Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT - 10 reasons to BUY it!

[@ioandragulescu6063]

well, I got the 2023 non DE model, since I do 99% asphalt. Now it has an LCD, quick shifter, cruise control from 2nd gear and 25 kph and so on. Love it !!! Today I rode the monstruos 1290 adventure S and assuming that the sport displayed on the dash means sport suspension also (I didn't play with the menus to check), I can say that the V Strom is more stable in turns, even at lesser speeds. There's a rock solid vibe to it that just gives me a lot of confidence to basically use the back tire almost from end to end. And I only had it for 4 days :))))

[@ducksoff7236]

I must live in a weird place. I have this exact bike in these colors. I get nothing but compliments about how cool it looks just about every time I stop somewhere.

[@gerardderuyter454]

I bought my 2014 solely primarily for the exhaust sound. Thankfully, the rest of the bike works well too. Still love it after all these years, and has never (of course) let me down.

[@katarinasynakova]

Hello Manuel, great review, i will take my 1050 XT offroad. I am a new biker and for my first two years, I tested probably everything to find a bike that suits me. I am still able to make stupid mistake here and there simply stop at light or miss the turn... I a also quite big rider so small bikes really suffer with my body posture and are bit unstable. I immediately as I first time tried V strom I realised how easy it is to ride and how many mistakes i do with throtle, or gears it simply forgives me. It never stalls even in low RPMs... and give the feeling of safety. It has powerfull engine when needed, but does not scare off at all and has all lates electronical features, that sometimes really help you! No vibrations, no any annoing noices... Well built. Easy and makes smile on yoru face as new guy! There are many sharper and more adventure beasts out there but for now for me this was choice of feeling , invitation and trust. I know i can learn and enjoy and later it brings me somewhere else, but i think this will be good for years. And important I keep up with all my experienced friends riding bigger, more expensive bikes... no need to wait! So I am not a botteneck.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Hello Brigid, I'm glad that you've found a bike that suits you best and you're not a bottleneck. This actually matters I believe. What may be a bit worrying is trouble at stopping at the lights, but well, I'm guessing that you'll have to get along with that too at some point. Stay safe and enjoy the V-Strom!

I own this yellow beauty for a year and I simply love her!

[@1001CP]

There is something to be said that sometimes in a decent trip you will see ALL the versions still rolling out there! One has not dies out and the market for the first gen is STILL really good and each version has its own "thing". The first was just a solid machine, quicker than ever expected and it just keeps going. My '14 version changed the lok and has the low end grunt that I REALLY love and with a 5 minute gear change it becomes a buzz saw for off road. It has some upgrades to abs braking but still a pretty basic bike. Hey, Im an old adv guy used to running the back country for the last 50 years. Then the newer version that brought economy with all you need to travel already hooked to the bike and much better electronics, spoke rims while still pretty darn bullet proof. The newest came the 1050 (xt) with even more good stuff when matched to its base price and just a really cool machine. AND NOW the NEW Vstrom is coming out with ALL the coolest setting for an adv bike, 21" front wheel and so much pan space you can take all your stuff with you. The coolest thing about this bike in general is that it seems to just start breaking in at 100,000 miles and just keeps going- again ALL the versions could just go out anytime and ride together and be just fine. I needed the economy, tough longevity with easy wrenching and that low torque. GOD I love that!! I love my 5 kids too- so the need for economy.AS always, a great review my friend touching on how capable, economical and fun this machine (all of the versions!) are! Thank you for the reasons to get a Vstrom!!! Take care and keep the videos coming!!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks and that's correct about all versions still going strong, including the 1st generation bikes. All they really lacked was ABS and traction control. If not for that I might stick to my own V-Strom 1000 till today. But as you said - technology-wise Suzuki kept going in the right direction. Now there's going to be a quickshifter. Perhaps in the future there will be keyless access that so many adv riders appreciate. Anyway, thanks a lot for sharing as it was an enjoyable read. Cheers!

[@andrewshore262]

The new 2023 V Strom will be out in a few months - two models the DE 21” front wheel, longer travel suspension, quick shifter, TFT display, gravel mode (wooohoo), strengthened frame, bigger drive chain, revised gearbox, improved cruise control. The standard model loses the longer frame, long travel suspension, no gravel mode but gets everything else together with alloy wheels.

[@centinel4]

hopefully my next bike!

[@davidhardstaff8110]

Interested if its as good as or better off road as my 900 rally pro

[@VToldsMotoShow]

One could pretty much say that the current XT is the new 'regular'.

[@terrystratford1235]

Downside,seat hight 880mm and non adjustable! I'm 5' 9" inside leg 30" I rode the t7 same seat height, just about flat foot the ground! Was really hoping for a slightly lower seat height!

