Suzuki VStrom 1050 review - will I upgrade to the DE model

Suzuki sent me a letter and brochure outlining all the specs and benefits of the new more off road worthy VStrom 1050 DE. The motorcycle is due to hit dealers in March and the question is will I upgrade to the new more capable 2023 model?

[@jeffweier4824]

I own a 2021 V Strom 1050xt in silver/grey with the blue wheels and it's a top bike. The 90° V twin motor with it's gear driven cams is an absolute gem. I have owned quite a few bikes in the 44 years I've ridden and while my previous bike definitely had more power (Honda VFR 1200F) the V Strom has more than enough grunt for any situation, all the electronic wizardry of much dearer bikes; it rides and handles exceptionally well and is without doubt, the most comfortable bike I've ever had. IMHO one of the most underrated bikes on the market.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Thanks Jeff, Yes gotta love the sound of those gear drive cams. Not something you see on many bikes these days.

[@inked-96]

Contemplating selling my e1200GSA 2019 and buying a cheaper 1050XT and saving myself £4,000.

[@sb35notout13]

Great review and a very comprehensive and accurate assessment! i have the same bike in black ! only fault so far after two years is alarmingly a corroded wiring loom under the tank which caused the charging system to fail ! Fixed under warranty 👍

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Thank you. Will have a look under my tank now to check I don't have a similar problem. Good to hear it was fixed under warranty. Hope you have many years of trouble free riding now.

[@Jungleland33]

I've just put in an order for the older 1050 model. Just cannot gel with the looks and 21" wheel of the new model. Why Suzuki put a tubeless on the back and tubed on the front is one of life's greatest mysteries. European adventures here i come. 😊

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

You'll love it. It is a great bike. One of the reasons I wanted mine was the tubeless tires and the 19 inch front wheel. The other was its long legs and the luggage carrying ability.

[@LenTheKiwi]

Very informative vlog. Thanks. Had mine for over 3 years. Got no complaints. Very good on the New Zealand roads. Have subscribed. Keep up the good work. Love to hear more on your V-Strom 1050XT.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Thanks Len. Yes definitely a great bike. The new 800DE sounds like it is a great bike too. :>)

[@SWATT101]

I'm here looking at the v Strom in northern Canada...having just moved. I have a Harley RoadKing that I hate taking down gravel roads....might be one in my future as I'm inclined towards v twin's...since 1981 lol

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Definitely way better for dirt but at 247kgs not significantly lighter. Much higher in the saddle and completely different riding position so will be very different experience for you. But equally enjoyable in a different way while still retaining that VTwin character. Mind you it needs a better exhaust to truly hear it. :>)

[@emfl4437]

Your reasoning for getting the V-Strom seems to fit your purpose very well. Enjoy your moto-adventure around Australia, that sounds like an epic trip. Cheers 🏍️

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Thank you. I definitely will

[@ready2ride7]

Great review on a perfect bike for Australia's long distances with roads of all types

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Definitely

[@sbrides3042]

Good video, the XT is a better road bike than the DE. Stick with it , I own one and love it, as it can do everything 👍

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Thanks. I love mine for long rides.

[@MarkPisani-do8sn]

I brought the same bike 2022 for the same reason long travels and it’s reliability and I’ve had quite a few bikes but this would have to be the best all round and for what I want wouldn’t like the new model but must say if I could pick on anything it would be the seat but I haven’t ridden it enough yet so it may soften Will say also and I did do a lot of homework before choosing but I also chose this bike due to having a back fusion where this is the perfect bike as your sitting up straight and your legs are underneath you to absorb any big bumps or pot holes you can use your legs.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Yes I agree - The VStrom and my Heritage Softail Classic are the most comfortable and easy-going bikes over a long distance I have ever ridden. :>)

[@Rumpelstiltskin999]

Dont cruise below 3500 rpm he is happiest at 4000 rpm .it will make debrese on your engine .To low rpm can couse low speed preegnition and dont forget to turn off signal light

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Thanks for the great advice :>)

[@Paul-kp1tu]

Ive had a great disappointment today learning that the new 800 DE V-Strom will be pretty close to $20 grand on the road, so this new generation and very common multi use twin is just as expensive to produce as the older v twins, this is not the idea given by the company when early discussions were happening. Or is it that Suzuki Australia think that all motorcyclists are wealthy retired Harley owner who just might want to have a play in the dirt so price the new bike as much as they think the market can stand. Well thats far too much for me so they will be one customer short. Twenty grand for a ordinary dirt tourer is in BMW GS territory despite its good weight. Does Suzuki think its a prestige offering now, does it remember why we all bought Suzuki road and dirt bikes, they were good, they we were fun and THEY WERE AFFORDABLE.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

It will be interesting to see what the price for the new Transalp will be when they release that information for Australia. I'm expecting around $16,000 which will be really bad news for Suzuki.

[@xnihilo64]

Will I trade my XT Adventure for a a DE? No. I'll add a KLR for the dirty stuff 😎

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Great idea. I'm considering adding a small KLX 230 for the more technical dirt stuff as I already have a DR650 but would like a light bike for steep difficult terrain. With its lower seat it is also a bike my friend Riding Hood could ride.

[@philturner5385]

Good review mate, i have a 2021 model, the only problem I have is the cruise control cutting out and the gearbox is very clunky,but apart from that I love the handling and braking and I like the bike but I am disappointed with those two problems but the rest of the bike I like.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Thanks Phil, Have had no trouble with my cruise control and yes the gearbox is a little clunky but I don't mind that on the style of bike it is. Hope they are able to fix the cruise control for you.

[@philturner5385]

@@motorcyclingdownunder I am having a bit with Suzuki fixing it, it’s been three months since I first contacted them, it’s been back to the bike shop twice, they recon the computer needs to be flashed we will see.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@philturner5385 hope that works for you Phil and you can get back to enjoying the bike fully real soon

[@philturner5385]

@@motorcyclingdownunder thanks mate we will see, don’t get me wrong I do like the bike, it’s just frustrating.

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

@@philturner5385 yes I can imagine it would be

[@sbrides3042]

Have you fitted any spot lights and if so, what make did you go for ??

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Yes I have the Suzuki ones

[@rlwilding]

Nice review! What gloves are you wearing?

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Dririders alpines with thermal insulation not that I needed it in the middle of summer when I filmed this video. They are just the easiest gloves I have to take on and off which is easier when you are stopping and starting cameras ... and I don't find them too sweaty on hot days.

[@garyleake4616]

Hope you still have the brilliant Kawasaki Z 900 RS

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Definitely do ... and will for a very long time :>)

[@motorcyclingdownunder]

Would also like an XSR 900 :>)

[@markb3180]

Well said.