The Cheap, Old, Reliable VStrom Is No More! New 2023 VStrom 1050DE

[@DanneVem6308]

I bought a black DE two weeks ago, I'm super happy with it. I have friends with GS 1250 and KTM 1290, doesn't matter because you get a lot of bang for your buck.

[@SamVBikes]

Congratulations!! Really surprised me with how good it was!

[@DanneVem6308]

I switched from the GSX-S 1000 so from a performance perspective I stepped down somewhat but love the simplicity of the Suzuki. The difference between a Suzuki and the others is that you drive a Suzuki, you ride the others.

[@noninag2296]

I have the road vetsion all black - bought it as an imbetween bike whilst waiting for something else - but it is way better than I imagined and I absolutely love it and will be keeping it long term - I also have an S1000GT which is also another incredible bike - Suzuki have really.lifted their game

[@SamVBikes]

Nice!! Yeah Suzuki are really starting to come back strong! Really looking forward to seeing what comes next for them

[@motorcycle-man]

I am mostly happy that Suzuki is finally putting out bikes that people, beside a small niche group riders, actually want. I've seen so many Z900's, MT-07's and etc roll out the store while the SV650s, GSX750's and V-Stroms(at the time) were gathering dust in the store while in fact not being bad bikes at all.

[@SamVBikes]

Definitely agree! The VStrom has been the quiet, cheap option out the back, but now this bike is really going to put it amongst the big players in the market!

[@skyworks1621]

I can tell you the bike is almost perfect. I had the new 1290 KTM SAS in 2022 for 6 months before it got stolen so my expectation are high. So for 2023 I just recived the normal 1050 and bike has great character. I upgraded to Akrapovic for sound and I like it. Sure 10 PS more would be nice. But I drive a Tesla 3 performance so Iam used to crazy acceleration. Brakes, suspension, Vtwin, display, quickshifter are great.

[@SamVBikes]

Sorry to hear about your KTM!! That sucks! Glad you're loving the 1050!

[@richardbell6105]

It sounds so nice. The V strom is such a nice sounding bike and Suzuki make such quality bikes at a good price. I think off road trails will be more limited due to poor ground clearance and it's weight and the 800DE is a fair bit more than the competition.

[@SamVBikes]

Agreed! It would be interesting to see how it fairs off road given that. I do think the market is leaning toward off road looking bikes as most like the idea of having the ability to take them off tarmac, but will never do anything more than a gravel trail!

[@richardbell6105]

@@SamVBikes I think like the ACT or the America trails BDR it can be done on something like this for sure. It is just some of the TET would be really difficult. You just can't beat the sound of that engine though 😁

[@SamVBikes]

Definitely! Mind you.. I think doing the TET on anything other than an enduro bike is a tall order as it is haha!

[@SX1000ninja]

The super reliable V twin lump from the old Suzuki TL. That’s why I have a Suzuki TL1000s as a second bike. Great review 👍

[@SamVBikes]

Great 2nd bike too! I take it your first is a Super Ten judging by your name and pic! Awesome bit of kit! Thank you!

[@SX1000ninja]

@@SamVBikes it is mate and yet another underrated engine that powers the Super Tenere.

[@SamVBikes]

Agreed! That's a massively underrated bike! Well balanced too. Hoping Yamaha bring it back with an update

[@cpuuk]

I put 30K miles on 1000XT before I then went on to buy 1290S. The bit everyone misses is that the suspension and brakes are from the GSXR and when setup it handles as well as the 1290S.

[@SamVBikes]

Yeah its definitely a hell of a lot better than I ever thought. I rode the XT before and it was great but this took it up a class!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Nice one again Sam, it looks like a great bike, you're right that nobody makes a bad bike these days, just some are better than others. Very different from when I started out in 1983!

[@SamVBikes]

Haha yes it's come a long way! Even those copy bikes from other markets which everyone seems to dread are getting really good now!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes I remember the Chinese bikes coming here 20 years ago, a few hundred quid with pigeon spatter for welding and flaky paint and chrome, not any more and they are decent quality and catching up fast with the competition. I'm still hankering after an Interceptor, a perfect example of decent quality at a reasonable price.

