SUZUKI DL1000 V-STROM (2017 - 2019) Review
Highlights
- 1037cc liquid-cooled V-twin
- 3-stage traction control and cornering ABS
- Fully-adjustable suspension
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £190 |
| Power: | 100 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm) |
| Weight: | High (512 lbs / 232 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesSuzuki’s V-Strom 1000 has never been a bike sold on sex appeal.
From its launch way back in 2002 the V-twin (which owes its heritage to the TL models’ motor) powered V-Strom has always been a bit visually challenging, something Suzuki have gradually worked to remedy and by the 2017 incarnation had just about got nailed.
However instead of sex appeal, what the V-Strom brings to the table is a budget-pleasing adventure bike that although lacking a few bells and whistles is a solid performer that is extremely good at just getting on with the job in hand.
Commuting, touring or hacking out dull motorway miles, the V-Strom will do it all with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.
Having relaunched the Strom in 2013 with its fresh look and bigger-capacity 1037cc motor, in 2017 Suzuki added a bit of new tech in the way of an IMU to bring angle-sensitivity to the ABS system in a small refresh that also included other less significant upgrades such as easy-start, low-rpm assist and a DR BIG-style beak.
Still left behind the competition in terms of tech as it lacks semi-active suspension, cornering traction control or a flash dash, the V-Strom cost just £9499 (the more rugged XT version was £9999) which made it seem good value when you compared it to the (from...) £12,400 BMW R1200GS or £13,795 Ducati Multistrada.
Good enough value to warrant buying? Those who already own a more ‘premium’ adventure bike are unlikely to want to downgrade but fans of Strom, and Suzuki had sold nearly 250,000 V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 650s by 2017 so there were quite a few of them, warmed to this latest version.
If you want no-thrills road-targeted adventuring, it’s a solid option and remains wallet-pleasing in the used market.
With that in mind, fast forward to 2024 and this bike made it into our expert guide to £5k do-it-all bikes.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe most significant upgrade that Suzuki gave the V-Strom in 2017 was the addition of a five-axis Bosch IMU to the ABS system, allowing it to become angle-responsive or as Suzuki called it ‘Motion Track Braking System’.
This was then further upgraded with the adoption of a combined element, so that the front brake also activated the rear to help keep the bike stabilised under braking.
With the twin four-piston Tokico radial calipers providing reasonable power (but a typically dead feel due to a poor pad compound, swap them for aftermarket alternatives for more bite) the ABS system is effective if not outstanding and certainly hits the brief – if not surpassing it.
With the chassis unaltered, the 2017 V-Strom handles as before, which is no bad thing. Fully-adjustable suspension means you can firm the ride up a bit and in bends the Strom is effective if, again, not outstanding.
It is the kind of bike that puts the emphasis on solid and secure rather than sporty and in many ways that’s not a bad thing at all.
What the Suzuki is good at, however, is delivering on comfort and a new 49mm taller screen that is adjustable in both height and angle, light cutch and a well-padded seat for both the pillion and rider are all major bonuses and ensure you can pile on the miles with ease.
The V-Strom’s traction control is three stage in its operation (two-level and off) but lacks any angle-sensitivity. It’s a decent enough system for road use but lacks its rivals’ sophistication.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilitySuzuki didn’t upgrade the V-Strom’s 1037cc liquid-cooled V-twin in the 2017 update and so what you see is what you get and it makes the same 101bhp as before with a touch less torque, 74ftlb compared to 72.5ftlb, due to meeting Euro4 emissions regulations.
Do you notice the drop in performance? Not really, it still retains the same lazy feel and smoothness that has become a V-Strom trait in both the 1000 and 650 models.
With more than enough power to haul the bike and any pillion and/or luggage, the V-Strom’s motor is easy-going and spirited but not that fast.
Does it need to be? Not really and for relaxed touring or commuting 101bhp is more than ample.
New for 2017 was the adoption of low-rpm assist, which detects when the clutch is about to be engaged and slightly increases the revs to help prevent a stall, and Suzuki Easy Start System, which is a one-touch starter system so you don’t have to keep the starter button pushed in.
Other than a few more cats in the exhaust, it is unchanged from before and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueSuzukis have a reputation for dubious build quality yet our owner reviews report no such issues with the V-Strom 1000, which is good news.
The motor’s reliability is unquestioned and where older versions used to rust their discs and fur fasteners this seems less of an issue on the post-2013 models. It may be budget but it seems Suzuki have wisely invested in the fit and finish and it shows.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe issue with so many Suzuki models is that when they don’t sell, dealers tend to discount them quite heavily and that hits residual values hard.
The V-Strom had an RRP of £9499 in 2017 but by the end of the year you could easily get one for £9000 and often lower.
By now the prices have stabilised out, which is good news, but those who bought new in 2017 have had to take a hit.
Quite a few used bikes have extras fitted (dealers used them as incentives to shift machines) so always have a good look at the bike’s spec to see if it has good options fitted such as a centre stand, luggage etc.
When you own the bike the V-Strom is very cheap to run with 50-60mpg achievable on long distance runs at a constant speed, insurance relatively low and servicing cheap due to the exposed nature of the motor.
The valve-clearance check at 15,000 miles is the big bill but the annual service (or every 4000 then 3500 miles alternatively, most owners just stick to 4000 miles) is quite cheap at around £200.
If you look at its rivals, where you can get a 2017 V-Strom 1000 for £6500, a similar vintage BMW R1200GS is £9000 (or higher depending on spec) and a Multistrada £9500, so it is still the bargain of the class but at £7500 the higher-spec Kawasaki Versys 1000 is worth checking out.
Equipment
Suzuki sold a wide range of accessories for the V-Strom and many bikes have some fitted.
The hard luggage system consists of a 55-litre top box (big enough for two full-face lids) and panniers with the bike supplied with key cylinders so you can operate a one-key system.
Loads of owners fit Suzuki’s heated grips, there are high and low seat options, crash protection, a centre stand (very popular), fog lights, LED indicators and more.
Aftermarket firms supply basically the same range at a slightly cheaper price however fit isn’t often quite as good. Aftermarket cans aren’t that common but a few bikes have them fitted where crash protection, taller screens and aluminium luggage systems are common.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1037cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled DOHC V-twin |
| Frame type | Alumnium twin spar |
| Fuel capacity | 20 litres |
| Seat height | 850mm |
| Bike weight | 232kg |
| Front suspension | 43mm KYB USD forks, fully adjustable. |
| Rear suspension | KYB single shock, re-bound and preload adjustable |
| Front brake | 2 x 310mm discs with four-piston radial calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | 265mm disc with two-piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 110/80 x 19 |
| Rear tyre size | 150/70 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 46.8 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £190 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £5,200 - £7,000 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 100 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 74.5 ft-lb |
| Top speed | - |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 206 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2002: Suzuki V-Strom 1000 – The original V-Strom’s boxy look didn’t win it any fans visually but its 996cc V-twin motor is reliable and the bike a solid road adventurer. Finish is a bit questionable.
- 2004: Suzuki V-Strom 1000 – Suzuki introduce small updates
- 2008: The V-Strom 1000 is dropped from Suzuki’s range.
- 2011: Suzuki V-Strom 1000 - An all-new V-Strom is launched with an upgraded look and better suspension and brakes. The motor remains 996cc.
- 2013: Suzuki V-Strom 1000: A far more significant model change sees the motor increased in capacity to 1037cc, the styling totally refreshed, traction control added and chassis and brakes enhanced.
- 2017: The V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 1000 XT are released with new cornering ABS and small engine updates to meet Euro4. The more rugged XT comes with spoke wheels, tapered bars, brush guards and a bash plate.
Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI DL1000 V-STROM (2017 - 2019)
5 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI DL1000 V-STROM (2017 - 2019) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your SUZUKI DL1000 V-STROM (2017 - 2019)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £190 |
Version: DL1000A
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £200
Should have made the switch to an adventure-tourer years ago. Worst feature ..... none whatsoever as far as I am concerned. Best features are comfort, looks, torquey engine and most of all, value for money. Definitely recommend to anyone.
