@larryyz_hideaway]

You're slowly getting round to all my bikes, I have a 14. Did Norm sell the W? I saw the listing for the Cav again a few weeks back...change of heart again?

[@nick949eldo]

He sold the W a few bikes back. Decided to keep the Cade for now. My luxury Express.

[@larryyz_hideaway]

@@nick949eldo Norm sure goes through bikes. do you think he'd have any interest in a 2-owner pristine 96 VFR? That's the one with 4 carbs and gear driven cams.

[@nick949eldo]

@@larryyz_hideaway I'm curious - please contact me by email (nickadam at rideau.net )

[@billparke1520]

I’m tall and in good shape, and I really like my 2015 V-Storm 1000. I do wish it had cruise control and a bit more power. Maybe those things will be on my next bike.

[@nick949eldo]

Cruise control I understand. More power? How fast do you need to go on public roads?

[@jaywhoisit4863]

You want more power on a 1000 Vstrom. Get the ECU flashed. It’ll give you 125 horses. Personally I’m happy with the stock 100.

[@anxiousappliance]

If you ride bikes that aren't viscerally involving you will feel old after the ride even if you're not old at the beginning. There are so many dynamic machines out there. A note: This bike weighs closer to 600lbs than 500lbs.

[@nick949eldo]

I saw your note on ADV. I think you may have a narrow definition of what constitutes visceral or dynamic. My 1972 Guzzi is visceral and more involving to ride than bike with twice its power. Motorcycling isn't just going from A to B as fast as possible. There is a world of different experiences and expectations out there and as many opinions as there are people. You enjoy what you enjoy (but stay safe, please) and I will enjoy what I enjoy. Some of my best and most exciting rides have been on bikes with less than 26 horsepower.

[@RideYourRide39]

We'll put Nick. My mood often determines which bike I ride, and, the bike I ride often determines my mood! They're all unique, and require and return different things

[@tahoehiker]

How is 503 pounds closer to 600 than 500?

[@Quincy8Boy]

#MotorcycleASMR

[@billwelsh7489]

That whine! Fingernails on a chalk board for me! No thanks!