The NEW 2023 V-Strom 1050 | Ride Review

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Good call Chopsie on the road surface. This is why we are still riding fast bikes in our 50's not laying in a graveyard for the last 30 years. Respect

[@Verwynne]

Well done mate, driving safely in sketchy conditions and not giving in to peer pressure is a benchmark for safe riding in my mind. Hats off from Germany

[@WorldBiker]

I'm getting a kick out of watching a review in my own back yard on a day I wouldn't have dared go out on those particular roads which I know like the back of my hand! Well done you!

[@LambChopRides]

Haha thanks 😆👍

[@nickrider5220]

They could've saved a fortune and done it back home, the roads where I live have been sketchy for months ! The V Strom makes a lot of sense now. Great video despite the trying conditions Chopsy 👍

[@martyndunn1905]

Love the V Strom, that colour scheme is gorgeous. Great video chopsy and I don't blame you for hanging back.

[@trevorphillips3055]

Great to see Suzuki still using this engine after all these years. A modern TL would be amazing with upto date chassis, less weight and a bit more power than the original. 😊

[@LambChopRides]

Couldn't agree more!

[@hyperthunk]

Never ridden a TL, love my SV though. Didn't Honda have a racy twin of that era too? And the gen 2 Tuono is a lovely thing as well.

[@trevorphillips3055]

@Sir Faffalot yes Honda had the VTR1000 firestorm, and later the VTR1000 SP1 and SP2. The Aprilia v twin is a great engine as well. I do think a new TL would be really interesting, I hope they build one whilst it's still possible!

[@hyperthunk]

@@trevorphillips3055 couldn't agree more, would be amazing.

[@nanoffyourbesyness9577]

I have a 1997 TL. Would love to see a modern version ! But the Japanese often are struggling (not willing) to spend good money on styling ! And the original TL nailed the styling, so they can't mess it up if they make a new one !

[@tormodi5925]

Great bikes(s). The V-Strom bomb proof. Maybe not the bike with the highest wow-factor, but a very solid, reliable bike. In my opinion it looks decent too (in it's class)

[@ninjanelly3506]

Well done Chops you made it back alive!I wouldn't of set off in those conditions so well done for getting through it in one piece 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah bit bum clenching some of it! 😅

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Suzuki made it again. A do it all bike in its greatest configuration. Adding the TFT and quick-shifter was just spot on in my opinion. Hopefully there was nothing serious and that all went well in that accident. Great video my friend. Got my like as always.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks matey, chap was OK but broke his heal bone. Really unlucky as was a slow off but caught the barrier

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@LambChopRides Aha, the conditions were really "winter ones". Wishing him a quick recovery.

[@andrewshore262]

Well I just sold my 18 V Strom 1000 after 5 years of ownership it was an easy bike to live with. Zero failures, home serviced by myself (not difficult) a good solid bike. Funnily enough I’m a size 12 (boots) the only way around the shifter issue for me was an SW Motech adjustable shifter (expensive) but did the job. They’re brilliant bikes but I do feel the price has crept up a bit so maybe not as good VFM these days. Great review Chops, glad you stayed upright!

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks 😁👍

[@stuartmoles843]

I love the v twin in my SV650 commuter, it’s got so much character that’s lacking in the parallel twins. It’s good to see that Suzuki have continued to put the big version in the road v strom

[@LambChopRides]

Yes I agree with you there! I'm a big vtwin fan too 👍

[@itzajdmting]

I was looking at a '22 sv650 yesterday... The ergos look a lot more friendly to taller riders than previous models.

[@stuartmoles843]

@@itzajdmting Rob I’m a short arse so can’t really comment but I tell you what I’m on my 3rd one now and can’t rate them high enough. They are the biggest bargain out there if you want a no nonsense bike to munch up the miles. Don’t think I’ve had one technical problem with any of them and did 30+k each on the previous 2.

[@itzajdmting]

@@stuartmoles843 Wow, that is impressive. My friend is a Suzuki man and has said numerous times to get an SV. I'll definitely go for a ride on one I think now I've seen one close up. Cheers.

[@hyperthunk]

@@itzajdmting the SV1000 naked is super comfy imo

[@tyreseo1284]

I don’t know if someone already commented on this, but I love the colored screen.

