85,000 Mile Long Term Review Suzuki V-Strom DL1000

[@bbevis2357]

I bought my 2008 Vee with over 100,000 miles. I have 116,000 on it now. The prior owner used it for commuting as am I. It hasn't been completely trouble-free but considering the mileage I've been impressed.

[@bbevis2357]

The clutch chudder is no joke, it gets worse over time. Mine had gotten so bad the engine felt awful at low rpm and the last straw was when it became unsafe to ride. Occasionally I would go to pull away as normal and the clutch would violently grab on its own, making the bike jerk forward. No bueno. I have a modified Werks basket in it now and while its not smooth like an I4 its significantly better and engages like it should. Worth noting that when I pulled it apart the clutch plates were OEM and probably original.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for sharing your insights here for others. I'm sure many will find it helpful. I do.

[@happytoo10]

Just bought a 2014 DL 1000 A, over the years I have owned many (30+) bikes, this bike is something else, I don’t often say this but this one is a long term bike,absolutely love it,so glad I didn’t buy the other very popular brand of off-road touring bike.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I've rented the "other very popular bike" once out of curiosity and, while it was a nice ride, it wasn't better in any notably significant way (for the riding I do) and I'm aware of the very significant acquisition cost difference as well as the difference in typical maintenance costs.

[@graemesaxon2067]

My 08 model.just clicked over 75000km no trouble just normal servicing and replacement of consumables great bike so happy with it

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching and for throwing in your insights for others. Agree, one of the best values in motorcycling a guy can find.

[@bartologomezheredia3510]

Congratulations on 85,000 miles

[@alxx1378]

They are indistractable I still have a dl1000 2002 model over 145000 klm. Never opened the engine three times valve adjustment. Bought it for 5000 euro at the end of 2007 with 25000 klm. It's the underdog of 1000 cc ADV bikes. 93 horses on the wheel so it was strong at that time, better than GS, varadero Honda and others.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I find 93 to be plenty, even today. Thanks for watching!

[@patricklall4433]

Thanks for all your DL1000 videos! I wish I had the courage to work on my DL1000 like you do, but I'd be too afraid. Loving the channel.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thank you for watching! Hope they are helpful in some way.

[@dermotfarrelly7825]

Good morning from Ireland...love this channel, keep it up ! I'm learning a lot here

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Good morning from Los Angeles! Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@Bdub1952]

60k+ on my '02 V-Strom, bought new. Sure, it's only worth three grand now, but what could I possibly replace it with that would give me the same value? It's been dead reliable and the valves just seem to stay put, right in spec. Love the bike, can't imagine not having it. One note though, DO replace your battery at five year intervals. I tried to stretch that limit a couple of batteries ago and my beloved V-Strom left me stranded in the mountains 50 miles from any town. Fortunately, I was riding with a couple of buddies and got a ride home. Next day we drove my truck back into the Idaho mountains to pick up the bike (with a new battery). I tried to jump start it, and it would start but as soon as I removed the cables it died. Lesson learned! Thanks for the great content, Strommers are a great community.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your insights here. Agree with everything you said - especially the Strom community.

[@repetitivemotion]

I just rode my 2014 DL 225 miles today in southeastern Wisconsin. What a bike. I was ripping thru twisty road all day today. The V-Twin is an awesome engine. Plenty of power and the light weight of the bike makes it handle very quickly.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! Wisconsin is one of my favorite states in the union to ride in. Color me jealous!

[@FastSundayflyer]

Hi, at just under500 lbs. I wouldn't exactly call it light weight!! Also it is the most top heavy bike I have ever ridden! 😲

[@repetitivemotion]

@@FastSundayflyer lighter than a cruiser. What other liter adv bikes do you compare it to?

[@FastSundayflyer]

I know the Vstrom is lighter than the HD or BMW adventure bikes and much lighter than the baggers. My v 650 is about 80 lbs. Heavier than my previous Kawa 454LTD. I found it a bit of a handfull to get it moving before it dumped sideways on me! It does handle very well once its over 5 mph. I also had to change my brakeing method to keep the bike from diving hard in a stop! Now that I figured that out, I the top heavyness isn't that much of an issue. Finally beginning to enjoy riding it! Cheers! 😁

[@repetitivemotion]

@@FastSundayflyer right . I hear you now. You are riding smaller displacement scoots, which naturally are going to be lighter weight since the engine is the heaviest part of the bike. For me, power is most important and I don’t want to ride anything less than 1,000 cc’s. So I’m comparing the VStrom 1000 to other large displacement bikes. My other road bike is a 2004 Honda VTX1300C, which is a tank compared to the Strom. Last month I rode an HD Road Glide in the Colorado Rockies. That thing weighs 950lbs empty, I think. So my point was that a 1,000 cc Strom is light and quick compared to most of the big liter+ bikes out there. And I’m not including sport or super sport in the calculus, because those are not touring bikes.

[@jameswalstrom2433]

Great show... Enjoyed it. Just bought a 2006 V Strom 650. I'm Loving it. I will be watching more of your channel... Thank You.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@firstcomment2801]

HI. opened my valves to almost max, this bike really breathes now. DL1000 is a BEAST. excellent bike.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! Yes, love mine, though sometimes I wish I enjoyed the fuel economy of the 650. Other times I'm glad I have the power I have. I go back and forth, depending on whether I have my hand on the throttle or the fuel pump handle.

[@lukeperhaps2734]

Glad I found your channel. One of the best bike reviews I've seen. Looking forward to catching up on your previous reviews.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thank you for watching and welcome!

[@l.j.b9863]

Delighted to see you back on KZbin !

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thank you. I'm not leaving, though admittedly there are things going on in my personal life that are slowing my posting a bit. Good things, necessary things. I won't ever leave though. Well, I'll die someday so I guess that's an overstatement. :)

[@Buzz.Scholz-vi1ed]

G'day from the land down under. Got an 07 dl 650. Purchased it with just 2300km on it in 09. Today in 2024 it now has 165,000km. It's not my only bike, otherwise it would be double that. No issues other than regular maintenance and consumables. First battery lasted 11 years. I do all my own servicing and replacement of chains/sprockets, tyres, brake pads, spark plugs etc. Recently the starter motor was getting sluggish. After checking voltage, I decided to remove it and dismantle for diagnosis. Turns out the brushes were a little tired. I cleaned things up and reinstalled it and it's now working like new. New brushes are ordered. Whole job took less than 20 minutes. Easy peasy. And that's it! Zero other issues. I do a lot of dirt, and equally a lot of long distance. Everywhere is long way from here in outback South Australia, and the fuel range is a great asset. I added a used dl1000 to my collection recently, with the plan to sell the 650. No one thinks it's worth anything with the high mileage, so I kept it. It is remains my "go to" machine for every day riding. I planned to do the "big lap" when I bought it. That hasn't happened for various reasons, but, I still might do it on this unstoppable bike. Sure, there are many haters of the strom range. And when I come across a Ewan/Charlie copycat on a GS with an internet of farkles scoffing my weapon of choice, I respond by asking if they have actually ridden one. Obviously not everyone's preference, but it suits my budget and situation nicely, and the ridiculous reliability is a bonus. Happy trails

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Absolutely love your story! Yes, these are amazingly reliable machines. 11 years from a battery! That's one I've not heard before. Good for you! Or should I say good on ya? Thanks for watching and sharing. Greetings from Los Angeles!

[@stanleymartin7469]

These v Strom 1000 bikes can go well over 200,000 miles and more, alt of other manufacturers have purchased these motors for their bikes because they run so well and strong. Well worth your money

[@StormInFlorida]

I got my 2018 VStrom 1000 from a dealership. I am currently having to do a good amount of maintenance on mine. It is really costing me a lot but these last major maintenance fixes hopefully keep me set for a time but it has certainly given me confidence. I am not sure if I will ever get another motorcycle, but if I ever do it will absolutely be a brand new Vstrom. It really is a bike that can do it all and is pretty easy to work on.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I have thought about getting a next gen Strom like yours but mine just keeps one working so well I can't justify it. Maybe someday, but definitely another strom. Thanks for watching.

[@matthewbarger4592]

Finally a straight talker, I've got my eyes on you!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonmnelson]

Thanks for the update! I’ve got my eye on an ‘07 DL1000 with 25k miles for $3,500. These really do look like great, reliable bikes for the money.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

That sounds like a great deal from where I'm sitting.

[@jonmnelson]

@@UrbanMonkTV Wish I had your know how, but it seems like not much goes wrong if even halfway well maintained, and anything that does can be fixed fairly reasonably. It just seems so capable.

[@smashy_smasherton]

I just bought an 06 with 35000 KM for about that and Im absolutely in love with it. Has the power commander and 2 brothers pipes and it hauls a$$ and sounds great!

[@randycarter5410]

Can't go wrong with that 😎👍👍

[@fourehorsemen]

Hang onto that bike, it has certainly been good to you thus far. Well used and that likely has a lot to do with it all.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

You're right about that. Motorcycles like to be used and don't do well sitting for long periods of time. Thanks for watching!

[@eelcodewal3729]

Wow, I never should have sold mine 😊 Really enjoyed your calm and skilled explenations!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thank you for watching!

