Bike Review | 2018 Suzuki Vstrom 1000XT (and friends)

[@caffreysgsarider8531]

I've owned my VStrom 1000 sport for a month now, having come from an MT09 Tracer, they are light years apart in comfort, power and ridability. Without a doubt hands down the best decision I've made, yes you could always have more but pound for pound I think it's better value than the other "top of the line" ADV bikes out there.

[@michaelbyrne5666]

Bought a brand new V650 XT last week Richy in yellow with the gold spoked wheels. Cannot wait to collect this week.

[@elitetileandstone]

Thanks in part to this review, I just pulled the trigger on a 2019 1000XT Adventure. The bike can nicely equipped with heated grips, engine guards and SW Motech Trax Adventure aluminum bags. I never really liked the plastic panniers. The last Suzuki I owned was a 1978 GS1000E I loved that bike and beat the hell out if it. I guess thats to be expected when you're only 19 years old. Now 58, I promise to take care of this one. I hope to have it a long long time!

[@RichyVida]

Congrats! 👍

[@elitetileandstone]

@@RichyVida , thank you, sir! 👍

[@mrt3976]

now on my third vstrom 650, had loads of different bikes in the past and also have a gs1150 in the garage, for me the strom is the perfect do it all bike at a decent price, chuck on a few extras and it's damp near perfect, great series of films from you guys, well done and thank you all.

[@OperationFoxley19441]

I agree, I getting one next year!!

[@gregaburo]

on my shopping list for spring 2019 the XT wit Akrapovic of course.

[@650GSF]

my mate bought one about two years ago, he loves it no intension of replacing it, good bike to munch up them miles. I am still playing with my 650 bandit, it has been faultless for about 8 years now, they are a bit out dated these days but they are a good cheap all round bike, another good bike for touring on.

[@citizenpmd565]

nice one, I’ve just ordered a thou XT in white, trading in my BMW R1200R. The BM is a good bike (mostly !) but the leg position is very cramped and my aged knees need a break. Test rode an XT and blown away, it basically outperformed the BM all ends up. The riding position is spot on, relaxed legs with a comfy though hard seat which I could easily spend all day on. The transmission is superb with the gear box snicking up the ratios mega smoothly. I was surprised how good the brakes are, maybe not quite as much feel as the Brembo’s on the BM but not by much, and they are super strong. The suspension is spot on, it flattens bumps that the BM would clatter over and thats before it would be set up for my weight etc. Genuinely amazed how good this bike is, a real “sleeper” of a bike, it may not have the prestige badge but in the metal its spot on, nothing feels cheap or flimsy and the current offers from Suzuki are great.

[@derbyshireweddingevents3113]

This is one of my strong replacement contenders in exchange for my Verysus 1000

[@jlegresley]

You didn't mention the buffeting from the windscreen, (which I and everyone else I know complain about). Once you change that, and put a proper skid plate and change the side luggage set, it isn't a half bad ride.

[@sirrideabit651]

Your right in saying Suzuki's top of the range adventure bikes should come with cruise control and heated grips as standard like most other top manufacturers, especially as they are made for touring, hopefully for the suzuki fans they listen to you.

[@billgilkerson5294]

Two or three thousand more msrp and they would be up against the others . Price and simplicity win out for some of the wise.

[@maz2496]

I just traded in my gs1200 ,2016, spent more time in the dealer , I know have a brand new v storm 650 with luggage , crash bar, spotlights etc and they gave me 3000 on top, great bike the v strong

[@adamking6419]

Hi Rich great review Ive just purchased the 1000xt. Its a cracking bike, with great power low down in the revs, easy to ride, great handling. Like you found out. You have to spend a good day with it to get to know It. Yes it lacks a few luxury items but it isnt the price of its rivals. Its the afordable end of the adventure touring market mine cost me £8500.00 new. plus £750.00 of free accessories of your choice. I couldnt say no.