[@wwfww]

The intro music was hilarious wasn’t expecting it😂 well done chopsy

[@chrisb5986]

Perfect weather for adventure bikes!

[@Motorcycle_Mike]

Nice bit of riding, buddy. I did a double take, looked like our Canadian weather. Not Greece! Beautiful looking bikes though. That blue/white DE is 🔥🔥🔥 Can’t wait for part ✌🏻

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Mike appreciated buddy! Needed snow tyres 😆👍

[@LickyDischarge]

Great upload Chopsy. With a TFT and quick shifter, this becomes a far more premium machine. Nice👌🏼 😎

[@RichyVida]

Super vid, Chops! Feels like it was months ago already! Cracking launch, and great to spend some time with ya! 🙂

[@LambChopRides]

Yes absolutely matey! Was brilliant wasn't it 👏 😁

[@mechcam796]

Quite epic video with the riding in the snow. Lol. Love the bike it’s on my list. First bike was a Suzuki so they r still number 1 in my heart.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Nice vid Chops! About the only time I'm grateful not to have been invited with those conditions! 😂

[@LambChopRides]

Haha I was still fun and you were missed! 👍

[@JDeezle21]

I'm the crazy person who rides when it's cold raining or snowing. Never skimp on tires. I just love riding motorcycles.

[@eriklarsson3528]

Shame it was bad weather, like the bike and your content!! Looking forward to your DE rewiev❄️☀️

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

Something tells me you will be riding this bike again in more favourable conditions. Cheers for the content. As a rider of more than 20 years, those roads were making me anxious. Cold wet days are better spent on the dirt.

[@the_mad_leprechaun]

WOW you don't hang about! Fantastic video John. Shame about the snow! I used to have the DR 750 Big looks kind of similar! Looks to be a good package hope you get another chance to ride it in the UK! 😀👍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Murt, yeah wanted to get this one out quick to beat the masses 😆👍

[@deanzaZZR]

It's amazing to think that old lump still survives. I enjoyed a few years of ownership of a blue 2004 DL1000. I did more miles on the DL650. I'm looking forward to reviews of the new model, but these v-twins are/were peaches.

[@johngreen3510]

Nice review John thank you. Not my kind of bike but it’s 2 wheels so entertaining. Nice to see Mr Hargreaves pop up on a decent channel ha!ha! Looking forward to part 2. Cheers mate

[@LambChopRides]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks 😁👍

[@johngreen3510]

@@LambChopRides By the way, my missus thinks the 5 inch dash is 8 inches lmao!

[@4tech69]

That all Black DE.. Chefs kiss.

[@JBond73]

Grand video. Pity about the weather. Looks a great bike. 👍

[@brucekendall52]

I'm sure these will prove to be great value bikes.Thks.

[@davidbrowning6777]

Great review and top marks for keeping it shiny side up! I’m on my second V-Strom (currently have a 2021 1050XT) and it’s a great bike. Both have been 100% reliable and my Suzuki dealer is great, but I can’t help feeling I won’t be buying another. I’d hoped for more with this upgrade. Suzuki is a recent MotoGP winner so their engineering expertise must be second to none - so I’d be looking for a significant engine upgrade. Say, another 100-150cc with variable valve timing giving around 140-150PS. Shaft drive would also be a bonus. So looks like my next bike will be a GS or Triumph Tiger.

[@allwheeldrive]

That would be a whole different bike for a bunch of different reasons. I'm on my second V 1K and will be putting many more miles on it. If it was that much faster and heavier, it certainly wouldn't be used as often. Flash your ECU, get a can, put more aggressive pads on it, and get Road 6s, and you might never look back.

[@davidbrowning6777]

@@allwheeldrive Err, no thanks. Would probably spoil it and wouldn’t get another 40PS. I’m happy with it for now, but when do I upgrade I’ll go for something more powerful and electronic suspension

[@kevinwestwood6668]

Richy's used to riding in 10ft snow drifts in Scotland,😂😂,I like the colours on the new Strom.

