I have a 2017 V Strom and I took a lot of time researching bikes in this category before I made the purchase. If money was no object then I would have probably bought the GS. For the price though I just couldn't justify the beemer. The V Strom is great value and I,ve had six Japanese bikes in the past and not once have I had any mechanical or electrical issues with these bikes. I do often yearn for the exotics but when you analyse it do you really need all the electronics etc.. that they seem to think we need. I,d have no hesitation taking the Strom around the world knowing I,d have a reliable machine and if I ever needed a dealer then likely there would be one not too far away.
I have to Admit. This bike is solid as titanium. Very reliable. I had the old one and rode 100K kilometers with it with no problems at all. Good choice if you dont need 150hp.
You highlight the adjustable windscreen. Nice feature - when I upgraded to the Givi Airflow the adjustments are quite handy for tuning. Really enjoy my '18 V-Strom 1000, especially without the buffeting.
Great review, this bike is so well thought out. Love the position of the dials - take note Yamaha (tracer 700 etc), little things like the long mud guard to keep the engine free from crud will help make owning a joy. A bike for the riders, not the dreamers.
Wow bit of an eye opener this review, the VStrom really does seem to be the sensible choice. It's also £7k cheaper the the likes of the GSA or KTM1290. Shame there's no cruise control and still not sure about the duck face, but hey great value. Brilliant review guys, thanks.
Considering how many ADV bikes never leave tarmac, this is the best choice of that type of bike. All the usual farkles available. I picked up a left over 2019 in February for a song.
Just found your channel from a mention on A Brit A Blonde A Bike channel, and I am really liking your reviews. Currently on an 08 R1200R, and in the process of researching my next mount. I used to have a 2004 V-Strom, easily one of the ugliest motorcycles ever made. This one looks like a really strong contender, and the 1000cc twin is bulletproof. Great review, and looking forward to watching all of your videos. Thanks!!
Great review, so good in fact I bought one after watching it , enjoying the bike very much and you were spot on with your review, enjoying watching your channel keep up the good work. Ride Safe
+Chainman1957 that's excellent news. Thank you for the kind words as it really does mean a lot. Glad you got one as they are great bikes and I hope you have many happy miles on it :) Ride safe
I agree with a lot of your viewers comments, I think it is a sensible powerful bike, with decent mud guards, and a nice riding position. Love your comment about the knob making the suspension soft or hard!! I am currently looking to return to biking and am testing a V-Strom 650, next week but will have a look at the 1000 now, Many thanks for your video.
I did get mine 1000 XT 5 days ago and already put the original Led blinkers and an Remus titanium exhaust on, and I have to say the bike is simpy great, it does everything really good and it is extremly user frendly. Aso some testers said how they miss newer TFT displays and so, but no this work great, very good to read and the focus stays on the road.
And good mention for brake paddel, I sat on the new Multistrada 950 and the brake padel was really short and you had to turn your left leg inside. Not safe and good.
Thanks for the review. My wish list bike! Add a centre stand £220 and the Integrated Side Case Set £775 and its still £1500 cheaper than the Triumph Tiger Sport with that equipment. Oh, and it does have a slipper clutch. Suzuki say the SCAS is a slipper clutch as well as assisting light use of the lever, thus reducing fatigue on long rides. I sold my Sprint GT SE due to the clutch knackering my left hand on long rides, two up! Ride Safe.
I will buy the new XT in March and will also go with the yellow color but in 2019 it has changed color options and they look great. I will also put an Remus carbon exhaust on and it will cost me 11.700 euros + 500 for exhaust and that is a great offer for an amazing bike which in person looks even better than on pictures or you tube.
Nice review. Unfortunately when I was in the market for a new bike, Suzuki here in Australia, we're somewhat less than enthusiastic to sell me one, for some reason, and so I ended up buying a GS. I still think the V-Strom is good value for money and a practical dual purpose machine. Maybe the next bike will be a V-Strom or the way it's going now a mobility scooter will be next. Keep it safe and the rubber down!