[@SamVBikes]

That's it bud! They have really taken off in quality! Mind you, even European and American manufacturers that used to be known for bad quality have jumped up. I LOVE the Interceptor. Was at the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride today, and there were a lot of them there but custom builds. Looked the dogs danglies!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes I have some ideas for when I get one but I will save my more drastic ideas until I can get one at a rock bottom price in a few years as it means some serious cutting and welding. I bet the DGR was a great event and I guess you will have an upload in the pipeline? I wanted to go to tobacco dock this year but moving work premises over the next few weeks means I can't.

[@SamVBikes]

Definitely! Wait until you can get a good price then go to town at it with and angle grinder and some imagination! Yes it should be live mid-week hopefully! Was a great day out

[@youpromisedmecake344]

Agreed on the Affy. My '16 SDGT exploded last week, throwing oil all over me and the locked up rear wheel at 70, so that was fun. I've been test riding bikes all weekend - loved the Affy but it felt...gutless is unfair but didn't set me on fire. It was the dct which actually was a work of art, however it's just not right for me. I did of course go with the adventure "I must stand" pose and loved it, same on the GS. Going to try a busa, Suzuki 1000gt and after watching this, I'll try the vstrom.

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh that sucks mate! Sorry to hear that!! Depending how much money you've got to play with, there are SO many to ride. I'm jealous you get this to do now haha, not so much on the exploding GT!

[@youpromisedmecake344]

Cheers bud, it was a scary time. I'll be more careful buying second hand, and definitely won't be back to that unscrupulous dealership. Had great help from one near me but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to comment their name so I'll keep quiet. Great people though. After seeing how you feel about the Super Adventure I'm tempted to try that too. I certainly won't be giving up the orange, if I can help it. Stay safe pal.

[@SamVBikes]

The new orange flavoured models definitely seem to be better designed and more bulletproof. I've had no serious issues with mine in 27k so pretty chuffed about that! Glad you found a decent bunch to help you out! Ride safe

[@youpromisedmecake344]

42k on mine when it went. I don't blame KTM themselves. Keep up the great work mate, love the vids.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you!

[@jmlupoludowicy1239]

That’s the bike I wanted to replace my DR800 with but after a test ride on the SAS I went with that one. I guess you can understand that. 😜 Cracking review! Cheers, Lupo

[@SamVBikes]

Haha yes I understand why you went SAS! Who wouldn't! Thank you mate

[@ralphwarom2514]

If the Vstrom had maybe 150HP. Maybe. But getting so little power from an over 1000cc engine just feels criminal.

[@elvisthewart670]

Good review Sam I test rode the new de Saturday I'm 5 foot 10 is I was surprised how tall this bike is I took it back cos I was on tip toe and demo of the xt which I really enjoyed.the screen on the DE I couldn't adjust the windshield whilst riding which I think should be available.but overall what a great bike.

[@SamVBikes]

Yeah you're right bud. It is a tall bike. I managed to get my feet down but I am used to riding my Super Adventure with preload set pretty high so that helps me be comfortable with high bikes! Agreed on the windscreen too!

[@Adventure_blac]

Yeah it tall. I’m 5’7 with a 29-30” inseam. Could just barley get top toes in the ground. Much easier and comfortable to keep my brake foot on the peg and left toe in the ground

[@markbrooker2618]

Hi Sam, great review as always. I have heard in the biking community your are really only 5"4. So with that being said. Do you jump on these bikes like mounting a horse or do you get the sales team to pick you up and pop you in the seat? All the best mate and keep up the good work.

[@SamVBikes]

Morning Mr Marky, thank you! If you cast your mind back to your biking days, all those years ago, you might remember that bikes have foot pegs. That gives me just enough of a boost to throw my little legs over it. All the best, and send my love to the family

[@benkelly2190]

Nice work pal. Haven’t had a Suzuki in years, I. A big fan so good too see, em getting it together. Nothing will sway me from the SAS, tho. 👍🏻

[@SamVBikes]

Haha nope the SAS is just too good! Sounds like the guys at Suzuki have got a mission and they are going full force with it which is great to see!

