Nice review, thanks for sharing your comments. So refreshing to watch a bike video where the rider is mature and not acting like a clown or being a performer.
I guess im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost my login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me
@Hunter Isaias i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
Givi airflow is amazing, 25k miles, 4 years, many hours on the road, all weathers, minimal wind effect. Givi crash bars and skid plate, to protect oil filter, looks great and protects. I have had many BMW's - GSA, GS and 1600GTL, bangs for the buck, Vstrom DL 1000 is the one.
Excellent review! I have a 2018 and your comments are spot on. I’m 6’2” and I picked up lowering kit for foot pegs. Fits me awesome. I can literally ride for hours and still feel like riding. I’ve also had many bikes; Suzuki GS1100, Harley Road Glide, Ultra Classic, KLR (wish I still had it, great bike), Triumph Tiger 800 XCX. I currently have this and a Dyna. To me, I’ve found what I’ve been looking for in terms of ideal comfort in the Strom. Thanks for really well done review.
I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the bike and piling on the distance with it. I've never owned a bike with ABS, but I've ridden a few, and it's definitely an excellent feature to have on an adventure bike. :)
Many thanks for your excellent review of this bike. I currently own a BMW 1200GS 09 which I love and finding it hard to change. I have ridden the V-Strom and love it, so am serioulsy thinking of letting the GS finally go, but nerves are still there a little.....
painterman1963 1200GS is a great bike and I understand your dilemma. IMO Vstrom 1000 is a simple and reliable Japanese bike ... not so many bells and whistles that BMW comes with but I honestly like that. Maintenance and aftermarket parts are dirt cheap which is another huge plus .... good luck with your decision.
I bought a 2018 V-Strom new i love it from most of the bikes i looked at . I live on Vancouver Island so i can use it all year most times . Good review without going on and on .
I got same bike ! I had 2007 vstrom so I got same bike love it but my biggest complaint is the windshield and seat so I change it to givi touring shield and its adjustable great bike overall !!
The vstrom is an often overlooked bargain I bought new one 4 months ago 68mpg running in and now run in anywhere between 54 to 66mpg out of a 1000 v twin amazing😁
The advantage of 1000cc is you can Cruise...you're not revving the piss out of it. It's meant for 75% highway, 25% dirt roads and minor stuff. Sure some people take them threw mud and rocks, but you gotta be a VERY good rider....the bikes really not designed to do heavy off-roading...even medium stuff is hairy! It can "do it", but you wouldn't want to do it Often.
New model has an improved (taller) screen that is perfect for me. I use Givi luggage, so no problem there :) and I don't offroad either but agree the design is a bit mad - except when you want to change the filter.
Very good and complete review! I just bought (before the pandemic) an 2014 model and everything is exactly like you say! :-) Mine has just a strong vibration when the engine is under heavy load between 2000 to 3500 rpm...
I hear you with regards to the windscreen. My Tiger 800xc had the same problem. One day on a long ride at highway speeds, I was becoming nauseous from the buffeting. When your head is vibrating for two hours, it's never good. I too am looking at the Givi screen as well as Madstad.
In the last generation V-strom (2016) the 650 windscreen was really bad and the 1000 was actually decent. This time around (2018) the opposite is true. So strange. Makes me wonder if the actual shape of the screen was designed for pure aesthetic without any real concession for aerodynamics? In my experience the best screens are curved in both directions and provide a very smooth break for releasing the wind; curved side to side and curved bottom to top, with a lip angled almost directly backward in the direction the air will flow off the screen. Everything else tends to create a lot of swirling turbulent air that beats up one's head and is loud as a tornado.
Lifted_Above I heard from 2018 owners that windscreen still sucks on DL1000. There is maybe a little improvement over 2014-2016 models but really nothing to write home about. It looks to me those guys at Suzuki who designed the windscreen never took the bike for a ride 😜😁
I have the same bike and changed to the Madstad bracket and screen. I am 6'1" and this was the ideal option for me. Very quiet and no more buffeting. I chose the shortest screen offered by Madstad and I see over the screen without any buffeting.
Hey BZ, I think I saw that bike at SnowCity. You got yourself a great deal! BTW, I bashed on that windscreen in soooo many blogs, Suzuki Canada (Richmond Hill) invited me in to meet w the two Japanese designers. They even replaced my windscreen before leaving! Finally I could focus on all the good things about the bike. Send me a note if you wish to compare other items on the bike. I am in Toronto too....
