You can call it ‘common wisdom,’ ‘group think,’ ‘Zeitgeist’ or maybe even ‘mob mentality,’ but as a product ages, the general narrative about it solidifies into a widely held belief. When it comes to V-Stroms, the narrative went, the 1000 is a pretty good bike, but the 650 is so much lighter and fun to ride it more than makes up for the horsepower deficit, so just get the 650. That’s probably why the 650 outsold the 1000 two-to-one in the USA, but after 600 miles on the revamped 2014 V-Strom 1000, I think that’s going to change.
The old 1000 model, first introduced in 2002, was, well, old. I will refrain from describing the dimensions of its teeth, as we have done that in great detail in other stories…oh Lord, I can’t help myself. It was long in the tooth. Our man Willy Ivans did a great job describing the changes made to the new bike, so please read or reread his outstanding first-ride story. The nutshell version of it, in case you can’t be bothered to click on the link, is that Suzuki really pulled out the stops to re-do this bike—it’s not just pretty new bodywork or new instruments. It’s much lighter (503 pounds gassed up), more fuel efficient, more responsive, better handling, better suspended…there are about 100 reasons why this is a better bike than the old one, which (at the risk of offending my many V-Strom 1000-mounted friends) was kind of a pig, if you want my honest opinion (you probably don’t).
Suzuki’s enthusiastic media rep, Frankie Garcia, was excited for me to ride it—”Dude, it’s like a big supermoto.” I’ve heard that one before, and c’mon Frankie: how much fun can a 500-pound bike be? I was expecting your standard Japanese Adventure-Tourer like the old V-Strom, or the Versys, or Yamaha’s very good Super Tenere: big and heavy, but solid, reliable and comfortable for long trips. In fact, I rode a Super Tenere test unit down to SoCal so I could ride the V-Strom home to NorCal, and I enjoyed it—big, fast, heavy and very comfortable, if not the most exciting or best-handling steed I’ve ever swung a leg over.
“Oh, I think you’ll really like it,” said Editor Edge in his usual low-key manner as I prepared myself for the 500-mile ride home. How much I liked it surprised me.
Frankie wasn’t exaggerating—too much—when he called it a SuMo. It feels light—lighter than any open-class ADV I’ve ridden, even more than the KTM 1190 Adventure, thanks to a almost-manageable 33.4-inch seat height and a lot of good engineering from the Suzuki folks. It’s also slim at the waist, with minimal bodywork; as a motorcycle intended for adventure should be. The bars are wide, but didn’t have that crazy beach-cruiser feel some big bikes have. I’d even guess it feels smaller than the 650, but I haven’t ridden the current-gen, so I can’t be sure.
The motor hasn’t really gained much power, just a few hp and foot-pounds, but it feels smoother, faster and freer-revving. I also noted really great fuel economy for a jumbo V-Twin—an all-day ride at 80-plus mph still saw numbers in the 40s, and riders in states with actual speeding enforcement (note to CHP: I am not complaining. You guys are doing a great job.) could probably bump into the 50s. Folks on Fuelly report high 30s and low 40s with their old V-Stroms, but the one I rode most recently didn’t do as well—mid to high 30s. With the new bike’s claimed 5.3-gallon tank (I never could get more than about 4.5 gallons in it) you just barely go 200 miles at reasonable interstate speeds—the minimum range for an adventure bike, don’t you think?
Other notes about a wind-blasted, all-day drone: the seat is not as nice as the Super Ten’s, and wind protection is lacking as well. The screen is small and there’s annoying buffeting unless the screen is in the lowest position. It’s a minimal tourer, see? Get off the interstate, says the V-Strom 1000, but if you have to do it (and sometimes, you have to do it), it’s not the worst choice out there—legroom and arm position are great, though I missed the Super Ten’s cruise control. Around town, the Strom is nimble and easy to manage, but for a rider of my stature the high seat gets old, especially if you’re getting on and off frequently.
Running errands or blasting along in a straight line is okay, but this chick likes to party. As with the Burgman 200, somebody let the GSXR engineers into the development meetings, because this 1000 has some of the best stock suspension I can remember, on par with supersports. Good suspension, excellent steering geometry, wide bars and the seemingly magical weight reduction make the big V a real joy to take on a bumpy, twisty mountain road. Your friends on sportbikes will hate you, but you’ll feel safer and more in control, so just get new friends.
