Great review!!! Its nice to see a fellow 14Vee rider on here! You nailed with the one word, reliability. I have not had one problem in these years. It always just starts and runs. It is so pleasant to ride. I bought my 2014 Vee new also and have added my little things to the bike as that is what they are known for, easy customization. I did mainly very inexpensive updates and the bike is just a pleasure to ride. Fast, agile for a bigger bike and it can still go more places than my broken body will. It is the best bike for me I have ever had in over 45 years of riding. I got a great deal at a really good dealership here in Maryland. I had an issue with the ECU as many had, contacted Suzuki directly about the danger of stalling while turning in front of oncoming traffic and on mountain trails and explained what my widow would want. I received a call directly from Suzuki USA to have it tested at the dealership and an updated ECU was installed. It became a whole different bike. MUCH more power, smoother and now no stalls and dependable. I ride all year except when we have a ice storm in the Mid-Atlantic region. I can ride to the ocean or to the mountains within a couple hours. I am never bored.
I'm late to the party but I really enjoyed your review I'm thinking about getting a 1000 VStrom I currently have the 650 but like to have a little more HP thanks for the review and great tunes.
I have the same seat. If those are SW motec risers I bought the same ones and took them off within a week because I felt like I was steering with a tiller. I have the same windscreen and get major buffeting from around the tank then up under my helmet. Putting my hands on the tank completely eliminates it.
I returned to this review because this week (10/26/19) I rode the 2018 ‘Strom. I found it noticeably more refined than the ‘14, fewer vibes from the engine, better front brakes and much better throttle response. I’d like to know if these improvements were experienced from others, or was it just in my own mind. As we sit here near the end of 2019, there’s a lot of hype about either no 2020 model or a brand new DR BIG replacement with a catch-up bag of electronic goodies. Since there’s a ton of unsold ‘18 and ‘’19 1000cc ‘Stroms for sale, there’s huge deals and package discounts available. So, the question seems to be: Buy a discounted ‘18 or ‘19 or wait for Doctor Big?
Dr big should be revealed at eicma show Nov 5th or later at the Tokyo show. The changes you mentioned happened 2016 so any model after that is a good buy. Understand after 2020 and euro 5 emissions it's the beginning of the end for combustion engines so get one now.
CPUspeed: That’s my thoughts too; it’s a matter of timing. I’ve put over 160 000 kilometers combined on three new ‘Stroms, they’ve been dependable and the cost of ownership was, and continues to be, almost half of my other bikes. They’re not perfect, but they’re damn good!
Two weeks ago I purchased a 2019 1000 XT Adventure. It came equipped with heated grips, engine guards, hand guards and SW Motech Trax Adventure aluminum bags. While a 2020 would be nice, this thing was $11,500+ tax. After 200 miles I'm really happy with the bike. I just need some bar risers and a better windscreen. Thanks for a great review!
The 2014 is great, first year of new gen dL1000. There was a Ecu remap in 2016 which lessoned the engine braking and improved the ride. In my videos I praised Suzuki because they offered the remap to 14 and 15 models in a recall. So if you get a used 14 you probably can check the vin and see if the recall was performed.
I’m considering coming back to a v strom, had a 08 and a 14, the question for me was, is the new xt1050 worth the extra over a sorted xt1000, and I think you’ve answered that for me, thank you.
I had sw motech barback risers. I did a video on it but some reported that the wiring was too tight and it was difficult to install. If a product is not great l do not feel comfortable recommending it, so I unlisted it. Here is the video, and yes it is difficult to install but they are the only ones I know of that go up and back. An alternative is different handle bars. ruclips.net/video/AVpuvQ2TE-o/видео.html
Just wondering if you got the idle hammer knock after you did the first service, seems to happen to all the Vstrom 1000s. I'm loving my 2018 Vstrom 1000xt.
@@CPUspeed yes, it's a slight knock sound which happens after the break in oil is dropped and new oil and filter change. Kind of sounds like a clutch basket rattle. Had my first service done and then heard the noise immediately after. The dealer used Suzuki 10w40. I did some research on it and it doesn't affect anything, it's just a little annoying until you get used to it. I heard about it on the strom troopers forum before I even had the service done. I read some have it more then others. There is several videos on RUclips showing it. Some use a heavier oil to soften the knocking sound.
SK A It is a great bike I’m very happy. Pros: it is relatively light. It handles well with quick steering. It has good acceleration. It has good brakes. I got it for the long-travel suspension (I got tired of getting beat up on my cruiser) and it handles rough pavement very well with a good soft ride. Cons: I have the ADV version with stock side cases (2014 model year). They look good but they are not big enough to hold a FF helmet. The motor is good but I could use another 20 HP. I ride with Lou and he has a Multistrada. I installed a National Cycle 2-Up windscreen, which is huge and gives great wind pro, but cuts down on top speed. I can easily cruise at 100 and hit 120 but I’d like to be able to go a little faster. For the money that I spent this bike is awesome. I have solved the problem of getting pummeled on rough pavement. The bike is much quicker than a cruiser. Oh, I forgot to say that it is comfortable for me. I’m 6’2” and this bike fits me perfectly whereas I don’t fit on the Multistrada. Even Lou, who is about 5’10”, says that the Strom is more comfortable than the Multi. This is a big plus. I now have a bike that can run with the Multi up to 100 and costs much less. I bought mine used for $8k in mint condition. I’m very happy with it. The Multi (which doesn’t fit me) or a BMW is much more money.
So....what was the main reason that you changed to the 650?🤔🤷♂️ Now your debating getting the dreaded 1250 GS! 🤣🤣 Your like me you get a bike but your not happy with it thinking “I wonder what other bike I can get”? 🤣🤣🤣🤣All the best from the UK 🇬🇧 I’ll be getting the 650 either DL or XT 2017 onwards 👌 Also as your getting old and decrepit is it worth getting the big GS? 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤔🤣🤣
I had to look at your bike a couple more times!!! I have nearly the same mods, with a skid pan and aux lihgts added as well as some very inexpensive but awesome foot so easier to stand pegs that work just as well on road as off since they are a little wider so easier to stand and comfortable just riding. The things I really like about yours, and looking at changing on mine, are the exhaust and mirror also.Both are stock and fine BUT yours look GREAT and may work better. The mirrors look like they aero but give a good field of view. I am NOT fond of that huge can they come with but they work. I like as quiet as possible. If you get a chance to answer, did you get a servo buddy or something else to bypass the ECR stuff to keep the engine running at a performance level? Im on another set of tires and want more trail worthy PLUS good road/RAIN grip, which the Battles are good for road and excellent rain. But as you know, if you even pull onto a soft shoulder it can be like running the Dakar sand or a deep mountain rocky/muddy trail (when its just soft gravel for a few feet and its a fight getting up on the road edge lip sometimes!!!). Again, if you can throw your knowledge of these things my way sometime I would appreciate it. I imagine you are a member of Stromtroopers also. A great place for info/DYI/parts/etc for the VEE/Wee and everyone riders. I recently put on a larger set of soft pans (more for groceries!) than my little trail ones but love my hard pans that it came with for trips. If I am going to get into more off road stuff I put on the little ones to also assist in the those inadvertent horizontal moments.They put a nice buffer between the hard stuff and the bike pretty well. They are a little ugly now, but thats what they are for. Take care and be safe my friend!!!
As far as the slip on goes the point of most slip ons is that you don't have to do any engine remapping, compared to a cat remove or full exhaust. And on this bike you leave the butterfly valve. Note the sw-motech valve protector which is a good part to add. I did a vid on the yosh slip on. It reduces weight and adds a little power. And like it I swapped the mirrors too, the exhaust and mirrors too big. Tires are subjective to what you do but for 80/20's I prefer the trailsmarts. Did a vid on them too not very informative though. Sounds like you do more off road and maybe 80/20 are not the choice for you. I will be at Long Beach bike show today Friday. Send me an email or dm on Instagram if you're there and we can talk in person.
Thank you again my friend! I also put on the protectors around (valve, rear brake, rad and pan). I was not sure how far to go with exhaust or if it needed the valve bypasses as some has said because of the different back pressure. Awesome to see I can do the slip! i will check out the other vids you have . I WISH I was riding out there right now as we got that snow in the MidAtlantic earlier than normal. Again thank you, have a great day and be safe!!!
truth I had a very popular "california" song that made sense, but I swapped it for some canned shit that wasnt copyrighted. I just removed it thanks. it was too loud too.
Hi, you flash on the screen about getting a throttle lock, I tried the Kaoko one and found it not as easy to use at it should have been, especially for the price! So I’ve now changed to this type:- ruclips.net/video/MoaHqA9GIiU/видео.html Much easier to use and simple to swap between bikes.
Great review i got a 2018 v storm 650 just hit 85 thousand km on it great bike have order the new v storm 1050 standard model
Cheers from new Zealand
Yes very excited about the 1050 and the effort they put into the new gen.
Great review!!! Its nice to see a fellow 14Vee rider on here! You nailed with the one word, reliability. I have not had one problem in these years. It always just starts and runs. It is so pleasant to ride.
I bought my 2014 Vee new also and have added my little things to the bike as that is what they are known for, easy customization. I did mainly very inexpensive updates and the bike is just a pleasure to ride. Fast, agile for a bigger bike and it can still go more places than my broken body will. It is the best bike for me I have ever had in over 45 years of riding. I got a great deal at a really good dealership here in Maryland. I had an issue with the ECU as many had, contacted Suzuki directly about the danger of stalling while turning in front of oncoming traffic and on mountain trails and explained what my widow would want. I received a call directly from Suzuki USA to have it tested at the dealership and an updated ECU was installed. It became a whole different bike. MUCH more power, smoother and now no stalls and dependable. I ride all year except when we have a ice storm in the Mid-Atlantic region. I can ride to the ocean or to the mountains within a couple hours. I am never bored.
I have a 2012 DL 1000 with 194,000 on it. Yes 194.000! People get 400k and more out of these bikes. They do speak for themselves.
Sid Shelton Impressive! Only 18 K on my 2014, but I love it.
Mine 80km
Is that the old or new model ?
Dan b last year of the old
@@TWPeeps Ahh thought so...im gonna get a low mile 2014 model. Hope it is as reliable as the first model 👍😎
Sub'd and T-Up! One of the best Vlogs about bikes...PERIOD!
I have a Dl 1000 with 60000 miles . I I had few small problems like clutch (2 modified baskets) and stator . A part of that no problems.
Hey Michael, did You installed the werks clutch basket AND failed? Regards
Been eyeballing one of these locally used. 07' 17,000 miles $4,400
I'm late to the party but I really enjoyed your review I'm thinking about getting a 1000 VStrom I currently have the 650 but like to have a little more HP thanks for the review and great tunes.
I have the same seat. If those are SW motec risers I bought the same ones and took them off within a week because I felt like I was steering with a tiller. I have the same windscreen and get major buffeting from around the tank then up under my helmet. Putting my hands on the tank completely eliminates it.
15,000 miles ? Long Term Review ?
I returned to this review because this week (10/26/19) I rode the 2018 ‘Strom. I found it noticeably more refined than the ‘14, fewer vibes from the engine, better front brakes and much better throttle response. I’d like to know if these improvements were experienced from others, or was it just in my own mind. As we sit here near the end of 2019, there’s a lot of hype about either no 2020 model or a brand new DR BIG replacement with a catch-up bag of electronic goodies. Since there’s a ton of unsold ‘18 and ‘’19 1000cc ‘Stroms for sale, there’s huge deals and package discounts available. So, the question seems to be: Buy a discounted ‘18 or ‘19 or wait for Doctor Big?
Dr big should be revealed at eicma show Nov 5th or later at the Tokyo show. The changes you mentioned happened 2016 so any model after that is a good buy. Understand after 2020 and euro 5 emissions it's the beginning of the end for combustion engines so get one now.
CPUspeed: That’s my thoughts too; it’s a matter of timing. I’ve put over 160 000 kilometers combined on three new ‘Stroms, they’ve been dependable and the cost of ownership was, and continues to be, almost half of my other bikes. They’re not perfect, but they’re damn good!
