Suzuki VStrom 1000 (2017 MY on) views
Discussion
As per title any owners/view/opinions?
I’ve tried:
BMW GS1200 loved it, but boy it’s expensive
BMW XR1000 not so keen
KTM Adventure 1190 also not so keen
Still to try the Versys, VStrom and Tiger but I’m guessing there’s a reason you can get a fully loaded VStrom for under £10k new (I know list is £10900) I’m assuming it’s not great or is it just not fashionable/loved?
I’ve tried:
BMW GS1200 loved it, but boy it’s expensive
BMW XR1000 not so keen
KTM Adventure 1190 also not so keen
Still to try the Versys, VStrom and Tiger but I’m guessing there’s a reason you can get a fully loaded VStrom for under £10k new (I know list is £10900) I’m assuming it’s not great or is it just not fashionable/loved?
Stone Cold said:
Still to try the Versys, VStrom and Tiger but I’m guessing there’s a reason you can get a fully loaded VStrom for under £10k new (I know list is £10900) I’m assuming it’s not great or is it just not fashionable/loved?
Yes, fashion mostly. I’ve had mine since 2016, now at 17,000 miles and am hoping to run it up to 100k. What do you specifically want to know?
It’s not ‘fast’ fast, but I regularly ride with a guy with a 2015 GSA, and there’s nothing in it despite the 200cc difference. It feels noticeably quicker than my old Tiger 800, and like a rocket compared to my previous 2006 GSA. They’re 95hp or so at the wheel, but that doesn’t tell the whole story as peak torque is at 4K revs. It also feels very slim and light compared to the others.
Brakes and suspension are excellent too. Proper radical mounted callipers and fully adjustable front and rear forks and shock. Handling is very good.
On practical notes the TC and ABS is old school but still very effective, it’s good for pillion carrying and has the most comfortable seat I’ve ever used on a bike. It’s also easy to clean, and reliability is good (unlike the R1200GS).
You will need to change the screen, put some better tires on it and the standard Suzuki luggage isn’t great, so budget for some proper aluminium boxes.
I absolutely love mine.
They also do 3 different seat options - I have a brand new high seat in my loft in black and grey. Original Suzuki part and a good few other bits knocking about.
As the poster above says, they’re light and flickable. Probably one of the best priced bikes on the market along with the 1250 gsxfa . As mentioned, standard luggage is limited in capacity. I faired ok but used a large roll bag to compensate. Very easy to work on and loads of accessories available.
As the poster above says, they’re light and flickable. Probably one of the best priced bikes on the market along with the 1250 gsxfa . As mentioned, standard luggage is limited in capacity. I faired ok but used a large roll bag to compensate. Very easy to work on and loads of accessories available.
I'm 4 weeks into ownership of the 2018 XT version, I upgraded from a fazer8 as a change of job saw my commute jump from 20 to 150 miles per day across m25/m40/a40.
I considered other similar bikes, but frankly, I'm never going to use most of the electronic wizardry on offer on a motorway commute. It will do 25k this year and be sold on, so for 8.5k it's an absolute bargain.
So far I think it's a cracking bike, whilst not the fastest bike I've had, the engine feels strong and pulls to three figures rapidly if you aren't careful, the seat is comfy and tank range is fairly decent, I get from Herts to Oxford and back on a tank, costs around £20 per day for 150ish miles.
As mentioned above, the Suzuki screen needs to be replaced - I'm 6' 2" and found the buffeting and noise to be unbearable on a long ride; I replaced mine with a Givi Airflow and it is far, far better.
Other small criticisms - it doesn't feel very stable when cornering in the wet, the front end felt quite skittish when rounding a long sweeping bend - this may well just mean that the suspension needs tweaking slightly.
One other minor irritation is that the bike was supplied with lock barrels for genuine Suzuki accessories, however, I ordered the Suzuki aluminium top box and the barrels don't fit so I now have a second key.
I considered other similar bikes, but frankly, I'm never going to use most of the electronic wizardry on offer on a motorway commute. It will do 25k this year and be sold on, so for 8.5k it's an absolute bargain.
So far I think it's a cracking bike, whilst not the fastest bike I've had, the engine feels strong and pulls to three figures rapidly if you aren't careful, the seat is comfy and tank range is fairly decent, I get from Herts to Oxford and back on a tank, costs around £20 per day for 150ish miles.
As mentioned above, the Suzuki screen needs to be replaced - I'm 6' 2" and found the buffeting and noise to be unbearable on a long ride; I replaced mine with a Givi Airflow and it is far, far better.
Other small criticisms - it doesn't feel very stable when cornering in the wet, the front end felt quite skittish when rounding a long sweeping bend - this may well just mean that the suspension needs tweaking slightly.