Bike is terrific when mile munching on the motorway but we all know how boring this gets. When I am out for a ride I always go the "long way round" purely to avoid motorways and stick to the A and even B roads where its probably at its best. It handles beautifully for a big bike, safe with great grip from the Bridgestone tyres, and oozes of torque making a really relaxed ride. Brakes are fantastic and have plenty of bite. I don't agree with some testers who state the brakes could be improved by changing the pads. The stock brakes have plenty of feel and I have the ABS setting to 2 which is mild interference but so far they have never activated. Over longer distances, I have ridden for 2 tanks of fuel before feeling the need to get off and have a rest. That's around 400 miles (full day out) and in the past I could never have done this on any other bike I've owned.
I nearly knocked a star off because of the way the the engine delivers its power but then realised that actually, it doesn't matter. Put it this way, if you are looking for that "top end rush" that the old SV1000 and the TL1000 had before that then you will be disappointed. But wait ..... go hard on the throttle in first, snick second, snick into third and after some 5 or 6 seconds you are approaching illegal 3 figure speeds. The thing is, the engine hasn't revved past 5500rpm to do that. Top end rush ..... naah .... thing of the past and totally not needed. The bike shifts along on torque and feels completely relaxed. The only gripe I have is that the throttle response is a little snatchy at low speed but once you get used to it you don't notice it after a while.
I have been a Suzuki fan for many years, ever since I was 16 and had my first moped. Build quality has improved massively and so far I have had no issues whatsoever. No failed parts, no rust or furring of fasteners and total reliability so nothing to report. 3 and a bit years old now, 6000 miles and all is tickety boo.
No high running costs or obscene servicing charges. Dealer prices near me are very fair. I average about 50 to 54 mpg but on a rather gentile week I have genuinely stretched that to about 68mpg by riding gently just to see what I could achieve and it did impress me.
I have recently changed tyres and gone from the stock Bridgestone Battlewings to Metzeler Tourance due to recommendations from a few friends and they were on offer at £90 cheaper per pair fitted. I have to be honest, the Metzelers don't work so well on this bike. The Bridgestones are totally stable at higher motorway speeds but the Metzelers have a slight weave at high speed. I don't often ride that high a speed (honest officer) so won't be a major issue for me but thought I would point it out. Grip on the Metzelers though are at least equal to the Bridgestones on Tarmac and better then them on the loose stuff but I will definitely be going back to Bridgestones once these have worn because 95% of my rides are on Tarmac. Favourite feature of the standard bike is its looks. I adore the beaky styling and think Suzuki have got the styling spot on for this incarnation and look forward to when my deal ends so I can go try the brand new 1050. Accessories that I recommend and have personally fitted to my bike are Givi engine bars, Givi aux lights, Puig touring screen, Puig splash guard, Oxford heated grips, Givi rear Mono-key 50 litre top box, R&G paddock bobbins, R&G extended chain guard and and one highly recommended upgrade is to remove the standard slab square mirrors and replace with some Oxford diamond shaped after market mirrors. They are far more aero dynamic and massively reduce buffeting around the side of your helmet. Im 6'1 tall and my head was in the wrong place at speed. The change of mirrors was a god send and recommended by several guys on the V-Strom groups. Cheap upgrade too. I never bothered with the adventure luggage ... why? Well what's the point when they are there for the most part for show and can cost over a £1000. The big top box does me fine plus I have the smaller genuine Suzuki expandable tank bag for wallet, phone etc. Its also one less thing to worry about when filtering through traffic because after all, whilst they look nice and chunky and even impressive to a point, these things add width and weight. Friends of mine have them fitted and never use them. Even they admit it was just for the looks and are a pain in traffic. Well my bike looks equally as nice and is more practical in the real world. My European touring days are long done but I have fitted a Touratech satnav mount for my Garmin Zumo XT. There's plenty to explore on my doorstep in Wales and numerous places I've never been to yet so this will help me find them. I also have dash cam front and rear fitted but not sure whether I like it or not. I have slightly mixed feelings on it but I have had a couple of near misses on roundabouts where to some idiot drivers, giving way to the right is not in their vocabulary and the attitude seems to be "oh its a biker, he ain't gonna argue with my car (van)" so I decided to at least try and protect myself somewhat. As a personal thing, I noticed that on the rear panels under each side of the pillion seat of the new 1050, Suzuki have added a splash of colour so I hunted down some coloured sticky back plastic and cut and shaped really close colour matching decals. My bike is Candy Daring Red and the subtle rear flash of colour really sets the rear end off and breaks up the all black monotony
Buying experience: I bought the DL000A from my local dealer when I realised I had made a mistake acquiring my GSX-S 750 in 2020. I paid £7800 for my 2020 registered DL1000A which was 11mths old and had one owner and 1900 miles on the clock. Dealer wouldn't shift from the screen price but I got a decent deal on chucking in my GSX which gave me back some cash which helped me add more extras to the bike that I wanted. Never looked back.