Two weeks ago I purchased a 2019 1000 XT Adventure. It came equipped with heated grips, engine guards, hand guards and SW Motech Trax Adventure aluminum bags. While a 2020 would be nice, this thing was $11,500+ tax. After 200 miles I'm really happy with the bike. I just need some bar risers and a better windscreen. Thanks for a great review!
@@CPUspeed Whats wrong with a 2014 model ? Ecu . or low speed fuelling ?
The 2014 is great, first year of new gen dL1000. There was a Ecu remap in 2016 which lessoned the engine braking and improved the ride. In my videos I praised Suzuki because they offered the remap to 14 and 15 models in a recall. So if you get a used 14 you probably can check the vin and see if the recall was performed.
I’m considering coming back to a v strom, had a 08 and a 14, the question for me was, is the new xt1050 worth the extra over a sorted xt1000, and I think you’ve answered that for me, thank you.
Do it, or be a loser !
I wonder when your clutch chudder will start unfortunately it’s a common problem suzuki doesn’t care about
132,000kms and apart from improving suspension and servo eliminator no issues
Good review thanks super dave
super Dave Osbourne
I just got a 2012 v strom 1000 with 2000 miles on it for 6500. The only problem is that with this model, I can’t seem to find parts for it.
Hi I have a 2003 model with over 130000 klm. Never opened the motor plus only 3 times the big service. The rest oil and filters
Wow it’s almost a challenge now, a fun one, how many miles can I put on my vstrom.
hello, what is the model of mirror ?
thank you
Near Santa Barbara?
nice bike, can be bought fairly cheap now, new model coming out with cruise.
I sure have the hankering for one.
Nice bike, a bagger for those who don't wrench on bikes.
What handlebar raiser brand recommended for the DL 1000? Trying to get it closer (not necessarily higher)
I had sw motech barback risers. I did a video on it but some reported that the wiring was too tight and it was difficult to install. If a product is not great l do not feel comfortable recommending it, so I unlisted it. Here is the video, and yes it is difficult to install but they are the only ones I know of that go up and back. An alternative is different handle bars. ruclips.net/video/AVpuvQ2TE-o/видео.html
Just wondering if you got the idle hammer knock after you did the first service, seems to happen to all the Vstrom 1000s. I'm loving my 2018 Vstrom 1000xt.
First I've heard of that
@@CPUspeed yes, it's a slight knock sound which happens after the break in oil is dropped and new oil and filter change. Kind of sounds like a clutch basket rattle. Had my first service done and then heard the noise immediately after. The dealer used Suzuki 10w40. I did some research on it and it doesn't affect anything, it's just a little annoying until you get used to it. I heard about it on the strom troopers forum before I even had the service done. I read some have it more then others. There is several videos on RUclips showing it. Some use a heavier oil to soften the knocking sound.
Nice review. Thank you.
Thanks , I’m getting me one. 👍🏼
I just bought this bike yesterday at my Honda dealer. A guy traded it in on a Goldwing.
How has it been so far
SK A It is a great bike I’m very happy. Pros: it is relatively light. It handles well with quick steering. It has good acceleration. It has good brakes. I got it for the long-travel suspension (I got tired of getting beat up on my cruiser) and it handles rough pavement very well with a good soft ride. Cons: I have the ADV version with stock side cases (2014 model year). They look good but they are not big enough to hold a FF helmet. The motor is good but I could use another 20 HP. I ride with Lou and he has a Multistrada. I installed a National Cycle 2-Up windscreen, which is huge and gives great wind pro, but cuts down on top speed. I can easily cruise at 100 and hit 120 but I’d like to be able to go a little faster.
For the money that I spent this bike is awesome. I have solved the problem of getting pummeled on rough pavement. The bike is much quicker than a cruiser. Oh, I forgot to say that it is comfortable for me. I’m 6’2” and this bike fits me perfectly whereas I don’t fit on the Multistrada. Even Lou, who is about 5’10”, says that the Strom is more comfortable than the Multi. This is a big plus. I now have a bike that can run with the Multi up to 100 and costs much less. I bought mine used for $8k in mint condition. I’m very happy with it. The Multi (which doesn’t fit me) or a BMW is much more money.