It’s ironic Willy noted the KYB forks and shock are 3-way adjustable, because I didn’t need to make any adjustments. It felt composed, controlled, firm and plush all at the same time, without the annoying hobby-horse feel some long-travel motorcycles have.
The monoblock brakes were very good, though not as good as something KTM or Ducati might use—powerful enough, but not the best feel, and the ABS wasn’t what I’d call transparent. Suzuki is proud to point out the V has traction control—the first on a Suzuki, according to its website, but I just left it on position two and forgot about it. Acceleration is brisk, but it’s a quarter-ton of bike and I only saw the yellow TC indicator lamp a couple of times—but was glad to have it when I did. I also appreciated the logically laid-out controls, the informative data display and the 12-volt outlet rationally located where riders will plug in accessories (some OEMs put the sockets under the seat, as if you don’t need to look at your phone while you’re riding—do they think we’re animals?).
It’s one of the cheapest open-class ADVs at $12,699 (with standard ABS), as well as the lightest. It’s fuel efficient, comfortable enough, handles great, has the safety features you need, is really fun to ride and should prove as durable as your grandfather’s golf shoes. First-gen V-Strom riders rack up miles like cabbies, and I expect this iteration to match this, as it shares the same basic architecture. I was surprised at how well the new V-Strom 1000 works—is it worth the $4,150 premium over the 650? I’m not sure, but I think you’ll see a lot more 1000s out on the roads.
For additional details and specifications, as well as available colors, visit Suzuki’s web site. Suzuki also sells an Adventure Model for $13,999. The Adventure Model comes standard with the following accessories: Under Cowl, Hand Guards, Touring Windscreen, Side Cases and Mounting Brackets, and Accessories Bars.
I have put 6,500 miles on mine just having completed a trip to central Australia with a friend on hos water Boxer GSA. Apart from his excellent cruise control I felt the big strom lacked nothing. I had made an upper screen to lift protection by nearly 4″ which I felt would be needed for up to 700kms (435miles) daily travel. Fuel consumption worked out at 20.1 kms per litre overall, handling was a breeze even on the 600kms of dirt around the west of Alice Springs and the Oodnadatta track. Comfort was very good.
Very happy to discover how well it was tracking on dirt and gravel even with panniers, tent etc on the rear.
The gnarly stuff will always be the domain of my beloved and much modded DR650 but the Strom 1000 is a gem. My wife is comfortable to do day tours of up to 450kms as pillion. She is 170cms, I am 180cms, our total weight is (158kgs) 350lbs plus luggage. No nasty issues at any speed up to 130kph
Great review. I’ve had two V-Strom 650s and recently test rode the new 1000. It looked decent in red in person. Adjustable screen is easy but small. The motor rocks especially with traction control off. That way it wheelies first and second easily. Can’t do it with TC on. The suspension is much tauter and sporty than the 650. Feels lively and light. Brakes are good. Easy bike to ride. But my 2012 650 has enough power even two up. The main difference is I rev the piss out of the 650 and tsp dance the shifter in order to ride quickly. I’m not ready to trade up but when I am it’s this bike.
Just sold a KTM 990 Adventure which had snatchy fueling and much worse handling. This DL 1000 is just as much a hooligan bike as the KTM 990 yet it’s way smoother, cheaper, has much nicer gauges and costs less to maintain.
I suspect this iteration of the V-Strom 1000, like my ’05 can be made into a much better performer with additional investment. There’s going to be enough aftermarket goodies available to make this bike whatever you want it to be (short of a truly competent off-roader).
After 9 years and 130,000 miles with my ’05 V-Strom 1000. I have never encountered any major issues. Did the valves at 55K, just because I thought it was a good idea. Tires, chains, brake pads, oil and fluids. It’s been nothing but an ole reliable work horse.
I’ve also had a 2011 Ducati Multistrada S Touring in the stable since January 2011. The mighty Strom eats up all my commuting miles without much love while my Multi gets pampered and sits pretty waiting for the fun rides and trips.