One other minor irritation is that the bike was supplied with lock barrels for genuine Suzuki accessories, however, I ordered the Suzuki aluminium top box and the barrels don't fit so I now have a second key.
Edited by vaguelyfamiliar on Saturday 26th January 11:00
Stone Cold said:
Thanks all, helpful, my main question was around why so cheap compared to everything else which seems to be fashion and lack of possibly uneccesary gizmos, so it’s on the list for a ride once it warms up, cheers
If you're ever up north we always have one on our demo fleet, if you fancy a go pm metdm34 said:
Stone Cold said:
Thanks all, helpful, my main question was around why so cheap compared to everything else which seems to be fashion and lack of possibly uneccesary gizmos, so it’s on the list for a ride once it warms up, cheers
If you're ever up north we always have one on our demo fleet, if you fancy a go pm me
Stone Cold said:
tdm34 said:
Stone Cold said:
Thanks all, helpful, my main question was around why so cheap compared to everything else which seems to be fashion and lack of possibly uneccesary gizmos, so it’s on the list for a ride once it warms up, cheers
If you're ever up north we always have one on our demo fleet, if you fancy a go pm meAt the price, there is not much to touch it in that sector at the moment. Mind you, wait til KTM knock £5k off the 18 model Superduke GT like they did last year?
BUt if that doesn't happen, compared to something like a GS1200, well damn near half the price, but half as good? ….No way, Pedro!
Lots of after market stuff for them too, but they are doing them with either the full set of plastic panniers and top case or the black ally paniers only (depending on model/wheels) near me for less than 10k and with cheap finance. And the TL based motor is a peach. I even like the yellow ones, but not sure how well the seat would stand up to marking etc?
BUt if that doesn't happen, compared to something like a GS1200, well damn near half the price, but half as good? ….No way, Pedro!
Lots of after market stuff for them too, but they are doing them with either the full set of plastic panniers and top case or the black ally paniers only (depending on model/wheels) near me for less than 10k and with cheap finance. And the TL based motor is a peach. I even like the yellow ones, but not sure how well the seat would stand up to marking etc?
I got one back in June after my ancient 650 fell apart. It's great, it's got everything you need and nothing you don't, if you see what I mean e.g. 'cornering abs' vs programmable suspension (it does have adjustable suspension, though). Plenty fast enough for me, really comfortable, came with £750 of options from the list included for free for £8,400 brand new (as long as I didn't mind it being yellow!). I think it's mostly lack of R&D costs which keep it cheap as the engine, gearbox and frame (although they'll clearly be tweaked from original) are pretty established.
I sort of agree with the previous poster about finish, if comparing to a BMW or a Honda but it's just as good as the similarly priced Yamahas etc. and I would say it's not showing any signs of disintegrating in the crappy winter conditions yet. The seat is getting a bit marked to be fair, sure it will clean off at some point, though.
I bought it to do a job, i.e. get me to work and back, rather than be a toy, and I think functional rather than aspirational is it's thing. I did have a conversation with a fellow biker who got a good deal on a Ducati Multistrada 950 and isn't paying much more than me monthly so that might be another one to look at.
I sort of agree with the previous poster about finish, if comparing to a BMW or a Honda but it's just as good as the similarly priced Yamahas etc. and I would say it's not showing any signs of disintegrating in the crappy winter conditions yet. The seat is getting a bit marked to be fair, sure it will clean off at some point, though.
I bought it to do a job, i.e. get me to work and back, rather than be a toy, and I think functional rather than aspirational is it's thing. I did have a conversation with a fellow biker who got a good deal on a Ducati Multistrada 950 and isn't paying much more than me monthly so that might be another one to look at.
Forgotten I’d posted this but yes I did, 1000XT in May this year and I love it, I’ve done more miles since May then I did in 2 years on the R9T that it’s replaced and I’ve not used it for about 4 weeks (fair weather rider!). However, having seen the new one at the NEC I wish I’d waited but my dealer claims they new nothing about a new one this year, not sure I buy that but no matter I’m pleased with it, just changed the can and I’m going to get the small Suzuki luggage (not the square ones) and hope to do some Euro trips next year. Any specific questions let me know
I’ve tried to put a pic up but can’t get it below 2mb!
I’ve tried to put a pic up but can’t get it below 2mb!
Nice. I've been thinking about getting one of these. I don't need anything fancy tbh, but the only thing that puts me off is the low power. I'm coming from a K1300S and I don't know if I've been spoiled by the power. I've only really properly opened it up on track before, so I know I don't need 170odd HP, but thinking 95 might be a bit too low?
I'd like something similar to the gen1 tuono I had a few years ago, power and torque wise, but needs to pillion comfortably.
(and weirdly, I like the yellow XT!)
I'd like something similar to the gen1 tuono I had a few years ago, power and torque wise, but needs to pillion comfortably.
(and weirdly, I like the yellow XT!)
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff