SUZUKI V-STROM 1050XT review (2020-2022)
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £160 |
| Power: | 106 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (33.5 in / 850 mm) |
| Weight: | High (545 lbs / 247 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe previous Suzuki V-Strom XT sold well for good reason – it was comfortable, had a punchy V-twin motor and was outstanding value compared to other big adventure bikes. In 2023, the XT was replaced by the new Suzuki V-Strom 1050 DE.
- Related: Standard 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 review on MCN
- Related: Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and 1050XT revealed
The new 1050XT pulls of much the same trick while moving the game on with class-rivalling electronic rider aids, feistier acceleration and handsome retro styling. The suspension feels plusher too (though the frame, swingarm and geometry are unchanged).
In isolation, the 1050XT is an excellent bike. The Suzuki’s problem now is that the space below expensive class leaders such as BMW’s R1250GS and Ducati’s 1260 Multistrada is no longer empty – the new BMW F900XR TE, for example, has similar power and torque figures to the 1050XT and costs less. The 1050XT has some tough competition.
This bike replaces the 2017-2019 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 XT.
Watch: 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 video review
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe KYB forks and rear shock have new internals, which give the 1050XT a tauter, plusher feel compared to the old bike. It’s not a massive change, but does feel slightly firmer without ever becoming crashy and unpleasant.
On the smooth twisty roads at the world launch the 1050XT handled sweetly – it’s not as sporty as a Multistrada, but it’s now not a million miles off. The Tokico monobloc brakes easily cope with the XT’s 247kg, though it’s questionable how much use the new 'load dependent control system' is.
It’s meant to spread the braking force – like a linked brake system – when the new inertial measurement unit (IMU) senses the back lifting but how often is that likely to happen on a 247kg V-Strom?
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityFundamentally, it’s the same engine as the old model’s – a 1037cc 90-degree V-twin derived from the long dead TL1000. But Suzuki have had to make it more efficient to get it through Euro5 emission regulations, changing the camshafts to reduce the valve overlap and fitting ride-by-wire to increase fuel metering accuracy.
The upshot of the tinkering isn’t much in terms of power – it’s up 6bhp to 106bhp – and peak torque actually drops by 1ftlb to 74ftlb. But those peak figures don’t tell the whole story.
Suzuki has reshaped the torque curve so instead of peaking early and dropping through the midrange, it does the reverse. So as you wind it on during an overtake, the new bike feels like it’s got more go – it feels keener to get to the 9500rpm redline and makes the old machine’s power delivery feel a bit bland.
Throttle response from the new ride-by-wire is generally smooth and predictable – you can feel a slight jolt off a closed throttle at low revs, but it’s never enough to become an issue during mid-corner roll-ons.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe first iteration of the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 (2002-2008) suffered terribly from corroding fasteners, banjo bolts and so on.
But the 2014-2019 model was a huge improvement and there’s no reason to expect the new 1050XT will go back to the bad old days. The engine has been around for over 20 years with no reports of major issues and we don’t expect the changes to create any problems.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe ride at the world launch included thrashing the 1050XT’s nads off down canyon roads then tootling through villages and cruising along motorways. The new bike averaged 42mpg and we’d be surprised if more normal riding earned less than 50mpg.
Service intervals stay the same as the old bike at 7500. The insurance group is 12 – the same as a Honda Africa Twin and par for the adventure bike course.
As ever with V-Stroms, value is right up there. With a 2020 launch price of £11,299, the XT is £700 cheaper than the Africa Twin and over £2000 less than BMW’s base model R1250GS.
Suzuki’s problem going forward is the new Tiger 900 and BMW F900XR – the posh TE version of the new BM is £600 cheaper than the 1050XT, and the Tiger 900 GT is likely to be cheaper, too, when it is launched in 2020.
Sure, they’re lower capacity, but power is about the same and they’re very good. The base model 1050 is £9999, but lacks so much kit that we can’t imagine many riders being tempted (see below).