Version: V storm 1000
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £150
Perfect real world bike, after a lifetime of sports bikes and sports nakeds fancied something a little comfortable and better for two up riding and occasional touring and have found for 95+ % of the time this bike is perfect. Has just enough electronics to make it safer, unobtrusive abs and traction control, without all the other gimmicky more to go wrong stuff, would definitely definitely recommend to a friend
Brakes are superb both in efficiency and feel , not yet felt the abs but nice to know it’s there, seat is comfortable between fill ups and my long suffering wife and pillion says it is the best bike she has been on the back of by far, gearbox is so silky smooth
All the power is low down in the rev range, has no top end to it all, which I nearly marked it down on, but for virtually all the time out on it the power or rather torque is exactly where you want it. Gearbox is perfect
Superb , 8000 miles now, apart for a bit of trouser grub on the yellow seat ( which I could probably get off , still looks brand new
Only had minor services so far and nothing has gone wrong, cheap to insure and averaging 56 mpg, ridden briskly
My bike has full givi luggage which just clips and locks on and off in seconds, the dash is not all singing and dancing colour screen but everything you need is there and very easy to read
Buying experience: Bought almost new, second hand for the price of a 10 year older 3x times the mileage gs plus I don’t have to worry about bmw parts and reliability in the future
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £180
It is all the bike anyone needs and fantastic value and excellent finish.
Really All day comfortable in all conditions. Suzuki heated grips and handcuffs brilliant. Brakes are excellent backed up by cornering abs.
Suzuki pushed the torque down into the midrange which makes for a relaxed ride. It is not a sportsbike but due to its excellent handling and relaxed manner covers ground extremely rapidly. The benefit is easy overtaking and 50 mpg. It will cruise at an indicated 125 mph sitting upright if that is your need on autobahns. Surprisingly stable at high speeds with full metal luggage. One of the best v twin engines made. The media are often a bit snide about and Suzuki but if it had Ducati as the badge would rave about it.
Nothing has failed or corroded despite it being the bike I use in winter and wet weather. I do keep it clean and do not put it away with road salt on it.
The price is main dealer cost. However it is easy to service yourself for much less. Running costs low. Adventure tyres last ages, uses no oil and averages 50 mph unless really ragging it. Test rode lots of the competition but this just hit the right spot. Enough power, excellent torque, no excess complexity but did have the safety kit I wanted, excellent finish and over reviews were excellent.
Heated grips with handguards; fantastic engine bars from Heed that are really well made. Cornering abs.
Buying experience: Bought the demonstrator with a few hundred miles on it from CJ Ball in Norwich who were excellent and did a deal I could not resist. Included full metal adventure luggage, the Suzuki integrated heated grips and even a surprise free mug.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £250
So much better than I had expected bought new at a great price and used as daily transport to save my more sporty bikes . But have to say love riding this bike for any occasion.
Lovely buckets full of torque
Buying experience: Bought new for under £8000 from a dealer in Hull delivered to London
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £190
Best well sorted suspension brilliant front brakes loads of low down torque and strangest of all for 1037 v twin fuel consumption best 74.5 worst 59.0 worst bits plastic heel guards already marked badly and footrest gets in way when putting feet down and key is to long and sometimes a fiddle to get in minor bits really but at 8400 on the road bloody good value.
Can ride for 2 to 3 hours before getting off pillion about 2 hours she's says it's comfy enough.brakes and suspension spot on really surprised at this price point.
It's like driving a diesel car not much point reving it much above 4000 revs but in real world riding on back roads it's perfect just using all that low down torque.
Heel guards. and ignition switch can be a bit of a fiddle
£190 for a service good on fuel
All you need no gimmicks could maybe do with cruise control.
Buying experience: Bought from Padgetts in Batley new ok at first not very helpful with after sales wouldn't use them next time.
