Suzuki V-Strom 1050 (2020) | In-depth Review and Opinion
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- Опубликовано: 14 май 2020
- The 2020 #Suzuki #VStrom 1050 gets a retro restyle, more power, an upgraded electronics package, a few more gadgets, a new seat, a new capacity in name only, and a price rise.
Can the updates elevate the Strom from mid-pack mediocrity to essential adventure bike? Simon Hargreaves, representing Bennetts BikeSocial, was at the press launch in Malaga to find out. Check his full review and indepth opinion here: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial...
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Just back from a 2500 mile road trip on the black 1050xt around Ireland and the UK. I upgraded from the 1000xt and the increased price is worth every penny. Love the cruise control and bike handles like a dream. Used all driver modes and TC settings and power delivery is more linear. Used the bike off road around Worthy Farm Glastonbury Festival site and the bike held up well. I’m 6’4” and this bike is brilliant for tall riders, really comfortable and only minimal wind resistance from the standard screen. Relatively low service costs and bulletproof engine make this a really good buy and would definitely recommend this bike.
Im getting one.....thanks for the input....
Any clutch chudder?
In my humble opinion it definitely scores big in the looks department. I like it😀👍👍
I am surprised that Suzuki came out with the 1050 and not the 650 first. I thought the 650 was a more popular bike. I own a 2017 model 650 XT , done over 20,000 km and I am very happy with it.
I want this look and this suspension setup on the 650.
2021 maybe? If the 650 got cruise control it's a slam dunk for Suzuki.
@@drewmorg. Maybe an 50cc upgrade? 700cc DR with two versions. Road and Offroad, like the T7. Could be big fun.
probably will have it next year
Wont come next year;(
Sadly I don’t think we’ll ever see USD forks or CC on the 650. The 650 needs to meet a tighter price point.
I think you do excellent reviews. Very honest and insightful. Your Moto Guzzi review might make me buy one in a few years as not in market just yet. It is in my sights unless something goes wacky in the meantime.
Consistently one of the best bike reviewers on RUclips, thanks Simon.
When we compare it with other bikes, Just think about the reliability it had over the years. It will probably outlive all the competitors.
Probably one of the best motorcycle reviewers out there in youtube land. Plenty of real world detail, and this guy knows how to review a bike without all the arty bullshit that normally accompanies such tests.
Great review. Always love seeing outtakes too. Cheers.
Takes me ages to make them look accidental 😂
Thanks for the good review,looking forward to a test ride in Australia.
Excellent review. Thank you.
Fantastic review. Now you make me want to try one!! Cheers
Excellent and honest review 👍🏻 A very nice bike 🏍
I love the sound of it 👍🏽
It's very satisfying and Ducati-like
Nice bike & excellent comprehensive review. Personally I really enjoyed the engine lineage part. Wish they'd increase the engine to 1100/1200cc & 120bhp & then put it in something akin to the SV1000 again.
Great review I love the bike
I love it. I have had 4 V-Stroms. Fantastic bikes, loads of fun!
Great review. Glad you pointed out that tha base model is actually lower spec than last year's. Other reviews have harped on about features that were already standard last year as if they were somehow new. I have the 2019 DL1000XT model and can't think I will be trading it in for the 1050. If anything, I'm more likely to go for the BMW F900XR.
Another great review, you really do well rounded indepth adventure bike articles -
I like the new 1050, but I’m more than Happy to keep my 2015....I think it’s not a big enough change under the skin. And it didn’t need to be any heavier!! Good review.
Say it again and again
Bennetts have the best English bike reviews!
Thanks! John
I bought a 1050xt orange and white and I love riding this new upgraded version. Not fussed with the screen as it didn't provide much protection or wind buffeting. The seat is quite hard and I have had to use an Airhawk seat until I can replace the seat. This bike loves the winding roads and holds it's line with pure confidence in curves.
A good looking, comfortable, and very competent real world road bike that is built with a proven and reliable power train and enjoys excellent dealer support. Great value for money!
Agreed. This bike would make a very good choice. I am considering for purchase later this year.
