Why did I buy a Suzuki V-STROM 1050DE?

[@Exacerbate42]

I've been riding the V-Strom 1050 DE in blue and white for a year. I drove through the winter in Germany. I am 1.80m tall. Despite the low seat, it took me a long time to get used to it due to the high center of gravity. (Seat height is normal 880mm, with low seat 850mm.) But now that's no longer a problem for me. A really great motorcycle. So far I've only driven it on the road. The only problem is the fiddly ignition lock. But let's see what they say at the inspection in a month.

[@4rocksteady440]

I am your height and I have a 2020. The bike fits me perfectly and has really good power!

[@Richard-y3q2n]

I'm 6.5", when i had my crf serviced i had a 1050xt as a loan bike. Never thought about these bike before but it was brilliant. Comfortable snd great to ride. Put the screen right up and it was silent, no wind noise whatsoever

[@konstantinostzanakis2050]

Solid bike japanese reliability , the price of 8 k is really rediculus. I have a red /white 2022 1050xt, she makes me smile daily. Stay safe & enjoy the bike!!

[@ttmadness34]

Just put a deposit down on one of these in the black. Good deals to be had at the moment and it comes with the side cases free. Been looking for a bike for a while to replace my Thunderbird 1600. I do love that bike, but need something that I can use every day for work, weekends away and for taking my lad on the back. I think the v strom will be all the bike I need. :)

[@tomstc]

@@ttmadness34 excellent stuff, I'm sure you'll love it

[@crabbitoldgit6053]

Good vid Tom. Bought myself the same bike 3 weeks ago and lovin' it to bits. Don't worry about the tubed front tyre, as the old saying goes "front tyre flicks the nail up and the rear tyre catches it".

[@tomstc]

Thanks mate for this

[@Paeload]

The lowering peg kit (flat plates) with a shifter extension is the key to making it fit perfectly. Easy to install and worth it! Seat concepts tall seat and Rox Risers for handlebars and Voila…… perfect fit. I did this to mine as a 6’3 270-lbs rider. You’re welcome.

[@tomstc]

@Paeload Hi thanks for the comment, since making this video I have installed the 30mm higher seat and rolled the bars forward makes all the difference

[@mikelight]

I'm 6'1" and looking at a slightly older 1050. Glad its a comfortable machine for the taller rider. I'd prefer tubless all round, but tubed wheels are more resilient off road. I assume Suzuki are trying to get the best of both worlds with an easy to repair tubless rear, and a resilient front wheel

[@mickleblance8805]

I just purchased a leftover 2023 1050DE, I love the bike! It is great on gravel roads! Congrats on your new ride!

[@tomstc]

Thank you!!!

[@FredDijcks]

Nice to hear why you chose that bike. Thanks. I am 6.1 and even use a high seat (91 cm) on my 1050DE from 2023. Very comfortable and more room to sit backwards if you like. Rolling into a full stop I move slightly forward to get two feet flat on the ground and thus easier to balance. Until now only used it on the street. Great bike. The testrider on ADV pulse from 29 November 2023 states that a lot of off-road guys will run a tube in the front, just because you're likely to get a flat there and possibly damage the rim and you cannot hammer the damage out easily when on a trip. Also that flat on the rear tire mostly never happens. I have no experience yet but sounds logic to me. From 06:37

[@903lew]

Great video for me. 6’5” With long legs, currently on a Tracer 700 which while great for commuting and just going about for an hour or so…well, it’s a bit wee. Went on a tour for a week in the Baltic states and while it did the job (well) I wasn’t spoiled for comfort or indeed handling on the gravel roads of eastern Latvia. Going to test ride some big Vstroms but I figure I’d stick with the regular 1050. 19” wheel will do me fine and I’ve sworn off tubes. Problem is finding one with cruise control at a decent price…

[@tomstc]

The baltics sound awesome, good luck with your Motorcycle shopping

[@903lew]

@@tomstc If you like gravel and forests and experiencing a different part of Europe it’s very much recommended.

[@283341]

Nice video! Bought the exact same bike in April this year! Driven it just over 3000km absolutely love it! Thank you for the video really enjoyed watching it!

[@tomstc]

@283341 that's awesome thanks for watching they truly are an underrated bike!!!!

[@Garry2749]

Fuel exhausts sound awesome on these. Love mine. Done 5k in a year cracking bit of kit.

[@bryandumbrell8626]

Hi Tom, I bought a 1050de brand new last year. It’s a great bike and 2000 miles in now. The Fuel Stealth exhaust makes it sound great and also looks good. The quick shifter takes a bit of getting used to but keeping the power on moving up the box works well for me. It’s a great bike for the bigger lads, you’ll love it 👍

[@tomstc]

Thanks for the comment, yup slowly getting used to the quick shift!

[@billboring3925]

I will advise you on one thing get a radiator guard for the radiator you you’ll thank me, I have one too. It’s a great bike probably one of the most reliable new motorcycles that engines been around. It’s proven en engine.

