Hi LCR, great review, I own one of these, same colour, must say your analogy is spot on. I have just over 3000 miles on mine, and have loved every minute of it. So comfy, I also had the suspension set up for my weight, it’s even better now handling wise, the only drawback is, it’s slightly harder to get on the main stand. Fuel economy is exceptional, with my wife on as pillion, I can easily get 63mpg at a steady 55-60mph ( she is not keen on speed), as for the rest, I get between 50-55mpg keeping up with my biker buddies. That’s the thing about the V Strom, it can keep up with the fast guys or it can pootle about, it’s not fussy, put a couple of extra teeth on the rear sprocket, and it improves things even more. Yes, it’s not the best or most attractive adv bike as you mentioned, not love at first sight, but it will certainly grow on you. I like that saying you have about Suzuki, there’s a “mechanical rightness “, well done 👍
You know, I've been debating on whether I should get the vstrom or the africa twin for an adventure bike and when it comes to looks I actually really liked the suzuki styling over the africa twin! It's less aggressive but it's a classic look and feels more "rugged".
@@racerdaveracerdave It's simply one rider's opinion. The obvious advantage of the 1000 is on open roadway and chewing through miles (the suspension is better overall as well). But even as one who is on the tall side, 6'2.5" (190 cm), I found the 1000 top heavy and just heavy in general. The chudder is real as well. Most of my rides were commuting and in the Santa Cruz mountains for fun and the 650 was stellar at these tasks.
I’ve got 5,000 miles on mine and it’s perfect for me. Great at keeping the wind and engine heat off. Great at high speed cruising with the engine changes. I see a long relationship...
I used to have a 2007 VStrom 1000 and I loved it. I think the VStrom's are like the Swiss Army knife of bikes - not great at anything, but good at a lot of things. And the v-twin engines on both the 650's and 1000's have been around forever and are practically bulletproof.
I would take this over the Africa Twin which Honda have wrecked with that 21” front wheel and non intuitive menu system. In town I would remove the panniers and leave on the top box for filtering through traffic. I much prefer the seat to that hard, skinny thing on the Honda.
Hi Chops, I took one out last month...It's always good to hear another bloggers view on it to back up what I thought and was glad to see I said the same as you pretty much. Not released my vid yet- trying to save it till things get back to normal. Also yes I mentioned about getting your feet down . Right in the way! Plus I have a screen blooper coming up lol!! Good one cheers👍
@@aking610 🤣 I had a 1998 in 2009. Never had a licence and took it out for a run. 20mins later I was back having shat myself and put the bike straight on ebay. I genuinely only bought it because I loved the sound that came out of it.
Great video chops 👍 I've recently bought a 1050 vstrom (the standard one) it was a pre reg display bike and has the crash bars, spot lights, Ali belly pan £8999 all in... For the money you can't beat it and as you said its the perfect commuter/mile muncher
Had my 1050XT for 9 months now. It's a fantastic bike, so much confidence in the bike. I am well over 6ft so it's amazingly comfy and that engine is just brilliant. I test rode the AT and owned a GSA previous but find the Strom better and found the AT so boring.
@@got_to_roll the 1050 in general is just going to accommodate larger riders better than the 650. The extra mass makes a huge difference between the two bikes.
@@got_to_roll hi, 6'3 and I have put a Puig touring screen and a black widow pipe to make it sound right. Absolutely love this bike, just want to ride it all the time.
Its about time you boys in the industry found a different name for these "adventure" bikes. Because all of you mention how shit they are off road. They're really just comfy road tourers.
They're only shit at off-road for the unskilled rider. Is it harder to ride off-road than a dedicated off-road bike? OBVIOUSLY. They're very heavy. But in the hands of a good rider, they can get just about anywhere you can take an Enduro/trail bike. Only much more comfortably.
These are great, honest bikes that plain work for whatever you need them for. Great motor, chassis, and brakes, and great gas mileage (my 2018 has gotten just over 70 mpg overall on a 1200 mile weekend trip). Great that cruise completes this bike, and $100 Oxford grips take care of the last issue. Two notes: First is, with proper tires and a decent offroad rider, the V is actually rather good offroad. Also, these regularly go well over 100K miles, and there are many in operation with 200k+ miles. Loved the hovercraft detour! That's exactly what the V is for!
Honest review as always. You opened my eyes. I was thinking about buying a V Strom. But relaxation? I want to have fun on the motorcycle. Thank you for making it very clear what the Vstrom is good for.
That was a fun surprise Mr. Chops! I was very lucky. when i was ten years old i flew from california to london and met my cousin who is about ten years older than i. Among other great adventures, she took me on a hovercraft ride from Dover to Calais. The white cliffs, the excitement of the ride - although we had to fight a bit of sea-sickness (air-sickness? hover-turbulence?) - arriving in France... I remember it all very clearly.