[@JDeezle21]

I want it and I would take it everywhere and do alot of Trackdays also ❤

[@alxx1378]

As I own the first vstrom 1000 2002 model I can assure you that the engine is bulletproof. Never opened it four times valve adjustment over 140000 klm.

[@motozest7856]

Suzuki really should've chosen Portugal for this launch, especially somewhere south of the Tagus River. Equally impressive landscapes, no snow, sunnier weather, better roads, much nicer food🙂

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah probably but wanted to go somewhere different. It certainly was different 🤣 food was epic though!

[@motozest7856]

@@LambChopRides John, what do you think about the 19in-wheel version of this V-Strom in terms of road handling compared to the base Africa Twin? Less floaty than the Honda? Less fork dive? Better brakes?

[@ricardolourizela5961]

@@motozest7856 I have the exact same questions.

[@paulnorman8274]

@@motozest7856 The Atwin is rock steady holding a line. Not floaty at all. ON a dead straight Rocky Mountain freeway, you can almost point it and take a nap. Even in some crosswind (there must be something to the whole "flexi frame is better at high speed" spiel that Kawasaki is "excusing" their noodly H2s with....) It also turns in OK. All that front end flex does help give it some power steering on turn in. And it has a high mounted engine, and is rather mass centralized. But any adjustment, on road, at road speeds and lean angles and loads, is rather compromised. All you get back for the first fair amount of bar movement, is twisting of frame, headstock, forks and swingarm into a pretzel. Past that, once the various chassis parts start trying tooling themselves with steering input, it's all a bit imprecise and unpredictable and undampened. Perhaps less problematic for someone used to dirt bike chassis, but I'm used to girder-beam, razor sharp 600 Supersports. Not several seconds of mush, followed by 4d wobble-chess. And the Atwin dives to China, or Japan, with a whiff of brake. It even dives on the rear brake..... Honda obviously made it for someone who needs (does not particularly want) to travel quite far on pavement at freeway speeds, in order to get to "interesting" parts. Where "interesting parts" are such that they recommend a fair amount of offroad, or at least off-pavement (it's still too heavy for actual dirt bike trails), suitability. It's perfectly competent at the road parts. Just does not at all engage in a pavement setting. And as a commuter, attempting to dart between cars in traffic and grab little highs as they come from the likes of unexpectedly empty freeway onramps and such, it's like trying to jump rope in ski boots. The Roady VStrom, OTOH, is a VERY good road bike. Much less divey front angle and forks, along with less travel to begin with. Yet still enough suspension compliance to smooth out quite bad roads, even some dirt washboard. And the engine in a marvel. The crazy oversquare engine allows it to rev almost like a midsize twin. Without excessive vibes. Yet peak torque is at Harley rpms. So you have insanely long gears. Suzuki supposedly wanted to avoid head banging from upshifting when riding two uphill hairpin-to-hairpin alpine passes. And I'm sure it works: There's enough grunt, and perfect low down fueling, to pick it up out of even the slowest hairpin, yet enough overrun so you don't need to shift on the way to the next. For a too-heavy, too tall (for aggressive solo riding) bike, it's amazing how well it handles that sort of very slow-fast-slow-fast riding. The balance to do so stably, is also aided by the low down, right between your legs placement of the heavy parts of the engine. Low COG (for an adv), yet with the engine far enough back to not unduly hamper turn-in. In the very slow and tight, it's the closest a big adv gets to an NC750. Much, much less tippy and awkward than the taller, more forward, mass centralized Atwin COG. If you're ever stuck riding 30 back to back hairpins so tight that Toyota Corollas need to make them 3 point turns, in 10-20% incline/decline; that sort of stability is really, really nice and comforting. OTOH, the Suzuki will probably crack a rim, or destroy its exhaust headers, if you try to ride it up any sizeable curb (or hit a rock that some goat broke loose and dropped into the aforementioned hairpin nirvana while trying to climb uphill from the road....). While the ATwin handles that sort of thing like a giant 80s playbike. French people even ride stairs on their Atwins....... They're French, but still....