[@lukaszfojcik9257]

Nareszcie polski KZbin swobodnie operujący angielskim bez tego udawanego amerykańskiego akcentu. Dobrze się Ciebie słucha. Good Job

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Dzięki!

[@intrigue175175]

Love the way it looks. I also have the SV1000S with full stainless 2-1 exhaust and a shorty can... that sound Is why I bought it. I'm definitely leaning towards this new V-Strom.

[@martynlewis6445]

Thought about it, but I have a 5 year old KTM 1090 adventure which has been reliable and trouble free. It still rides a new bike, with an Arrow carbon exhaust sounds great. 😉

[@michaelanjali]

What is your mileage on your 1090?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Oh, an aftermarket exhaust on a KTM is what we like! Nice.

[@barney3417]

Ive owned the biggest and most expensive BMW,s Ducati, KTM's over the years and a V strom 1000 in 2018 and enjoyed them all, well most of them!!!' but if I had to do a round the world trip it would be a VSTROM!!!!!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

That's a really nice one recommendation for the Vee!

[@frankcastle5294]

Ahhhhh......the mighty 1050 Vstrom. Sold my 2012 GS to buy one in orange/white and never looked back. Japanese quality and reliability without all the tedious German nonsense.

[@stranobikes]

My wife and I road tested the 1050XT. We tour a lot and thought it would be an improvement on our current bike. I'm not sure we could have been more wrong.

[@jaywhoisit4863]

Why? What is your current bike?

[@stranobikes]

@@jaywhoisit4863 Triumph Bonneville T120.

[@binobuenas321]

@@stranobikes 66

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Very different characters so yeah, it might've gone this way if the Triumph suits you still at least OK.

[@GeezerWheels]

Focusing on the post 2017 Vstroms... I've always liked the looks of the 650 better than the 1050. The beak on the 1050 is too long and the front body work too angular. in 2021 I was in the market for an ADV bike and settled on the Vstrom 650XT. I have to ride 5+ miles from my home (in rural Colorado) to get to pavement, so ADV bikes are high my list. Due to back problems and surgery, I stand more than most and my 650 is just a dream. After a few thousand mile, perhaps 25% gravel roads and 75% pavement, I couldn't be happier. If Suzuki would "fix" the overly angular body work on the 1050 it would be, IMHO, the best bike in its price range. Mechanically, the 1050 is a stand out in the price range, it's just the looks that bother me! Great review - thanks!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks for sharing and I also feel that the 1050 could have potential. I've got more reservations towards its look though. Saying this a fan of the first V-Strom 1000, I wish that Suzuki gets back to what they used to make of that first V-Strom.

[@grampawatson5539]

Thanks for the review it was full of practical advice and really helpful. I agree, not everyone needs or wants all the tech that many new bikes have. I am thinking about one of these as I am a vstrom fan. I currently own a 2004 v strom 650 and it has never let me down, even in the Scottish winter. I might have to take one for a test ride. Keep up the great reviews 👍

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks a lot and I'm glad that it was useful.

[@milesdavis8665]

wow that thing is fast!!! I might have to add this one to the list. Plus its reliable

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It's definitely fine when it comes to performance. Not super impressive on paper, but the overall feel of it accelerating is cool.

[@firesail6707]

Well done, practical outlook for this bike. I don't have one but the sound and character of the V-twin is alluring and the reliability must be excellent. I ended up on a heavier VFR1200X, but I'm sure I would be happy with the V.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Oh yes, this twin is fun! Doesn't look crazy on paper but somehow does the job.

[@virendradr]

Poetry in reality Great picture of it's magic Thank you sir 🙏🙏🙏

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Nicely said. I'm glad you like it.

[@8tavian999]

If i had the money id buy the Vstrom 1050 xt in a heartbeat the only thing i will miss from the 1st gen are the dual exhaust and i will make the fuel tank yellow because it looks awful in black . i think the 2020 color scheme looks the best with full yellow sides.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Ah yes, those dual exhausts were awesome!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Waiting for the 2023 model. When do you think that you will be able to do the review? Thanks.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Hi! The 2023 'regular' V-Strom 1050 is basically this one, so the 2022 XT. The one with 21" front wheel may be worth trying and once the snow melts in Spring, I'm going to head to Suzuki to get one for some time. I'm not expecting wonders there though.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@VToldsMotoShow OK then. Will check it.

[@YaSchved]

Thank you V-Told, you are the the best as usual I would say. Appreciate your test full of the rain since it's touring bike. Is it possible to survive?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks and sure you can survive in the rain. But really, if it's raining, then unless you're on a BMW RT, Honda Gold Wing or something as such, you're going to be fully wet outside and inside. No stock windscreen will help. Perhaps a taller one could save you during a highway ride but once you stop, you know what happens. This windscreen is actually pretty OK comparing to some others. Except from the adjustment method that requires you to stop and get off of the bike. I hope it helps.