First, the "taller" windscreen they gave me, was actually a bit better, but I (like most others) ordered the Givi Air Flow too. I noticed on photo's and video's of the new 2018 Vee, Suzuki has finally gotten the memo as it appears to be a better design. While I do consider the AirFlow a solution to the issue of buffeting, it does add another screen in my field of view which is not ideal. By the way, I also purchased the Motech crash bars and skid plate and just installed the Denalli D4s. Am I missing anything else ;-)....
Deberían tomar serias medidas contra el equipo de "profesionales" que aprobó la configuración del escape "almohada". Esto disminuirá ostensiblemente las ventas de esta gran moto ya que obligará al cambio de esta caja de caudales, sí o sí, a los futuros o presentes propietarios. Increíble despropósito.
Nice bike! I've got a 2018 that I picked up in September. I only got about 2k on it but it's my 4th vstrom so i'm really enjoying it. I'm just down the 401 in Kingston
No mention of the snatchy throttle? I'm coming up on 600 miles on a 2018 model and have to say I'm fairly annoyed by throttle. Ive adjusted the TPS with some improvement. Going for the G2 throttle tamer next. Its the same reason I got rid of a 2017 Triumph T120. Couldnt stand the abrupt on off characteristics.
I don't know what 2018 model is like, but 2014 and 2015 1000cc bike has one of the smoothest throttle I ever experienced. Without doubt, better response compared to pretty much everything else I rode....and I had more than a dozen bikes in the past 25 years. Mapping is done right.
Torque, engine brake and the rear brake are as good on my vstrom1000 as bad for its rear tire. The fuel consumption varies from 4.4 to 6 l/100km overland. But if I drive sort of "normal" with some fun in between it drinks 5 liters. Your engine might just wake up at another 5000 km :) PS: These V2 Engines are known for their ability to be conditioned. So if you carry it you will - at around 40000 km - end up with ~10% less power. If you totally wring it out from time to time you'll get more and more power and way less consumption. But it can be a challenge to keep a 1000cc motorbike happy. Hehe
Good point Alex. My fuel economy is based on conservative style of riding and some occasional "spirited" outbursts. I wasn't expecting a best fuel economy from this bike, so far I'm not disappointed.
BelowZero Yeah, but there is a difference between "not disappointed" and "very happy". As I watch your driving and conditions, the consumption should be not one drop more than 4.5 liters. Anyway ... I bet your fuel economy will improve over time. :D
Alex Hörmann Fuel economy wasn't a deciding factor when I bought this bike. Any bike for that reason. If it goes up or down a litre it's not a big deal at all.
Alex, that's pretty much the case with most interal combustion engines. They need a vigorous break-in to achieve really good piston ring seal. That's where power, efficiency, clean oil, longevity comes from. Sad part is most people follow manufacturer's recommendations which are 100% about litigation and 0% about actual mechanical optimization. Even manufacturers run bran new engines hard on a set of dyno rollers as a final stage off the assembly line.
Very honest review of the bike. I have the 2014 1000 and your observations were spot on. I ditched the factory panniers for the SW Motec panniers and rack system. They are so much better. Have you still got the factory muffler on your bike? I switched to the Yoshimura 77 can. Its lighter and produces a far better sound. I will be changing the screen out as I am over 6ft tall. Glad you like the bike as it really will do everything you require of it. The comment made about the head lamp removal is so true! My dealer had to research on google how to actually remove the bloody thing! Anyway, greetings from Australia and I have subscribed. Ride safe.
Andrew Edmond Thanks for the comment and sub. I haven’t gone too far with upgrades. I just replaced that OEM screen with Givi Airflow ... it works so much better. I’m planning to do something about those side cases cause one is totally busted (can’t lock it anymore). New exhaust will be great but I’ll wait until next spring.
Great Review, thanks. Do hoy know a similar review for the 650xt? As a 5'7" AND willing to travel long distances on dirt roads in latinamerica, I am looking for something like the 650xt, but would prefer one with a higher ground space. Any sugestions????
