Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Review - Is it the best value 'Big' Adventure bike?

[@roncolpo3731]

I just picked one up,52 years of riding and this thing is my all time favorite,.....😊

[@VStrom2019]

I love mine. I’m 70 but the weight doesn’t scare me, keeps it solid on the road in windy conditions. It’s fun, practical and very well made.

[@customgadget3385]

Picked up my one, the same colour on this week. This bike is better, looks better, lighter and more fun than most people state.

[@fabianobenedetti6692]

Nice, always happy to see the VStrom. Suzuki should give it the latest TFT screen found in the GSX S1000 GT...

[@mancavemoto]

I reckon that may come in the next model year?

[@victorherrero4790]

It be could be the " upgrade" for next year. Still I like the dash...looks kinda retro.

[@pcat1378]

As if by magic the 2023 model has just that! Are you sure you didn't already know lol

[@gregtriumphrat]

Had mine 2 years now and still love it. Came from GSA TE's and took out the Pan last week. Neither is as fun as my 1050.

[@mancavemoto]

Good to hear

[@barryhughes1612]

The V-Strom is a seriously underrated bike, I have owned two 650's and a 1000 'Desert' edition which my wife and I went to Lake Garda on and it didn't miss a beat, it is a bit heavy fully loaded but as with all bikes you soon work out a technique of moving it around. If I was in the market for another bike to share garage space with my tweaked Interceptor 650 (and the wife agreed lol) this one would be a serious contender as I think it is extremely good value for money.

[@mancavemoto]

I agree Barry, as an upright adventure tourer its great.

[@ratsausage]

It took me 2 weeeks to realise the bike accelerates a lot harder with TC off. A lot. Mine will never go off road nor will it ever get wet. Rides great I've had bikes for 42 years and this one is excellent.

[@fragu123]

….never gets wet???

[@AJG76]

I’m gonna try that on mine thanks - does it accelerate more on the lower TC settings , ie is it a gradual improvement ? Cheers

[@drnorth5787]

I just purchased one, pick up Friday , weather permitting ,can not wait , I've. Owned a tlr from new ,neaver part with it

[@ratsausage]

@@fragu123 I did my years riding to college in the snow etc. Nowadays I'm an old geezer so I only ride on warm dry days and clean the bike with a damp cloth. I've seen me come across water running across an otherwise dry road and actually U-turning rather than get the bike splashed. Plus it's a Suzuki the finishes are not the best so needs extra care to stay minty.

[@ratsausage]

@@AJG76 Excuse the language old chap but IMHO traction control can get to f#@*. I came off a CB1000R so with any traction control on I want my CB1000R back yet with it totally turned off I am reasonably satisified. I wish Suzuki would make this into a supermoto with 130 horsepowers but I'm not holding my breath...To answer your question sorry I have no idea.

[@szaneman791]

Excellent review of an excellent and underrated reliable machine. Thank you Sir!

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you kindly!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

This is so true. :) Drop by when you can.

[@hopsl69]

That's exactly why I've ordered the XT in yellow 2021 color 👍

[@edwardt1941]

good brakes too

[@christianweller4288]

In case nobody else mentions it ..... nice camera work.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers!

[@mjs.910]

Mines in black with gold wheels, I think these are very underrated. I must admit I've changed the seat for the low one (30mm lower) because mainly of the slightly awkward foot peg position. Not fused on Bridgestone tyres (had few moments on other bikes & cars with them) so when they're gone, it'll be some decent make. Cracking bike, a keeper for me..👍😀👍

[@teapotwood2817]

I had the 1050xt….I have to say I really miss it. Foot pegs are bloody awkward. How did did the lower seat help with this did it move you slightly forwards making it less of a problem or just easier by being able to get foot more planted ? I am seriously thinking of getting a 2022 model even thought the new 2023 is out…mainly because it is a bargain at the moment and Loved it so much before…..guess you don’t know what you have until it has gone !

[@mjs.910]

The lower seat gives me more of foot on the floor & more options where to put it in more awkward places. On a normal flat road their wasn't a problem, but back roads & mountain lanes/passes aren't flat. It makes it much easier on the roads less travelled. Certainly liking the bike though, suits me hands down. 👍😀👍

[@andyturner9836]

Always been a fine underrated workhorse whose looks divide opinion. Only fly in the ointment I can see is the recently announced GSX1000GT for not a lot more money? Different kind of machine I guess but, both I would imagine superb for long haul mileage Great review as always my friend, keep em' coming..