Love this bike, look forward to leftovers significantly discounted. These adventure bikes are so light and flickable and track so well on back roads where pavement is crap or nonexistent
The old XT has 5 axis IMU.
I like it too. Only one problem really, Triumphs 900 Tiger GT has more on it for less money. The Triumph will take sales from this. And the Tiger has a better looking exhaust too. And if I'm honest, the Triumphs a better looking bike as well, but only just
Nice review.👍👍
Thanks! But - I've got the Tiger GT Pro at £12,800 and the Strom XT at £11,445? But yes, the Tiger has more gadgets; electric rear preload, heated grips, heated seats(!) and up/down q/shifter, more comprehensive function options and a flatscreen dash... if you're buying one, make sure you're ok with that vibration before you sign! And the Tiger is giving away a fair bit of engine capacity and while its probably just as rapid in real terms, the Suzuki really will crack on impressively.
I would worry about Triumph reliability, I would feel a bit more comfortable with a Suzuki.
@@raycollington4310 My 800XC was rubbish. My first (and last) Triumph.
@@JayBee-se8ou Sorry to hear that. When you say it was rubbish, do you mean it just wasn't very good or it was unreliable?
You are MOVING on that thing sir!!!
Thank you - the Strom can boogie. The stuff I couldn't use (a bit too fast, even in Spain) is even better ✊
Probably suits most people's off road pretensions more than we'd like to admit. Me included. 10% off road in reality. But, image is worth a lot? I think.
Like it. Good review , happy travels
I was talking to a friend and said I would probably be 99% road. She had adventured all over north and south America on an MT07.
Nice bike...Great review!
Love the new look. I liked the old one too but cruise control is the kicker. I don't care for chain drive but the price may overcome that. I need to ride one.
Good review. I enjoyed the point of difference.
So last April as we came out of lockdown I decided to by my new bike.
It was wait for another 3-4 months for the 1050 or buy the then current 1000xt.
$5000 over the previous model was, I felt, a bit too much over the $17000 price tag.
I settled on the 2019 XT1000, I'd love the cruise control but.... $5000 more
I just love my XT1000, it has 5 axis ABS not 6 and no cruise.....
I'm happy with my choice until I rack up huge kilometers around NZ.
Simon, always enjoy your reviews 👍
A new sv1000 would be a great bike. :)
second that
Another cracking review from you Si. 😁👍
Rode a mates original one for about 4 miles .........hated it 😬 never liked the looks but do like the style of this one.
Change of exhaust required though 🙈😆.
Yes. And a remap. And I'd gear it down a bit. It's got plenty of go in it but I'd like a bit more bark.
Love the six axes. Well played ...
I dare say the weight increase is largely in the crash bars and centre stand. Great bike.
That 6-"axes" IMU though.. :)
Great video. Great bike. Vstrom is still the best value sport adventure bike in the market regardless the engine.
Great bike. I will consider this strongly for a purchase later this year. I wonder what would happen sales wise if Suzuki made an optimal version. Lightweight (theoretical 225kg) and with a torque rich 120hp.
Great review, I gather you liked it. How does it compare to the Versys 1000 or VFR1200X?
Been a while since I last rode a Crosstourer - I wish it wasn't! I remember its engine, its engine and its engine. It's like a tourer with long legs. It's a bigger, I suspect heavier (haven't checked) and more substantial machine than the Strom. It's shame Honda didn't update it and make it as flagship-spec as the Africa Twin (an AT drawback is still having only around 100bhp-ish to pull two people and full luggage; it can be done, but 120-140bhp would be better). The V-Strom will feel a bit less refined, I think. The V-twin is more active than the smoothy V4. The Honda's finish will be a bit more upmarket too, probably.
The Versys is, again, a bigger bike and with more go in the motor - but inline fours and their transverse cranks aren't meant to sit so high off the ground and when you steer the Kawasaki, especially with luggage, you're instantly reminded why a Z1000SX hasn't got 150mm of wheel travel (although having said that, the old Z1000SX wasn't exactly twinkle-toes in the hairpins; apparently the new one is much better, on the launch, hic).