I believe 650XT is very similar to 1000 in regards to size and height. I haven't had a chance to ride it but I'm sure it will work out just fine....650 definitely has enough power.
No mention of the faulty clutch basket ..that suzuki refuses to fix since Dinosaurs roamed walmart Parking lots...I have owned many Suzuki's...will not be owning this one.
Nice review, thanks for sharing your comments. So refreshing to watch a bike video where the rider is mature and not acting like a clown or being a performer.
I guess im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a trick to log back into an instagram account??
I somehow lost my login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me
@Walker Miller instablaster :)
@Hunter Isaias i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm.
Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
Givi airflow is amazing, 25k miles, 4 years, many hours on the road, all weathers, minimal wind effect. Givi crash bars and skid plate, to protect oil filter, looks great and protects. I have had many BMW's - GSA, GS and 1600GTL, bangs for the buck, Vstrom DL 1000 is the one.
Excellent review! I have a 2018 and your comments are spot on. I’m 6’2” and I picked up lowering kit for foot pegs. Fits me awesome. I can literally ride for hours and still feel like riding. I’ve also had many bikes; Suzuki GS1100, Harley Road Glide, Ultra Classic, KLR (wish I still had it, great bike), Triumph Tiger 800 XCX. I currently have this and a Dyna. To me, I’ve found what I’ve been looking for in terms of ideal comfort in the Strom. Thanks for really well done review.
Thanks Stevie!
Really good review, useful and comprehensive information. Instead of the 10 minute demo ride and biased impressions.
Lifted_Above Hey thanks man!
I was thinking the very same thing! Not enough honest reviews on youtube but Below Zero gave us a very comprehensive review.
For the first time, a video with no *dislikes*, good work.
Thanks Colin!
I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the bike and piling on the distance with it. I've never owned a bike with ABS, but I've ridden a few, and it's definitely an excellent feature to have on an adventure bike. :)
Tim Kreitz Adventures I might take this girl on one long trip in September ... yeah, she's been good so far.
Many thanks for your excellent review of this bike. I currently own a BMW 1200GS 09 which I love and finding it hard to change. I have ridden the V-Strom and love it, so am serioulsy thinking of letting the GS finally go, but nerves are still there a little.....
painterman1963 1200GS is a great bike and I understand your dilemma. IMO Vstrom 1000 is a simple and reliable Japanese bike ... not so many bells and whistles that BMW comes with but I honestly like that. Maintenance and aftermarket parts are dirt cheap which is another huge plus .... good luck with your decision.
I bought a 2018 V-Strom new i love it from most of the bikes i looked at . I live on Vancouver Island so i can use it all year most times . Good review without going on and on .
Thanks and enjoy that nice weather.
good decision, 650 has not enough low down torque. Great bike.
I got same bike ! I had 2007 vstrom so I got same bike
love it but my biggest complaint is the windshield and seat so I change it to givi touring shield and its adjustable
great bike overall !!
I've got Givi Airflow ... what a difference!!!
The vstrom is an often overlooked bargain I bought new one 4 months ago 68mpg running in and now run in anywhere between 54 to 66mpg out of a 1000 v twin amazing😁
Have a 2020 with 11000 km on it, seat not very comfortable, have to do a modification a little, loving it so far, 21km a litre of gas.
The advantage of 1000cc is you can Cruise...you're not revving the piss out of it. It's meant for 75% highway, 25% dirt roads and minor stuff. Sure some people take them threw mud and rocks, but you gotta be a VERY good rider....the bikes really not designed to do heavy off-roading...even medium stuff is hairy! It can "do it", but you wouldn't want to do it Often.
New model has an improved (taller) screen that is perfect for me. I use Givi luggage, so no problem there :) and I don't offroad either but agree the design is a bit mad - except when you want to change the filter.
Thanks for the review. I'm actually looking at one of these for longer trips
If you get it I'll come to meet you :)
BelowZero what you mean you won't ride with me now because I'm on a klr? Lol
LOL all I'm saying if you get Vstrom I'll come to check it out. Vstrom or not, we can go for a ride anytime.
Very good and complete review! I just bought (before the pandemic) an 2014 model and everything is exactly like you say! :-) Mine has just a strong vibration when the engine is under heavy load between 2000 to 3500 rpm...
It's a great bike, congrats on your purchase.
Great long term review, good information, thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks man!