[@kohinoore]

The contrary is more important that SAS won't sway the rider out with one of its zupa reliable part. Looks like in the Old World it happens not that frequently though

[@markfromleeds]

Spot on review mate.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you bud!

[@philwoods2534]

One issue that doesn't make sense is that the Cruise Control only works in top 3 gears, when your living in an area about to go 20mph everywhere (Yeah it sucks), thats about as much use as you can imagine. Glad I chose the SAS in the end although fair play to Suzuki, they seem to be getting their act together on what bike people actually want. ....

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh I didn't know that! I only used it in 4th up so probably why I didn't notice! Agreed, super happy they are pushing!

[@philipmillen4271]

the cruise control has been updated and now works over a wider range of speeds - keeping a constant pace anywhere from 15mph to 100mph. as stated by Bennetts write up

[@SamVBikes]

Beautiful!

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I wish they made it easier to test ride bikes. Their are very few events to test ride where I live.

[@SamVBikes]

Very true! I have way more trouble trying to test ride outside of dealers I know well. These events work really well for a few bikes back to back

[@ioandragulescu6063]

As a NC 750 replacement, I think the normal 1050 (non DE) is the better option. Lighter, 19 inch front with cast wheels, lower seat height by about 3 cm, has the same equipment as the DE minus gravel mode and switchable ABS and it has smth the DE doesn't, height adjustable screen. At 5ft 9 myself, with a pair of light boots (some touring alpinestars) I can flat foot the bike with both feet if I push slightly.

[@SamVBikes]

Yes very true! I personally think I'd go for the DE as I spend quite a bit of time off road so those small differences make a difference for what I'd use it for but for the general public, the non DE might be better

[@keyboarddancers7751]

That engine is a 27 year old design and it's STILL going as strong as ever. If it ain't broke...

[@SamVBikes]

Exactly!

[@philipmillen4271]

Ive just sold my 2022 KTM 1290 sas, 160 bhp is just so unusable on todays roads, also found it a bit clanky and less premium than the market suggests, wont go into the issues I experienced but I come from an era of older bikes that never used to give that much grief, you could just buy them and never see the dealer again, but this new Suzuki may just be the sweetspot as im looking for comfort and oldschool reliability and a stablemate for my 2002 XRV Africa ive had for 15yrs, would be lovely to have two reliable Bikes that are so different from each other , It may have come at just the right time for me very tempted indeed, not that interested in the lardy Gs as you just know its going to be a zillion quid, bought by everyone and only touchable if you are a BMW main stealer so thanks Sam for the ride out, its on my short list for sure

[@SamVBikes]

Sorry to hear you had some issues. Agreed, these new bikes can be a lot of faff. Same with the newer cars too. Too much technology for their own good so bound to have issues! Glad you enjoy the vid, and let me know what you think when you get on one!

[@axjms]

Yes SAM!!!!

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you mate! And thank you so much for hooking me up with the guys at Bulldog! Bunch of LEGENDS!

[@axjms]

@@SamVBikes of course bud! most welcome! pleasure as always!

[@MotorMedia]

Only £400 less than a standard desertx and without the added year warranty. Ducati looks like it might be the better value 😐

[@SamVBikes]

I'd have a look at servicing costs too. From what I've heard, Ducati servicing seems pretty high. Not looked myself though

[@MotorMedia]

@@SamVBikes very good point! I’d be interested to know your thoughts if you can grab one for a hour or two. Very little to no uk coverage of them outside of the press day 👍

[@SamVBikes]

I'd love to! Ducati UK seem very very strict about letting anyone get their hands on them that creates content. The bikes have to come from Ducati head office as official press bikes which unfortunately only seem interested if youve got big numbers of subscribers. Might see if I can get a test ride and accidently turn my cameras on

[@MotorMedia]

@@SamVBikes well it won’t be long and they will be knocking on your door. Great work as always and love the content 👍👍

[@SamVBikes]

Hopefully! Thank you bud, appreciate it!

[@shaggybx]

Put Super cheapskate they let you ride it

[@SamVBikes]

Most people won't even fill it up 😂

[@mozzmozz8641]

Mint 🤣🤣

[@SamVBikes]

Proper northern 😂