All three can boogie a bit in the bends (hairpins aside) but the Suzuki would be more agile and handle its weight better. And it's miles better-looking imo.
So for two-up touring, from memory I'd take either the X-Tourer or Versys before the V-Strom - which of course isn't to say the Suzuki couldn't or would struggle. And from an engine character point of view, I'd take the Suzuki or Honda over the Kawasaki. And from a looks point of view, I'd take the Suzuki. And from a sporty riding point of view, I'd definitely take the Suzuki.
As a 2019 Vstrom XT rider I have to say I love the bike. I like how simple Suzuki is also the new one. It has all you need and does not stress out the rider with information you dont need. All in all sporty ride with great amount of comfort and reliability. I cant wait to attack the Alps, I hope borders with Italy and Austria are opened soon. Grettings from Slovenia.
Been riding a cb500x past few year. And been one the most reliable bikes ive ever had. But I'm always looking for something with more power and just as reliable
Great review. What kind of jacket are you using on this test ride?
I get asked about that jacket all the time! It's a Tucano Urbano Gulliver (I think it's discontinued but you can still get them).
www.motostorm.it/en/clothing/jackets/tucano-urbano-gulliver-jacket-dark-beige.html
I’m buying!
I like the bike, it’s worth a try !
I have a totally customized one of a kind 2018 1050XT which I bought new in Aug 2017, which came out 4 years before the so-called new 2021 1050XT, as I thought since the new 2021 1050XT's engine is the same 1037cc displacement and my 2018's engine I figured that I could also call mine a 1050XT, So I ordered a pair of 1" high 1050XT vinyl decals which I applied to the upper gas tank side covers, and wala I had a 1050XT for $10,85, which is the cost of the two decals.
Sweet bike. Want it!
The Vstrom is a good, honest motorcycle that doesn't pretend to be anything that it isn't. Most motorcyclists don't want an iPod with information overload stuck in front of them. They want clear, concise information that they can read and assimilate at a glance. Motorcycling is a high risk activity at the best of times with a TFT screen. On the subject of off-road, how many owners of the adventure bike genre actually ride them on the dirt? I wouldn't dream of taking my Super Tenere off-road. The. Vstrom is a great, value motorcycle and it is very good at its intended use.
Suzuki have a long history of discounting, I think six months from now this bike will be Ten grand (pounds) or even less, then once again it will be far and away the best value adv bike out there.
Amen to that.
One on ebay already, in yellow £10.199.
Good review, ...any chance to see one of the new 650, please.
Bye
Soon as Suzuki build it and launch it, Bennetts BikeSocial will be there.
Well done Suzuki..
A belt drive would be the icing on the cake....I'm getting one..
I like the 6 axes....a good touch! ;-)
I love the “new” design! designed by the same guy who did the DR750 big. I’m rebuilding one in my YT channel.
Great review! Analog with my impressions (this far). If/when Suzuki wanted to reinvent themselves in the adventure segment, why didn't they go the extra mile, or say, an additional mile? As a BMW GSA owner I find the "novelty" somewhat underwhelming. But it looks very sharp! Me, I'll keep the ol' gal and wait for Husqvarna Norden 901. Maybe that's what will make me try something else. Time will show.
Simon - while different bikes would you prefer one of these for a long journey or the MG TT85?
Probably the Strom tbh - but would be perfectly happy on either (the caveat is the V85TT's seat - it killed my backside, but only after 1800 miles in 3 days on the hottest days of the year, so maybe it's not a fair test. Although I know of someone else who hated the seat as well - but I also know a couple of guys who rode two bikes to the factory and back without a problem! So who knows!).
@@writestuffmedia Thank you for responding. Yes - seats are a tough one. Everyone feels different about them and when they're uncomfortable they are pure misery. I appreciate the thorough review and look forward to the next one. Have a great week and stay safe.
Great bike now make this and the 650 lighter please! The versys 650 is a great middle weight but I actually prefer the gruntier ‘dad engine’ on the strom! Only thing is that the v strom feels like it also has a dad bod compared to the lighter feeling versys!