Heading my way again I see. :) We were on Old Scugog Rd last night on the way home from Brampton.
Rick Robinson LOL ... you're everywhere!
Sometimes I get around a little. :)
I hear you with regards to the windscreen. My Tiger 800xc had the same problem. One day on a long ride at highway speeds, I was becoming nauseous from the buffeting. When your head is vibrating for two hours, it's never good. I too am looking at the Givi screen as well as Madstad.
Radioactiveslime I keep delaying it but my next purchase will be a decent windscreen ... this one is a total 💩
In the last generation V-strom (2016) the 650 windscreen was really bad and the 1000 was actually decent. This time around (2018) the opposite is true. So strange. Makes me wonder if the actual shape of the screen was designed for pure aesthetic without any real concession for aerodynamics? In my experience the best screens are curved in both directions and provide a very smooth break for releasing the wind; curved side to side and curved bottom to top, with a lip angled almost directly backward in the direction the air will flow off the screen. Everything else tends to create a lot of swirling turbulent air that beats up one's head and is loud as a tornado.
Lifted_Above I heard from 2018 owners that windscreen still sucks on DL1000. There is maybe a little improvement over 2014-2016 models but really nothing to write home about. It looks to me those guys at Suzuki who designed the windscreen never took the bike for a ride 😜😁
I have the same bike and changed to the Madstad bracket and screen. I am 6'1" and this was the ideal option for me. Very quiet and no more buffeting. I chose the shortest screen offered by Madstad and I see over the screen without any buffeting.
Hey BZ, I think I saw that bike at SnowCity. You got yourself a great deal! BTW, I bashed on that windscreen in soooo many blogs, Suzuki Canada (Richmond Hill) invited me in to meet w the two Japanese designers. They even replaced my windscreen before leaving! Finally I could focus on all the good things about the bike. Send me a note if you wish to compare other items on the bike. I am in Toronto too....
John LeGresley What kind a screen they gave you? I hope it's not OEM
BelowZero try puig touring windscreen, for better wind protection try givi airflow windscreen
Eekimchuan7355 Eekimchuan7355 Yeah, I'm planning to buy that Givi Air Flow
First, the "taller" windscreen they gave me, was actually a bit better, but I (like most others) ordered the Givi Air Flow too. I noticed on photo's and video's of the new 2018 Vee, Suzuki has finally gotten the memo as it appears to be a better design. While I do consider the AirFlow a solution to the issue of buffeting, it does add another screen in my field of view which is not ideal. By the way, I also purchased the Motech crash bars and skid plate and just installed the Denalli D4s. Am I missing anything else ;-)....
It was the older design "touring" screen. Similar design but a bit taller. (I have since added the Givi to it).
Good review. I just got a vstrom1000 2019 and am currently looking for a 650 for my son as we r planning a trip from Ottawa to Alaska
That's a big trip ...good luck!
Toronto?! I live in Brampton thats awesome!
Deberían tomar serias medidas contra el equipo de "profesionales" que aprobó la configuración del escape "almohada". Esto disminuirá ostensiblemente las ventas de esta gran moto ya que obligará al cambio de esta caja de caudales, sí o sí, a los futuros o presentes propietarios. Increíble despropósito.
Nice bike! I've got a 2018 that I picked up in September. I only got about 2k on it but it's my 4th vstrom so i'm really enjoying it. I'm just down the 401 in Kingston
We have to meet sometime and go for a ride.
Yes, if it ever warms up!
Judging what weatherman is saying, it seems it will be in May.
Good video & review. Done in Canada yes!!
No mention of the snatchy throttle? I'm coming up on 600 miles on a 2018 model and have to say I'm fairly annoyed by throttle. Ive adjusted the TPS with some improvement. Going for the G2 throttle tamer next. Its the same reason I got rid of a 2017 Triumph T120. Couldnt stand the abrupt on off characteristics.
I don't know what 2018 model is like, but 2014 and 2015 1000cc bike has one of the smoothest throttle I ever experienced. Without doubt, better response compared to pretty much everything else I rode....and I had more than a dozen bikes in the past 25 years. Mapping is done right.
I thing you will add a negative point once you have to replace a bulb in the head lights
LED to the rescue. Or if you want awesome lighting, pull the assembly and retrofit a projector with HID.