Great review... makes me want to have one! I also like the close fitting pannier mounts instead of all the wide scaffolding.. think suzuki are offering 47l top box heated grips and tank bag fitted free at the moment too..thanks again !
Love a review on this model . Been on a 05 650 V since bought new. 60k+ on that one with an 06 1000 V as a used 2nd bike . So that s lead s me to question could I eventually replace these two someday with one. This could be the one. Cheers!
Missing cruise control as it would be very useful particularly as these bikes are used for long distance touring. Otherwise very nice bike. Nice job with the review.
I like this bike, I had 2 old Vstroms 1000, with the new one I like riding positions, design, not liking exhaust, maybe tacho because of new TFT displays on other ones, but for 13.000 euros I can buy the XT with Akrapovic exhaust. I will go for it in April 2019 but Iam scared it will get updated for 2020.
great review, thanks, mcn could take lessons from you, think I'd need to have that seat recovered though,bit too much yellow that would get dirty easily.
+Road Warrior hey mate, thanks so much for the kind words as it means a lot :) Agreed, the yellow I think would get too dirty too quick, although looks fab on the bike :)
Road Warrior mcn is crap all the neves guy keeps saying is “really really really” count them when you next watch him; and if it doesn’t wheelie it’s crap. Such a wanker
hey buddy... congratulations on passing your test... the adventure starts now! All of the bikes are great and we would suggest riding them all to see what you think, but the V-Strom 1000/1050 is awesome, great price and has everything you should need on it.. The VFR is another awesome machine but the range may not be as good as the V-Strom and the Crossrunner is a solid machine, reliable and very popular.... hope that helps, but welcome to motorbike world Nick.... Have fun and ride safe :)
Can you tell us how it compares to the BMW GS? how close does it come to it, its half the price I believe, imagine and fit and finish out the window, not considered, how close does it feel to the GS? 50%, 70%, .90% perhaps, I am very curious to hear your comparison sine you own the GS
+Michael J Donnelly it's is a great bike indeed, I would suggest trying one out first though, as although it 1000 cc or thereabouts it has smooth power delivery but isn't too abrupt when you pull the throttle back and is easy to control. I would try both the 650 and 1000 and see what you like best :)
Hi,im about to buy either this bike or africa twin.whic one would you recommend?im more road oriented biker but im also considering the second hand market where for sure africa twin is more popular...any visionary approach??
+gökhan özeray hey mate, they are both very good bikes with equal comfort and would be capable of most things. Out of the 2 I liked the Africa twin as was lighter but the vstrom felt bigger
thanks for the question. Id have the 1000, as a little less vibey. Not that the 650 was bad, but the 1000 seemed smoother and of course has a lot more grunt :)
I'm stuck between the V-Strom 650 and Honda CB 500 X. The Honda is lighter, cheaper and smaller, but also weaker and less "a big bike". The V-Strom 650 has a fantastic engine and is a proper bike, but is more expensive, bigger and uses more fuel. ;-) Have you riden the CB 500 X to compare?
+krasky hey mate. Not ridden the cb500x yet but there is always time. They are both fab bikes but I did like the Vstrom. Was quite an accomplished bike :)
I have 5000 miles on my CB500X and it's a great bike. I like it and it's been trouble-free. But I'm finding myself sometimes wishing I had spent the extra money and gotten the V-Strom 650. It has 50% more power, a 4" longer wheelbase, a 19" front wheel, a gear indicator, holds almost a gallon more fuel, and only weighs about 30 lb. more. Of course, if I'd bought the V-Strom 650 I might be wishing I'd bought the 1000 now.....
+Barry Ervin never say never, get one next time :) and I totally agree that if you got the 650 you'd be wanting the 1000. Much better but they are both great bikes :) Ride safe mate
Actually, the KTM 1090 Adventure R, which is the direct competitor for this bike, is slightly cheaper here in Mexico and the KTM is a vastly superior bike in all aspects I think.
Hello! Excellent review, thank you! The windshield is really not very good, I ordered the Z-Tech Windshield V-Stream. Http://www.motea.com - great option 239 euros. Will you change the exhaust system, if so which one you want?