[@davidarchibald5578]

What the bike like on Fuel? what do you reckon to a tank full?dave

[@adamking6419]

David Archibald i put in £ 20 (about fills it up) Ive done 118 miles on it today fuel range says ive got about 80 miles left. Thats all types Of riding 30s 40s 60s and motorway at 85 for abot 20miles

[@citizenpmd565]

Adam King agreed, I’ve had a 1000 xt for 8 months, absolutely brilliant bike. Ride around with a knowing smile, read the forums, the people who own them wouldn’t swap them. Japanese know how.

[@hessel3937]

solid conclusion and i agree completely...my strom only leaves my shed if i can trade it for an AT adventure without going bankrupt. Otherwise it stays here for quite some time i guess causse there great do it all machines...

[@CPUspeed]

Great review. Missing some things but it has hydraulic clutch and is very reliable. I think the sport won because it had no panniers and had lighter cast wheels.

[@aking610]

Just about to buy one, interest free offer too. Although I'm opting for the 1000X GT. The bhp figures and torque figures are the same according to Suzuki.

[@aking610]

Also the alloy wheels are lighter than the spoked version probably explaining the quickier midrange pick up speed.

[@marklloyd4153]

Nice ending to your Vstrom compilation . I’m thinking of the 650 . Seems the Easiest of the trio to handle .

[@neilwiddison6529]

Hi rich what was the 1000s like on fuel. As I think mpg plays a part in a good touring machine.

[@WheelsNotHeels]

Fantastic review; I'm sure it helped to have the bikes all day, too. They looked hella cool to me but if I were to get one, it'd be the 650.

[@markgatward8765]

thanks for the summary. can you do a vlog on your camping gear !

[@iantonner3123]

Nice one again Richy, I thought you boys would like these bikes, as I said previously I love my GS because you’re sat up that bit higher but with the lowdown grunt it pulls like a train and you can still throw it around,maybe we will see another new member to the wildbad family soon 😂

[@roadwarrior8560]

interesting about the 1000 and 1000 xt difference, I thought both engines were the same, sport adventure tourer it is.

[@kwak1k]

Probably just the difference in rider weight ? Could be dunno

[@neilb4297]

Good review Richy, this style of bike are great for touring; performance, comfort & payload capacity....what’s not to like?

[@robertbates1079]

I love my v strom 650... enough power unless you are constantly 2 up. Frugal. At least 250 miles before fuelling. Reliable , trustworthy and practical. Good review , ideal machine for your trip I thought. If it was your own you d fit heated grips change screen etc...

[@davedeja]

It’s a world away from the VFR but it is certainly a capable touring machine. Plenty of power for chewing up serious chunks of motorway/interstate yet nimble and surefooted enough to ravage the back roads when the surface turns sketchy. Could have been fun on The Tail of the Dragon? Nice review, Rich! Looks like you had a high time of it. On to the next...

[@markbright7845]

I know we are two years down the line, but was there really any technical difference between the standard 1000 and the XT apart from additional hand guards, belly pan and rear shock remote control? I thought the engines and suspension were identical apart from the remote shock adjuster on the XT.

[@J7776]

Hi, I’ve been looking at a new bike and I’ve got it down to the Honda crossruner 800cc or v storm 1000. Which one would you buy ? Great work on the channel keep them coming . Thank you.

[@akepettersson4847]

I like the bike too , but I’m a ”shaft biker” , and spoiled with quickshifter , heated grips and a big fuel tank. Yes , I’m a GSA owner who drives on tarmac most of my time 😂.

[@Gatallica]

Not sure what you meant when you referred to the sports vs the xt... all of the 1000’s have the same engine and performance.

[@Peakwanderer]

Comments refer to these on this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XFgJaLpcdmZ7M at 25.20 in, is Gaz heavier than Rich?

[@sv7017]

Maybe one of the bikes had more miles on it and the other only a few. I know by Dyno tests, that the engine gains hp over time.

[@lpchouinard]

Could be that one was in a different traction control mode. On mine, mode 2 feel less powerful.

[@kingsqueak2221]

I didn't look it up, but I wondered if there are any differences in wheel/tire size or the gearing even down to tooth count on sprockets.

[@aking610]

The alloy wheels are lighter than the spoke version. Might be why?