You want to "try a 17" front tyre, like some kind of supermoto" - Have you tried a Tracer900GT Chops? Adv-ish riding position, grunty motor, sports/touring road tyres. Later ones handle OK too. You are right about the Strom too, its a great bike, but more of a tool than a bike you become attached to.
I agree it's not for fire trails or will compete with Tenere or AT. But it works just fine on gravel. And that's the most adventure most people will do. As long as it does that ok I think they have a winner. I like the looks. It just looks like it means business. No bullshit machine made to work. Test drove one and I might pick one up. I really enjoyed the engine and the cornering feeling. And I own a sports bike now. The first kilometer I thought it just felt odd. But it is fantastic.
that was a really good honest review of the vstom really enjoyed the vlog and yes we had to see the hovercraft ! also pointing out a few building's ie chatting as you go along just made the video entertaining .great job MR chops
Great video Mr Chops! I’m looking at a new one of these to replace my recently nicked Vespa 300. Resisting joining the GS crowd and wouldn’t be taking a huge bike off road anyway so this looks a good all rounder I remember going to France in the 70’s on the hovercraft and it was like a wild white water ride, bouncing from peak to peak for what seemed like hours! My poor dad was inspecting the inside of his paper bag all the way!
So after spending £12000 on my R1200GSA, as nice as it is, for what i use the bigger bike for, 1 or 2 European tours a year, commuting to work all year round and doing the shopping on. I feel the 1050 XT makes more sense to me at a fraction of the cost. So will be trying to get a test ride on the 20-22 XT, should pocket around £4500 after selling my GSA and buying the 1050XT.
Another great vid John and thanks for stopping to showing me the hovercraft. It was awesome! Yes, please put a 17” on a V-Strom and make a Hypermoto! And then tell us all about it... Happy New Year!
A great real world review Chops I bought one in October and agree with everything you said! You could pay another £10000 for another adventure bike that would still look ugly like all adventure bikes. and not be as reliable as that old lump which is the smoothest v twin I've ever rode and I've had a few (9)
Isle of white hovercraft brings back memories of excitement and awe as an 8 year old boy in 1990 from Northern Ireland over on holiday with my great aunt I’d never seen anything like that before lol.
Really enjoyed that, actually liked see Portsmouth. As for the bike, well it’s easy to criticise but for the money it’s a reliable way of getting about. Definitely on my list as an additional bike. Thanks Chops 👍🏻
Hello from the USA...great video...am bike "shopping "...looks like this bike just might be a contender...have to go see one for fit to my 29" inseam...kind of like my old cb750 which was great no matter where I was riding it
Loved the vid still undecided between the Tiger 900 and Vstrom, due to Covid cant even test ride the pair but it gives me time to have a good look into both cheers chops.
Cracking review thanks Lamb Chops, this is my next bike need to think more about practicality (and my mature age and creaking frame) throwing in my GSXR 1000R for this so my touring is made easier and because it has the luggage and cruise thats me sorted. Thanks buddy
Nice real world vid & review. Suzuki's are great real world reliable everyday bikes that give you what you need at a good price. However you generally don't lust after modern Suzuki's as they're not really aspirational bikes & as you said Chops, they are great tools & to be used as such imo.
Great video Chopsy! Love the history lesson and the hovercraft footage. I have the 2014 1000 and the new version is certainly worth looking at. Brilliant all rounder.Have a happy new year brother. All the best from Australia.
Great little review. I’m to unaccepting of change to give parallel twins the credit they probably deserve, and ADV bikes for that matter, that being said, I’d buy the Suzuki here just for keeping the spirit of the V-Twin going.
An adventure bike with 17'' wheels: Buell Ulysses. I still have one. Just as punchy between 2,000 and 4,000 as this, I'd wager. Maybe punchier. I crossed from Dover to France on a hovercraft with my XT500 in 1989, I think. Better than the ferry. Excellent review of a bike I really like.
247kg wet is not heavy if that includes the panniers and rack, crash bars, etc. Strange thing about the engine: my SV1000, which this engine is based on, knocked out about 118 bhp. Prior to that the TL 1000 (widow-maker) made 135. My SV didn't lack mid-range or anything else. Now they've stretched the engine a bit but it's only making 105. I suspect a tuner could chip it and get a hell of a lot more out of it. Enjoyed the hovercraft, good film.
As always Chopsi you make fantastic video. Love the new part of you making history lesson, and doing a tour of Portsmouth and a bike review that´s bloody brilliant. Yours Sincerely The Danish Viking. :-)
I like the old McClaren colours. I've seen this bike reviewed previously on other motorbike RUclips channels (sorry Chops) and nearly all seem to love this bike. Loved seeing the hovercraft as well👍👏😎
Thanks for that tour - Once Covid all sorted I think a winter break on Portsmouth seafront beckons. I didn't see Portsmouth Tourist Board as one of your sponsors - only a matter of time I suppose before your official guide badge arrives? Excellent VStrom coverage too of course (wonder why they call it that?).