[@headrace4863]

Fair effort from our dear friends at Suzuki, I’d not hear a word against a V-strom, end of the day, you pays ya money and you takes your choice. For ‘what it’s supposed to do…’ it’s always done this with honours. The 650 especially is a real-road weapon. Always has been a ‘ronseal’ bike. Nice vid, Chops. 👍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks matey 👍

[@n22pdf]

Great review Chops looks awesome great with the tft and lovely roads.. still be a GS for me if I ever buy another bike nice though well done Suzuki 👍🤩🏅

[@tojj29]

Looks some good upgrades there. About time they put the TFT on it. Will be worth a test ride when they're in the dealers

[@hitenbjoshi]

After his Hebrides madness Dickie Vegas is thinking "Call that snow?!" Great video x

[@LambChopRides]

Haha yes! He was looking forward to some sun this time! Its his fault brought the weather with him!

[@epicrider819]

Great to hear Suzuki put in the up/down quick shifter on the V-strom 1050. Finally.

[@alf9638]

haha well done riding in the snow there mate, true pro. I know you like the blue but Suzi is looking pretty sexy in yellow to me.

[@deanharris9331]

That's my Sunday morning viewing sorted again Chops. 👌😊 If I was going to purchase an adventure bike then this just might be the one. It'll be interesting to see what thre new 800cc parallel twin will be like ? Being a lighter machine might make it a better option for true off road riding.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I used to have a DL1000XT for a little while. Traded back to a light sporty naked bike. Nothing dogging against it, but I felt like it could have really found some character with another 20 horsepower. We're talking the powerplant from the 1998 TL1000R. What in the world did they do with all the horsepower? Sure it's been refined and refined and improved and improved. Yet, the motor would really make this bike a bit of a hotrod with 120 horsepower. Would just add so much flavor to the V-Strom.

[@ragerider6283]

Great review Chops. I think you're first in the UK to this & didn't bin it! What a bonkers launch, snow & sub-zero temps in Greece! Anyway, like the bike, it seems a good proposition for not crazy money, especially with the more road biased & DE versions. Interestingly the journos don't seem that enamoured with it all saying it"s pretty average, too expensive & the Africa Twin is better. Each to their own I guess but I'd get this because of the V-twin & I'm not keen on the Africa Twin's seemingly over complicated 25 button interface. Looking forward to the next vid of the DE to see if it is actually any good off road.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks RR 👍 I really liked the DE, better for a larger fella like me too

[@racesportfan]

Suzuki is not fooled when it comes to horsepower. Very nice bike and review

[@wattie1050]

Chopsy have to admit when you mentioned Greece I was expecting you all sitting around the outdoor swimming pool BBQ etc 😮😮 Id blame richy he has brought that with him from up here the other week .😁😁😁 roads looked a bit dodgy to me as well ! The Suzuki blue is by far The best colour for the bike easily .Nice review .👍

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

I’d have one of these over a GS anyday. Way more reliable for one thing, more comfy imho and a hell of a lot cheaper. Love the handling on them too and the fact Suzuki have left that lovely tractable vee twin lump alone. They get it…it’s a lovely punchy lump that doesn’t need the power of a sports bike and it’s all the better for that as a relaxed mile muncher. Nice one👍

[@johnelmslie6922]

Play safe , play again ! Dicky Vegas is quite handy in ice and snow !!

[@PhantomRides]

Love the new design!

[@kpanagos]

Hello Chops, welcome again to Greece. We had this weather for around 1 week out of the whole year. You are a bit unlucky, I think :(

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah exactly it was unluckily I think.. lovely country though sir I absolutely love it! Food (apart from coffee) was amazing 👌

[@ticthedog6095]

Great review, at one point I thought you were in Scotland with Richy

[@maccas44]

Hey Chops what size and model is that jacket your wearing ? Looks trick, bike looks and sounds awesome

[@dukiemoto8676]

Chops goes to Greece, and Greece in spirit comes to the UK. Heehee

[@LambChopRides]

Haha yes 🤣 👍

[@victorgonza4528]

Beautiful machines Chops , Katana headlight very nice .

[@andrewwiltse8882]

The Blue one is the looker. Things get stressful in those conditions, you did well not being “that Guy”! 👍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks 👍😁😁👍

[@sweebeyh4327]

Going to give this a test ride. Looking for a cheaper tourer as I only really go once a year. Taking my New Tuono V4 factory on tour this year. Should be interesting 😂

[@TheTuschi]

Epic drive😅 Great vid as always!