Torque, engine brake and the rear brake are as good on my vstrom1000 as bad for its rear tire. The fuel consumption varies from 4.4 to 6 l/100km overland. But if I drive sort of "normal" with some fun in between it drinks 5 liters. Your engine might just wake up at another 5000 km :)
PS: These V2 Engines are known for their ability to be conditioned. So if you carry it you will - at around 40000 km - end up with ~10% less power. If you totally wring it out from time to time you'll get more and more power and way less consumption. But it can be a challenge to keep a 1000cc motorbike happy. Hehe
Good point Alex. My fuel economy is based on conservative style of riding and some occasional "spirited" outbursts. I wasn't expecting a best fuel economy from this bike, so far I'm not disappointed.
BelowZero
Yeah, but there is a difference between "not disappointed" and "very happy". As I watch your driving and conditions, the consumption should be not one drop more than 4.5 liters. Anyway ... I bet your fuel economy will improve over time. :D
Alex Hörmann Fuel economy wasn't a deciding factor when I bought this bike. Any bike for that reason. If it goes up or down a litre it's not a big deal at all.
Alex, that's pretty much the case with most interal combustion engines. They need a vigorous break-in to achieve really good piston ring seal. That's where power, efficiency, clean oil, longevity comes from. Sad part is most people follow manufacturer's recommendations which are 100% about litigation and 0% about actual mechanical optimization. Even manufacturers run bran new engines hard on a set of dyno rollers as a final stage off the assembly line.
Well done. Very helpful
Thank you
Very honest review of the bike. I have the 2014 1000 and your observations were spot on. I ditched the factory panniers for the SW Motec panniers and rack system. They are so much better. Have you still got the factory muffler on your bike? I switched to the Yoshimura 77 can. Its lighter and produces a far better sound. I will be changing the screen out as I am over 6ft tall. Glad you like the bike as it really will do everything you require of it. The comment made about the head lamp removal is so true! My dealer had to research on google how to actually remove the bloody thing! Anyway, greetings from Australia and I have subscribed. Ride safe.
Andrew Edmond Thanks for the comment and sub. I haven’t gone too far with upgrades. I just replaced that OEM screen with Givi Airflow ... it works so much better. I’m planning to do something about those side cases cause one is totally busted (can’t lock it anymore). New exhaust will be great but I’ll wait until next spring.
The new V strom 2017 or 2018 model has a better windscreen.
Great Review, thanks.
Do hoy know a similar review for the 650xt? As a 5'7" AND willing to travel long distances on dirt roads in latinamerica, I am looking for something like the 650xt, but would prefer one with a higher ground space. Any sugestions????
I believe 650XT is very similar to 1000 in regards to size and height. I haven't had a chance to ride it but I'm sure it will work out just fine....650 definitely has enough power.
i own a 2014 v-strom 1000.... 50 mpg is what i get...
I think I might see you daily coming through Goodwood?
Interesting because Fort9 guy said the windscreen is very good for him and he's like 6.2...
Robson Enduro True ... he sits above turbulence zone.
@@BelowZero that's good then because I'm 6.1 and planning to get this bike as well :) thanks for the review.
Interesting video thanks,out of curiousity what is your preferred Engine Oil for these ?
After 3K I switched to Suzuki 10w40 full synthetic.
Ok cheers,didnt know Suzuki had their own branded oil but looking online can now see it.
Good review.
Thanks man!
I really hate the beak in the front, it looks goofy, i like the older model looks
The new model looks much better.
Adjust your windscreen in a different angle not just high or low.
Georg Dieter You think I haven’t tried that??? 🤣😂🤣
@@BelowZero Yes I thought that because most people are happy with this adjustments.
Georg Dieter it’s actually quite opposite ... majority of people hate OEM screen on 2014-2016 models.
Where are u from ?
Your accent
Please Suzuki ,bring that dash into the 21st century .
I agree, the dashboard is quite outdated but surprisingly it works just fine.
The dashboard is one of the reasons why I purchased the V-Strom 😉
No mention of the faulty clutch basket ..that suzuki refuses to fix since Dinosaurs roamed walmart Parking lots...I have owned many Suzuki's...will not be owning this one.
Faulty clutch basket? I never heard of a faulty clutch basket...