Hi from Ireland. Have the new XT 6 weeks now . What a great bike. I did change the original screen for a Kappa screen it has made a big difference to the wind and noise levels. Definitely worth a test ride if your in the market for a value for money ADV bike.
Bought one exactly the same as this in October and I got the centre stand and top box and rack as part of the deal, great bike and I've had plenty to compare it to, outstanding value for money and makes most of the other bikes in this category look very expensive!
Got the same bike in 2002 with all the touring gear on it, big bike. Lovely sound of that big V twin and loads of grunt as you have said. Even though I’m six foot found it very tall and dropped it after stalling, it was in a hospital car park so in the right place! Found it didn’t like chains or sprockets much either, that’s a big twin for you. Great review by the way, shame about the wet greasy roads.
Great review of a solid bike for those who don't want too much tech or bling. This sort of bike appeals to me and although I like the AT, the off road front wheel and tubes might put me off choosing that over the DL1050 VS. Tried and tested over new fangled suits many of us riders, but thankfully there's a bike to suit everybody these days.....Thanks and keep up the good work!
new sub 👍 thanks for the review i just bought a low milage 1050 xt model loads of extras on from first owner very happy with the price lovely v twin sounding engine ATB
best review ive seen of this bike by far, covered all aspects and showed it from every angle. Just the kind of bike im looking to cover big distances on, Congrats from Australia
I’ve had my 2014 VStrom since 2016. I bought it as a 2 year old leftover for $8000 US, which I think was a great deal. I’ve got 31000 miles on it now and haven’t had any issues. It will average over 50 mpg if ridden conservatively and in the low 40’s if ridden at higher speeds. Agree with your thoughts on the transmission. Mine has been less than slick since new. It hasn’t improved or worsened. I also agree on the foot peg placement. With a relatively tall and top heavy bike the last thing you want is poor footing at a stop. I changed my pegs to more dirt-oriented ones and the larger size of the pegs just made it worse. I took them back off. I just find that I have to be careful of my footing at stops. Your concern about moving the bike around by hand was spot on. I dropped mine while lubing the chain and once the mayhem ended I had a spiral break of my left arm just below the shoulder. Cost me over 6 months of riding and will it will probably never fully return to normal. After the accident my wife and I agreed I needed a smaller, lighter bike. I shopped around for almost 18 months and I still have the bike. I just couldn’t find a replacement that was as competent for anywhere near the price so I guess I’ll keep it till I stop riding.
Thanks for that feedback Alvin. I often wonder if owners think I'm correct in what I'm saying. Bad news with your shoulder and its so easily done aswell. I have ridden many bikes and can see why it wouldn't be difficult to get something as good or similar but lighter. My first thoughts are gs850 but even that dosent have the same amount of poke or power that the DL offers. Thanks for watching👍📺
I owned a 650 VSTROM for awhile. It was a first generation. It was more maneuverable than the 1000. The primary advantages of the 1000 show up at higher speeds and with a passenger. The 1000 has better suspension and is capable of extra loads with little effect on the ride and acceleration. If I were riding solo all the time, and was not planning to ride on a lot of poor pavement, I’d certainly consider the 650. The engine is very nice and sporty, and the weight difference is noticeable. I’d add that the brakes on the 1000 are much more powerful, though the 650 brakes aren’t bad. Again, with a load the better brakes would be welcome. Neither are true off road bikes. I suppose the lighter 650 would be my choice if I were serious about trying off road. Both are very good bikes, and are unchallenged at their respective prices. My bike now has 37000 miles and still no issues.
Great review. I have a BMW r1200gs and looking for a lighter bike. Africa Twin was my choice until i saw the price. Almost as expensive as a r1250gs in my country. I rode a 1050 strom and it suprised me in a positive way. A 1050xt with panniers is a little bit cheaper then a basic Africa Twin in my country. And me commuting 90% on tarmac the choice is already made. Next bike will be a Vstrom. It is a solid an reliable bike that wont cost you the world. Who cares for a tft display? Its a bike not a Tesla. And Vstrom can go offroad according to vids on UA-cam. No trials and singletracks but gravel etc it will go as well. It all depends on good tires and a capable rider.
Twins are the way to go for real world road riding. More usable power and torque plus better mpg too. It doesn't look too bad in that colour but the silencer is just way too big which seems a problem across the suzuki range. Looks like they forgot about the oil filter and had to add it on 😂 As you say a good solid workhorse but not something that's going to get you noticed, which for some is a good thing.