[@MrAndrew1953]

I haven’t seen the road going version before, which may mean it’s not coming to Australia? . These are big. When I saw the 650,my jaw dropped. I thought it was the big one which the dealer didn’t have on the floor at the time. The Triumph 900 GT Pro is about as big as I’d like to go. Heated grips and seat an option. Why can’t people drive on the right side of the road.

[@jamesdonoghue5907]

Good vid, thanks Chopsy - what’s wind protection like?

[@LambChopRides]

Very good! As good as the competition

[@jhguygih]

What to choose if I ride 90% on roads? Can this do small dirt if needed? Nothing crazy, only short unexpected gravel road

[@_Archambaud]

Snow ice rain.just missing Greece lightning.

[@cpuuk]

Go to Greece and enjoy... the snow 0_O I think Suzuki made the right decision in putting all the bells & whistles on.

[@robertkollath8929]

Great pair of reviews in "interesting" conditions, were having the same weather in Wisconsin. I know this question is out there, but how would these v-stroms compare performance wise to the Triumph scrambler xc, xe? Great review, glad to Suzuki upping their game.

[@chrischristofis8501]

Another very well made vid, i seriously considered a 2022 Vstrom decided against it because of the balance and handling at speed, otherwise it was a decent bike for the new price, i ride a KTM 790 Duke atm and its like chalk and cheese, the KTM sticks to the road however brutal you want to get with it! You can ride like a maniac and feel safe, you did the right thing when you slowed down, the bike tells you, and you listened, well done , oh did you not check the weather forecast ? I could have told you it does get cold in Greece,Crete can be positively 🥶

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah forecast was OK! 11 degrees and sunshine 🌞

[@RideSafeNSmart]

Cheers, hope who-ever went down was ok!

[@LambChopRides]

Cracked heal unfortunately 😔

[@RideSafeNSmart]

@@LambChopRides Your gut feeling was right then eh. I almost dont want to admit it but i think I want a V strom (last week it was a katana lol). Hope he gets better soon, no idea what he was wearing but those boots that were annoying you could have perhaps made a difference there. Weird old world eh, thanks for the review. Hope Greece is a tad warmer on your next trip

[@craigcooper8810]

great video mate love it!!

[@daveyt4802]

Nice place for a ride!!!! 🤩

[@mjarrebola]

Does the TFT screen have bluetooth connectivity to, for example, use navigation of the mobile paired to the TFT screen?

[@aapddd]

How smooth is the quickshifter?

[@iancharlton5530]

Great vid chops what jacket are you wearing the green one that is.

[@LambChopRides]

It's the 3 in 1 jacket from Knox, link in the description 👍

[@philiproberts6947]

Be nice to see Suzuki bring back the TL1000. These engines have so much more fun in them than sitting in a ADV style bike.

[@trevorphillips3055]

Being a TL1000s owner I'd love a modern version! 👍

[@philiproberts6947]

@@trevorphillips3055 feel like they would sell reasonably well given the popularity of performance naked bikes that are about. Obviously never going make 180hp plus like a lot of the hyper naked bikes but I for one would definitely like to see one. Obviously don’t want to see the return of any rotary rear dampers,they can keep them locked away.

[@terrystratford1235]

Alot of comments about how the handling is or could be affected by a 21 front plus tubeless! Did the front give you any issues cornering?

[@brianlove6506]

If someone slid off in that weather then you were right to keep your speed down, BUT what is an adventure bike for if it can’t handle a tiny bit of cold dampness? I think you could have rode that run better with a GSX1000GT or equivalent.

[@simonchilli2088]

Great video. Where abouts in the Peloponnese were you based Mr Chops?

[@LambChopRides]

Loutraki if that means anything to you 👍

[@simonchilli2088]

@@LambChopRides I'll Google maps it. I'm watching your series from 3 years ago in Greece with Motorrad. Very entertaining.

[@1990-t1j]

That looked cold. I love V-twins, hence my MT-01, XB12X and SCR950, I suppose.