[@YaSchved]

@@VToldsMotoShow Many Thanks!

[@fullhog]

I like the way it looks.. But I'd have to change the exhaust.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

That's a must from my perspective too! That could make the best-sounding bike ever in my eyes... or rather - ears.

[@skyworks1621]

I had the old 2019 1000 XT, and this year I bought the KTM 1290 SAS. I had it for 6 months and it got stolen last month. KTM was great. But my 💖 still is with the Suzuki. Engine Vtwin is amazing (sound 💣), and next week I will go to EICMA and decide if maybe I buy the new 1050 not DE since it is a bit heavy. I like that they added TFT.

[@hrmacdonald4471]

Nice favorable review...I like it but chain drive is deal breaker for me. Happy Halloween & stay safe!

[@Lt_Tragg]

………still clinging to my 1st Gen super ten for that reason. And BM Wobble you……..m’eh. Been there done that no more for me thanks.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks and right, the chain isn't the best solution comfort-wise. I've had a V-Strom for some time, also with a chain, and installed an automatic lubricator for it. Resolved some of the problems as well as possible. And now I may respond with all the best for Christmas or happy holidays!

[@SzFJ]

Witek, you weren't as complimentary about the Africa Twin. LOL. I can telll you are a long term V Strom owner!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

No, no, I guess I expected too much from that legendary name. Ride-wise, V-Strom might suit many more riders I believe, including myself. But the looks... brrrr, makes me not want to admit that I used to be "one of those".

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Love the looks and color options on this platform.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

A thing that Suzuki has pretty much always done great was the color schemes. This can really make a huge difference.

[@francoismichaud2919]

Quel est le meilleur choix entre la Suzuki v-Strom vs la Kawasaki versus 1000 SE . Merci pour vos excellents reportages. J’hésite entre ces deux modèles.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks, the answer isn't as simple here as it may depend. If not the looks (and both aren't the prettiest), I personally would stick with a V-Strom. But that's my preference - it feels more like an ADV which I like. And I still love the sound of a good V-twin.

[@luiquelizot6620]

Comprei uma vstrom 1050 xt , estou gostando.

[@ChavsADV]

I wish they kept the 19" spoke on the new version. The combo of the v twin, the 19" spoke, the modern features could only be improved by a nice shaft drive but that's not something to cry about. I think the 21 makes too big of a compromise to onroad performance.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I come bearing good news that the current, “new” V-Strom 1050 still has a 19” front wheel. If you had 1050DE in mind, then it’s just an additional version. It doesn’t have an adjustable windshield and some other things, so it’s definitely not a replacement of the 1050.

[@ChavsADV]

@@VToldsMotoShow Yeah that's the most appealing to me. I do wish it was spoked wheel but it's purely aesthetic to me. Good news is the new model made the used xts cheaper.

[@richweinert7324]

I owned a 2020 xt and hated it so much due to ergonomics. The seat for rider and passenger is horrible. It provided no support under my legs and with the pegs to far back and to high it felt like I was falling forward all the time. The bars were to far forward (adjusted back as much as I could) meaning I was reaching for the bars which just felt unnatural. My wife who is used to riding long distances (800k a day) on many of my bikes over the years said she was sore after an hour. Her seat\peg triangle caused sore hips and the seat offered no support and was tilted forward causing her to slide into me under braking. She was constantly pushing herself back and never stopped squirming due to discomfort. I loved the wind protection, motor (almost no vibration at high speeds) and power was adequate. There were no options for after market seats and cables appeared to short to add heli-bars without considerable expense. The suspension was also a bit harsh over small bumps which was surprising considering it has decent travel numbers. The valving and springs are not progressive enough, thus a choppy ride on anything but smooth roads. I got rid of it as both my wife and I were not happy with it at all. For reference I'm 6ft and 175lbs, my wife is 5ft 7in and 120lbs.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Sorry to hear that it didn't fit the definition of a sweet spot. It proves that when planning riding with a passenger, it may pay off to invite them for a second test ride ton, if they've got a say in the decision-making process. I believe that the seats could be modified by an external company to fit the preferences of both of you. Suspension also could have the springs and oil replaced but yeah - that's an additional expense and effort that not everyone wants to get involved with.

[@richweinert7324]

@@VToldsMotoShow I was thinking of waiting for after market seat, but the ergos would have involved changing peg position which would have been troublesome. It was also the first of the new generation, so no test rides available. I ended up with new 2021 Goldwing tour DCT and geez now we are comfy. Worth the extra 20k? It is for the wife and I.