Equipment
The big news is the new V-Strom has lots of electronics, and as ever Suzuki couldn’t resist giving a couple of systems acronyms that are no help to anyone.
SIRS is the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, which is another way of saying 'the electronics', while SDMS stands for Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, which is actually a throttle response selector.
Mode A is the sharpest, and perfect for most road riding situations, B feels pretty much the same while C is noticeably softer – good for icy conditions. The XT also has three traction control levels, plus off, and like the SDMS, you can adjust it on the go if you shut the throttle.
There’s Low Rpm Assist, too, which is an automatic anti-stall system, plus Hill Hold Control which detects when you’re on a slope and stops you rolling back, and two levels of cornering ABS intervention.
Electronics aside, you also get an adjustable screen (though you can’t adjust it on the go), centrestand and a wide range of accessories. The only obviously missing kit is a colour TFT screen and the LCD one fitted looks a bit old hat. The Adventure package gets you side cases and a top box, plus all the fitment kit, for £2499 (£629 cheaper than buying the parts separately).
The base model looks a bit sparse though, with no cruise control, cornering ABS, cornering traction control, hill hold control, adjustable saddle, 11-way adjustable screen, DC power outlet… the list goes on. It is £9999, but we can’t see many buyers going for it.
Suzuki V-Strom XT helmet by Arai
In July 2020 Suzuki announced details of a new lid inspired by, and available for, the V-Strom XT. It's the Arai Tour-X4 V-Strom Edition, costs £649, and is available from Suzuki dealers. As you can see below, it's finished in a colour scheme to match the top-of-the-range Strom:
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1037cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC, 8v V-twin |
| Frame type | Aluminium twin spar |
| Fuel capacity | 20 litres |
| Seat height | 850mm |
| Bike weight | 247kg |
| Front suspension | 43mm inverted forks, fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Rear shock, adjustable preload and rebound |
| Front brake | Twin 310mm discs. Four-piston radial calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | Single 265mm disc, two-piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 110/80 x 19 |
| Rear tyre size | 150/70 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £160 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £6,300 - £8,000 |
| Insurance group |
12 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | 3 years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 106 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 74 ft-lb |
| Top speed | - |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
The original Suzuki V-Strom 1000 was introduced back in 2002, before being discontinued in 2008. It was then relaunched as new model in 2014 with better build quality an updated V-twin engine and new styling. For 2020, there is updated electronics, new styling and slightly better performance.
Other versions
For 2020, the Suzuki DL1050 V-Strom is also available in a standard and XT Adventure trim. The adventure model is essentially the XT, only with panniers and a topbox.
There's also a 650 version, available in standard and XT guises, and you can bag a parallel-twin A2-compliant V-Strom 250, too.
MCN Long term test reports
MCN Fleet: Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT post-it pad video review
After a year living with the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT, News Editor Jordan Gibbons gives his video verdict. Watch the full film above and catch previous updates below. Related: Full Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT review MCN Fleet: Forced tyre swap for the V-Strom 1050XT grates Published: 03.02.21 Ever…
Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI DL1050 V-STROM XT (2020 - 2022)
13 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI DL1050 V-STROM XT (2020 - 2022) 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 DL1050 V-STROM XT (2020 - 2022)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £160 |
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £180
Gearbox broken within warranty and not honoured by Suzuki despite on time servicing by dealer and bike only uses for short commute. Now having to go to independent motor trade governing body to settle what the dealer has already proven.
Very good
Full gearbox and engine needed after just 2 and a half years. Bike used on road for short commute and serviced by dealer.
Gearbox broke in 3rd year. Should be under warranty but not worth the paper it's written on.
Generally good, but when a major part broke, I'm left with finance, large repair costs and should be covered on warranty but suzuki refusing, speculating that gear changes weren't done smoothly. Mechanics at dealership completely disagree!
New bikes with full colour display look better, but does what is needed.
Buying experience: Bought from dealer. Paid full price, excellent interest rates offered. Left now with hefty bills as Suzuki not honouring warranty.