[@tomstc]

@billboring3925 I was actually looking at these earlier in the week

[@tojj29]

Good choice with a great bike. That new TFT is a beauty. No brainer to get that 7 year warranty, I thought I had it good with the Kwak with 4 years. Think out of the bunch you made the right choice, enjoy it bud👍👍

[@tomstc]

Thank you sir!!!

[@DarksideGT7]

Great choice Tom. I'm 1600 great miles into mine. Only 5'9+" myself so got the lowered seat option but always a happy rider when out on it.

[@tomstc]

Excellent, have you braved any trails yet? It's a bit annoying that they don't supply the adjustable seats on the DE?

[@andreglomm9843]

Just try IT today it's a awesome Bike

[@WheelieGood-el2br]

Yea I’m looking at these & a few others, love the Africa twin adventure sports I own,but the tubes are always at the back off my mind,and I don’t go of road,bad back! Enjoy your new ride 👍

[@tomstc]

Thank you 😊

[@exeterrider]

These bikes are often over looked. Suzukis PR is so quiet compared to it's competition, it's frustrating when it's such a good bike.

[@tomstc]

Totally agree!

[@ythasht3]

look at the bright side, it keeps the price low because the low marketing budget and because it's not that popular.

[@FrankBonessa]

The big 1037cc is so superior to the benelli and gs850 engines in longevity it's unbelievable. Both have chinese junk all over them. BMW engines are supposed to be made in Germany. There's a Brit that documented his DL1000 as going over 400,000 miles on the original engine. Love the grunt and gear whine. Getting my 1050 DE on Monday. Enjoy the brute.

[@tomstc]

Nice one, enjoy it

[@图派克-e9w]

chinese junk？

[@UncleRed]

A fab look into your purchase. My biggest aesthetic gripe is the very rectangular headlight... 😅 Glad you're enjoying it, buddy! And for a bit of a bargain too. 👌

[@tomstc]

I quite like that 80s style light, looks dakarish

[@tigerick7291]

It's Katana styling!

[@Exacerbate42]

I always found the round headlights of the predecessors extremely ugly. It looks much better with the square headlight. But of course that's a matter of taste.

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I made a mistake not buying one ages ago. I’m hoping to get a good, used one in the next year or so.

[@tomstc]

@@ComfyDadShoes sounds like a plan

[@suprlite]

I got a used 2008. Best bike i ever had, once the clutch basket was sorted out.

[@ythasht3]

it sounds silly, but because of the background and the landscape I want this motor... Thx for sharing.

[@tomstc]

Nope I think I know your reasoning!

[@georgehatcher8867]

Will have to get you out on the lanes, maybe get you upto Surrey Hills. I run the Honda on18-20 psi on the lanes to get better grip, and you will be able to run lower pressure on the front tyre when going off road.

[@tomstc]

Sounds like fun Dad, hope the Pyrenees is treating you well!

[@georgehatcher8867]

@@tomstc A dream for riding motorbikes on and off road

[@toltod]

Spend a long time between the 1050DE and 800DE. In the end, i got a leftover 800DE and have been happy. The legroom on the 1050DE seems odd since I'm tall and I feel like the 800 is better? Also 800 is a pretty snappy and quick engine. Traveling at higher speeds, I'd definitely take the 1050. Just a really tall bike even for me at 6'3"...meaning i wouldn't feel inspired to go offroad as I am with the 800. Wish they would give that TL engine more power ....no reason it can't pump out at least 120hp.....unless its emissions.

[@tomstc]

Thanks for the comment and details, I never tested the 800. Mainly because I didn't have cruise control.

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Good video if bike has only 500 miles on it when you bought it you’ll find the quick shifter and blipper will work better when it’s run in and should be super smooth hopefully I hope you enjoy your new bike and have some fun take care ride safe mate 💪💪👍

[@tomstc]

Thanks for the advice

[@F3udF1st]

The gear driven cam L-twin is what makes this bike 🔥Sadly you got it in the non-yellow color which is a huge mistake! SUZUKIs are supposed to be yellow.

[@tomstc]

Nah the black ones are faster

[@Banditmanuk]

Congratulations. They are great bikes and underrated, in my opinion. 8K is an absolute bargain with a Suzuki warranty. I'm always looking for the tall persons opinion. My only slight concern as I would need to tour, is the 21" tubed front. Ability to do a roadside plug repair is important to me.

[@tomstc]

Yes it's odd, so guess I will be putting some of that tube sealant in! Also looking at ways of resolving, but not a huge priority!

[@DaveWorker]

@@tomstc I cant remember ever getting a front tyre puncture, it always seems to be in the rear tyre (which you can fix with a plug on your bike)

[@williamrae9954]

Really needs an 18" rear wheel to look right,17's are for 19" fronts, one thing the German and French tuning companies change! After looking at Africa Twins and HD Pan Americas, £9495 gets you a brand new V-Strom DE now in October, an absolute bargain, and with a record for reliability...a no brainer! Enjoy!