[@Nomad-Drifter]

Did the base model pull away from the XT or did the base model rider pull away from the XT rider?

[@colinsharp1314]

A great bit of kit this bike I love it nice one richy

[@Andy-TanyaWilko]

Now Rich ..as always the vids are enjoyed and as are the reviews ..finally got myself a mavic pro now they a tad cheaper ..any do's and dont"s would make for a little part in a blog for future matey ta .

[@tooresttrikie6744]

I think Suzuki need an 800/850 to fill that gap? maybe with 85+bhp just to compete with BMW and Triumph! nothing wrong with the VStrom 650/1000 variants however the range needs a inbetweener!

[@paultanton4307]

Yes id agree with that - I like the usefulness/mpg/price of the 650 but don't really need the extra the 1000 gives,something in between would be perfect.

[@tooresttrikie6744]

did you even read what I said? and why the insult? other manufacturers have 750s, 800s and so on slotted in between 1000cc and 600cc(ish) ranges within the same model why not Suzuki? calling someone a knob is hardly constructive, or needed!

[@tooresttrikie6744]

ah so I'm not allowed an opinion, sorry my master (yeah right)? I expect though you are just a Troll?

[@imaley]

Just purchased the 1000XT, second day running it in and loving it! Just out of interest what intercom do you guys use they seem very clear.

[@RichyVida]

Great choice, Ian! Lovely bike. We use the Scala Rider Packtalk. ;-)

[@golbis]

How are there any roll-on differences? Xt and non XT share the same engine.

[@RichyVida]

No idea, but as you saw, there is...

[@flopp53]

Welcome to the world of sport adventure tourers, the swiss army knives of bikes. There are bikes that can do any one or two aspects as well or better but few do all. See a road that looks interesting, take it whether it be paved, dirt, sand, mud or not a road at all. Stay away from the GSes though, else the VFR, and all others, will feel mighty neglected. I will lay a fiver that your next bike, within a year, will be an adventure style.

[@BlazinBlades]

You would not mind borrowing one again...😝😆 Would you buy one with your own money? Both 1000’s have the same gearing and same engine output.

[@OldManTony]

I owned a Suzuki SV1000 and I loved the character of the engine, and the VStrom engine is the evolution of that. However I have a Tiger now and wouldn’t swap it for the VStrom.

[@ledzeproberts2111]

Good road manners

[@UneasyRider]

You staying with VFR's then seeing as your mileage is getting into the upper echelons, or are you toying with the idea of swapping?

[@690ADV]

super cool video keep them coming

[@RebelRides]

It will love to wheelie because the engine is an evolution of the TL1000 🏍 Such an underrated range of bikes.

[@grahamrawley7229]

At last ,an honest opinion

[@mastercarpenterltd]

I'm from swanwick! Lol Would love to meet up and have a look at the the 1000!

[@Andy182w]

What bikes up next to test?

[@copper426]

Do you use the cardo scala rider packtalk

[@1990-t1j]

If I wanted an adventure bike it would be the the 1000XT.

[@johnakyle5908]

Is Egone trying to tell you something ? He must have moved 20 mile away ! 🤔

[@volt8684]

This or honda africa?

[@Baza765]

Good review mate,if you could have a second bike would you buy one tho ??? Ride Safe Baza ;-)

[@34979Charlie]

They might handle ok... but they´ll never win a beauty competition, reminds me of Woody Woodpecker every time I see the side profile

[@skinnyrides]

You said it was a nice bike but you didn't say you would buy it with your own money.

[@marshall3498]

Another great motovlogg as usual please check out my motovlogg channel also and tell me what you think

[@johnedwards4176]

What a rotten job you three have got test riding a whole fleet of brand new bikes ,still someone has to do it ,It might as well be the best

[@31acruz]

You can't properly test that bike with a midget windshield, anytime you try to go fast the wind will punch you in the chest and influence you. Thumbs down for me on this review. You should have fitted a proper windshield.

[@31acruz]

You can't properly test that bike with a midget windshield, anytime you try to go fast the wind will punch you in the chest and influence you. Thumbs down for me on this review. You should have fitted a proper windshield.