[@bobbyedal2737]

Hi urban, good to see you back on here doing what you do best. Keep it going mate. 😀👍👍👍

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks! Happy to be here!

[@aroundonabike5028]

I know exactly how you feel. I see no reason to "upgrade" from my Ténéré 660 Betty either. Thanks for another excellent video!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

That's one thing I love about your channel! You keep taking Betty out on adventures and never turn your back on her.

[@mototurkey5289]

Great video UM! My ‘05 Suzuki Vstrom DL1000 is something I’m considering selling (to finance another bike) but for many of the same reasons you stated, I really am having a hard time either parting with it or thinking anything could really be much better… great vids, please keep us going with the little things here and there on the garage and winter riding you do. Cheers!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for the kind words! Will do.

[@sostareci]

I have a 2018 with 25K. It keeps going and going. Not a single thing. I change oil every 3500K, Shell Rotella regular or full synthetic. It is easy a 100K bike

[@UrbanMonkTV]

...and tires are inexpensive, and chains and sprockets are inexpensive and last a long time, and the seat holds up well without rips and I rode mine across the country in comfort and...I can keep going. Thanks for watching!

[@Jackas92]

best v-strom channel on youtube, im getting my first bike soon and looking for one with the right miles and price :)

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks! Good luck finding your bike and, once you find your special machine, enjoy the journeys!

[@mauricejanssen5926]

Same here, 145oookm without much of a problem. 2006 K6.....Survided 2 slides and 2 accidents. Except the clutch-slave cylinder problem, again. Now to be replaced. And the dynamo(alternator) broke at 125oookm. (replaced with a dl650 alternator. As you said, the bike does it all very well, so why change it...

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@ASMRekt]

I think you’d enjoy reading zen and art of motorcycle maintenance. It’s really cool how far the absolute minimum parts amount of parts can take a person with small deliberate adjustments

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! I've read it! A couple times. And Lila too! Great book.

[@mohinderis]

Nice videos, looking forward on your experience with this bike :) Had 2006 v-strom 1000 and now looking for an upgrade to 2016

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@ecttreker9816]

Great to see another of ur videos. Have watched them all👍👍

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I appreciate that. Thank you!

[@andrewcoulthard1651]

Currently ride a BMW F650. Another very reliable bike. V Strom is on the list as a replacement.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching. I've heard good things about the reliability of the F650s, but I don't have any firsthand experience with them. I will say my 1000cc engine is more than is necessary most of the time and I sacrifice fuel economy for that extra power. Of course Strom comes in 650 also.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

which the single rotax or twin

[@SurvivalNomad]

Thanks Monk! I hope my 650 is as maintenance free over time.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

As another wise commentor stated here...if you use it regularly, it probably will. And you'll enjoy better fuel economy than me along the way with your 650. Thanks for watching!

[@scottmackenzie5730]

Thanks for the content ,i was wondering if you still have the cx500. I found your videos very helpful in my own cx upkeep.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I do, but I have been too busy to keep up with 3 bikes and will probably sell the CX. Thanks for watching.

[@robertmedlen8289]

Just bought an 03 DL1000 with 54k for $700. Needs some TLC but It’ll be a great ADV bike for the money!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@robertmedlen8289 Thanks for watching! Enjoy your new Strom. I'm now at 96k miles and still running flawlessly.

[@robertmedlen8289]

@ Thanks! Your maintenance tutorials will help a ton as I fix it up!

[@jimdiamond8246]

New bikes are over complicated electrical nightmares .I will be travelling to the USA in a couple of months and the bike I am going to buy to ride around the USA is a v Strom 1000 .

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Good choice! Thanks for watching!

[@bobballuff8992]

Have you done fork seals? If so, what kind did you get? Thanks for your videos. Love my vstrom. Bob

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Haven't needed to yet but plan a fork oil change video yet this year. I'll swap them with new at that time regardless of their condition. As for the seal itself, I see they run $20/set of 2 (plus shipping) for OEM without the dust seals. $44 with the OEM dust seals (aka wipers). Aftermarket run as low as $11.49 (free shipping) on eBay for all 4 (2 of each set) a brand I've never heard of. I'd honestly go with the cheap ones because my curiosity to test their longevity compared to the OEM supercedes my desire to repeat the performance I've experienced with OEM. I'm just weird that way. If they leak sooner, I will have learned something and will just swap them out again. Not a choice for everyone. And FWIW, the oil is more expensive than the seals in the end. Thanks for watching!