There is only one problem with this bike. It's ugly. I could not believe when I first seen it from the front. The rest is not too bad exhaust can be changed with ease. But the front light and the beak my god. But as they say when you sit on it you don't see it : )
Heated grips are hugely overrated imo, they don't stop the outside of your hands getting frozen. Just spend some of the money on some better gloves. I took the centre stand off my Tiger & just got a foot extension for the side stand; haven't regretted it at all.
Just ordered one myself, just wish i'd have done it two years ago. I would have saved myself so hassle dealing warranty issues on my Triumph.
I have a 2017 V Strom and I took a lot of time researching bikes in this category before I made the purchase. If money was no object then I would have probably bought the GS. For the price though I just couldn't justify the beemer. The V Strom is great value and I,ve had six Japanese bikes in the past and not once have I had any mechanical or electrical issues with these bikes. I do often yearn for the exotics but when you analyse it do you really need all the electronics etc.. that they seem to think we need. I,d have no hesitation taking the Strom around the world knowing I,d have a reliable machine and if I ever needed a dealer then likely there would be one not too far away.
I have to Admit. This bike is solid as titanium. Very reliable. I had the old one and rode 100K kilometers with it with no problems at all. Good choice if you dont need 150hp.
You highlight the adjustable windscreen. Nice feature - when I upgraded to the Givi Airflow the adjustments are quite handy for tuning. Really enjoy my '18 V-Strom 1000, especially without the buffeting.
Great review, this bike is so well thought out. Love the position of the dials - take note Yamaha (tracer 700 etc), little things like the long mud guard to keep the engine free from crud will help make owning a joy.
A bike for the riders, not the dreamers.
definately agree with you there Mr J :)
Yes.... The number of bikes I have had new or near new, that I put fender extenders on...... Suzuki SV 1000 to name one
Most underrated bike!
Appreciate your review, very helpful.
Currently researching a second hand version of this model year.
Wow bit of an eye opener this review, the VStrom really does seem to be the sensible choice. It's also £7k cheaper the the likes of the GSA or KTM1290. Shame there's no cruise control and still not sure about the duck face, but hey great value. Brilliant review guys, thanks.
+DervMan thanks matey. It surprised me too :)
Considering how many ADV bikes never leave tarmac, this is the best choice of that type of bike. All the usual farkles available. I picked up a left over 2019 in February for a song.
Just found your channel from a mention on A Brit A Blonde A Bike channel, and I am really liking your reviews. Currently on an 08 R1200R, and in the process of researching my next mount. I used to have a 2004 V-Strom, easily one of the ugliest motorcycles ever made. This one looks like a really strong contender, and the 1000cc twin is bulletproof. Great review, and looking forward to watching all of your videos. Thanks!!
A really nice bike and a lot less expensive than a BMW GS. Great review !
+David K thanks for the kind words mate. Glad you enjoyed the review and a great bike too :)
Great review, so good in fact I bought one after watching it , enjoying the bike very much and you were spot on with your review, enjoying watching your channel keep up the good work. Ride Safe
+Chainman1957 that's excellent news. Thank you for the kind words as it really does mean a lot. Glad you got one as they are great bikes and I hope you have many happy miles on it :)
Ride safe
Best review I have seen of this bike so far. Seriously considering buying this.
Thanks so much for the comments. It’s an awesome bike indeed and often under people’s radars too. Good choice matey. Ride safe
I agree with a lot of your viewers comments, I think it is a sensible powerful bike, with decent mud guards, and a nice riding position. Love your comment about the knob making the suspension soft or hard!! I am currently looking to return to biking and am testing a V-Strom 650, next week but will have a look at the 1000 now, Many thanks for your video.