Version: 1050XT
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £150
Near perfect bike.I avoided adv style bikes for years due to the Charlie and Ewan look. However, after touring on my VFR1200F I was getting annoyed with the lack of comfort, poor fuelling/range and lack of tech. I wanted something over 1000cc with all the latest safety aids and it had to be utterly reliable. I fell in love with these after watching the Lav and Ollie round the world trip where they had precisely zero failures other than consumables. They also managed to cross much of the Sahara with it so ignore the journos who say it's not a proper adv bike! This is a comfortable, utterly reliable, Japanese made, economical (55mpg avg) all rounder. I've never been able to do the kind of mileage I've done on this bike on any other. The handling is just as suprising. It is shocking how EASY it is to ride quickly. Very little effort needs to be put into making it zip around corners. Even with the 60hp defecit from my VFR I ride this bike a good 20% faster without even trying. The best part of it is having such a well rounded bike that WILL NOT BREAK DOWN. I considered the KTM 1290, Multistrada, S1000XR and realised that this is just as capable in real world riding but I sleep soundly at night and don't worry about whether it'll start or get me home. Downsides? Erm, the footpegs are awkwardly placed and dig into your ankles at a stop, you need to activate the cruise from the right hand cluster and then set it at the left, it also won't work below an (indicated) 44mph. The shock isn't brilliant but it certainly isn't terrible either. OEM A41 tyres lack feel in the wet.
Brakes are exceptionally good, as in perfect. You can hoon around a corner at speed, jam the brakes on and come to a controlled stop due to the IMU. I weigh 18 stone in riding gear so no bike's stock setup is perfect for me - and this is no exception. However, it is useable and safe. I'm currently deliberating on a Nitron rear shock and having the forks revalved/sprung. I could get away with it as it is but I'll be keeping this bike for the forseeable so I'd like it perfect. It is however the best stock setup I've come across for my weight with a wide range of adjustability (the forks have rebound, compression and preload). If you are doing two up I'd definitely recommend a better shock.
All the power you need in the real world. I come from a line of hypertourers - VFR1200F, K1300GT, K1200R etc and don't miss the extra power. What is really quite unbelieveable is how good the fuelling is. Leave it in mode C and it's an utter pussycat. I've never experienced a smoother, snatch free engine than this one. It really is exceptionally good. Put it in B or A and it becomes less smooth but there is a very, very noticeable increase in power through the range.
I haven't had it long but I spent 4 months searching and didn't find evidence of a single instance of mechanical failure anywhere online. One guy had done 200,000km in 4 years and all that went wrong was a thermostat sensor (at 178,000km......)
Ballpark figure here. No tricky Ducati style belts or adjustments to make. Unbelieveably good value for a bike with all the modern safety aids (6 axis IMU). I paid £7395 for a 2021 model in April 2024 with only 2,000 miles on it.
6 axis IMU, cruise control, hill hold control, easy start, stall assist, trip computer, voltage display, gear indicator, LED headlights - what more could you want?
Buying experience: Part ex'd my VFR1200F without issue.
Version: Black with gold wheels.
Year: 2021
All the bikes I looked at this is the one that fitted me & my requirements the best, it's very underrated. Rides comfortably, relaxing & easy. The styling, engine & equipment are a perfect 10 for me. Issues all be it small ones, foot peg position when putting your feet down, not a fan of Bridgestone tyres, despite having crash bars (which are great) their's a possibility the oil filter & lower engine could still take a hit & blowing the tyres up is a bit fiddly with straight valves. Otherwise what a bike.
Could ride all day, Suits me down to the ground. Not much to add.
Tried, tested & bomb proof. Nothing there too make me say otherwise, Quality.
Starts every time, can only say what a solid work horse. Does what it says "on the tin" & until it stops can't fault.
MPG good, service cost "approx" good (abit of a guess depending on dealer). All else easily manageable & no concerns to worry about.
More than enough extras for me. Bridgestone tyres err pass I'll reserve judgement for now, previous experiences on other bikes & cars haven't been the best. Purchased a bash plate to cover the oil filter & area.
Buying experience: Very good price, good service. Everything as it should be.
