2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Review | MC Commute
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- Опубликовано: 30 апр 2020
- Suzuki’s tried-and-true V-Strom platform has been a staple for adventure-touring riders seeking a value-conscious and reliable ADV rig. And while it always offers excellent value, its features set has always fallen behind versus the competition. Suzuki changes that trend with its new and improved 2020 V-Strom 1050XT ($14,799).
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We’ve always been big fans of the liter-class-sized V-Strom’s road manners and the 1050 takes things to the next level. The handlebar has a taller rise and more rearward bend, which proves especially accommodating for road riding. The handlebar includes plastic hand guards, which further shield the rider’s mitts from weather. However, there’s no denying heated grips wouldn’t be a welcome addition. There’s plenty of legroom and the height-adjustable windscreen is easy to use and does a fine job of blocking wind in its tallest position.
A new mono-color LCD display was adopted, similar to the design used on Suzuki’s GSX-R1000/R superbike and 2020 Katana. The display is bright and easy to read day or night, however a color TFT setup would be preferred considering its price point. A USB plug is located on the left side of the display so you can charge gadgets. Full LED lighting helps you stand out on the road.
Suzuki was an early leader in the electronics department with its selectable S-DMS combined engine and throttle mapping on its 2007 GSX-R1000 sportbike. The technology returns, albeit with a new ride-by-wire throttle system allowing riders to tune throttle response in three settings (A, B, and C). We preferred the direct delivery of the A setting. Ride by wire now allows for cruise control (vehicle must be in fourth, fifth, or sixth gear at a speed between 30 and 100 mph).
Even though this engine configuration is 23 years old (this engine was originally designed for Suzuki’s 1997 TL1000S naked bike), it remains full of torque with a pleasing character. The 1,037cc V-twin is a playful engine that is well suited to life inside the V-Strom. It affords a narrow package and has plenty of grunt to squirt away from stoplights without having to rev out the engine excessively. The engine drinks from a 5.3-gallon fuel tank and we netted an average of 33.6 mpg, during mostly fast-paced riding. A centerstand eases routine maintenance chores.
The six-speed gearbox and hydraulically actuated clutch have nice feel and response, but the gearbox is a tad sticky when new. After a few hundred miles, however, it breaks in and shifts more slickly. Riders feel just the right amount of engine vibration through the controls, but it isn’t enough to cloud the rearview mirrors.
With just over 6 inches of suspension travel, the 1050XT glides over the rough stuff, yet delivers a taut ride when pushed through turns. However, the wheel size (19-inch front, 17-inch rear) and lack of engine protection compromise the V-Strom’s off-road chops as compared to other bikes in this category. The suspension is adjustable so you can tune action to your liking. The OE-fitted Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tires afford excellent grip on pavement and Suzuki’s Motion Track ABS system mitigates tire lockup during braking. Two levels of ABS inteversion are offered, but the system cannot be manually disabled. Combined braking is also standard and incorporates vehicle position (via the IMU) to modulate brake pressure. It also powers the Hill Hold Control System (applies rear brake momentarily during launches up inclines).
If you’re a road-focused rider with a mind for touring, as usual the V-Strom 1050 is a solid mount. It’s fast and fun enough to get the blood pumping, yet delivers polished riding behind the handlebar. However, considering its price and positioning, we’d like to see real off-road wheel sizes (21-inch front, 18-inch rear) and heated grips for it to be a true killer in the segment.
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Hope Suzuki brings this styling down to the 650.
Siopao.Sauce very true. #suzuki update 650 with this looks
Siopao.Sauce And the cruise control. (Yes, it would need ride by wire)
Hey, but I wanna pay an extra $10,000 that I don't have for those beautiful SUZUKI emblems!
they have to do it, or the T7 will eat all dl650 sales. ASAP ! FUCK, NOW ! SUZUKI ! lol
Yes, the Adventure world is really want and need that.. I think Suzie will do..
If Suzuki brings this styling to the 650 and keep it around the same price it is now they will have a home run!