Another great review. One of the bikes on my list for a commuter and mile munching. Yes, the screen adjustment on the fly is a bit annoying, but maybe do it while in cruise control?🤪 Still not a safer option over stopping of course. Love the content and can’t wait to see more!
Thought you was going to meeting up with spicy 110 LOL. Nice review as always Chops, hope you and the family had a fantastic Christmas and here's to a better 2021. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Very nice Mr Chops, I wouldn't mind a V Strom, a good honest bike, good on fuel, nice relaxed loping v twin cruising - but I've got 4 bikes already and the wife doesn't know about one of them as it is !! Often think of dear old Portsmouth as a town, but it been a city for 800 years I think - it has got the lovely old town section too ..... spent some time there in the 1990s, happy days 🙂
Looking for a touring bike. Was excited by the new Multi but honestly it just seems obscene to spend that much for gimmicks that will probably break anyway. maybe i should take a look at this. It's better to have a bike where you can reach the limits than a bike that makes you feel unworthy.
Bill I bought a new 1050 Vstrom a few months ago and am absolutely loving it.. There's too many Vstrom haters that judge them unfairly... if you look at them for what they are(like chopsy has) .. A well priced, reliable, comfortable commuter that you could easily ride all day (which I have) and has plenty of power I honestly think you can't go wrong.. And I actually think they look great!
Chops thanks for the review, Portsmouth (I'm a resident) is real town riding and as a 2017 V-strom rider I concur great bike, totally underrated. It was said it does not do 1 thing exceptionally but does everything else very well, which convinced me to buy my 1050, everyday is a blast. The bike group to which I belong have a mixture of 966/GSXR 1000 and Fireblades but after a days riding I'm the only one with no aches 😁 and I'm 60, yes I can't keep up on the straights but on the twisties I do just fine. Once again great review and now I'm a subscriber 👍
I purchased xt very good value...there a bit under the radar.👌. agree on all counts chops ....my first trip to scotland 1200 miles was effortless ...and ll the best for 2021 we all need it cheers from dave
"It's not really safe Chops, what are you doin??" It pays to be over 6ft tall haha! Thanks for the hovercraft vid - a bit rare alright, Take care in the lockdown... Graeme from NZ
Excellent history lesson enjoyed the tour round Portsmouth and Southsea bike seemed excellent for the job rather liked this video because of the dual purpose of the conversation history and bike rolled into one complete video could you do another like this or is it a bit TMF Food for thought though choperoo.
I was going to upgrade from my 14 but with only cosmetic upgrades, ill keep the 14 ,Vstrom owners are a loyal bunch ,but with Honda Ducati working overtime to refine their bikes, Suzuki are falling behind now if you where to ride the 14 side3 by side theirs not a big difference, other than low rpm power up until 4 rpm ,same everything else,so your better off buying a 2019 model that's discounted ,we still see them new here in Canada for 10 grand. Really enjoyed your excitement on this review, thankyou, and Happy New Year
Spot on review 👌 I d say, these bikes are sold around the world, great for unpaved , pot holed gravelly roads but please they are not 'dirt' bikes. Buy a 250 single for that. Your right about the footpegs, but I don't notice they are in the way on my 2018 model, better screen too on the elder, and I think better low down grunt. Superb ,reliable affordable machine , so what if its cheaper than a ' premium ' motorbike, this is the thinking mans machine.🤔
Great video Chops and a free history lesson thrown in for free 🤪🎉🎉 how were those gloves I’m after a warm dry pair that you can still feel the controls
The gloves are great, they do take a little bit of bedding in as the waterproof membrane is inside the glove so does make them tight to start with. After 2 - 3 rides though they are lovely
She sounds a lot like the 2004 I had for many years and many miles. She's a big, soft, comfy girl for mile munching and surprisingly agile in mountain curves.
Cracking summary of the ‘bike, I nearly NEARLY bought one, but ended up going for the vfr1200x. For the money and for what you get for your money the strom is hard to beat. There’s a few 80/20 adventure bikes, but these hold their heads high. Good pcp offers and reliability is a given. Nice job suzuki I say. Top work chops... 👍👍
Spot on video you picked out things like foot pegs get in the way etc pretty accurate just a couple of things you should look at one is if you have it long term check fuel consumption I'm getting 67 mpg amazing and you can buy a 1050 base model for £8300 which makes it way cheaper than its competitors. I'm well impressed with mine.
I've had 2 VStrom's a '02 way back and a '09 both were superb, reliable, and ultimately fun bikes to own and ride. I think my old Bandit needs a new stablemate!
Great bike but do suzuki not always have higher pegs which usually give me knee cramps after 100 mile or so.Had a 2013 super tenere 1200 for a few yrs and loved it sold it and bought a 2018 v strom like it but suffered the knee cramp so went back to a 2019 super tenere and no knee cramps unless it's a 500mile a day run.Has the 1050 the same high pegs??I think I heard you saying it had????Beautiful machine all the same.