Hey Mark, thanks for the kind words... it is an awesome (often overlooked for some reason) bike :)
yes please get a rad protector i had a stone go in mine and thay cost a fortune for a new one so a gard is a must
I did get mine 1000 XT 5 days ago and already put the original Led blinkers and an Remus titanium exhaust on, and I have to say the bike is simpy great, it does everything really good and it is extremly user frendly. Aso some testers said how they miss newer TFT displays and so, but no this work great, very good to read and the focus stays on the road.
fab stuff buddy. An awesome bike indeed and a lot of fin too! Ride Safe and enjoy :)
Hi Toby, 10:38 Hasn't got a slipper clutch etc. But it has got Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS). Hence the smooth changes.
+John Gordon cool. That's would explain it :) thanks John
@@RiderCamTV and it doesnt have a dipstick either 😉
14:15: It doesnt have a dipstick, it has a level-window. A dipstick there would touch the clutch.
Very thorough job, well done, others should learn from you.
Thanks mate. I still find I take too much. Hahah
Done 800 or so miles on mine and getting 50.8, I can't really fault it to be honest brakes/gears/engine comfort all great.
+Edward McKinnon that's fab mate. Not to shabby mpg either. Was a great bike to ride :)
Had 69mpg from mine, varied rural route, smooth accel and braking, sticking to the limits etc.
Regularly though, mid-upper 50s 👍🏻
Incredible review ! So detailed. Though missed a bit of your thoughts regarding the engine, power and pleasure delivering. Thank you!
Hey thanks for the kind words. The power was good and quite smooth too. Ride safe
And good mention for brake paddel, I sat on the new Multistrada 950 and the brake padel was really short and you had to turn your left leg inside. Not safe and good.
Thanks for the review. My wish list bike! Add a centre stand £220 and the Integrated Side Case Set £775 and its still £1500 cheaper than the Triumph Tiger Sport with that equipment. Oh, and it does have a slipper clutch. Suzuki say the SCAS is a slipper clutch as well as assisting light use of the lever, thus reducing fatigue on long rides. I sold my Sprint GT SE due to the clutch knackering my left hand on long rides, two up! Ride Safe.
+David Herky hey marry. Thanks for the comments and quite agree. Ride safe :)
swmotech do a cheaper centre stand and you get a set of SHAD SH36 for around £400 with rack
Just bought one today great review, thank you.
Hi there, fantastic review. I ordered one after watching your review. Pick it up next week. 😁
that's amazing Ewan, thanks so much for the kind words, and I know that you won't be disappointed. It's awesome! Ride Safe
I will buy the new XT in March and will also go with the yellow color but in 2019 it has changed color options and they look great. I will also put an Remus carbon exhaust on and it will cost me 11.700 euros + 500 for exhaust and that is a great offer for an amazing bike which in person looks even better than on pictures or you tube.
thats a fab choice mate.... you will love it... a great bike indeed and with those additions will be sweeet! Ride safe
Congrats for the 1k subscribers. For such a nice channel you will have many more.
+Rui Cunha hey mate. Thanks so much for the kind words they mean a lot. Glad your enjoying our videos. :)
Yet another excellent review Mr B.
+Mark Holroyd thanks dude :)
Nice review. Unfortunately when I was in the market for a new bike, Suzuki here in Australia, we're somewhat less than enthusiastic to sell me one, for some reason, and so I ended up buying a GS. I still think the V-Strom is good value for money and a practical dual purpose machine. Maybe the next bike will be a V-Strom or the way it's going now a mobility scooter will be next. Keep it safe and the rubber down!
+Jacob Botha such a shame but on the plus side you got a fab bike :)
Ride safe matey
Great review. Good information! Thanks from California.
thanks buddy, glad you enjoyed it :) Ride Safe
You've sold it to me. Proper detail. Thanks !
+The Hudsons glad you enjoyed it. Great choice as it a great bike. Ride safe :)
Great review... makes me want to have one! I also like the close fitting pannier mounts instead of all the wide scaffolding.. think suzuki are offering 47l top box heated grips and tank bag fitted free at the moment too..thanks again !
+Robert Bates thanks for the kind words, it was a great bike :)
Just bought one.. in this colour too. Coming with panniers and top box. Excellent review... again.
Excellent review,the yellow and black colour scheme is based on suzukis moto cross bikes,looks good.