[@muzzmoto3881]

Agreed. I've always been a fan of this bike, but I really fancy the 1000gt. 150 bhp 😬😆

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Andy, yes the GSX 1000GT looks great and i'm keen to get a ride on one. I did get invited to the press launch, but couldn't make it

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@mancavemoto Will wait for the next opportunity. :)

[@msd85TvT]

If u ask me. This bike looks the best in bright colors, rather than dull dark ones.

[@mancavemoto]

I love the yellow

[@sb35notout13]

My XT is 2 years old and just had two weeks at the dealership after the charging system failed !! Prognosis was failed indicator relay but alarmingly main issue is a corroded wiring loom 🤦‍♀️ It’s garaged and rarely ridden in the rain plus I treated it with ACF 50 The corroded section was under the fuel tank …. Be aware ! Great bike though

[@kevinmullin9956]

Fine bike.Well done great review.Did you find the pegs positioning a bit awkward?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, no I can't say I noticed any issues with the peg position

[@1990-t1j]

Really good review of a bike I like. The weight would be the only thing that would put me off, assuming there were any Suzuki dealers anywhere near me. If the Africa Twin base model had these wheels, I'd get that.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, nice wheels, but they look like a bugger to clean!

[@ianmills35]

Great review thank you sir, only just come across your channel, I’ve hit the button and subscribed. Thanks again 👍🏍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Ian, much appreciated

[@bikecommuter24]

Seems like a nicely loaded bike and 20 litres of fuel, nice. For Adventure Motorcycle you want low and mid range power ,very rarely will be at full throttle on off road situations, although I know of a few smooth dirt roads that you can do that on. funny how the Dual Purpose -Dual Sport Motorcycles went from accessorized Dirt bikes to full on fully equipped motorcycle. I still kind of miss my old Honda XL 250 not very fast speed on the highway it struggled at any over 65mph or around 100kph but it handled off road very well.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes theres always a compromise somewhere between on and off road requirments and capabilities. Its a good excuse to have more that one bike though! ;)

[@richardwitherstone7396]

Great review, nice bit of countryside, im getting an adventure bike soon, dreamed of all the exotic?, this is much more realistic plus i be able to keep my Busa, sat on one at the NEC, got to rest ride one next year, ticks all the boxes for me, and ill want to own it past the warranty ,less to go wrong 😅 👍🏻

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, and Essex has some lovely countryside. as long as you dont want to venture too far offroad this bike will do everything you need

[@oscarsheen3045]

Looks like a great affordable road adventuring bike.

[@mancavemoto]

Definitely!

[@keyboarddancers7751]

If you're not bothered about mega tech, you'll be perfectly happy with this bike. Many years ago, I used to ride around Europe on a 650 Katana which was an essentially maintenance free machine and I had a fantastic time. Compared to that, the big V-Strom is like the Starship Enterprise! I guess if you've got deep enough pockets, you'll just have to splash out on the latest BMW/KTM/Triumph/Ducati/Honda tech monster; well, fill yer boots. I doubt you'll really enjoy your inter continental touring experiences much more than on a more modest machine.

[@mancavemoto]

yep

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Great review. You covered all needed aspects. Overall this is a great bike in this price range. I am your sub from 2019. Keep up, p.s. Would like to see your opinion about the GSX-S1000gt. p.p.s. Drop by when have time. :)

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, hopefully a review will be coming up in the new year

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@mancavemoto Thanks, will watch for sure. :)

[@desplod6104]

Great review, I have had buffeting problems on earlier VStroms, I am 6'1" - how tall are you?

[@mancavemoto]

5ft 10

[@desplod6104]

@@mancavemoto cheers

[@oscarsheen3045]

Any plans to review the new 2022 TMAX? When it comes out? I think it comes out in late April in Europe.

[@mancavemoto]

If I can get hold of one. Yamaha are one of the brands I can’t get access too

[@normanstassen6424]

We live out in the Karoo a semi-desert area in South Africa. My wife and I are looking for an adventure bike that can handle two up and both long-distance bitumen and graded dirt roads. Would this bike be able to handle multiple days of touring on above-mentioned roads?

[@mancavemoto]

I don't see why not. They seem to be very dependable

[@normanstassen6424]

I eventually bought a NC750X dct version. Just added the necessary protection (radiator guard and bash plate), added top box, and am good to go...getting my bike on Wednesday.