[@rvator7291]

You have maintained it well,and no doubt will do 100k easily. I was glad I did not put off my dl650s first valve check.Had to change 7 of 8 shims at 15k miles. Another 70k miles and I will compare to yours. Ha

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching. Enjoy the next 70000 miles! Hope you see some nice places and eat some great meals.

[@christoforospilitsis541]

You’re a real cool Guy! @@UrbanMonkTV

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@christoforospilitsis541 Well thanks! I have many less-than-cool moments, truth be told.

[@D.J.ZAPELO]

Regarding the wear, 15.000miles check is really not needed?!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Based on my experience I'd agree with you almost 100%. But I did need to adjust one exhaust shim at the first check interval with mine. I've not not needed to adjust that one since, but it keeps me going in there to look and be sure. I don't mind the chore. There's a Zen in it. Thanks for watching!

[@lobolj53]

Nice. I have 84,000 on mine. Blown fork seal on it right now, parts coming in next week. That's the only issue it has given me.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@lobolj53 Thanks for watching! I haven't experienced any trouble with forks yet but I aim to replace fluid soon and figure I may as well replace seals at the same time.

[@Euronasa]

Brilliant review. Bike is reliable. Japanese quality at it's best.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thank you for watching!

[@hichamammi5072]

Where did you get the Shinko decal?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! Shinko supported my Palms, Pines & Fishing Lines motocamping adventure and sent them along with a couple tires for the trip. You can see how well the rear held up under heavy loads, high miles and super high temps... kzbin.info/aero/PL2518uxZnBT0239YgcJT3paUMf05VJNp2&si=W21pal3YNRJjYeTC

[@derweibhai]

My 2014 has 36,000 on it. Great bike.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! I'd call yours "like new" with that few miles on it.

[@stevef8763]

Hi, how involved is the shim change, any special tools required. Just started following you and intending to get a used dl1000 shortly. Rgds

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! I have videos on how to do it so you can preview the process. 2-part series. Part 1 : kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIaUf2ihiNR_bNksi=fHvdipxyTBRAhla2

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oICXZnaYidl1p80si=GWtCi73YfGGrC7Yg

[@stevef8763]

Many thanks, got it. Take care.

[@beyondupnorth]

I picked up a 2011 dl1000 in 2022 with 9200 kms with cases and a few extras. 7500 Cdn Doesnt sound like ill ever be wble to wear it out in the land of ice and snow. It does have the 2500 3000 rpm lean backfire issuse though. Any thoughts on the healtech fuel tuners? At 200 they seem the most reasonable priced.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! I don't have any first hand knowledge of those fuel modules so I couldn't comment with any authority sorry. That said would likely do the trick if they work at all and have to guess they do.

[@BlueRidgeKat1]

Have a 2012 650 that just rolled over on 90,000 miles and no valve adjustments. I bought it for a commuter and work 6 or 7 days a week and don't have time to tear into an engine. If it quits tomorrow I've got my money out of it. It does get plugs and a air filter every 20,000, I can do that fairly quickly now. It's had many different brands of oil in it every 6 or 7 thousand miles but always 10W 40 and full syn. I'm thinking it should at least be good for another 30k.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! Or perhaps another 100k miles! 😀

[@SV1HFK]

hi, from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean !! Thanks for this helpful video !! i got a question!! For an acccurate result , concerning the cilynders compession do we have to have the Throttle open or FULL OPEN while pressing the ignition switch ? Thanks anyway !!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Hello from LA! Thanks for watching. I think of it this way...An IC engine is essentially a fluid pump. Albeit a pump with a combustion added at a critical time. A compression check is basically a measure of that "pump's" ability to move that fluid through (while also bringing it to pressure levels that exploit the advantage of that combustion). Air and fuel vapor are fluids. Anything that limits (throttles) the pumps ability to move the fluid runs counter to the intent of the measurement. So yes, throttle wide open.

[@SV1HFK]

@@UrbanMonkTV nice and clear , thanks a lot !!

[@calummccreath2345]

Can I ask a dumb question please? Okay then …2! When you do maintea ce that requires the side panels coming off, why wouldn’t you take off the crash bars or at least loosen them off? Working on mine (2008 K8) and getting grumpy with it!!!!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I just see fiddling with the crash bars as extraneous effort. I've found a way to get those fairings off quickly without and for me it just seems more expeditious. Thanks for watching and good luck with yours. Half the fun is the journey. Maybe more.

[@ohiobackroads1548]

Hello from Ohio. Really like your channel and great content. I have a question if you can help me. I own a 2008 vstrom dl 1000 with 25,000 miles that has developed the typical clutch rattle. My dl has never seen dirt or used in extreme manner.. I can live with noise, but my concern is will I have a major mechanical failure if I don't replace the basket. What would you do. THANKS.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! I guess my action in your case would depend on the severity of the "idle knock." Does it become completely smooth when you pull in the clutch lever? And does feathering the clutch still go smoothly when you start from a standstill or is torque delivered "notchy?"