Ah, thats where the colour scheme came from.. i love it, thanks for the kind words and im glad you enjoyed it :)
Good informative vid that. I'm test riding the 650 & the 1000 on Tuesday... Can't wait 👍🏻
great stuff matey, you will love it im sure :)
RiderCamTV Bought a black one... Picked it up on 1st Sep 👍🏻
+Cloggsy Goodwin excellent mate, good choice. Ride safe out there :)
Which did u prefer?
An excellent review, now I will have to dig into the rest of your reviews.
Hey Jerry, thanks so much for the kind words, glad you enjoyed the review. Great bike too.. enjoy the others and welcome to the channel :)
Love a review on this model . Been on a 05 650 V since bought new. 60k+ on that one with an 06 1000 V as a used 2nd bike . So that s lead s me to question could I eventually replace these two someday with one. This could be the one. Cheers!
you wouldnt go far wrong if you did. this bike is awesome...
Missing cruise control as it would be very useful particularly as these bikes are used for long distance touring. Otherwise very nice bike. Nice job with the review.
yeah would have been great to have cruise control on this one! Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it :)
Here in ticket-crazy Australia my cruise control has saved my bacon more than once.
+Jacob Botha I use it all the time. It's a god send!
Definitely my adventure motorcycle choice
+Frank Malone and a good one at that :)
I like this bike, I had 2 old Vstroms 1000, with the new one I like riding positions, design, not liking exhaust, maybe tacho because of new TFT displays on other ones, but for 13.000 euros I can buy the XT with Akrapovic exhaust. I will go for it in April 2019 but Iam scared it will get updated for 2020.
Your reviews are very good, thank you.
Another great review keep up the good work and thanks.
Hey man, thanks for the kind words. It means a lot. Glad you enjoyed the video :)
Excellent review, cheers from Brisbane, Australia.
+Andrew Rockliff thanks so much for the kind words. Means a lot. Ride safe matey :(
great review, thanks, mcn could take lessons from you, think I'd need to have that seat recovered though,bit too much yellow that would get dirty easily.
+Road Warrior hey mate, thanks so much for the kind words as it means a lot :)
Agreed, the yellow I think would get too dirty too quick, although looks fab on the bike :)
Road Warrior mcn is crap all the neves guy keeps saying is “really really really” count them when you next watch him; and if it doesn’t wheelie it’s crap. Such a wanker
I’m in the market for a bike after not long passing my test! Would you recommend V-Strom 1000 or VFR1200X 800 x Crossrunner? Thanks...
hey buddy... congratulations on passing your test... the adventure starts now!
All of the bikes are great and we would suggest riding them all to see what you think, but the V-Strom 1000/1050 is awesome, great price and has everything you should need on it.. The VFR is another awesome machine but the range may not be as good as the V-Strom and the Crossrunner is a solid machine, reliable and very popular.... hope that helps, but welcome to motorbike world Nick.... Have fun and ride safe :)
Great review!! What a great bike!!
+ThePalmatron thanks for the kind words. And yeah it's a fab machine :)
Can you tell us how it compares to the BMW GS? how close does it come to it, its half the price I believe, imagine and fit and finish out the window, not considered, how close does it feel to the GS? 50%, 70%, .90% perhaps, I am very curious to hear your comparison sine you own the GS
Just wondering if the 1000 V Strom would be a very good starter motorbike for riding after passing the test?
+Michael J Donnelly it's is a great bike indeed, I would suggest trying one out first though, as although it 1000 cc or thereabouts it has smooth power delivery but isn't too abrupt when you pull the throttle back and is easy to control. I would try both the 650 and 1000 and see what you like best :)
Good review.
Thanks for the kind words Paul, really enjoyed riding this machine :)
Hi,im about to buy either this bike or africa twin.whic one would you recommend?im more road oriented biker but im also considering the second hand market where for sure africa twin is more popular...any visionary approach??
+gökhan özeray hey mate, they are both very good bikes with equal comfort and would be capable of most things. Out of the 2 I liked the Africa twin as was lighter but the vstrom felt bigger
Great review!