If ole Stromy get to tired and gives up on me someday, I’ll definitely consider the new 1000 as a second bike/commuter.
As a very satisfied owner of a DL650A, I was interested in trading up to this new 1000 – until I read that air flow management is still the biggest issue. I guess that is the biggest problem with all of these “Adventure” bikes. 2 years later, I am still going through the “Seat, bar risers, taller wind screen, etc.” drill in search of the perfect pocket.
Time to move on to a ‘Wing or an R1200RT.
BTW – When a journalist tells you that “the seat is fine” – don’t believe them.
If I read from a trusted journalist that “the seat is fine” it means it’s not a plank and offers good support and comfort. We’re all different so what works for one may not be the same for another. Doesn’t make tthe journalist out to be telling lies. I’ve owned bikes that at first felt like they had too firm of seat only to find that they worked on an all day ride. Trouble is, to find that out usually takes longer than a quick trip around the block. The impressions given in reviews help us get an idea what may work for many who buy.
Madstad device solved ALL my airflow problems in 15 minutes. Went from getting a headache from turbulence riding across town to cross country trips in a perfect pocket of air.
Good Gravy there are alot of comments on this bike/test. I guess that is a good thing.
I’m a die hard vstrom guy. 2003 1000 was/is an awesome bike, especially for 3500 dollars used. Is it perfect? No. Is this 13k vstrom perfect? No. Is it junk? All bikes are junk. Which junk do you want to part money with? Get it, ride it, sell it, write comments in forums about it, move on to the next bike, etc., etc.
Keep riding my friends…..
I wonder if there will be a chance of a SV or TL1000? One that could handle some side cases would make a nice cross country sport tourer. May give up the Ninja 1000 for it.
Re: “I wonder if there will be a chance of a SV or TL1000?”
Well there is a new naked standard based off the GSXR1OOO coming, and honestly it looks bloody brilliant. While this bodes well for a future styling update to the “Stromberg” here, not sure it builds a business case for the SV/TL…? If any thing, it’s a case “destroyer”. Yes, the bike looks that good (to my Transformer loving eyes anyway). Go on, treat yourself to a Google search. crystal clear shots are out there. In fact, they’ll prolly be showing up on MD sooner than later.
To compete it would need 20 more horsepower. How Suzuki made the decision to produce this bike with such lower HP numbers is a mystery to me. I have owned a DL1000 and 3 SV1000s, and the SV made at least 100 HP, and that was 11 years ago. Need more HP for me to consider this bike.
The DL1000 was rated at 98 hp at the crank if I remember correctly. I test rode a 2003 DL1000 and was impressed how easily it lofted the front wheel up in 1st gear with throttle input alone.
The 2005-2007 SV1000S was rated at ~125hp at the crank with many significant improvements over the 2003-2004 model year SV1K, which were tuned-down quite a bit compared to the original TL (also rated at 125hp). And of course the TL1000R… rated at 135hp in 1998, though not as strong in the lower rpm range as the TL-S and SV-S.
Basically, the ’05-’07 SV power output capability was restored to TL1000S levels but with the many improvements had even better throttle response and low-rpm performance as well. I don’t think any professional testers revisited the SV after 2005 to experience the change. My ’07 puts 118hp to the ground and the usable power band is wide… great grunt from as low as 2000 rpm (I think the DL has grunt from 1500rpm) and pulls hard and fast all the way up to 11K (DL has lower redline)! Awesome sound as well from the dual mufflers!
I mentioned this before in the Indian Scout thread but what a fantastic engine the Suzuki 996 V-twin was. This engine doesn’t get enough credit for being a late 90’s design! It’s one of the best in my opinion. Such a great design it has survived to this 1037cc iteration.
Suzuki, a new SV1000 would be awesome, or better yet… how about a clean slate new engine SV1200 or 1300 (but please use a different designer for the style than who did this V-Strom). 🙂
I never could get along with the cable clutch and crappy forks on the 650, but have put a lot of miles on the old 1000. I like the bike, except for the gas tank. Would love to know if you never put more than 4.5 in it because that’s how low it was, or because the tank capacity is mis-stated. The old unit took a genuine 5.8, and I’d typically get in the low 40s with it, giving it some decent legs. 5.8*42>4.5*50. You’ll never make it from Eagle Plains to Dawson City on the latter :).