I think, up until this Covid business threw a spanner in the works, it was almost certain Suzuki would have a similarly-styled Wee Strom in 2021. That *might* be delayed now... in the sense everyone has basically had their 2020 sales plans halved. Dunno how possible it is to adjust production plans like that - you never know, Suzuki might have already been gearing up production for an autumn launch and spring 2021 sales. But I'm pretty sure it'll happen at some point.
VStrom owner here. Is the updated engine any smoother at low revs and does wind still funnel from the beak and dump into your chest causing helmet buffeting?
If anything the new engine is a bit more feisty a low revs - I would say the engine vibration is about the same, but it has got a bit more of a performance edge, I think. It's more animated. This might be interpreted as roughness. I found the fuelling and throttle control pretty good too - but again, these days anything that doesn't snatch your wrist off is a bonus.
I confess I didn't have a particular issue with the old bike's wind management - in my opinion almost all adventure bikes, especially in this class, have sub-optimal screens - they're not styled to be aerodynamic and as soon as the air starts moving over the beak and then hits whatever excuse of a screen has been fitted, the turbulence generated can be pretty bad - the previous 1000cc Africa Twin or F850 GS with touring screens are awful. In that context, I thought the Strom was pretty good - but must stress, I did very little sustained motorway riding.
Real love the look, the specs , and the functionality ect but I can’t justify the increase in weight - 247kg for me is too much p
Agree, my 2019 XT has 232 kg and it light. 15 kg is some weight.
I think the weight increase is due to the accessories which are standard on the new XT, like the engine guards. I think the centre stand was not standard too and is now on the new XT. Add on the weight of them and I think you will find the weight about the same. The guards I think are the heaviest.
You dont feel the extra weight when riding it at all.
If you will must between this 1050xt, tiger900gt pro and 850gs adventure, wich one would be? And why?
Great bike for the money, not all the bells and whistles of ducati, KTM or BMW.
Im torn between this and the v85tt, you have ridden both, any views on pros n cons and best pillion. All views appreciated
What's overlooked is that yes, it is heavier that the previous model XT, but then the last modal didn't come with centre stand and crash bars as standard. How come no one talks about the new oil cooler solution, which is a bit clever?
Spot on! Totally agree!👌 You'd think it was obvious?
Ah, the watercooled oil cooler? I'm pretty sure I've seen this on a few bikes now - it doesn't directly affect the handling, ride or performance of the bike so it wasn't top of my list of thing to talk about... and heaven knows I missed out loads of stuff and went on about the looks far too much. Good point about the added weight of the centrestand and engine bars contributing to the extra weight this year - but then it's still, you know, heavier.
My gripes with the styling is the muffler is huge. I don't really want a loud exhaust on something like this that I would primarily use for commuting and touring. The shape of the stock can is fine, I just wish they made it a little more slim.
The panniers from suzuki are also mounted a bit too far forward and look like they make mounting and dismounting somewhat difficult for even the rider, let alone the passenger.
Would be nice if you could get the "gold" wire wheels in any color scheme, not just yellow/blue. More color options would also be nice. I've seen a black/grey/orange version but it's not available in the US. In fact, to get either black version in the US you have to go with the base or adventure versions.
Apart from that, I think they nailed it. Finally a Vstrom that looks as good as it rides. I've ridden the older versions a little bit and they seem like a great all-day all-week bike, just kinda ugly IMO.
I think You need to remember that dl1000 had 2 and therefore slimmer cans, now the single can has to somehow do the job while being relatively quiet at the same time😉
All these 500+ lb. "ADV" bikes are gravel runners. These are not dual-sports. A 19" front wheel should be just fine. If anything, the spokes are a bit unnecessary for this bikes intended purpose. I may have to get one of these. That twin sure sounds good.
That's why it's called an ADV , not a duel sport.
Cool and effective bike.
It looks so great. It sounds so great. The specs look great.
But am I gonna get this over an Africa Twin or a GS? ehhhh....
Why not? How much cost the Africa and the Gs?
Shit I would. Bullet proof reliable, competitive and excellent value.