[@v8monster186]

Iranian poet on your shirt 👏🌹

[@suzukik9833]

Good review decent liter class V twin power and sound ..! By the way new revised vstrom1050 DE is upcoming can't wait

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks and right, there will be some useful options for the non-DE thankfully as well.

[@jfmartin66]

I''m thinking to buy one....Are the new 1050 is more "pleasant" to drive low speed (traffic) ? I remember my 05 was nightmare -50 km but was hell fun 70km +..... thanks

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I've also had a DL1000 and it wasn't the best in those circumstances. The 1050 is super similar, just with a feeling of being more solid. A bit more "connected" suspension and a handlebar or the whole front suspension setup that doesn't make it feel as if the handlebar is bending in your hands. But other than that, there's that same feeling of imbalance at low speeds to me. Wouldn't call it a nightmare but may be below average in the big ADV segment or somewhere around the middle.

[@jfmartin66]

@@VToldsMotoShow Thanks maybe I should try the new 800 ...

[@lordbrasic9469]

It is the Swiss army knife of motorcycles

[@brimurphy8890]

Wonder if the price will rocket on the new one

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It went a bit up - around 6% in here comparing 2022 XT and the 2023 'regular' which in fact is basically a '22 XT.

[@Rumpelstiltskin999]

1050 xt 2020 model spokes are they stainless steel or galvanised steel?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I'd call a dealer to ask about that and email Suzuki importer. Maybe they can check and define that.

[@pacomena5791]

Suzuki Vstrom 1050 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 standard, only for asphalt? 🤔🤔

[@8tavian999]

do you ride more in city or out? for city riding i would go for Vstrom because the high torque on low revs outside city versys 1000 cus' its smoother but i think its overpriced.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Ah, x3m(...) started with a reasonable follow-up question and there would be quite a few more there to lead us somewhere. I've got planned a video going through those points about the V-Strom 1050 and a Versys 1000.

[@murataltntas5358]

Güzel açıklama ancak Daha Türkiye ye gelmedi.😊😊

[@pcat1378]

I'm confused! Is this the new V Strom DE?? Oh damn its not.....I am so looking forward ti seeing the new DE in the flesh

[@VToldsMotoShow]

This it the standard V-Strom 1050 just with the “XT” extension, so some additional equipment.

[@pcat1378]

@@VToldsMotoShow I have the 2018 XT and looking to swap it for the new DE when it comes out. Hoping to see it at the motorbike show we have here in the UK in a couple of weeks

[@srta.superflua1787]

1050xT es una moto cara para lo que ofrece. El asiento es muy duro, y el precio es elevado para lo que ofrece

[@jblue1299]

This bike needs a 19” front wheel and an updated suspension!

[@glaviationcph]

It allready has a 19"! Next year you can get one with 21" and updated suspension.

[@jblue1299]

@@glaviationcph , excellent, I will wait until next year !!!

[@hopsl69]

I'm riding a 2022 model already 20.000km. It has 19" front wheel and no idea what you'd like to change on the suspension?

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It seems like Suzuki listened. 21" in the front though.

[@barkinsahin]

Low speed instability is a BIG minus! Even average bikes are good at high speed...

[@TheGloucestersausage]

I cant feel an inherent instability, I tend to wind off preload, if it feels like its on marbles, and play with tyre pressures.

[@spokojnaprzystanM36a]

no such a thing, in low speed is smoth and ready

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It definitely could be better. Feels almost exactly like a good-old V-Strom 1000 from 2002-2012. I had one of those for 10 years and bet that it's a pretty good reference point. It can be visibly more challenging to steer for example when filtering traffic at low speeds. Still, it's also not the worst in the class, so no, we shouldn't go that way either.

[@gus8493]

Thank you and,... your nuts...🤪 All the same, stay safe...

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Very welcome ;)

[@JDWDMC]

One reason to not buy. It's only been outstripped in the ugly stakes by the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello. It is definitely the ugliest adventure bike ever made. If it's better looking than one's wife, then by all means buy it.

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

V100 is gorgeous 😍

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Made my day - good points.

[@Spacchio]

Too big and heavy. Crap

[@VToldsMotoShow]

That's quite straightforward.

[@JozsaMarton]

*SPARE YOUR money and buy a used africa twin. OR at least try the honda africa before buying DL. thank me later: a DL650XT, DL1000XT, Africa Twin owner.*

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I think I'd prefer a used V-Strom, strip it off of its relatively ugly exterior and build something custom on that frame. Africa's body with V-Strom's engine and suspension could be a great mix.

[@ontwo-wheels]

So you think the name 'African Twin' is bad? That sounds very racist. I love the V strom though.