My only issue with this and most test reports on Adv Tour bikes is there seldom any mention of the two up capability.
Adv Tour bikes can be perfect for comfy two up short rides and long tours, yet competent and fun solo inc sport rides……a point often missed by the manufacturers in design options and advertising.
Just a weee bit of coverage on the two up capabilities would do it ……maybe use this as a starting point.
1. Passenger seat width and length
2. Footpeg distance and angle relationship with the passenger seat
3. Top bag relationship with the rear of the passenger seat. (One bike we test rode had the top rack taking the rear two inches of the passenger seat)
4. Side bag relationship to the passenger footpegs. (Same bike as in item 3 we tested had the front of the side bags 1.5″ from the footpegs!!!)
5. Distance between the passenger and rider going down the road……..smashed together or some space.
6. Wind effect on passenger at normal speeds. Massive head buffeting??? Again, this varies depending on the height of the passenger, but the passenger in test height should be stated and also passenger views included.
For those of us that enjoy spending some to most rides with the love of of life being along on trips, but also having the same bike be competent for solo casual or sport rides Adv Tour bikes are a great option………now if we could only get testers to include the two up part to help us decide what to test ride next.
Specifics: I went down this path way back in 2002 and we bought an Aprilia Caponord for the reasons stated above. After 10 or so very minor changes we had the perfect for us two up bike, yet on sport rides this bike was never home last. Point taken…. I/we never intended to ride it in serious dirt, nor did many of those attending Adv Tour at rallies we attended.
So how about just a weeee bit on the two up riding aspects on Adv Tour bikes from now on?
Wife and I shopped this summer for a two up bike and she chose the Multistrada for many of the reasons you listed above. I really wanted to like the V-strom because of the cost of ownership and reputation for reliability. She ruled it out due to comfort, specifically the right passenger foot peg. It looks like an after-thought with the plastic guard over the enormous muffler/cat. It forced her foot outward into a different position than the left peg. She said it would drive her crazy even after a short ride. I suppose an after-market exhaust would fix that but that is never a simple and inexpensive bolt on fix anymore.
We tried a used Multi with a padded Givi/Ducati top case and she immediately loved it strictly because of the comfort level. Nothing else mattered to her.
Thank you for your comments.
The issues I stated in my post were with the passenger aspects of the first year Suz 1000 Adv Tour way back in 2002 I think.
From a design standpoint to allow larger passenger seating shortening the by say 2″ to 3″ and widening the front of the tank …..then redistributing this mostly to the back seat length would be a good start. Most Adv Tour bikes rear seats are far to narrow and short for long term comfort. Rule of thumbs for any motorcycle company that cared about passenger seat comfort was the width and length of those on the Honda Pacific Coast.
Motorcycles are very personal……..and wdealing with both a rider and passenger needs makes this all the more complicated but the end result is few manufacturers seem to care about this and their offerings show it.
Based on just the pix in the article it would appear that Suzuki proved a total lack of concern for the passenger once again
Motorcyclist just tested this bike against some of it major compeitiors. It came in 4 th of 5. Beat the Aprilia, was bested by the KTM, Ducati and Beemer, but they said it was a heck of a bike, well sorted, needed more power.they were impressed for what it cost. BMW was the clear winner. KTM was 3 rd.
Where was Super Ten?
Missing from the test
How convenient.
Did the Super Ten ever win any of these comparison tests in the past?
The super ten is a bloated soft suspended top heavy bike, too bad because it could have been a contender had Yamaha really taken the extra time and effort to engineer some weight and size out of it
I’ve ridden all of them save for the Aprilia. Used to own an S10 (And prior to that a GS. And a 650 Strom). Now own an 1190. In strictly functional terms, for what I use the KTM for, the Zuk would be a better bike most of the time, after a little bit of familiarization. Of course, that would change immediately if I ever dragged my pansy ass anywhere even remotely tricky off pavement, but as good as the KTM is, functionally it’s all a bit schitzo.
How badly does the new 1000 get blown around in cross-winds and when big trucks go by the other way?
I sold a DL650 because it was terrible above 65 mph in rough air.
I put about 10k on a 2003 Strom 1000 and enjoyed the bike for the most part. Ultra comfy with a Corbin seat, sounded amazing with a set of Leo Vince cans. One thing I could not get over was the horrible buffeting on windy days and / or traveling over 85 mph. The bike was just unstable and disconcerting. Didn’t feel like spending cash on suspension and moved on to a BMW K1200GT which was planted (heavy) and fast, more what I like I guess. The Strom motor with that exhaust was a delight to listen to and rev though… Fond memories in that regard. Handling not so much.
Despite 8 years of working in BMW-land, I’m on my 3rd Strom right now… every time I’m out, they pull me back in.
The original 1000 was a revelation at the time – this was even before “Adventure” became an industry buzzword and everyone wanted to play rally-conqueror – that appealed to the touring and long distance set as much as it did the TL disciples.
The 650 was then the perfect evolution from the SV’s do-it-all nature into an even more comfortable, practical “commute bike”
They were ugly even then, and like all Suzukis of the day had crap suspension and some cut corners, but they got it done, very well, and for very cheap. Even though KLR owners (see above) and BMW owners alike all moan and wail that “you can’t really take that thing off-road”, you most assuredly, absolutely, enthusiastically can… and thousands do.
Personally, I found the 1000 to be the perfect cross-continent machine, but a little bit tricky in slow off-road sections. Then I found the original 650 to be more flexible and flickable, but wheezy two-up or with luggage. Spent about 40k happy miles with each, but was always aware of a shortcoming.
Moved on to some other types of bikes for a while (919 and F650GS), but really missed the all-day tourer that could still do trails. 800 mile days on singles aren’t much fun.
Just picked up the refreshed 2014 650, and about 5k miles in, *it* is the one I have wanted all along. The updated engine and gearing give noticeably better roll-on power (especially in 6th), while still being smoother and less clattery throughout the rev range. The updated instruments are excellent, wind blast is mitigated, the new seat is great for rider and passenger. The brakes are still a little weak and the non-switchable ABS is slightly frustrating off-road, but not unworkable (the ABS is superb on-pavement – same system BMW’s F-bikes use). The suspension even feels much more dialed-in both on and off-road. Then there’s the looks – still not “pretty”, but a little more modern. The newer plastics seem much tougher, as well.
I have been beaming with happiness as, over 14 or so bikes, this is the first one I’ve ever been fully, 100% satisfied with. It does everything I need it to, and quite well, especially for well under $10k.
For that reason there’s just *no way in hell* I’m ever test riding the new 1000… because it sounds even better. (but $5500 better?)
How do you feel this compares to the Triumph Tiger 800 or 800XC?
Great question…………thanks
The reviews are “it’s a nice bike, BUT”. That’s why I will wait for the KTM 1290 Adventure. After you upgrade the suspension, brakes, etc.. the money you spent will come back at 10 cents on the dollar. KTM’s come with the good stuff standard, you get more of your investment back at resale time and save the time and hassle replacing marginal stock equipment.
Need help ! Have enjoyed the 05 and 09 650 wee stroms should I move up to the 1,000 …????
re: Need help ! Have enjoyed the 05 and 09 650 wee stroms.
Q: should I move up to the 1,000 …????
A: yes.
anything and everything that involves coming off the dime for the hobby/sport you love, you are cleared to do. just don’t tell the wife.
Thanks Norm G. It is because the wife likes how it feels and I want more Kaboom to haul both our butts !
Life is short! Will be test riding this new beast soon ! Cheers Tommy.
re: “I want more Kaboom”
hey, what man doesn’t…?
3 words… Natural Male Enhancement.
Went for a test ride to-day and yep! Going to buy one in the Spring! Smooth delivery and sweet buttery gearbox. If you are wanting to stick with the 650 DO NOT test ride the new 1,000! Love the power and seat!