Yeap I agree with all that. Euro5 has alot to answer for tbh. The engine has been around for years and I guess that's the best way on this older engine to keep Euro5 happy. Like you say twins are a good option but triples also offer limited vibes on comparison. Thanks for watching,👍📺
@@exeterrider I've had a go on a couple of triples and they're a decent compromise but because of that don't have the top end rush of a 4 or the bottom and midrange grunt of a twin. It just depends on your riding style and what configuration you prefer, there is no wrong answer. The new styling is a big improvement on the old version though so you'd expect it to take some sales off similar bikes like the versys 1000
I saw one of these at the shop when I was picking up a part for my DR650. They wanted $16,000 for it. I was surprised as I had no idea that there was a v-strom in 1050. I gotta say though, even the thought of taking this monster on maintained forestry roads up here in the PNW is scary. That thing is massive! Cool bike, but I'd never take it on te dirt if I was in the saddle.
Good review and video. I quite like the looks. I thought that the yellow xt version looks a lot better. However it may attract theives. I like that the bars aren't too wide for filtering and the aluminium frame. Good on fuel too and lower insurance. Better to get the xt version. Similar pricing to the Kawasaki Versys 1000 I believe. Not sure how much the Honda af is.
B hell that oil filter is exposed isn't it? I test rode the 650 a few yrs back and found it a bit top heavy for my liking (mind you, I've been riding boxer engined beemers for yrs), but otherwise a really good bike, and they do have a very loyal fan base. Ride safe. Steve
Many thanks for your video , really helpful , I'm currently using a nc750x as my day to day bike with daily commute of 50 miles , split of motorway and city miles , do you recon the dl1050 would be too big for daily commuting use / filtering ? Also running costs maybe a tad expensive for commuting ? , however the base dl1050 price is really tempting don't want spoked wheels and can live without all of the extra electrics on the XT model , have you still got your nc ? cheers Steve
Hi Steve, I think you will find the 1050 a bit heavier on fuel for sure. I still have my. NC and the. BMW R850R and it seems I'm filling up the BMW all the time in comparison. Also the nc is smaller of course and more confidence inspiring. However what you will gain from the 1050 is the feel of more power, it is slightly wider so bear that in mind for filtering but best of all you will be pleased with the nicer seat for sure! Overall there is no wrong decision here but maybe the 1050 will be a refreshing change perhaps. You will certainly enjoy the change I think 👍🍻
@@exeterrider yep most likely going to try a test ride , will be more expensive than NC but a very different type of bike and will be perfect for longer touring round Scotland, got a shad seat on the NC as the original seat was painful cheers Steve
Another good review! I like the bike, but i just think do you need a 1000cc or is the 650 enough? Esp if you dont use it for pillion riding? Just a thought!
Thanks Micheal, yeap I know what you mean. Many like litre bikes and I can see why, the 650 is enough but the 1000 just makes you feel like you can do anything with it and makes light work of everything. I tend to think the same way as you for sure 👍🍻
Any idea as to when its smaller sibling 650 XT going the same way i.e. redesigned & LED headlamp, redesigned screen (not necessarily TFT with riding modes)...??
@@exeterrider thanks for the update. Those tweaks (modern screen without needing rider modes or cruise ctrl, improved look of the surrounding cockpit, redesigned LEDs) would have funneled in more interest and sales. What an opportunity missed by Suzuki...
Dull colour. Seems to ruin its looks. Surprising how much difference a colour makes. The litre adventure bike I'd buy, but if the CRF1100 had a 19'' front wheel, I'd have that, with DCT. I don't like 21'' front wheels as I don't go offroad. Not that I'm buying anything. Lol!
Fair enough, I thought pricing is reasonable for 1000cc tbh. What other litre bikes can match it at 9999? Dash is just OK for me I think, I respect your Opinion though 👍😉
What bike would you prefer? Overpriced? really ?At £9k about £3k cheaper than an AT and £6k less than a GS which in my opinion is one ugly looking thing, doesn't even look like a motorbike.