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I 100% wish this dude was my neighbor. He’s like a motorcycle sommelier.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Where do you live? Maybe my wife will like the neighborhood! 🙂 Thanks for watching!

[@ComfyDadShoes]

@@UrbanMonkTV Gulf Coast, but I wish it was somewhere with mountains like Oregon!

[@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773]

I have my eye on a VStrom 650, but worried about weight as I crushed 3 retebre recently and I need to be able to lift it the bike. Love if there was a lighter 450...There was a Susuki 300 duel sport but gearing was weird and it was very revy. So what's the perfect adventure bike for someone with osteoporosis? 😅

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching. I can say my 1000 is pretty heavy to pick up from its side. Not sure about 650 as I've not had the pleasure, but both bikes have a rather healthy fuel capacity and carry the fuel weight pretty high. I'm not much help in getting to an actionable answer in your particular case. Sorry for that.

[@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773]

@@UrbanMonkTV Thanks, I think I just need to get to the gym more!

[@motokev2727]

I have a 2007 vstrom 1000 with 13k miles. Yeah, I don't drive it much. Sometimes with I come to a fast stop, the bike stalls. I was thinking maybe the kickstand is moving enough. I might bypass the kickstand safety switch to see what happens. Another thingy with my bike. After a ride, antifreeze comes out of the black tubes. Any thoughts on both issues ?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Does it immediately run when you restart it? Thanks for watching BTW.

[@ЕсинСергей-134]

Добрый день. Скажите пожалуйста, какое масло Вы заливаете в двигатель байка?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Спасибо за просмотр моего видео. Подробно о масле, которое использую, я рассказываю в этом видео. Надеюсь, вы найдете это полезным. Привет из Лос-Анджелеса. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKrFY3p8q69kmLcsi=X_e5m9QJCm7Arpv9

[@ЕсинСергей-134]

@@UrbanMonkTV спасибо! Привет из Екатеринбурга ! 🤝🏼

[@evandeloo]

Thanks for your honest review, love it. My question to you is, is this bike okay for smaller riders, 167cm or 65,7 inches. I have th opportunity to buy a good second hand one

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! I will answer your question this way...I'm 6ft 1in (1.854m) tall with a 32in (81.3cm) inseam and I sit flat-footed at stops, but with no bend in my knees.

[@vmrksa]

Hi! Great chanel and great bike! I have Vstom 1000 2007 with 80 000 km and it is running great! Do Your bike have abs? And what is Your opinion on abs? Tnx👍

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! My DL1000 does not have ABS. My personal thoughts on ABS is it is a great idea for more inexperienced riders, but for old dogs like me who've been riding since 1982, it isn't necessary and amounts to added cost and complexity. It all comes down to rider experience and skill. My $0.02.

[@vmrksa]

@@UrbanMonkTV Thank You for the answer!!

[@davidphillips7255]

ABS is a good idea if you ride in heavy modern traffic; especially in the wet. I rode 40 years without it and didn't need it until I did. My 14 DL 1000 had it . That bike had really impressive 4 pot twin discs and I could actually stop faster using threshold braking and not activating the ABS. That is not the case with my newer bikes. The ABS on my newer bikes; a 16 Burgman 400 and a 17 Honda CB500F, works flawlessly. It is shocking how fast those bikes will stop. The Burgman is stock and I have HH pads on the Honda. Now that I'm an older rider; I would not own a bike without ABS. It has saved me a couple of times.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@davidphillips7255 Thanks for watching and for commenting. I must admit I've not had a chance to ride one of the newer Stroms with ABS in anything but perfect weather. Your points are well taken and welcome here.

[@cdnrider6200]

nice video

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@benhutton8248]

Top bikes

[@EtanRowleS]

Anderson Lisa Gonzalez John Hernandez Jeffrey

[@jasonlevinge6965]

Less talk, more work....

[@mototurkey5289]

Great video UM! My ‘05 Suzuki Vstrom DL1000 is something I’m considering selling (to finance another bike) but for many of the same reasons you stated, I really am having a hard time either parting with it or thinking anything could really be much better… great vids, please keep us going with the little things here and there on the garage and winter riding you do. Cheers!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! I'll keep up the vids.

[@ASMRekt]

I think you’d enjoy reading zen and art of motorcycle maintenance. It’s really cool how far the absolute minimum parts amount of parts can take a person with small deliberate adjustments

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I know the book well. A "quality" read.