I have always been amazed at how much more capable and enjoyable a KLR650 is over these big “adventure” bikes. If you are serious about going anywhere, you’d be very smart to stay small and light and save a truck load of money at the same time. The only time I felt a KLR or my old XR650L lacking is when following a group with sport bikes on 100 mph sections of roads. Then you just filter right back up to the front of the pack when the roads get twisty -all the while getting 50+mpg to their 30-something.
And you have the added benefit of being able to climb a mountain or cross a stream. Too much of that and I’d rather be riding a much lighter 250.
Another data point: I put about 21K miles on a KLR650 followed by about 40K miles on a DL650. The KLR was obviously much more capable off road but the DL650 was much more stable and comfortable on highways and didn’t give up anything on twisty back roads.
Never had the chance to ride a DR650 (just the old 350). I hear they’re just about all you’d ever need in a bike – at least for those of us that don’t get all giddy over excessive acceleration.
Oh, right. You said “DL”, no “DR.”
I only borrowed the KLR for a week. I don’t recall it being “unstable” on the highway. My XR was a bit squiggly at hight speeds but then, I did have knobbies on the thing. The most rock-steady bike I’ve ridden at high-er speeds was a K75S. Quite a bit more stable and comfortable than the GS1150 I rode. Actually, if I was ever to ride across the country I’d choose the old K bike over the GS. I guess I never “got” the whole “adventure” thing.
No denying your point…….650 singles and twins Adv Tour bikes are better off road once one gets to the off road section.
On the way to these off road sections the big adventure tour bikes are far more comfortable…..plus two up riding for long distances is an option. Try that for say three 600 mile days on your 650 single……….then few days later 3 more days two up to get back home.
I have had a DR650 Motard, DR650 standard, SR500 and BSA Goldstar so understand your point about big singles, but these bikes are not nearly as competent in the dirt as 400 or 250 single.
I have also had some big twin Adv Tour bikes….
Not one of these options excels on the road and off road………we all have to pick out what is important to us and “make do” in/on rides where the bike we picked does not excel.
Right. I’d give up cruising at 85 mph in exchange for being able to pull the bike out of a ditch by myself.
Just an opinion, but the Japanese need to go back to what made them successful, which was durable bikes at a low price. This business if snobbish, BMW owns the adventure bike, Harley owns the cruiser, Goldwing is the touring bike, and all for good reason. Been in the metric end of this business for 40 years and if it wasn’t for ATV and side by side , think at least 2 of the Japanese companies would have left this country already.
“the Japanese need to go back to what made them successful, which was durable bikes at a low price”
It seems like they are doing just that with this bike being a good example. I think Yamaha’s FZ’s and Honda’s newer bikes are great examples too. Trouble is, people who used to buy inexpensive bikes years ago now have more disposable income and are buying the high end stuff whereas (younger) people who would normally buy inexpensive bikes are not buying as many bikes. Just another opinion.
20% difference between this and a GS is not enough and the Tenere is within $1K. Do like the new Hondas, but Yamaha is trickling the FZ models, try to find one.
re: “Do like the new Hondas”
me 3.
problem is, i’ve only ever seen the cross runner and cross tourer in the U.K.
re: “try to find one.”
and there it is, or should I say isn’t…?
you are in the UK?
Don it is more like almost 50% difference here in Canada a new DL with bags lists at 12,999.00 CDN
a new GS with bags is over 21,000.00 CDN and that’s the base model.
The KTM likewise is very close to BMW
(R1200GS) $16,100 – (DL1000) $12,699 = $3401
$3401 / $12,699 = 0.2678 = 27%
The Tenere is a Yamaha which is a Japanese manufacturer.
Is there even a single new GS in the country for that price? When I went shopping, the dealer quoted me $23K. Got the then brand new 1190 Adv for over 5K less. And people are getting the new V for 4K below that again……
@ Stuki Moi: You have a better chance of finding the holy grail than a base model BMW motorcycle in your local dealership. $16,100 is the base price. The destination charge is another $700-$800 so your are looking at $17,000 for a base model. However, BMW dealers don’t stock base model motorcycles, they all have 1-2 accessory packages included. Most of the R1200GS models I see in my local dealer are $18,000-$20,000.