Still have my 2003 Strom 1000... Bloody bike just refuses to breakdown, giving me an excuse to buy a new one...
Dam good bikes if you ask me. Extremely reliable, its never once let me down. Over 100k kms on the odo and still going strong.
You enjoy commuting with it? I’ll be commuting more than of roading. The off roading will be only twice a year on camping.
@@mobileDubby Its perfect for all scenarios. Commute, long distance travel, pillion. You name it.
Fantastic bike, and i have had 12 all together. This one is the best of the bunch.
@Csab very good. Depends on the speed you want to travel though.
In general all ADV bike will suffer from an extent of buffeting. The strom is no different. Keep the speed in legal limits, you can ride the saddle all day long, and go for a jog afterwards 😁
It's that comfortable.
But if you're looking for a highway mile muncher, I'd go for a bmw rt, yamaha fjr... something like that. You will however loose in other more versatile riding scenarios...
Think of these adv bikes like an SUV. They'll do everything you need, they just won't excel.
I've had a 2002 and currently a 2014. Both of them were pretty lean off idle. Getting the intake, fueling, and exhaust sorted on these bikes totally transforms them. Smooth throttle response and smoother shifts. I love the VStrom! They are brilliant on well graded gravel road when you take the tire pressure down to 28 psi.
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.
Holy shit that throwback design is GORGEOUS
Oh that engine sound... I absolutely love it. It's like a Tenere parallel and a Tiger 1050 triple combined.
Sounds nice doesn’t it.
i own a 2018 650 and acually did 36000 km in france/.... totally became a suzuki fan and more than that a v strom die hard fan..... best bike i have ever owned
Does anyone else feel like: if they dropped you off at Adams house, you could find your way to the motorcyclist magazine office?
www.google.com/maps/@33.6008832,-117.8779252,3a,75y,217.77h,95.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDhTa6_1LWOrZovsHbH9cjQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en
This is a super thorough review, excellent job man. You covered everything and covered all bases.
I bought a new Harley Electra Glide last year. After watching videos on the new V Strom, I'm seriously considering selling the Harley and getting the 'Strom.
Did you end up doing it? I have a low rider s that I’m considering trading for the v storm, I’m a tall rider and the Harley looks sweet but it’s not comfortable, I’m 6 foot 3 inches.
I enjoy all of your reviews for the various bikes! They are informed and honest and you provide the rider an opportunity to evaluate a bike they may be considering. Thanks for the V-Strom review! Cool looking bike!
Absolutely love the updates on this, and I actually like the LCD dash, just like on the GSX-R1000 it just works, you can read it, the contrast is sharp and defined. You don’t need color TFT and in some cases you don’t want it. I hope this update finally convinces people to buy it. Suzuki needs a sales hit! Love the orange and white. I’m actually thinking about replacing my Tiger 800 with this exact one.
Alex LaJeunesse Just put one together and tested at work, I fell in love with it, although I’d get the yellow. Awesome bike.
the best bike out there for me. There are a lot of great and beautiful bikes, but for me this is the ONE. Awesome design, great quality, great engine. Suzuki nailed it!!
Great looking motorcycle always enjoyed every Suzuki I've owned, enjoyed the review 👍.
you did a brilliant job promoting this suzuki im testing one on feb 20 2021
Indeed one of the most beautiful big bikes out there
Like your review. It's totally upfront and right out of the box. You hit the nail on the head with what you mentioned. Think Suzuki did an awesome job with the new V-Strom 1050, especially as XT version. Don't think it's too heavy when I take a look at other competitiors; they have at least its weight, too, even without being equipped like the Suzuki. What's way more important for me is how the V-Strom handles, how many miles/kilometers you can ride without any stop because of low mileage or feeling uncomfortable/exhausted from the bike. And hands down...how many times is a so-called adventure motorcycle actually used in hard and heavy duty terrain? So I guess this Suzuki V-Strom 1050 can stand out for its purposely made for the main usage and is also capable to let the rider experience some off-road trails. Really do like its design and engine sound, too. Suppose it's as reliable as its predecessors and thus killing the whole competition. Only two things I could find: uncomfortable operation of the windshield (you have to park the bike for it) and a traction control that's not linked to the new IMU.