Yeap im with you on all points there. The tech on the twin was impressive but far too much brain clutter. This one was a nice change being basic and more road focused than the twin 👍🍻
Hi from Ireland. Have the new XT 6 weeks now . What a great bike. I did change the original screen for a Kappa screen it has made a big difference to the wind and noise levels. Definitely worth a test ride if your in the market for a value for money ADV bike.
I'd love too if I ever get the chance👍🍻
Bought one exactly the same as this in October and I got the centre stand and top box and rack as part of the deal, great bike and I've had plenty to compare it to, outstanding value for money and makes most of the other bikes in this category look very expensive!
It does! 👍🍻📺
It sounds like a great bike & suits my riding plans perfectly.
Yeap I think it would, for a litre mile muncher I think it would suit you down to the ground 👍🍻
Got the same bike in 2002 with all the touring gear on it, big bike. Lovely sound of that big V twin and loads of grunt as you have said. Even though I’m six foot found it very tall and dropped it after stalling, it was in a hospital car park so in the right place! Found it didn’t like chains or sprockets much either, that’s a big twin for you. Great review by the way, shame about the wet greasy roads.
Thanks Mike 👍🍻
I’m 5ft 9…
Great review of a solid bike for those who don't want too much tech or bling. This sort of bike appeals to me and although I like the AT, the off road front wheel and tubes might put me off choosing that over the DL1050 VS. Tried and tested over new fangled suits many of us riders, but thankfully there's a bike to suit everybody these days.....Thanks and keep up the good work!
Thanks 👍yes much more road focused than the AT. Both great bikes. Thanks again for your time watching 📺
I reluctantly confess that I don't find it a visually attractive bike. But your presentation is excellent. East to watch.
Thanks Louis👍🍻
I bought the XT and its a great bike
Awesome bike matr👍🍻
Great review as always. Yellow one for me..
Thanks 👍😊
new sub 👍 thanks for the review i just bought a low milage 1050 xt model loads of extras on from first owner very happy with the price lovely v twin sounding engine ATB
Will done mate, good news. They are very capable bikes👍🍻
best review ive seen of this bike by far, covered all aspects and showed it from every angle. Just the kind of bike im looking to cover big distances on, Congrats from Australia
Ahh, so nice of you to say, it made it worthwhile Thankyou 👍
I would definitely go for the xt, on looks alone, its a beautiful looking bike
It's worth the extra I think 👍🍻
@@exeterrider Yes is worth the extra, I just got the orange 1050xt and awesome, love the cruise control.
@@brianreece785 superb my friend, good choice♥️😉
I’ve had my 2014 VStrom since 2016. I bought it as a 2 year old leftover for $8000 US, which I think was a great deal. I’ve got 31000 miles on it now and haven’t had any issues. It will average over 50 mpg if ridden conservatively and in the low 40’s if ridden at higher speeds. Agree with your thoughts on the transmission. Mine has been less than slick since new. It hasn’t improved or worsened. I also agree on the foot peg placement. With a relatively tall and top heavy bike the last thing you want is poor footing at a stop. I changed my pegs to more dirt-oriented ones and the larger size of the pegs just made it worse. I took them back off. I just find that I have to be careful of my footing at stops. Your concern about moving the bike around by hand was spot on. I dropped mine while lubing the chain and once the mayhem ended I had a spiral break of my left arm just below the shoulder. Cost me over 6 months of riding and will it will probably never fully return to normal. After the accident my wife and I agreed I needed a smaller, lighter bike. I shopped around for almost 18 months and I still have the bike. I just couldn’t find a replacement that was as competent for anywhere near the price so I guess I’ll keep it till I stop riding.
Thanks for that feedback Alvin. I often wonder if owners think I'm correct in what I'm saying. Bad news with your shoulder and its so easily done aswell. I have ridden many bikes and can see why it wouldn't be difficult to get something as good or similar but lighter. My first thoughts are gs850 but even that dosent have the same amount of poke or power that the DL offers. Thanks for watching👍📺
Interested in your thoughts about the wee-strom
I owned a 650 VSTROM for awhile. It was a first generation. It was more maneuverable than the 1000. The primary advantages of the 1000 show up at higher speeds and with a passenger. The 1000 has better suspension and is capable of extra loads with little effect on the ride and acceleration. If I were riding solo all the time, and was not planning to ride on a lot of poor pavement, I’d certainly consider the 650. The engine is very nice and sporty, and the weight difference is noticeable. I’d add that the brakes on the 1000 are much more powerful, though the 650 brakes aren’t bad. Again, with a load the better brakes would be welcome. Neither are true off road bikes. I suppose the lighter 650 would be my choice if I were serious about trying off road. Both are very good bikes, and are unchallenged at their respective prices. My bike now has 37000 miles and still no issues.