Would have liked to see you spank it through some more twisties, its more than capable even in the wet on shite roads, those tires do a great job. Don't know why Suzuki messed with the screen adjustment and the foot pegs do get in the way but are hinged so move readily enough. Personally i'm a fan of Martellos, predecessors of the Palmerston's, I believe, probably explains why I love a bike with a dated engine, retro styling and just the bare wisp of technology.
Another great vid chops 👍👍👌👌 I love my v strom 1000 xt I fitted the foot rest lowering kit to mine sorts 2 problems I test rode the 1050 It does vibe more than my 1000 xt
Just throw Michelin Road 5 Trail tyres on it and it's the perfect bad road bike. They're pure road tyres and they are great on any sealed road while being OK on gravel. No need for 17 inch wheels.
I sold my 2004 vstrom 650 and bought myself a 2011 triumph tiger 800 xc beliveing l was trading up on quality, comfort and so on,but no, l cant say that the tiger are better. Build quality on the suzuki are way better than triumph. Parts do seems to give up faster on the Triumph during winther commute. I think l will go back to suzuki vstrom again, because its a awsome bike.
![[SFM] Risky Recital](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RzNkY1_Nk3o/mqdefault.jpg)
Had my v Strom 1050 xt for six months got 30 000 km on it great bike out of the box
Cheers from new Zealand 🇳🇿
Hi LCR, great review, I own one of these, same colour, must say your analogy is spot on. I have just over 3000 miles on mine, and have loved every minute of it. So comfy, I also had the suspension set up for my weight, it’s even better now handling wise, the only drawback is, it’s slightly harder to get on the main stand. Fuel economy is exceptional, with my wife on as pillion, I can easily get 63mpg at a steady 55-60mph ( she is not keen on speed), as for the rest, I get between 50-55mpg keeping up with my biker buddies. That’s the thing about the V Strom, it can keep up with the fast guys or it can pootle about, it’s not fussy, put a couple of extra teeth on the rear sprocket, and it improves things even more. Yes, it’s not the best or most attractive adv bike as you mentioned, not love at first sight, but it will certainly grow on you. I like that saying you have about Suzuki, there’s a “mechanical rightness “, well done 👍
Suzuki - simply the best !
Great comment - I am thinking it would be my next bike
I have the same 2020 xt. Has been a dependable bike now at 12k miles.
You know, I've been debating on whether I should get the vstrom or the africa twin for an adventure bike and when it comes to looks I actually really liked the suzuki styling over the africa twin! It's less aggressive but it's a classic look and feels more "rugged".
Same here, I own one too, spot on review
45K miles on, and my 650 Vstrom still makes me smile more than my other bikes. Fantastic roadbikes Chops.
Yes absolutely agree Wayno, 650 also a cracking bike 👍
@@LambChopRides just put a quickshifter on my old winter hack, check the vid on my channel bud.
I did 30K (miles) on my 650 Vstrom and then "upgraded" to the 1000. Both wonderful all-rounders but if I had to pick one it would be the 650.
@@deanzaZZR what are some of the reasons you say that?
@@racerdaveracerdave It's simply one rider's opinion. The obvious advantage of the 1000 is on open roadway and chewing through miles (the suspension is better overall as well). But even as one who is on the tall side, 6'2.5" (190 cm), I found the 1000 top heavy and just heavy in general. The chudder is real as well. Most of my rides were commuting and in the Santa Cruz mountains for fun and the 650 was stellar at these tasks.
I’ve got 5,000 miles on mine and it’s perfect for me. Great at keeping the wind and engine heat off. Great at high speed cruising with the engine changes. I see a long relationship...
I reckon it’s one of the best bikes ever built. A Swiss Army knife of a bike.
Great review. Good to see bikes tested for real in the streets of grey old Blighty, not just sunny Spain.
I used to have a 2007 VStrom 1000 and I loved it. I think the VStrom's are like the Swiss Army knife of bikes - not great at anything, but good at a lot of things. And the v-twin engines on both the 650's and 1000's have been around forever and are practically bulletproof.
I would take this over the Africa Twin which Honda have wrecked with that 21” front wheel and non intuitive menu system. In town I would remove the panniers and leave on the top box for filtering through traffic. I much prefer the seat to that hard, skinny thing on the Honda.
The landing craft at the museum is LCT 7074, a d-day survivor of the landings. Landed on Gold beach!
I didn’t realise they were so long!
Thanks for that, saved me going onto Google 👍🏻👍🏻
@@stevebolton8471 That's what she said.
@@Englishbikerdan Fast response! 😂
@@stevebolton8471 Mrs tells me that too 😂
Hi Chops, I took one out last month...It's always good to hear another bloggers view on it to back up what I thought and was glad to see I said the same as you pretty much. Not released my vid yet- trying to save it till things get back to normal. Also yes I mentioned about getting your feet down . Right in the way! Plus I have a screen blooper coming up lol!! Good one cheers👍
Nice to see the TL engine still being used today. Great engine.
I had a 1999 TL1000R in 2009, literally amazing but was a serious handful....tried to kill me a few times but I'd have one again tomorrow.