REAL BEAUTY!
Nice ride. Took this and the 650 out myself for test rides the other day and posted a video to my channel for anyone trying to decide between the two. I like what Suzuki did with the updates on the 1050Xt this year.
it looks wonderful. retro 80" look. well done
80 inches?
I love the look of the 1050xt, in red and white. I saved thousands on a 2019 1000XT Adventure. There are even some 2018 XT's around.
elitetileandstone yeah I got an 18XT for $10067 OTD last November
With the advent of the 1050, the 1000XT is now the litre+ ADV bargain of the decade. And if you're okay about getting one with up to 10k miles under its wheels, you could be riding a very heavily accessorised round-the-world machine for less than £9k. Very straightforward to maintain with no stupid prices for parts and with well proven reliability. Unbeatable.
The 1000 is definitely a 1000cc adventure touring bargain. All the advanced electronics on other brands certainly cosr $$$.👍
Actually the engine was developed for their Superbike campaign when the rules allowed 750 four cylinder bikes to compete with 1000 twins. It made it to the road as the TL, but that wasn't what it was for. So originally a 200 hp race engine, massively detuned, which is why they go for 600 000 miles, but they're heavy and have things that are weird on an ADV bike, like an oil filter sticking out the front catching rocks.
To be fair, Suzuki calls the strom an “adventure touring” bike with slight pretension of off-road. Suzuki probably considers the bike fine for fire roads but nothing gnarlier. Anybody doing a considerable amount of off-road is gonna put a metal skid plate on it anyway
how can anyone dislike the video? It hasn't even played yet!
BMW snobs?
They are locked inside home and he comes teasing them😂
Wow this is a beautiful ADV!
Man! I am now on a first-gen SV650. And I was looking at getting a big bore BMW R1200 GSA, but that's crazy expensive. Then I wanted to look at the F850GS, but that weighs the same as the 1200 GS and is still super expensive so there's no point in that thing. Then I looked into the older F800GSA but I don't like that 360 crank parallel twin they have in it. Next up on the list was the VFR800X Crossrunner, but the V-4 needs to be revved up all the way to produce its power. And then I started looking into the old model V-strom 1000 and didnt really like the look of it that much.
And then heres Suzuki with THIS thing! And that has made the search for a new bike a HELL of a lot easier! A bombproof, more powerful V-twin with all its ponies down low! The same power to weight ratio as my SV650 so plenty fast for me! Nice wirewheels and a facelift! This thing is also pretty good for an occasional light ofroading session!
Thorough and well done review
I have a 2018 zukie1000xt..4000 miles to date..I like it :0) low rpm torque ..good brakes..handles well.. good gas mileage..(55mpg)..no issues..proven v-twin motor..would I buy it again..? yep..I would.. no regrets..another good vid/review from MM thanks
Looks like an offroad katana. Kinda like it
Wow! sharp eye
Gray hair all gone! Looks good man!
I love these commute vids. Please keep them coming.
Wow that bike is beautiful
Great review, I feel I almost know your route to work lol - you pulled a much better wheelie on the 2019 model haha
I've got the 97 TL 1000 S.. Indestructible machine.. 😉
Well it is heavy like a tank too.
Nice bike! Love it.
Good for you
I blew the gearbox in mine to a million pieces. But changed the box and kept it for 8 years. I still miss that bike.
Suzuki's are generally bombproof! My 1st gen SV has 70K miles on it and runs like a champ!
the almighty praised bmw gs doesn't have a 21 inch front yet everyone drools over it as offroad capable
The Vstrom 1000 ( and others) are as under-rated as the BMW & KTM are over rated!
@@davidfalgout7304 also BMW and KTM often in the workshop for fault repairs!