Year: 2021
Comfort performance and reliability are the best. A stupid seat design is the worst.
It’s so smooth and powerful
Never missed a beat totally underestimated.
The crash bars that are so good you can rest your feet on them when touring.
Buying experience: Bought new from a dealer pre registered saved £1300 off list price and also got £500 worth of extras
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £165
This is a smooth operator which I use for daily commute, touring and off road Adventure Bike days. Not just a jack of all trades, it is a master of road work for sure and can handle off road shenanigans too, although ground clearance minimises capability in the field. Looks are subjective but this bike appeals to me visually as the lines and colours drafted from the DR BIG of old give a contemporary impression of heritage and off road punch.
The Vstrom has an invitingly comfortable seat. It is wide and long enough for me to shift position making 3 hour rides a pleasure. After that the tank needs a top up anyway and I find it becomes necessary to stretch my legs. The rear preload is easily adjusted with a large knob on the side of the bike so the ride is comfortable for passengers too. As an allrounder it excels in being immediately ready for whatever is to be thrown at it. Moving from sitting to standing when tackling offroad sections is easy with a natural on the pegs stance automatically achieved as you rise. Intelligent braking, distributing force between the front and rear brakes according to weight, ensures stopping is as much fun as hard accelerating.
I think the engine is the Vstrom's stand out feature. It is the fluid yet punchy V Twin engine which makes the bike so much fun to ride, whether heading West, playing along winding lanes or blipping to Sainsburys. It has effortless torque through the revs and is brisk enough to be fun when you need a biking thrill. Any vibration from engine, frame, bars or pegs is unobtrusive if apparent at all. Fuelling is accurate and a snap of the throttle provides a forward lunge as pleasing as the growl from the exhaust and airbox. The TL1000 roots are not buried too deep within the soul of the Vstrom.
I settled on the Suzuki as it was a cheaper than rivals and expected this to be evident in build quality. 2 years in and despite all weather riding the shiny bits still shine and the bike operates with confidence assuring ease. That said, I do treat it to regular oiling and protective product. To date nothing has come loose.
The dependable engine is a delight and impressively frugal. Expect to cover in excess of 55mpg.
The easy to set cruise control has proved a wonderful feature on motorway rides. I had never experienced it before getting the Vstrom but it ensures relaxed hands and extended ride times. Hill hold control is also surprisingly useful when panniers are full and pillion is large. I change modes only when riding off road, basically setting everything to the opposite extreme, but in reality, more use of the light precise clutch would do the same job.
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £150
The Vstrom is one of the best kept secrets in motorcycling. Sweet handling for a big bike with plenty of power regardless of gear or revs
It rides like the bike was built personally for me. I cannot fault it
Power across the rev range regardless of gear selection
Suzuki bolt heads rust a bit so apply a dab of XCP or ACF50 to keep the rust at bay. Otherwise a solidly built bike
Great on fuel for a big bike. 10mpg more than my old K3 Vstrom
Heated grips would have made it a 5
Buying experience: Bought from Shirlaws in Aberdeen and delivered next day to Cumbria. Incredibly helpful staff made it a simple process to buy
Year: 2021
What an excellent bike. Well balanced, smooth and punchy engine with great comfort. Good level of equipment, too. Went for yellow as it was a good deal. Did not like the colour at first, but it really grows on you. Love the colour now - not part of the black/grey/monochrome crowd any more. I commute about 20000 miles per year (pre-lockdown) and rely on my bike as main transport. Loved my last bike (GSX S1000F), but could no longer endure some of the long motorway stints without numb hands. Was looking to change because of that and recalled how much I had enjoyed a couple of DL650s I had previously loved but thought e power was too low. Enter the DL1050.
I've been really impressed with this big bike. Very smooth ride over varied surfaces. Took a while to adapt to the bigger front wheel feel in the bends, but now that I have faith in what it is doing, it handles very well.