How right you are Jason our dealers here in BC have loaded up GS’s no base models can be found and what they do have are closer to 25,000 than they are to 21,000
Where i work, Honda 500’s are going out the door at a pretty good rate, Yamaha Bolt and the FZ’s would if we could get them, Kaw 300’s, all the inexpensive cruisers, but no where near the numbers since before ’08.
re: “Been in the metric end of this business for 40 years and if it wasn’t for ATV and side by side , think at least 2 of the Japanese companies would have left this country already.”
no worries (smokin’) don fraser, the ever dwindling number of domestic motorcyclists paired with the devaluing mentalities of those who remain, WILL inevitably see this brought to fruition.
this here vessel’s unfortunately “made of iron”, so same as the BELLWETHERS represented by the recent loss of both WSBK coverage and AMA coverage (something we also thought could never happen)…
it is a “mathematical certainty”. (ship’s carpenter voice)
I tell people that I am a motorcyclist, not a biker. Subscribe to both WSBK and MotoGP with Moto3 being my favorite, the racing here has been shit since just after Mladin left. Most of the people I see riding, shouldn’t be, scary, and the largest group getting hurt are those over 45.
Poseurs and pretenders, I tell ya. Buying a persona, assuming instant credibility and spewing forth ignorance seems to be the mentality of the costume wearing clown urban pirates of today.
Racing here has been crap since AMA sold out to a group that has no idea on how to run a bike series. Mladin was smart to get the hell out.
Hey, I bagged a “Your comment is awaiting moderation” with the above statement. Really? LOL!
Re: “Most of the people I see riding, shouldn’t be, scary, and the largest group getting hurt are those over 45..”
This is largely because so few younger people are coming into motorcycling. As for who should/shouldn’t be riding, shouldn’t everyone who wants to be able to?
Philosophically yes, legally yes, but I have seen a few people who really shouldn’t be on two wheels for their own well being and for the well being of others…however it is their ” right” to do so even if it endangers themselves and innocent bystanders.
just .cuz you can, doesn’t mean you should
I test rode this bike at Daytona. Pretty nice and an exceptional value. Very plush and better than the Tenere. Complaints: 1. No cruise control 2. Suspension for my weight. No heated grips.
Excellent value though. They didn’t have the optioned up model during my ride. Hope it does well. For the saving in price you could do so e nice things with it.
I finally saw one in person and overall looks fairy nice but the exhaust system is a mess, looks like its held together with hose clamps and the exposed sensor & wire sticking out. What were they thinking? Guess they had alot of areas to leave unfinished at this price point. But overall for what it is it should be a winner provided they get those rough engine issues ironed out that I’ve been reading about. An even better value would be a leftover 2013 super tenere for about the same price.
I put 5 years and 70k miles on my ’07 DL1000, and was very excited about trading up to the new bike. Then I rode two of them at Bike Week.
The engines ran roughly , with what felt like poor fuel mapping. The front brakes were grabby and difficult to modulate. The bike felt just as top-heavy as the original. In fact, I found very little difference between the two models.
If I’d stayed in the ADV market I would have bought a leftover DL and spent the savings fixing the usual list of issues like PCV, suspension tweaks, GIXXER brakes, etc.
Got out of the ADV game huh? Bet you went for one of those cool retro CB1100’s, din’t ya? Howdy Spaceman.
Having owned both a 650 put 40K- 1000 put 30K I can say the 650 is way better at allmost every thing except high speed touring 80mph plus if you keep both a round 65mph the 650 win’s hands down now with the new 650 which is even better at over $4000 cheaper I don’t see the point in the (NEW) 1000 as it is
Had a 2nd Gen 1000 for a few years.
Bike handled pretty well once I put some decent street tires on, raised the tubes upfront, lowering links in back and didn’t top off that almost 6 gallon tank (40lbs way up high) . . . . . .
The only reason I chose the 1000 over the 650 was passing slower traffic with my 200 lbs.
I’d take the 650 bagger and still have a couple of grand left over for a GPS, nice seat, taller wind screen and a crap load of gas.
I am not exactly fan of this bike or even this style, although if I lived in Mid-west or Mid-south I’d probably had different opinion.
But I must say this: any time I asked at casual meet with other riders on this machine I never heard anything negative about it. I believe it is sound and well developed product. Practical mule to get you and your cargo moving in whatever circumstance might be.