[@dougiequick1]

cruise control? Did I blink? Quick shifter? 6 axis IMU? any of that or is that for coming gen?

[@stephenmoulton6122]

It has cruise control and a six axis imu. Quick shifter is on the next gen

[@justwillc]

Now thats a review!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@stevepickford3894]

I've read that service intervals are every 7,500 miles? Anyone able to confirm that the valve clearance check is every other service i.e. every 15,000 miles?

[@rsmail7426]

Good review, thanks.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@ultramag9413]

Fantastic review

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you kindly

[@victorherrero4790]

Do u Know when Suzuki is going to update the 650 Vstrom with this design?! Plus, how do u rank this Vstrom 1050 against the Africa Twin, Ktm 890 adv, Triumph Tiger 900 and BMw Gs 1200?

[@ekimandersom4478]

2023 there are no changes to the 650

[@allanmason7544]

good imfomative video first class

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@johnbradford3323]

A really good all round bike 🏍

[@mancavemoto]

It sure is. I'm looking forward to seeing what the new 800 model brings....

[@terrybrooks7140]

Good bike if you shop around they are heavily discounted you can pick up an xt tor £10.200 and a base model for £8.200 for me the base model colours are better than xt and it weighs less just needs cruise on it.

[@hopsl69]

The heavier XT model is because of crash bars and main stand ☝️

[@terrybrooks7140]

@@hopsl69 and heavier spoked wheels

[@556suppressor]

The Suzuki needs a few improvements so it doesn't fall too far behind. Triumph, Norden and BMW have really nice bikes.

[@thinchina]

How does the V-Strom 1050 compare to your Triumph Tiger 800?

[@mancavemoto]

A different feel in terms of ergonomics. I think the V-strom is a little more comfortable for long days on the road.

[@sandwaves5642]

Why almost NO motobloggers bother to mention the SERVICE ?!?! Service is not cheap. Some bikes demand valve check even every 10000km. Others 60000.... It takes planing and getting ready not to have the bike while it's serviced + the costs ! So - WHY NOT to mention ?

[@mancavemoto]

I think the reason might be that they only have the bike for a short time and are not owners, therefore don’t experience that element. Personally I never really consider the servicing, if I like the bike enough to buy it, the servicing is just something you have to deal with. But I’m not saying that’s an excuse to not include it. Essentially the reviewer will have to look up the details, and anyone that is bothered by service costs will do the same anyway.

[@ekimandersom4478]

That will be different in every country, thats why

[@sandwaves5642]

@@ekimandersom4478 Really ❓️🤨 - in every country a bike ( same one ) needs DIFFERENT service / valve clearance check intervals..... ❓️🤨❓️

[@Inked_CR]

​@@sandwaves5642Go buy one for yourself and find out Karen.

[@kwik2008]

😊👍🙏

[@mancavemoto]

👌

[@robsonenduro3316]

It is not adventure bike, just a touring with adv look.

[@mihaimihai9254]

Hi! It probably it isnt' as adventure as a Africa Twin is, but you can't say about a bike with spoked wheels ( it has a 19 inches front wheel) and with 16 mm ground clearence that is just a touring motorcycle.

[@pnfctg12]

ktm 890 slightly more punchy and 60 lbs lighter ...

[@mancavemoto]

Yep although maybe not quite as relaxed as a mile muncher

[@Sunrazor]

And it will break down about 5 times more often. It's a KTM.

[@samagasi87]

standin spin turn, hahahaha

[@DavidRodriguesOfficial_]

with this price. Honda Africa twin is way better and with a similar price.

[@mancavemoto]

I'm a big Africa Twin fan, but it is £1350 more and that could make the difference for some buyers

[@ekimandersom4478]

What exactly is way better on the Africa twin?

[@terrybrooks7140]

Africa twin is actually £2.800 more but if your planning on doing a lot of off road work I would buy the Africa twin but for cross country touring I would save my money and buy the suzuki 19inch front wheel is more road focused. But personally I wouldn't buy either just booked test ride on nt1100 should be a proper continental tourer 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Africa Twin CRF 1100L is £13,049 and the 1050XT is £11,699. I’m looking forward to swingIng a leg over the NT1100

[@terrybrooks7140]

@@mancavemoto I just got offered an st1050 for £10.200 brand new unregistered vstroms are always heavily discounted

[@johnnycigarettes3325]

"Feels like a bigger more upright sportsbike" - what a load of crap

[@mancavemoto]

Just my opinion Johnny, your welcome to disagree