Great review. I have a BMW r1200gs and looking for a lighter bike. Africa Twin was my choice until i saw the price. Almost as expensive as a r1250gs in my country. I rode a 1050 strom and it suprised me in a positive way. A 1050xt with panniers is a little bit cheaper then a basic Africa Twin in my country. And me commuting 90% on tarmac the choice is already made. Next bike will be a Vstrom. It is a solid an reliable bike that wont cost you the world. Who cares for a tft display? Its a bike not a Tesla. And Vstrom can go offroad according to vids on UA-cam. No trials and singletracks but gravel etc it will go as well. It all depends on good tires and a capable rider.
Thanks, I agree on all points there. It's a will priced workhorse 👍🍻
Not really a lighter bike
Great bike and real world review....Thanks!
Appreciate it thanks
....and those mirrors are ace too.
Twins are the way to go for real world road riding. More usable power and torque plus better mpg too. It doesn't look too bad in that colour but the silencer is just way too big which seems a problem across the suzuki range. Looks like they forgot about the oil filter and had to add it on 😂 As you say a good solid workhorse but not something that's going to get you noticed, which for some is a good thing.
Yeap I agree with all that. Euro5 has alot to answer for tbh. The engine has been around for years and I guess that's the best way on this older engine to keep Euro5 happy. Like you say twins are a good option but triples also offer limited vibes on comparison. Thanks for watching,👍📺
@@exeterrider I've had a go on a couple of triples and they're a decent compromise but because of that don't have the top end rush of a 4 or the bottom and midrange grunt of a twin. It just depends on your riding style and what configuration you prefer, there is no wrong answer. The new styling is a big improvement on the old version though so you'd expect it to take some sales off similar bikes like the versys 1000
@@Bazza47 yeap I agree, it's sat in its own niche compared to the rest of the 1000s👍🍻
I saw one of these at the shop when I was picking up a part for my DR650. They wanted $16,000 for it. I was surprised as I had no idea that there was a v-strom in 1050.
I gotta say though, even the thought of taking this monster on maintained forestry roads up here in the PNW is scary. That thing is massive! Cool bike, but I'd never take it on te dirt if I was in the saddle.
Yes, you are a few around where I live. It's a powerful machine. Like you say it's not the sort of like off road.
snatch is in A mode, in B mode it is a lot smoother
👍🍻
Good review and video. I quite like the looks. I thought that the yellow xt version looks a lot better. However it may attract theives. I like that the bars aren't too wide for filtering and the aluminium frame. Good on fuel too and lower insurance. Better to get the xt version. Similar pricing to the Kawasaki Versys 1000 I believe. Not sure how much the Honda af is.
AF is 13k base price so its alot cheaper for the DL. All good bikes there mentioned 👍🍻
If you have tried the 650 I would be interested in a comparison, if you haven't can you? Thanks again for a real world rider review
Thanks, yes I would like to aswell, I'll do my best👍🍻
geat review! Do you need to change the headlight if you register it in Europe ?
Thanks. No I don't think so. Thanks for watching 👍🍻
very tempting and only 6 KG more than the NC :)
Yeap is a good machine but I don't be chomping mine in fir one tbh although having endless getting on tap was good 👍🍻
B hell that oil filter is exposed isn't it?
I test rode the 650 a few yrs back and found it a bit top heavy for my liking (mind you, I've been riding boxer engined beemers for yrs), but otherwise a really good bike, and they do have a very loyal fan base.
Ride safe.
Steve
Cheers Steve, yes it is in the line of fire there for sure 🔥
Many thanks for your video , really helpful , I'm currently using a nc750x as my day to day bike with daily commute of 50 miles , split of motorway and city miles , do you recon the dl1050 would be too big for daily commuting use / filtering ? Also running costs maybe a tad expensive for commuting ? , however the base dl1050 price is really tempting don't want spoked wheels and can live without all of the extra electrics on the XT model , have you still got your nc ? cheers Steve
Hi Steve, I think you will find the 1050 a bit heavier on fuel for sure. I still have my. NC and the. BMW R850R and it seems I'm filling up the BMW all the time in comparison. Also the nc is smaller of course and more confidence inspiring.