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great skills. A good rider knows his own limitations and weather conditions. Nice bike. Hope you broke a few plates later on ! 👍

[@LambChopRides]

I did! Hehe 👍

[@tyreseo1284]

Did Suzuki adjust the pegs?

[@andiway1208]

Thanks Chops.......

[@citizenpmd565]

Cruise control ? I think they have added cruise now as well, did you get a chance to use it ?

[@LambChopRides]

Yes they have, and it works over a wider range of speed. Works well! 👍

[@chrissunde1104]

Hi Chopsy, what tires were on those bikes?

[@nitrousninja882]

Is the rider who came off all right? When I saw those cold wet roads I thought to myself that someone might overcook a turn or two. Good review of the bike. I will have a serious look at one at my local Suzuki dealership.

[@JDeezle21]

I don't have the money but I know this is my next bike.

[@CraigShawCraigShaw]

Good looking bike. Well spec'd. Cruise control? I went for a ride yesterday, 200mi, and I was bitching about the heat... 33C. Summertime in Aus! Wouldn't mind me some cool weather 😁

[@andrewshore262]

Yes it’s got cruise control (improved from the previous model)

[@LambChopRides]

Yes it's got cruise, should have mentioned that 👍

[@niged]

Well done you! Sensible riding. Trust the guy/girl who went down was OK? Nice bike the V Strom.

[@LambChopRides]

They actually broke their foot, busted their heal bone. Not the days riding they wanted 🙃 All OK though

[@niged]

@@LambChopRides Sorry to hear that. Hope they recover OK.

[@JEmmertz]

No big fan of the looks of the V-Strom's, but it sure looks very capable and fun to ride (under something that more resembles "normal" riding conditions at least). Thought I recognized Richy by the helmet, and sure enough it was him.

[@Tig-Boy]

Nice one Mr Lamb as usual. Take a look at some of mine and particularly 'Talking Yamaha R1 etc' and let me know your thoughts. Cheers, The Tig

[@aldvex8541]

Come on man , typically in Greece is sunny and above 20 oC even in the middle of the winter as it is now ! Suzuki just had a bad luck picking the exact week for that , the weather really tends to go mad nowdays idk if it is the climate or anything else but we experience 1 or 2 weeks in february or march which is gonna snow , and it is the last 3 years to be honest . So , about the bikes , was there a really noticeable difference between road and DE version on road ? what about stabitily ? Is the DE version more stable than the africa on road ? Cheers

[@ComfyDadShoes]

Why the price jump from the 800 to the 1050? I’d honestly spring for the 1050 if people could make it make sense.

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Interesting seeing the limits of even 6 axis IMUs and ABS. I didn't see any TC indication on the dash. The conditions looked bad but not particularly dangerous; I suppose if there's no grip, nothing is going to save you. You didn't mention what the tyres were? Michelin Pilot (?) 6s would have been my choice. Cheapo OE tyres....no thanks.

[@LambChopRides]

Tyres were decent, Bridgestone TK something... but you right, no grip is no grip no matter what aids you have!

[@skyworks1621]

I did order my standard 1050 right after EICMA and it should arrive in a few weeks. I had 3 Vstoms before, last was 1000 XT from 2018. In 2022 I went to new KTM 1290 SAS but it was stolen after 6 months. But since the 2023 Suzuki finnaly has quickshifter and TFT I wanted to go back to that great Vtwin engine. One thing I really didnt like in KTM was the suspension. Often times I went to Alps and remember some bad roads when I pushed behind 1250 GS riding really quick I was bouncing like crazy trying to be as fast. It was fun but I GS-s had better suspension and could ride faster. I have 75 kg so not heavy and you could feel that hard forks working really hard.

[@LambChopRides]

You will love it! Brilliant package

[@skyworks1621]

@@LambChopRides thanks, grettings from Slovenia.

[@redbull4fly797]

​@@skyworks1621 Kje so ti ga pa ukradli? V Sloveniji? Lp

[@skyworks1621]

@@redbull4fly797 res je v garažnih prostorih blokov v Ljubljani.

[@redbull4fly797]

@@skyworks1621 Ne bi tega pričakoval v Sloveniji, sploh glede na to, da je novejši model. Upam, da si imel vsaj kasko.