@@grayjohn1906 Yes sir! BIG TIME! They are NOT the bikes of lore. BMW went down the toilet with the 2000 model year! The LC, were horrible until 2017, then they got a little better. Problem is you must have a dealer nearby if something breaks, AND it must be under warranty!!!! Look on Cycle Trader and notice all of the BMW's sitting there ..... just sitting with no rider! They are not wanted, i think people are wising up!
Sad to learn I can't ride my V-strom650 offroad with 17/19 wheels. I've done exactly that for thousands of miles already but according to this I can't. Bummer.
I hear you Todd all the reviewers rave about the 1200 gs best adventure bike great off road capabilities and what size tyre on the front?..btw I did a 300km off road ride with two 650 v strom against my ktm 690 and although not as quick still did the job.
Another cool review from Adam.. 🎶
V STROM and GS cost the same to run? who are you kidding?
Great video BTW! 👍🏼
Amazing video man 👍🏾💯🇬🇧👍🏾
FInally a Strom that has me interested... what a great all arounder.
Thanks adam your reviews are great and hit the nail on the head allso you tell us wot the bike feels like very important how about adam goes on holiday feature on vstrom how they load up and how a big trip feels i have k1600 exclusive amoung others but the vstrom is an interesting managable real world bargin stay safe and happy
Great bike, think the styling is spot on! The unmistakable DR big beak, which BMW later copied for their GS models.
Friend has this bike as well as a Gs1250, he prefers the v-strom! He told me GS is a bit of a tractor that he regrets buying!
This thing looks sick
Good review. Thanks for posting. Barry
Great video!!!! Awesome bike!!! Thanks man
Love these vids
Wish they had updated the 2020 650 XT, atleast the paint job.
650 will be updated for 2021 because of Euro 5 regulations becoming mandatory. They couldn't update both simultaneously. However, I have a feeling that 650's update will be nowhere near as "dramatic" as this one was.
The 650xt truly only needs to get rid of the ugly front headlight and replace it with this one. The rest is perfect to me.
Wonder if the 650 could get some USD forks for 2021. Even the Chinese knock offs all have usd forks and the (bmwf750gs) must be the only new bmw with conventional forks.
Yes, good all fashion, the key..
You nail it, Adam..🙂, now they add some nice techno mods for competitive .. No doubt that The VeeWee still best budget sport touring dual purpose Adventure in heavy weight ones..
The TL 1000 S was a half faired sport bike. It was real beast to ride, not a beginners motorcycle at all.
Great review.
Hair looks great, Adam! Thanks for the review and for the ride.
The GSA runs with 17/19 wheels with no issues. I did a couple different BDRs on a 650 V-Strom with no issues regarding wheel size.
Awesome bike, I want to add one to the stable. Good job with the review Adam
Nice vid & review. I really like this bike too. I'd also really like Suzuki to put this engine in to some other platforms although whenever they've done that before it hasn't sold well for some reason. Not sure why as I had the SV1000S in 2003 & it was great imo. Plus it was very cheap to buy & run & was an awesome all round bike imo.
Always on point Adam, and very informative detailed reviews. love your reviews.
Like your reviews, I cant decide on this bike or a Honda AT DCT , I hardly ride off road and the price of the suzuki I like.
Loved my 2002 Vstrom, still own a 1999 TL1000R HELP, fall sales are here.
having owned a dl 650 and doing long distance north of the polar circle driving, I was looking forward for the new vstrom.. I really want to like it... I like styling, 1000cc is fine and I dont care about topspeed. The biggest problem is the price, and that you, in my country, will have to buy the most expensive version to get cruise control, and its getting to close to more expensive brands 850 adv bike..
I will not sell my sport touring bike just yet, but the bike is on my list.
The square headlight improves the look over the the previous style imo.
Hopefully this is launched in India. Fantastic color scheme though!
God job Adam you nicely taken ower one of the legends, one complaint tho when you point out the "features" its better to step torwards that feature and "touch" it, get a shot up close, couse just pointing out with your finger from far away is like youre trying to avoid the bike.
Looking nice, Orange.
Nice Review!
Are you guys ever going to do a MC Commute for the Ducati Diavel?