However what you will gain from the 1050 is the feel of more power, it is slightly wider so bear that in mind for filtering but best of all you will be pleased with the nicer seat for sure! Overall there is no wrong decision here but maybe the 1050 will be a refreshing change perhaps. You will certainly enjoy the change I think 👍🍻
@@exeterrider yep most likely going to try a test ride , will be more expensive than NC but a very different type of bike and will be perfect for longer touring round Scotland, got a shad seat on the NC as the original seat was painful cheers Steve
Just put deposit down on a pre-reg dl1050 ;)
@@stephengrazier1019 how exciting! What colour?
@@exeterrider black and grey looked good in the flesh , good part-x on my NC and 8.5k for a 21 0 mile pre-reg so thought why not
👍👍👌👌
😉🍻👌👍
Another good review! I like the bike, but i just think do you need a 1000cc or is the 650 enough? Esp if you dont use it for pillion riding? Just a thought!
Thanks Micheal, yeap I know what you mean. Many like litre bikes and I can see why, the 650 is enough but the 1000 just makes you feel like you can do anything with it and makes light work of everything. I tend to think the same way as you for sure 👍🍻
Any idea as to when its smaller sibling 650 XT going the same way i.e. redesigned & LED headlamp, redesigned screen (not necessarily TFT with riding modes)...??
No they are not dying that with the 650. They are keeping the 650 as is 👍
@@exeterrider thanks for the update. Those tweaks (modern screen without needing rider modes or cruise ctrl, improved look of the surrounding cockpit, redesigned LEDs) would have funneled in more interest and sales. What an opportunity missed by Suzuki...
@@hezrimustapha6906 I think your right 👉
You can buy this model now new from £8.500 to £8.900 now that's a bargain. And 11kgs lighter than xt version.
Really! I didn't know that.... I guess that's your local dealer price? I don't think anywhere near me is knocking them out at that price!?
Dull colour. Seems to ruin its looks. Surprising how much difference a colour makes. The litre adventure bike I'd buy, but if the CRF1100 had a 19'' front wheel, I'd have that, with DCT. I don't like 21'' front wheels as I don't go offroad. Not that I'm buying anything. Lol!
Ha, yes I also think along those lines and then the bank statement drops through the door.
Ah the cheap one ...... Everyone buys the XT , with the tech , imu ect , it's pretty slow, not very exciting In any way
Fast enough to hurt yourself is good enough for me : )
That is one big ugly looking bike ,would not want to pick that up off the deck.
Very true! It would be a lump to pick up. I dont mind the looks TBH. Thanks for watching mate.
Ugly bike and that dash is horrible looking, overpriced for what you get and they still haven't sorted out the clutch judder.
Fair enough, I thought pricing is reasonable for 1000cc tbh. What other litre bikes can match it at 9999? Dash is just OK for me I think, I respect your Opinion though 👍😉
What bike would you prefer? Overpriced? really ?At £9k about £3k cheaper than an AT and £6k less than a GS which in my opinion is one ugly looking thing, doesn't even look like a motorbike.
Wouldn't think its ugly and to say its overpriced is so untrue you have to compare this to other adventure bikes.
I prefer the Africa twin, but must admit the tech is lost on me, and they’re big money. Red and white for me.
Great review 👍🏼
Yeap im with you on all points there. The tech on the twin was impressive but far too much brain clutter. This one was a nice change being basic and more road focused than the twin 👍🍻
Given the placement of that oil filter, the bike should come with a skid plate.
Yes I totally agree, I mentioned this on the Walkround but accidentally deleted it from the edit 😭🍻
Always had BMWs but this in XT version will be my next bike
Will be cheaper to service aswell!
I don't like suzuki's design
In all a positive review. E.R., would you happen to know when the NC 750X 2021 will be available, and will you do us the favour of reviewing it?
I'd like to watch that, too. And a review of the new X-Adv 750.
Yes it is a good bike. The NC was launching in March but now may be later due to lockdowns etc. I think it could be April now tbh.
@@exeterrider alrighty, thank you.
Id love to see you review the ktm 390 adventure
My local KTM dealer isn't intrested unfortunately which maybe why you don't see many ktms in Exeter lol. I was a big fan of the 790 I tried👍🍻