[@johnbutcher63]

I'd be asking for my money back with snow in Greece!!

[@8tavian999]

As a big fan of the Vstrom and owning 1st gen 1000, seeing the new display from gsxs-gt .... mm lovely but i do miss the original launch color scheme in champion yellow where tighes side panels and fuel tank were all yellow. I hope one day i could buy one even second hand. Bomb proof reliable bikes except clutch basket chudder thingy after about 60.000 kilometers or so due to poor design.

[@hyperthunk]

I had the sharealike clutch basket conversion done on my '04 SV1000. Honestly transformed the bike along with a tune. Smoothed it right out.

[@And_rew92]

"Get something hot"? It's 30° here, a cold beer will suit so much more.

[@kugangles9860]

Nice review. That weather looks horrid. I'd personally rather be riding in triple digit temps then the cold. Everything hurts when it's cold.

[@Gmac237]

Its a pity Suzuki didnt invest in reducing the weight of the Vstrom 1050 range. With the road version weighing in at a hefty 242kg you would think the off road version would be lighter, but no they have added an extra 10kg to the Dual Explorer. Trying to manouvere a 252 kg top heavy motorcycle off road isnt for the faint hearted.

[@inked-96]

No big adventure bike is light? 1250GS - 249KG 1250GSA - 268KG Honda Africa twin standard. 235kg. DCT 245kg. Adventure sport 245kg. DCT 250kg. Tiger 1200 - 252kg. Ktm 1290 SAS /R 245-247kg. Mulistrada v4 -240kg Multistrada Rally - 260kg. Whilst all these bikes have more power, I can guarantee that not one will match suzuki's reliability/cheap servicing costs and low OTR price. I currently have a 1200GSA 2019 for context I rode the new 1050DE on Friday. I felt no lack of power compared to my 1200GSA. It wasn't as comfortable, but nothing a seat won't solve. Gearbox was so much better than the GSA. Servicing costs are near on half. For me, being a newer rider. GSA is £1650. 1050DE £800. I've had no end of issues on my GSA. They are not as reliable as people make out. I have a test ride booked tomorrow for the Road 1050 tomorrow, just to compare and make a final decision on which V strom to go for.

[@petermcgarva7207]

The things you have to do , back to decent bikes soon Chopsie

[@frankmorris2603]

I'm curious about your honest opinion on the V Strom verses KTM Adventure. I test rode both and i found the ride quality was full on in favour of the Kato.

[@LambChopRides]

The 1290 Adventure? Yes it's a serious weapon and way more power than the Vstrom. If your a full hooligan like me then yes I prefer it. But the vstrom isn't in that same top of the line Adventure bike lineup price point is much lower. Its also more comfortable, probably also more reliable and cheaper to run. Horse for courses and all that 👍

[@frankmorris2603]

@@LambChopRides Got it thanks John. I didn't do serious off rd stuff but it was just a noticeable difference in handling and feel. I'd have either or both don't worry. 👍

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Loved the old V-Strom, great engine, really engaging bike. I would have bought one but, sadly, with my 30 inch inseam, it's just too tall for me. I had one for a month and had to check road camber, etc., when stopping. Not a relaxing ride. Please start the campaign for the preservation of V twins.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes very good idea! I will start a petition 😆👍

[@neilking1]

Shame about the conditions. You failed to mention if it had heated grips or centre stand option, I guess not and I cannot understand why manufacturers don't fit these as standard. I can't imagine it would add much to the overall cost!

[@LambChopRides]

Centre Stand yes standard fitment, unfortunately heated grips are an option.. could have done with those! 👍

[@glenns001]

cant believe you let Richy get away from you, haha, wait till he gets it off road, he loves it, im the same in the wet though, not worth it if you come off ;)

[@LambChopRides]

I know I wasn't happy about it 😆 but it was certainly the right thing to do in the conditions

[@michelangelocaruso3867]

Mr. Chops ti vedo bene al caldo del clima greco, a britishman in Greece what else?

[@mloclam6917]

Is there any reason for a 19 inch front wheel on a road bike

[@thewoodster8607]

As opposed to?

[@savr1200gs]

Good lad RV flying the flag for the Northerners 😂