Suzuki started the beak way back!
Thanks for the review Adam, really enjoyable. Which road bike do you prefer the most, this or the F900XR?
Seems to handle very well the way Adam took those off ramps. Haven't seen any of these out on the roads yet.
I have an identical 2022 one and it’s the perfect bike for me 👍
Hi, great review. I'm considering this or the vfr1200x, I do street only riding, no off road, occasionally two up. Which should I chose??
Cheers Steve
Great vids as usual. Hey Adam, I’ve seen different reviews out there but have you reviewed the newer (2019-2021) Yamaha Super Tenere ES 1200? I really dig the way you review & ride so I’m curious about your thoughts on that mc and if so, how would you compare it to this V-Strom 1050? Thanks!
Another good option for the ADV group. Competition breeds texhnology and consumers win. Hopefully the pricepoint helps freeze the premium brands a little for a time.
Really nice review mate, you won a sub'. For me, the reviewer has to be a competent rider. You clearly are backed up with excellent technical commentary and a thorough review with refreshingly for once, no waffle, just bike.
Nice review. Not sure about the retro colours. Do they do the xt in black. Or can you get the black xt adventure without the luggage?
Great review! I’m now considering this bike..my 2018 ktm1290s got stolen and I’m getting ready to replace it
What is your impression about your ktm?
Damn I wish we had lane sharing in North Carolina...
To truly know the V-strom, you must know the TL. I think it read that on a wall somewhere in Japan.
Loved my original TL HATED my TLR
Beautiful country.
I just pulled the fuse on my bike to kill ABS! Sure the light stays on but you don’t tend to notice when coming up to a light on just the front wheel.
Now they just need to put this engine in a SV
Revive the SV1000! Put the new engine in it!
I had a sv750 and hated that bike.
can u make a video explaining Square, Undersquare, Oversquare engines...
If you ever run out of armor plates you might be able to use the motorcycles windshield 😂
Wow ...compare the rider view over the bars to the bmw 900 adv..notice how badly cluttered the bmer is.
This is a darn awesome bike.
Suzuki should split this model in 2 different use motorcycles like Ducati did with the MultiStrada 1200.
A pure road touring version with 17" wheels and sport rubber all around AND an off-road oriented version with 21" front/18" rear like Carlos mentioned for those of you crazy enough to take this Tank off-road. 😂
Nice bike suzuki!!
I really liked my 2006 DL1000. Areas for improvement, 1st was too tall, rack angle too sharp, bike was a handful on loose gravel, throttle too sensitive for day after day touring (looks like they've addressed that) and little power below 3k. Ergo was outstanding. Fuel economy good 5L/100km set up was great for Solo jetting around on the road or racetrack but off road was weak
Well.....its a 550 pound street bike, not an off road bike ;)
Give it the beans !!
Cloudy day commute for once. I like this bike but like my ADVing more adventurous so have a KTM 790 Adventure R. Have always liked their V twin engine. I have a '99 SV650 track bike that is just a gem. As for the styling...funny how the KTM's get knocked a bit for their funky styling but I find mine much more appealing than this one. Looks to be a compelling option in the large bore ADV style street bike category and should sell well.
I have a 2013 650 and love it . wouldn't update due to the dash of current 650 . waited for this and it looks like Lego .
I hope you compare it to 2019 model since I drive one. Is it a big change in terms of drive feeling?
The engine feels a lot more free revving, it looses the slightly tractory feel of the old engine. Brakes are definitely an improvement. Easier to wheelie but overall actually feels less torquey. Seat's much narrower and gives it a sportier feel, without really taking away from comfort, it's slim but ergonomic. Overall chassis and suspension feel slightly more direct. Personally i don't like the ride by wire throttle on the new bike, it feels very snatchy as do a lot of ride by wire throttles. The fancy TFT screen looks nice and has plenty of info but still miles behind what the likes of KTM and BMW offer, it also scratches easily on the DL (wiping some dirt of it scratched it). Personally I'd rather have the old bike, especially with the price difference. Overall it's a big move forward on tend with technological features but the bike itself isn't enough of an improvement to make a big difference. Think evolution rather than revolution.