So adv bikes are "love or hate" from a design standpoint... I love the looks of my Multi, but it's far from the accolades that the Panigale line gets. I REALLY like the retro adv look of the new 1050XT... especially in Suzuki yellow! My concerns with the bike are Weight (would have been much happier with 475-500lbs wet, pricing when fully kitted out with cases and capable protection (seems like it'll be knocking on the $17k-$18k price range, which isn't too far from the European models or outstanding Africa Twin), and of course it's real offroad chops.
I think the Multis look just as good as a V4 Panigale and the Pikes Peak is way better. If Ducati made a 1260 Enduro in Pikes Peak colours, I'd be seriously tempted (hahaha no chance!).
Yes, the V-Strom's price rise is a bit more than expected and the boxes and extras (like heated grips!) don't help. Don't know if it's the same in your neck of the woods, but rest assured Suzuki will be fixing some good deals on them in around 12 months' time.
I love the look of this bike! Hmmm...Yamaha T700 or this bike?
Excellent review, thank you!
BUT...the very detailed nature of your assessment must have had the bike design teams going mental as it shows that whilst we all complain about the costs of new bikes etc, when a more than adequate machine is produced we say ‘ Yeah, but it’s a bit boring and lacking all the bling’
Fickle lot us bikers aren’t we!!??
Would be a nice pickup as a model year hold over clearance bike
My thoughts exactly. Which isn't very nice for Suzuki... but, you know, tough.
I would love it with shaft drive
yeah, that would probably make it 260 kilos
@@ioandragulescu6063 Agree. I don't understand why people what that shaft drive. Chain is perfect, and light.
Buy a BMW GS or YAMAHA XTZ1200 if you want that. 🙂
Suzuki : Take off 40 Kg of your V-Strom 1050 XT & put a much smaller & lighter exhaust & i think i would be really interested.
Between the Tiger 900 GT & the V-Strom 1050 XT : which one would you buy?
Between the GT and the Strom, I'd take the Suzuki. Between the GT Pro and the Strom... that would be tougher (the GT Pro has heated seats!)... and between the Tiger Rally Pro and the Strom, the Rally Pro would get the nod.
Simon Hargreaves : thanks for reply & opinion.
v-strom definitely.. V twin souds way better, is more powerfull, japanese quality... :)
Last July 2020, i bought the Tiger 900 GT. After 9000 km, i love it.
I want cast aluminum wheels. I want plastic, aerodynamic sidecases that are big enough to hold a FF Helmet. Oh, and I want a large top case to match the side cases. Think Multistrada. If I want to go off-road I’ll ride my DRZ400S
A tad over 1:05 and the review hits the Big question mark: If the new model isn’t really that new, is the old model really that old? I’m a long time V-Strom fan, own three of ‘em, and if I was going for a fourth I’d be looking at ‘18 and ‘19 models well before this . . . edition. But here’s the real kicker, the competition’s offerings that are really new and innovative (think resale) ain’t too shabby.
Its almost like Suzuki handed their vstrom engineers 25%of the budget and said here you go ,well all they could do is put a new dress on her ,hopefully one day they will give the engineers what they need to properly refine this wonderful machine, for now ill keep my 14 send a letter to Suzuki.
How tall is this bike? Or can it be lowered?
NICE BIKE AMAZING FANTASTIC MAGIC
What was that sound at 10:00. Scraping pegs?
🤫 😉
It did sound like scraping pegs both right and left
Didn’t realize that had a V twin. Looks tough enough but that display is a bummer also no pairing to a phone.
what is the name of the song at the start of the video. plz
Hi Simon,
I'm 5'7" 70 kg.
Am I short for this Beauty?
Hey Thiha, difficult to say because technically, no - if you're a confident rider you'll have some tricks and techniques to deal with it; I know guys under 5'7" who could handle a V-Strom, especially on its 850mm low setting. Suzuki have a low seat version which drops it to 820mm. I would say go find a dealer and sling your leg over it; it's the best way to find out!