OK bike but doesn’t the 650 Strom do the same thing? The 1000 Strom is too much HP for some to ride off road.
There are bigger issues than too much HP when it comes to riding this off road…… Great street bike, though. Perhaps about as good as it gets for now.
Is the beak removable?
You don’t like the Woody Woodpecker look?
Stick a cigar in it and it would look like the old Thrush Exhaust logo.
Looks a little cartoonish. Reminds me of Big Bird on Sesame Street.
They didn’t put there just to piss off the beak haters, it’s all about air flow and the management of it.
Hahahahaha ha ha…
It’s about identifying with a certain group. The same as painting a howling wolf on your Fat Boy tank.
look at current Multistrada; not much different.
First bike was a Honda SL350, which was kind of an adventure bike, that I rode everywhere. I learned a few things on that bike, but most importantly, if you want to ride off road, get the lightest dirt bike you can find and put on the knobbiest tires you can and stay off the road.
Why do we have to wait for a bike to be superseded before journalists tell us the truth about it?
Very, very good point. I’ve been thinking about that for a while myself.
Makes me laugh, too. Pretty soon this V-Strom will be referred to as a wobbly piece of junk compared to the next gen. V-Strom. It so you’ll get all excited and run out and buy one before the old one is barely broken in.
Q: Why do we have to wait for a bike to be superseded before journalists tell us the truth about it?
A: ’cause the best you know is the best you’ve ridden.
(not my words, Paul Thede’s)
Why do we need journalists to tell us what we like?
Q: Why do we need journalists to tell us what we like?
A: we’re consumers.
(not my words, Sam Walton’s)
Most people don’t get the opportunity to ride a large variety of new motorcycles. Many if not most dealers do not allow test rides so a buyer is buying blind. Journalists reviews give buyers a little bit of information to help make a decision.
I sat on a Kaki V at Indy and it fit my 36″ inseam very well. It seemed like a really comfortable bike, a do it all machine.
A friend on the previous gen Suzy 1000 and I on a Honda St1300 just returned from a 5500 trip to the west coast and back. He wasn’t really in love with the big zook before the trip preferring his Kaw Versys, but he came back from the trip with a lot more respect for the Strom. It performed admirably, was comfortable, and thrifty ( he averaged 50 mpg). I came away impressed as well. Now, no dirt riding was involved, but as a sport tourer the bike was very very good. Certainly the equal to my dedicated sport tourer.
If the new Strom is lighter, faster and more comfortable than his, Suzuki has a winner on its hands. And yes, all bikes ridden on road should come with centerstands imo.
I’m on my 2nd 2002 V-Strom after killing a deer @65 with the first one at 10k miles. I walked away from that accident thinking I needed another bike just like that one. I found another unsold in ’03 even the same color (grey) and I have just south of 50,000 miles on it. By far the best bike I’ve owned, and I’ve owned a few. The beak on the new one really turns me off, but then again, if I purchased a bike strictly on looks, I wouldn’t have bought a Strom in the first place. It’s a keeper.
I’m a previous owner of a V-Strom 1000 (2006). What a great bike, a truly do-it-all-bike … 95% of the time. But for me, an adventure bike must be capable of doing some light trails. So, forget about 1000 cc and over bikes. I see them as sport-touring bike with THE look. If the 1190 Adventure bike is great. What would be a mid-displacement adventure bike with a more dirt oriented set-up than the V-Strom 650.
I didn’t test ride the new V-Strom 1000. I tried the V-Strom 650, both generation. I even tried the 2nd generation in trails. I find it too heavy. In the trails, i prefer lightweight over big power.
As a strictly street bike, i think that the V-Strom are great bike. I don’t plan to test ride the new V-Strom. I’m afraid to fall in love with it. And i’m still in love with my FZ-07. So …
I keep looking at all the new adventure market bikes thinking one might appeal to me. So far the one I have in the garage is still the only one that lights my fire…I will just keep my ’06 Tiger (70,000 miles and counting), thanks anyway.
I could get over the beak if it had a center stand and shaft drive.
“Leave the beak, bring the cannoli.”