@@aking610 🤣 I had a 1998 in 2009. Never had a licence and took it out for a run. 20mins later I was back having shat myself and put the bike straight on ebay. I genuinely only bought it because I loved the sound that came out of it.
The forts are Palmerston’s Follies, Lamp Chops. Built in the 1800’s to keep the French out. We might still need them!!
At the moment that would be more to keep you from exiting your own country... 😉
@@Porkycheun or for parties: ruclips.net/video/wMUcoyLhtzM/видео.html
What would the French possibly want here? 😀
no we dont m8 we brexited !! ""so long and thanks for all the fish !
Great video chops 👍 I've recently bought a 1050 vstrom (the standard one) it was a pre reg display bike and has the crash bars, spot lights, Ali belly pan £8999 all in... For the money you can't beat it and as you said its the perfect commuter/mile muncher
Still happy? I can’t decide between Suzuki and Yamaha tracer 9
@@chrisw4215.. Yeah loving it.. I've done a couple of videos on my vstrom, check them out
@@2wheeledwillie395 Thanks, will definitely do
Had my 1050XT for 9 months now. It's a fantastic bike, so much confidence in the bike. I am well over 6ft so it's amazingly comfy and that engine is just brilliant. I test rode the AT and owned a GSA previous but find the Strom better and found the AT so boring.
How tall are you and did you do mods to accommodate your height? I'm 6'4" and ride a heavily modified V-strom650 but thinking of a new bike. Thanks!
@@got_to_roll the 1050 in general is just going to accommodate larger riders better than the 650. The extra mass makes a huge difference between the two bikes.
How about the overtaking power with a passenger?
@@stephanbretscher1713 shed loads of torque on tap. Absolutely flies along.
@@got_to_roll hi, 6'3 and I have put a Puig touring screen and a black widow pipe to make it sound right. Absolutely love this bike, just want to ride it all the time.
Always good to see real world reviews, even more so when they're done on my local roads!
Its about time you boys in the industry found a different name for these "adventure" bikes. Because all of you mention how shit they are off road. They're really just comfy road tourers.
I have to admit thinking the same
Adventure Tourers?
Elevated Ride Bikes - EVRs
It depends on how you define off road. They're not trail bikes, but my 650XT is awesome on dirt and gravel roads.
They're only shit at off-road for the unskilled rider. Is it harder to ride off-road than a dedicated off-road bike? OBVIOUSLY. They're very heavy. But in the hands of a good rider, they can get just about anywhere you can take an Enduro/trail bike. Only much more comfortably.
These are great, honest bikes that plain work for whatever you need them for. Great motor, chassis, and brakes, and great gas mileage (my 2018 has gotten just over 70 mpg overall on a 1200 mile weekend trip). Great that cruise completes this bike, and $100 Oxford grips take care of the last issue. Two notes: First is, with proper tires and a decent offroad rider, the V is actually rather good offroad. Also, these regularly go well over 100K miles, and there are many in operation with 200k+ miles. Loved the hovercraft detour! That's exactly what the V is for!
Honest review as always. You opened my eyes. I was thinking about buying a V Strom. But relaxation? I want to have fun on the motorcycle. Thank you for making it very clear what the Vstrom is good for.
The V-Strom looks like the ideal street / onroad travel bike.
The hovercraft scene was just amazing
Of course I wanna see a hovercraft 😂🤣
Great vid Mr chops 👍👍
Haha, I lucked out it was there! Glad you enjoyed it 😁
I want a go on the hovercraft! Review of the hovercraft next please chops! 👍🏻
Didn't even realise the hovercraft still ran. I remember going on it as a young boy to the IOW. Fantastic
That was a fun surprise Mr. Chops! I was very lucky. when i was ten years old i flew from california to london and met my cousin who is about ten years older than i. Among other great adventures, she took me on a hovercraft ride from Dover to Calais. The white cliffs, the excitement of the ride - although we had to fight a bit of sea-sickness (air-sickness? hover-turbulence?) - arriving in France... I remember it all very clearly.
I missed out on that experience gutted I never got to experience those missive channel crossing versions 👍
You want to "try a 17" front tyre, like some kind of supermoto" - Have you tried a Tracer900GT Chops? Adv-ish riding position, grunty motor, sports/touring road tyres. Later ones handle OK too. You are right about the Strom too, its a great bike, but more of a tool than a bike you become attached to.
I agree it's not for fire trails or will compete with Tenere or AT. But it works just fine on gravel. And that's the most adventure most people will do. As long as it does that ok I think they have a winner. I like the looks. It just looks like it means business. No bullshit machine made to work. Test drove one and I might pick one up. I really enjoyed the engine and the cornering feeling. And I own a sports bike now. The first kilometer I thought it just felt odd. But it is fantastic.
that was a really good honest review of the vstom really enjoyed the vlog and yes we had to see the hovercraft ! also pointing out a few building's ie chatting as you go along just made the video entertaining .great job MR chops
Great video Mr Chops! I’m looking at a new one of these to replace my recently nicked Vespa 300. Resisting joining the GS crowd and wouldn’t be taking a huge bike off road anyway so this looks a good all rounder
I remember going to France in the 70’s on the hovercraft and it was like a wild white water ride, bouncing from peak to peak for what seemed like hours! My poor dad was inspecting the inside of his paper bag all the way!
i'm really liking the camera placement in this. well done, sir. great video as always.
What is more depressing than a UK beach in winter? A UK beach in winter in the middle of a covid lockdown. 🇬🇧⛱️❄️🤕
A UK beach in the middle of summer that you can't ride to because of a lockdown....
I like this video very much especially that Milemunchersong :) Greetings from Germany and well done!
So after spending £12000 on my R1200GSA, as nice as it is, for what i use the bigger bike for, 1 or 2 European tours a year, commuting to work all year round and doing the shopping on. I feel the 1050 XT makes more sense to me at a fraction of the cost. So will be trying to get a test ride on the 20-22 XT, should pocket around £4500 after selling my GSA and buying the 1050XT.
Another great vid John and thanks for stopping to showing me the hovercraft. It was awesome!
Yes, please put a 17” on a V-Strom and make a Hypermoto! And then tell us all about it...
Happy New Year!
Thanks Sam 😁👍 yeah 17" wheels is the way forward! 😎
A great real world review Chops I bought one in October and agree with everything you said! You could pay another £10000 for another adventure bike that would still look ugly like all adventure bikes. and not be as reliable as that old lump which is the smoothest v twin I've ever rode and I've had a few (9)
Great review. Loved it!
I’m pretty sure all merc drivers would be happy with a gash on the side.
Mucky and rough as the weather is i am missing riding already after a week in lockdown.Its what helps a lot of us keep our sanity.
Isle of white hovercraft brings back memories of excitement and awe as an 8 year old boy in 1990 from Northern Ireland over on holiday with my great aunt I’d never seen anything like that before lol.
Enjoyed that, thanks Chopsy! Nice little tour of Portsmouth too.
Well bugger me, I didn’t think the hovercraft were still in use anymore. Superb upload all round Chopsy. 😎👍🏻👏🏼
Great ride out mate looking forward to seeing you in the new year
Happy new year Anthony!
Really enjoyed that, actually liked see Portsmouth. As for the bike, well it’s easy to criticise but for the money it’s a reliable way of getting about. Definitely on my list as an additional bike. Thanks Chops 👍🏻
Sorry to hear about the lock down , the hover craft was good to see Happy new year chops
Great vid chops . A tour of Portsmouth and a bike review brilliant. You got me thinking now I like that v strom.
Hello from the USA...great video...am bike "shopping "...looks like this bike just might be a contender...have to go see one for fit to my 29" inseam...kind of like my old cb750 which was great no matter where I was riding it
Great hovercraft footage, Chops!!
Loved the vid still undecided between the Tiger 900 and Vstrom, due to Covid cant even test ride the pair but it gives me time to have a good look into both cheers chops.
Which one did you get?
@@jblue1299 still havent decided struggling to get decent test rides
@@g.ollieinaus , I am in the same situation, but I am leaning towards the Suzuki ……
Cracking review thanks Lamb Chops, this is my next bike need to think more about practicality (and my mature age and creaking frame) throwing in my GSXR 1000R for this so my touring is made easier and because it has the luggage and cruise thats me sorted. Thanks buddy
Nice real world vid & review. Suzuki's are great real world reliable everyday bikes that give you what you need at a good price. However you generally don't lust after modern Suzuki's as they're not really aspirational bikes & as you said Chops, they are great tools & to be used as such imo.
Great video Chopsy! Love the history lesson and the hovercraft footage. I have the 2014 1000 and the new version is certainly worth looking at. Brilliant all rounder.Have a happy new year brother. All the best from Australia.
Same to you Andrew 👍🍻
Good video that mate, bit of culture and a review all in one, more like this pls 👍👍
Great little review. I’m to unaccepting of change to give parallel twins the credit they probably deserve, and ADV bikes for that matter, that being said, I’d buy the Suzuki here just for keeping the spirit of the V-Twin going.
I think the suzuki is a underrated machine. From what I understand they are Bullitt proof and ultra reliable.
Geat review again chops. 👍😊
An adventure bike with 17'' wheels: Buell Ulysses. I still have one. Just as punchy between 2,000 and 4,000 as this, I'd wager. Maybe punchier.
I crossed from Dover to France on a hovercraft with my XT500 in 1989, I think. Better than the ferry.
Excellent review of a bike I really like.
Good review Lamb Chop. I used to enjoy going on the Hover Craft from Dover to France when I worked on the Channel Tunnel.
Oh really Lyn brilliant! Would have loved to go on one of those 👍
Great video...like the bit on the hovercraft......didn't realised it still exists.
247kg wet is not heavy if that includes the panniers and rack, crash bars, etc. Strange thing about the engine: my SV1000, which this engine is based on, knocked out about 118 bhp. Prior to that the TL 1000 (widow-maker) made 135. My SV didn't lack mid-range or anything else. Now they've stretched the engine a bit but it's only making 105. I suspect a tuner could chip it and get a hell of a lot more out of it. Enjoyed the hovercraft, good film.
Quote of the week "I'm not a hovercraft expert..." really made me smile. :-)
haha good :-)
As always Chopsi you make fantastic video.
Love the new part of you making history lesson, and doing a tour of Portsmouth and a bike review that´s bloody brilliant.
Yours Sincerely
The Danish Viking. :-)
Thanks matey appreciated really is :-)
I like the old McClaren colours. I've seen this bike reviewed previously on other motorbike RUclips channels (sorry Chops) and nearly all seem to love this bike. Loved seeing the hovercraft as well👍👏😎
Haha no problem Neill your allowed to watch other channels... just make sure I'm your favourite 🤣
@@LambChopRides of course your No:1 🙌👍😆😎
😆🥰
Thanks chops really enjoyed that. From a boring day on the Wirral
Glad you enjoyed it Paul :-)
Thanks for that tour - Once Covid all sorted I think a winter break on Portsmouth seafront beckons. I didn't see Portsmouth Tourist Board as one of your sponsors - only a matter of time I suppose before your official guide badge arrives? Excellent VStrom coverage too of course (wonder why they call it that?).
haha, think I might actually have to be armed with the correct facts then haha :-)
Thanks for the video pal, good job indeed.
You should give another try with that head to head drag vs AT...
Another great review. One of the bikes on my list for a commuter and mile munching. Yes, the screen adjustment on the fly is a bit annoying, but maybe do it while in cruise control?🤪 Still not a safer option over stopping of course. Love the content and can’t wait to see more!
Thought you was going to meeting up with spicy 110 LOL.
Nice review as always Chops, hope you and the family had a fantastic Christmas and here's to a better 2021. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
haha, as it happens we were supposed to meet for a Christmas meetup but was cancelled :-(
I never expected to be saying this about a V-Strom, but what a good looking bike!
Very nice Mr Chops, I wouldn't mind a V Strom, a good honest bike, good on fuel, nice relaxed loping v twin cruising - but I've got 4 bikes already and the wife doesn't know about one of them as it is !!
Often think of dear old Portsmouth as a town, but it been a city for 800 years I think - it has got the lovely old town section too ..... spent some time there in the 1990s, happy days 🙂
Of course I want to see the hovercraft. Great video Chopsy.
Looking for a touring bike. Was excited by the new Multi but honestly it just seems obscene to spend that much for gimmicks that will probably break anyway. maybe i should take a look at this. It's better to have a bike where you can reach the limits than a bike that makes you feel unworthy.
Bill I bought a new 1050 Vstrom a few months ago and am absolutely loving it.. There's too many Vstrom haters that judge them unfairly... if you look at them for what they are(like chopsy has) .. A well priced, reliable, comfortable commuter that you could easily ride all day (which I have) and has plenty of power I honestly think you can't go wrong.. And I actually think they look great!
@@2wheeledwillie395 Thanks, Willies. I think I have also heard that V-Stroms also tend to live forever.
Chops thanks for the review, Portsmouth (I'm a resident) is real town riding and as a 2017 V-strom rider I concur great bike, totally underrated. It was said it does not do 1 thing exceptionally but does everything else very well, which convinced me to buy my 1050, everyday is a blast. The bike group to which I belong have a mixture of 966/GSXR 1000 and Fireblades but after a days riding I'm the only one with no aches 😁 and I'm 60, yes I can't keep up on the straights but on the twisties I do just fine.
Once again great review and now I'm a subscriber 👍
Thanks Gary 👍🍻
I purchased xt very good value...there a bit under the radar.👌. agree on all counts chops ....my first trip to scotland 1200 miles was effortless ...and ll the best for 2021 we all need it cheers from dave
Totally agree
"It's not really safe Chops, what are you doin??" It pays to be over 6ft tall haha! Thanks for the hovercraft vid - a bit rare alright, Take care in the lockdown... Graeme from NZ
Haha thanks Graeme and yes it certainly does!
Excellent history lesson enjoyed the tour round Portsmouth and Southsea bike seemed excellent for the job rather liked this video because of the dual purpose of the conversation history and bike rolled into one complete video could you do another like this or is it a bit TMF Food for thought though choperoo.
A great bit of lock down entertainment for me.
Cheers chopsy
Welcome Ian!
Very pleasant and well presented video. First of yours I've seen. *subscribed
I was going to upgrade from my 14 but with only cosmetic upgrades, ill keep the 14 ,Vstrom owners are a loyal bunch ,but with Honda Ducati working overtime to refine their bikes, Suzuki are falling behind now if you where to ride the 14 side3 by side theirs not a big difference, other than low rpm power up until 4 rpm ,same everything else,so your better off buying a 2019 model that's discounted ,we still see them new here in Canada for 10 grand. Really enjoyed your excitement on this review, thankyou, and Happy New Year
Excellent video fella - such a lot of bike for the money.