Saw another guy testing this and just didn't re clip the screen and pulled it up and down as he liked while riding
Simon, everyone mentions the ancient v twin engine, been around since 1997 blah blah blah. No one ever mentions Ducati have been using the L twin since 1980, I wonder why?
I think with Suzuki it's not a complaint. I think what he's trying to say is it's proven reliable since 1997.
Doesn’t the BMW GS & GSA have a 19” front wheel same as the Vstrom ? So they are really road bikes to
Ah, but both having a 19in front doesn't mean a V-Strom and a GS have the same suitability off-road. Bit more nuanced than that!
No single characteristic - say, having a 19in or a 21in front wheel - makes one bike definitively 'better' at off-road than another, because one bike might 'only' have a 19in front but also have a load of other elements, like wheel travel, or weight, or chassis design, that make it more suitable than another bike with a 19in front.
So it's a simplification and a generalisation to say all bikes with a 19in front wheel share the same suitability off-road. It's waaaaay more complex. And add in the variety of terrain - is off-road a boggy field in winter, or a bone-dry firetrail in summer? - and rider ability as well... 🤯
But I would certainly say in standard trim, from the showroom, both the V-Strom and GS are far and away predominantly suited to road riding.
Simon Hargreaves fair comment, I’m just happy enough having a bike to ride on all roads, and when I’m riding gravel roads and tracks I just take it steady with no rush, you get to see more. I’ve had a couple of Vstroms over the years and had some wonderful rides through the Flinders Ranges in Sth Australia, to tip of Cape York 800k gravel, lawn hill national park Queensland etc only ever had one problem when I hit a rock on the gravel road it dinted my cast rim had to limp home stopping every 2hrs to top up tyre with air. I’ve been debating with myself over which bike to get and I’m down to the Triumph Rally Pro or the Vstrom 1050XT and leaning toward the Vstrom as I do 90% of riding on sealed roads and the Rally Pro is more of an off road bike. Cheers Ed
Ktm 1290 Sas 19" front wheel too
Im really torn between the vstrom 1050 xt and the new tiger 900 gt pro, for a few hundred £ more im pushing towards the tiger
I have the same dillema. What did you choose and who?
I agree with the comments about the little things, thats what puts me off Suzuki's in general, they just dont have that finished product look, all the bikes share parts and its just off putting. Compare them to the Yamahas.
Went out on a test ride on one of these today & was about sold then watched this & seemed like reviewer was almost at gunpoint to sell the v strom lol. Honestly think motorcycle journalists suffer from riding to many different bikes & not realizing what everyday riders will want from bikes. To much overanalyzing & over thinking. Sometimes think bike mags do more harm than good to riders bike choices
He didn't gush over it.................he just said he liked it pretty good. No more no less........
Been looking at one just because honda got a high price. Lol but more I look at the vstrom more I like it for being simpler
I kind of liked the version before this.
I like the next one. I hope this is an excuse for something completely different in the future.
Зачётный байк.
Simon- (or anyone else who knows) What kind of boots are you wearing?
Yes, it's these 👇 They're trials boots, so they're a bit more forgiving to ride all day in than full on enduro or MX boots. I love 'em. Comfy and fully waterproof too.
TCX New Terrain 2 Trial Off-Road Motorcycle Boots | White www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A2VJTZE/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_Ofg5Eb0NWBN72
Ronda Road has average speed cameras? 😭
If you look deeper, you can find you waste a lot of money on Africa Twin 1100, color TFT touch screen with huge delay! Car play function but have to connect cellphone with wire! It's NOT coming for FREE! And in my area, manual gearbox only for standard version, Adventure Sports only come with DCT
@8:47 oopsie daisy, for the rider in front :)
1080p?
1037cc 😂
Radguard needs to be standard radiator very exposed.as do heated grips.... not options.
Sounds better than the 650 VStrom which to my ears sounds awful. And I think it's the best looking one too, actually not bad looking
Uhm, Suzuki says its weight is 236 kg wet.
I think my 2018 Kawasaki Versys 1000... Actually 1040cc is better as a road tourer. More hp.... Faster, more comfort.... And way better looking
They seem to have left a dustbin on the side...