Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE - Full Ride Review - On & Off-Road

[@skyworks1621]

I did buy the regular 2023 Vstrom 1050 with an Akrapovic. I love the bike. I had all the Vstroms from 2005, 2019 XT and now the 2023 model. So I know how the bike developed trough the years. I like the suspension, quickshifter. The motor can ride pretty sporty when I ride in the Alps and I do push it a lot. I l also had a new KTM 1290 Super ADVS 2022 so my expectations are high.

[@ioandragulescu6063]

got the same but with the stock exhaust and love it. I did shave off 7 kilos of it by installing a lithium battery and removing the center stand. I also tried the KTM 1290 and while it wasn't a bad bike, that amount of power is just too much for me and somehow I didn't like how it tracked in turns compared to the big strom. The Suzuki is on rails while the KTM needed constant fine adjustments.

[@mancavemoto]

An issue with the earlier upload meant this had to be re-uploade , so I've lost the initial comments. Apologies

[@alainrigaud7035]

as you said,high and heavy were deal breakers for me I went for thr 800 DE with no regrets!

[@mancavemoto]

I'm a fan of the 800DE, its a great all round package

[@fabianobenedetti6692]

But in the end it’s only a few quids more expensive than the normal, and imo better looking, so why not ? Regarding the 800 de, they are 2 completely different rides, and the 800 felt too soft to me, the 1050 is much more composed on the road, and I prefer it...Crash bars, center stand and decent screen are all optional extras on the 800, and cruise control is unavailable. Weight is definitely on the heavy side, but no Suzuki is shining on that matter...

[@toltod]

I had that same impression since I also have a 32' inch inseam. There are footpeg adapters to lower the stock pegs. And also you mentioned the weight which was also a turn off in the dealership sitting on the machine.

[@allanmason7544]

love the honest review great stuff thank you

[@mancavemoto]

No problem

[@Dan-56]

The 1050 XT seemed to be a good option for a two up touring bike, the DE almost seems like Suzuki just threw some “off road” parts at it to try and fill a hole in the lineup, without a great deal of success 🤔. Or am I off base with that assumption?!

[@mancavemoto]

Kind of waht my video summary is....

[@kevinmason3141]

sorry but the wind shield camera has to go by-by....love the bike and your review...

[@barryhughes1612]

A great review, I have ridden both and I tend to agree with your summary but the 1050 is a nice bike.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks! 👍

[@teneretraveller8980]

No dramas. Will be watching 800RE test with interest.

[@mancavemoto]

Riding next week, video hopefully the following week

[@stevesanelli90]

Thanks Tony for your honesty. The 800DE would be my pick even if I would be doing the exact same roads as you’ve done on the 1050DE. Whilst it’s only 20kg lighter, the versatility would be better & touring would be just as comfortable. Even more so with the RE road version just released. I hope you get a go on that when it gets released in the UK. Cheers👌

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Steve, I’m actually riding the new 800 RE next week! Review should follow shortly afterwards

[@stevesanelli90]

@@mancavemoto cool Tony!🤙

[@mihaimihai9254]

Hi! On my humble opinion the reliability must be taken in consideration when we pick a machine. The 1050 V two engine has already showed how unbreakable it is but the 800 DE still has some things to prove in terms of reliability. As a 1050 XT owner I'm definitely biased but I know what a tank I bought. God bless all your rides!

[@mancavemoto]

Yep thats true, its a new engine and only time will tell, but I don't see Suzuki moving away from their usually bomb proof engine designs

[@Greggspies]

I've ridden honda and Vstrom and must say Vstrom was better, maybe another honda test dunno! Main thing I liked on the Vstrom was the engine, it revved low down on the motorway for cruising which I liked

[@alainmichaud6747]

That was honest review ... Alain & Yellow

[@mancavemoto]

As always!, thanks

[@allenlesouski8226]

I feel the bike sits up to high if your under 6ft it's a struggle when stopped. Everything else is great

[@1990-t1j]

Handsome bike. A bit heavy. The screen is awful. What a hassle to adjust it. Good review, Tony. Nick J

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Nick, hope youre keeping well?

[@1990-t1j]

@@mancavemoto You, too, Tony.