Prince Fancybum interesting comments. I owned last years 1000 and just picked up the 1050XT today. I’ll be doing a comparison of the two. The engine is definitely more free revving. I felt it turned in better too. Need a few more rides to see.
I have a 2 years old Yamaha Super tenere 1200,love the new Vstrom ,but is in in the same league?The Vstrom has a chain,is it the same power of my tenere,how is it handling..i have to make a testride i guess..;)
This is the best-looking of all bikes in this class, but I wish Suzuki would bring out an SV with this engine in it.
Don't even get me started 😭
@@Cheezmonka On what?
Same here.
Working your way back to the fro.
2020 suzuki gsx r 1000 would you try 2020?
That is a great looking bike and I love those engines, but wow, over 14K? You're getting into the KTM price range there.
You must have flunked 3rd grade math. KTM 1290 effective MSRP is $18,800 when including $200 higher destination fee. By siimple math that is $4K or greater than 25%.
@@kannermw this does not compare in the same category as the 1290. The 790 adventure S would be better. The suzuki is a higher price than the 790 ktm
@@xlthumper There are so many things wrong with your suggested comparison to KTM 790 you can't be serious. Have you read through various forums describing numerous examples of poor KTM 790 build quality, reliabilty, and durability? The list is long with numerous engine oil leaks, suspension seal leaks, and various electronic gremlins. Who in their right mind would tolerate such poor quality for a bike with such a high price and future much higher cost of ownership?
Vstrom provides much more usable power and torque across rpm range. It is far better suited to long distance travel and 2-up riding. You have to ride the KTM like you stole it to get close to the same level of performance and if you do then how long before something major breaks? KTM might be fun for short trips but cruising at highway speed at 5000 rpm or more gets old in a hurry.
Power Comparison Vstrom 1050 vs KTM 790
106.0 hp @ 8,500 rpm. Vs. 95.1 hp @ 9,200 rpm ( 11% more power @ 8% lower rpm)
73.75 lb.-ft. @ 6,000 rpm vs. 58.2 lb.-ft, @ 7,900 rpm vs. (14% more torque at 24% lower rpm)
KTM 790 base price does not include any of these features that are provided with VStrom 1050 XT:
- Cruise control
- Engine/accessory guards
- Protective front aluminum engine cowl
- Adjustable and effective windscreen
- Center stand
- Tubeless tires
@@kannermw you are correct. And it is still nowhere near the 1290. And the 1050xt in Canada base is $16k +++. I agree the KTM fully loaded and 1050 loaded are still 3-4 thou different. And yes the 790 started off with teething issues but I have seen those die off pretty fast. 10hp with the weight difference is about equal. It's not a good comparison but again the 1050 is not a 1290 comparison either. More the 1050 is on its own. In the middle. I like the 1050xt. It's comfortable but not $ 20k worth of bike.
Which mic 🎤 are you using . Please share the link
"Suzuki loves its acronyms." Ha! Yes they do. I've owned a few bikes with TSCC.
The good old twin swirl combustion Chambers
except thats an initialism not an acronym
I believe the styling of this, and their plan to update the 2021 650 is why the price for a new 2020 650 is so low. I bought a new black and gold 650xt for $7500!
12:18 why’d that get blurred out? Normally maybe he blew through the carpool light but should be off? Or?! 🤣
This thing is like riding a wave runner on the street.
Elaborate
Surfing??🤔
@@jakaberdajs4378 you ever ridden a wave runner? just kinda heavy and boaty .. not a razor blade in the slightest. smooths out the waters imperfections though.
Have they fixed the bad engine vibration problem on these? I've ridden a few different VStroms (my own bike is a VFR so I'm admittedly spoiled for smoothness) and the engines vibrate so much I'm always reluctant to rev them up. Great machines but that would discourage me from buying one.
Nope they are still the same buzzer which numbs your arms and private parts, it's horrible
Any problems with wind buffitting at highway speeds?