And I really liked the Chop's Chravelogue piece too. :-)
Glad you liked it!
Enjoyed that, could’ve watched another 25 minutes! New sub. Cheers.
Cracking video mate. Important that these sorts of reviews get done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks matey 👍
👍 Great review on a underrated bike
Spot on review 👌 I d say, these bikes are sold around the world, great for unpaved , pot holed gravelly roads but please they are not 'dirt' bikes. Buy a 250 single for that. Your right about the footpegs, but I don't notice they are in the way on my 2018 model, better screen too on the elder, and I think better low down grunt. Superb ,reliable affordable machine , so what if its cheaper than a ' premium ' motorbike, this is the thinking mans machine.🤔
Awesome motovlog John, and ace to see some of Portsmouth :-)
Thanks Pete 😁😁👍
Brilliant review, well done 👏
Great video Chops and a free history lesson thrown in for free 🤪🎉🎉 how were those gloves I’m after a warm dry pair that you can still feel the controls
The gloves are great, they do take a little bit of bedding in as the waterproof membrane is inside the glove so does make them tight to start with. After 2 - 3 rides though they are lovely
Jeeze I wasn't expecting a hovercraft that massive! Didn't know they made them in to that scale lol
Great watch. Thanks for continuing to entertain me this year. Boris is wearing a bit thin now ! :(
Haha thanks Bunny 👍🍻
Bloody hell chops i was cold watching you without neck buff 😨😨 great vlog tho pal
Love this content Chops! Keep doing what you're doing mate. 👍🏻
Much appreciated!
She sounds a lot like the 2004 I had for many years and many miles. She's a big, soft, comfy girl for mile munching and surprisingly agile in mountain curves.
Cracking summary of the ‘bike, I nearly NEARLY bought one, but ended up going for the vfr1200x. For the money and for what you get for your money the strom is hard to beat. There’s a few 80/20 adventure bikes, but these hold their heads high. Good pcp offers and reliability is a given. Nice job suzuki I say. Top work chops... 👍👍
Spot on video you picked out things like foot pegs get in the way etc pretty accurate just a couple of things you should look at one is if you have it long term check fuel consumption I'm getting 67 mpg amazing and you can buy a 1050 base model for £8300 which makes it way cheaper than its competitors. I'm well impressed with mine.
Yeah that is a great price!!
Great review Chops, loved the hovercraft section. 👍
Thanks matey, need to include a hovercraft section in every vid haha 👍🍻
Ha, that might be hover doing it!
Bizarrely a bigger fan of the previous versions looks.
You could buy a new one, and then we could swap them over. 😜
I feel the same about the new Hayabusa. Much preferred the looks of the very first gen.
First thanks love your work.
2 please do a 17inch wheel Vstrom!!!!
I've had 2 VStrom's a '02 way back and a '09 both were superb, reliable, and ultimately fun bikes to own and ride. I think my old Bandit needs a new stablemate!
Great bike but do suzuki not always have higher pegs which usually give me knee cramps after 100 mile or so.Had a 2013 super tenere 1200 for a few yrs and loved it sold it and bought a 2018 v strom like it but suffered the knee cramp so went back to a 2019 super tenere and no knee cramps unless it's a 500mile a day run.Has the 1050 the same high pegs??I think I heard you saying it had????Beautiful machine all the same.
Great video,love the bike (heated grips and Centre stand should be standard on adventure bikes though) hovercraft was cool.🇮🇲
Hovercraft was awesome, nice variation to the usual theme chopsie.
Thanks Stephen 👍
Thanks 🙏🏼 that hover craft was a good shout
Would have liked to see you spank it through some more twisties, its more than capable even in the wet on shite roads, those tires do a great job. Don't know why Suzuki messed with the screen adjustment and the foot pegs do get in the way but are hinged so move readily enough. Personally i'm a fan of Martellos, predecessors of the Palmerston's, I believe, probably explains why I love a bike with a dated engine, retro styling and just the bare wisp of technology.
Another great vid chops 👍👍👌👌 I love my v strom 1000 xt
I fitted the foot rest lowering kit to mine sorts 2 problems
I test rode the 1050
It does vibe more than my 1000 xt
Good tip!
Just throw Michelin Road 5 Trail tyres on it and it's the perfect bad road bike. They're pure road tyres and they are great on any sealed road while being OK on gravel.
No need for 17 inch wheels.
I sold my 2004 vstrom 650 and bought myself a 2011 triumph tiger 800 xc beliveing l was trading up on quality, comfort and so on,but no, l cant say that the tiger are better. Build quality on the suzuki are way better than triumph. Parts do seems to give up faster on the Triumph during winther commute.
I think l will go back to suzuki vstrom again, because its a awsome bike.