@@repetitivemotion woooow thats impressive. Im greatful for all the information you took time to provide. Really helpful... Enjoy and ride safe. 👍
The song in the middle of the video is irritating. I like the song, but I watch motorcycle videos to hear motorcycles.
Good review for the most part.
So....what was the main reason that you changed to the 650?🤔🤷♂️ Now your debating getting the dreaded 1250 GS! 🤣🤣 Your like me you get a bike but your not happy with it thinking “I wonder what other bike I can get”? 🤣🤣🤣🤣All the best from the UK 🇬🇧 I’ll be getting the 650 either DL or XT 2017 onwards 👌 Also as your getting old and decrepit is it worth getting the big GS? 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤔🤣🤣
I hear you guys can ride again cheers!
I had to look at your bike a couple more times!!! I have nearly the same mods, with a skid pan and aux lihgts added as well as some very inexpensive but awesome foot so easier to stand pegs that work just as well on road as off since they are a little wider so easier to stand and comfortable just riding. The things I really like about yours, and looking at changing on mine, are the exhaust and mirror also.Both are stock and fine BUT yours look GREAT and may work better. The mirrors look like they aero but give a good field of view. I am NOT fond of that huge can they come with but they work. I like as quiet as possible. If you get a chance to answer, did you get a servo buddy or something else to bypass the ECR stuff to keep the engine running at a performance level? Im on another set of tires and want more trail worthy PLUS good road/RAIN grip, which the Battles are good for road and excellent rain. But as you know, if you even pull onto a soft shoulder it can be like running the Dakar sand or a deep mountain rocky/muddy trail (when its just soft gravel for a few feet and its a fight getting up on the road edge lip sometimes!!!). Again, if you can throw your knowledge of these things my way sometime I would appreciate it. I imagine you are a member of Stromtroopers also. A great place for info/DYI/parts/etc for the VEE/Wee and everyone riders. I recently put on a larger set of soft pans (more for groceries!) than my little trail ones but love my hard pans that it came with for trips. If I am going to get into more off road stuff I put on the little ones to also assist in the those inadvertent horizontal moments.They put a nice buffer between the hard stuff and the bike pretty well. They are a little ugly now, but thats what they are for. Take care and be safe my friend!!!
As far as the slip on goes the point of most slip ons is that you don't have to do any engine remapping, compared to a cat remove or full exhaust. And on this bike you leave the butterfly valve. Note the sw-motech valve protector which is a good part to add. I did a vid on the yosh slip on. It reduces weight and adds a little power. And like it I swapped the mirrors too, the exhaust and mirrors too big. Tires are subjective to what you do but for 80/20's I prefer the trailsmarts. Did a vid on them too not very informative though. Sounds like you do more off road and maybe 80/20 are not the choice for you. I will be at Long Beach bike show today Friday. Send me an email or dm on Instagram if you're there and we can talk in person.
Thank you again my friend! I also put on the protectors around (valve, rear brake, rad and pan). I was not sure how far to go with exhaust or if it needed the valve bypasses as some has said because of the different back pressure. Awesome to see I can do the slip! i will check out the other vids you have . I WISH I was riding out there right now as we got that snow in the MidAtlantic earlier than normal. Again thank you, have a great day and be safe!!!
Ho-hum. Old news. Stroms are great bikes.
Imho, there is no place for music in a motorcycle review video, if there is nothing to say, just let us listen to the purrrr of the motor. Thanks
truth I had a very popular "california" song that made sense, but I swapped it for some canned shit that wasnt copyrighted. I just removed it thanks. it was too loud too.
Has anyone ever told you you sound like Saul Goodman?
Hi, you flash on the screen about getting a throttle lock, I tried the Kaoko one and found it not as easy to use at it should have been, especially for the price! So I’ve now changed to this type:-
ruclips.net/video/MoaHqA9GIiU/видео.html
Much easier to use and simple to swap between bikes.