+BelowZero thank you :)
Thanks for review. Maybe i will buy this bike....
+António Silva no probs matey, glad you enjoyed it. Awesome bike :)
No, the chainguard doesn't stop the scottoiler flicking ;-)
Shame they can’t invent a better way to keep the chain lubed and not get it all over everything else. ;)
They have, it's called a shaftdrive LOL ;-) ... the dual injector is even "flickier". Currently trying to find the lowest setting that still lubes.
That’s very true 😬
Which would you choose the 650 or the 1000 if money not an issue ?
thanks for the question. Id have the 1000, as a little less vibey. Not that the 650 was bad, but the 1000 seemed smoother and of course has a lot more grunt :)
I have a question, which you prefer KTM 1090 R or V-STROM 1000 XT
both are great bikes to be fair, hard to choose
@@RiderCamTV help me out in Mexico are expensive bikes i can't decide for one jajajaja
Now that you've tested the 650 and the 1000, which one would you choose?
+Mark Hodges definitely the 1000. More power and smoother. And the screen is much better :)
The XT version of this is a bike I would love to own.
And it is a great bike indeed :)
What are the differences appart from spoke wheels
The screen could do with going up and down.
Totally agree
I'm stuck between the V-Strom 650 and Honda CB 500 X. The Honda is lighter, cheaper and smaller, but also weaker and less "a big bike". The V-Strom 650 has a fantastic engine and is a proper bike, but is more expensive, bigger and uses more fuel. ;-) Have you riden the CB 500 X to compare?
+krasky hey mate. Not ridden the cb500x yet but there is always time. They are both fab bikes but I did like the Vstrom. Was quite an accomplished bike :)
RiderCamTV thanks mate!
I have 5000 miles on my CB500X and it's a great bike. I like it and it's been trouble-free. But I'm finding myself sometimes wishing I had spent the extra money and gotten the V-Strom 650. It has 50% more power, a 4" longer wheelbase, a 19" front wheel, a gear indicator, holds almost a gallon more fuel, and only weighs about 30 lb. more. Of course, if I'd bought the V-Strom 650 I might be wishing I'd bought the 1000 now.....
+Barry Ervin never say never, get one next time :) and I totally agree that if you got the 650 you'd be wanting the 1000. Much better but they are both great bikes :)
Ride safe mate
Vstrom 1000 or honda cb500x?
Come on..... V Strom 1000
Actually, the KTM 1090 Adventure R, which is the direct competitor for this bike, is slightly cheaper here in Mexico and the KTM is a vastly superior bike in all aspects I think.
+Pablo GNB cool :)
I wish the KTM had a more reliable powertrain, a softer seat, and heat protection for under the seat.
not TRUE the KTM is not as reliable in any way
V-Strom 1000 is the biggest open secret in litre+ ADV biking.
It's a great bike, but dang buddy, it's not perfect. I have a 2019 DL1000 and I love it.
At least admit the windshield sucks and needs replaced.
Hello! Excellent review, thank you! The windshield is really not very good, I ordered the Z-Tech Windshield V-Stream. Http://www.motea.com - great option 239 euros. Will you change the exhaust system, if so which one you want?
+Serge Vodnik thanks for the kind words mate, I found that the screen wasn't the best but liveable, I would put an akropovik on :)
There is only one problem with this bike. It's ugly. I could not believe when I first seen it from the front. The rest is not too bad exhaust can be changed with ease. But the front light and the beak my god. But as they say when you sit on it you don't see it : )
true but beauty is int he eye of the beholder :)
@@RiderCamTV : ) True. I bet I will end up buying one of these despite all its beauty.
No heated grips and center stand vs even the F700gs? what a joke?
I have a DL650 2007 and heated grips center stand were included. Center stand is a must for these.
Heated grips are hugely overrated imo, they don't stop the outside of your hands getting frozen. Just spend some of the money on some better gloves. I took the centre stand off my Tiger & just got a foot extension for the side stand; haven't regretted it at all.