[@offthewallsurfer1]

Great showcase of you beautiful machine! I’m 6’3”, I currently ride a Harley Low Rider S, it’s becoming a little uncomfortable for me. Looking for a taller more adventurous bike, is the V Strom 650 the same height as the 1050? I like the 1050, but the price point of the 650 is more appealing to me. What are your thoughts and do you think the 650 would be adequate for my height? Thanks in advance!

[@tomstc]

@offthewallsurfer1 hi thanks for the comment. I will be totally honest I have never even looked at the 650, so I think it will be a good idea for you to have a sit on one.

[@offthewallsurfer1]

@@tomstc I appreciate your honesty, thanks for the reply! Enjoy your bike, cheers 🍻 from 🇺🇸

[@erikbarkefors2441]

Have you thought of lowering the foot pegs? (I am 6'4")

[@tomstc]

@@erikbarkefors2441 I am considering but not yet

[@stevedavies-pp7dp]

I’ve had one in my garage now for 3 weeks and used it once for 80 mile trip … they came and collected it yesterday as I thought I’ll never bother using it again 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@tomstc]

@@stevedavies-pp7dp oh whys that?

[@stevedavies-pp7dp]

@@tomstc lovely bike , indeed I had the Suzuki TL1000R brand new and I believe that’s more or less the same engine .. but coming from a BMW R1200RS I just found the Suzuki unexciting to ride so much so I’ve found myself not even bothering to go for a ride 🤷🏻‍♂️ I can’t fault the V strom and if I had to take a bike then I’ve no doubt the thing would suffice but instead I take to car and that’s not like me … the pegs make walking with it a chore , the power or rather lack of it leave you wishing for me … it’s a nice bike but very vanilla

[@tomstc]

@stevedavies-pp7dp appreciate that, thanks for watching and the comments. So did you get another bike?

[@stevedavies-pp7dp]

@@tomstc I’ve had all kinds of bikes over the years and today I have a BMW R1200RS kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6esoHWbosmarsUsi=tSCsyFIUPdfMeFcX

[@timdobby5365]

I had a 1200GS that was better balanced, much easier to handle and push around but the Suzuki 1037 engine is a beaut in my opinion, immensely durable and for road riding in UK I cannot see why you need more power. I do find my 1050XT heavy though and the seat comfort is pretty poor on long trips plus the manually adjustable screen is noisy at motorway speeds (like many bikes). But the build and longevity of the V-Strom models make them incredibly good value when discounted new or bought used.

[@GermanJobbies]

Nice one mate 👍 I can tell you're loving her already. I actually find the seat a tad hard but bums are very subjective 😅😅

[@tomstc]

Bums have their own personal opinions

[@GermanJobbies]

@@tomstc yeah some are very outspoken 🤣

[@tomstc]

@@GermanJobbies 💨

[@billboring3925]

I will advise you on one thing get a radiator guard for the radiator you you’ll thank me

[@almightybilly]

Dude makes it look like a DL250 Vietname special edition

[@tomstc]

@@almightybilly haha

[@2Cranks1bike]

Peak reliability. It's funny how it still looks small on you lol.

[@tomstc]

Haha, i make all bikes look small!

[@gpzfan5272]

Looks like you need to add some preload to the rear

[@tomstc]

It feels ok, I'm not a suspension expert. Maybe o should look into?

[@robertkollath8929]

Nice vid. 😊 I have a 2015 versys 1000 could you compare? My first time I subscribed and yes I am 6'4".

[@tomstc]

@robertkollath8929 thanks very much, I've never ridden a Versys 1000, maybe I should?

[@gtaradio5178]

What’s your inseam

[@tomstc]

@@gtaradio5178 34 inch

[@tigerick7291]

8k? Bargain. It doesn't need a tail tidy, its not a track bike. But it does need an exhaust upgrade to make it sound like it should.

[@tomstc]

Looking at exhausts but may have to wait

[@Adventure_blac]

Bro whose farm are you on?🤣🤣

[@RobbiePfunder]

so youre 6'6"? I'm 6' 3".. think it will fit me ok?

[@tomstc]

I would say so yes

[@RobbiePfunder]

@@tomstc thx, great helpful vid man

[@tomstc]

@@RobbiePfunder great glad I could help

[@mrniceguy4920]

always the same rambling

[@tomstc]

@@mrniceguy4920 er? Thanks for the comment I think?

[@mrniceguy4920]

@@tomstc it's not you, it's me

[@gscheben123]

This makes NO sense! He owned a AfricaTwin that he ADMITS was a far superior bike, SELLS it (at a loss), to buy a cheaper inferior bike? He just strikes me as a KZbin ClickCount salesman, not a ADVrider. Weird.

[@tomstc]

Thanks for the comment! But no, I didn't sell an AT or even own one. I rode an africa twin but preferred this and got a better deal

[@instandr7792]

The tube in the 21inch front let's you lower the pressure for very loose surfaces. You "can't" do it on a 21i tubeless :)

[@tomstc]

That's a very good point!

[@instandr7792]

@@tomstc and then if you lower too much on a tubeless tire, the risk is that the tire will get off of the rim. Obviously, all of this is about offroad riding. Nice bike and ride safe :)