Grunty, smooth, nice-sounding motor. Love the v-twin sound, thumping vibe and the spread of torque. Yes, my GSX was clearly much more powerful, but it needed to build the revs to get there. The difference here is that the v-twin is already in the power when you twist to overtake. Nice.
Too early to say about reliability as only just purchased, but the quality is really sound. I have just traded in a 19-plate GSX S1000F which was also a solid machine, so I have no doubts this is going to be reliable too. My fifth Suzi, so far having covered 250000 miles on them, so that says a lot about my level of luck/satisfaction with them brand.
Great value - much much cheaper than the competition per litre/kit, and built in Japan. Bought online from dealer - pre-reg, with Explorer kit. saved £2000 and got £500 more on trade in than local dealer offered.
For my tastes this is spot on. Not too much stuff, and what is there is intuitive to operate. Cruise is a wrist-saver on my long commutes.
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £175
If your looking for a big adventure machine to tour around and carry all your stuff , that is reliable , good value for money and you have no interest in off roading , then forget the Tiger GS and Africa , the V Strom steals the show. Big tourque , decent V Twin with just the right amount of BHP for some fun , I love my V Strom .
Riding time is endless . The seats , rider and pillion are cracking . The bike performs well , deep quick power delivery and when you get your suspenziom set to your liking , it sits happily in a tight quick bend . The tyres are not the best . Their is some vaigness from the front wheel and an upgrade of tyres is required to correct this and give the bike much more stick .
Good solid V Twin , no issues , does as advertised
No issues to date , at all . Suzuki build quality machines with a solid 3 year warrenty to go with it
Its a fair price and if anything minor needs tweeking , they get on and do it , including a test ride before handing it back to you , with a full tank of fuel
Standard fitted tyres leave a little to desire , an upgrade is a must . You will feel a little vaigness from the front which is purly down to grip and the front forks , weight reacting . A decent suspension set up and a slight upgrade in tyres will resolve this . The bike is no way designed for off roading performance wise , despite the sales pitch , it is a cracking road bike Suzuki should be proud of , so get some good solid road tyres like a pair of Dunlops . Heated grips are a must , get them in a deal if you can . I got some Oxford heated grips fitted and thrown in with the sale . Avoid the Suzuki offical ones if you can and get something better . Hill hold is really good and the standard fitted tyko breaks are punchy
Buying experience: From Suzuki . No issues , top bunch of lads and happy to make a deal
Version: Champion Yellow
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £160
Great adventure style tourer in my opinion. Too heavy for any real off-road action although gravel roads fine.Great level of comfort and features especially the 6 axis imu and related options. Didn’t think I’d ever need hill start but found I used it more and more
Great tourer, stable and well planted. Decent brakes and well behaved suspension as stock
Great engine not an absolute fan of the sound but probably down to stock exhaust
No corrosion but the style of the spoked wheels makes cleaning them a nightmare!
Electronics are superb and perform way above the price range of the bike, which is why I think it’s good value.Heated grips are not standard but on reflection I’d have forked out for the oem heated grips. I had Oxford grips fitted by dealer but they don’t look that great to he honest. They restrict hand grip size poor for Oxford they’re normally better than that
Buying experience: Dealer, paid rrp although I did get tank bag in the deal. Probably won’t buy there again
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £150
Low cost to buy and run, well equipped and comfortable. Electronics superb. 1st to 2nd gear a bit imprecise. Would definitely recommend.
Usually 2up with full panniers and top box. Need a brief stop 80-100 miles.
Lovely engine, but needs revving.
Should have heated grips. Otherwise we'll equipped.
Buying experience: Dealer. Slightly under list.
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £150
ABS TRACTION CONTROL HILL ASSIST STYLING
Comfortable for 3hrs plus in the saddle, handles well with ABS, HILL START, TRACTION CONTROL.
Power delivery and torque adequate for everything that you would need, smoother than the old 1000 cc engine
For the money an excellent comfortable touring bike, decent build and finish not to everyone's style but had three now. 60 yes old so comfort better than sports riding is a must.
Main service 200
Like the styling and colours in the yellow, got luggage, heated grips and usb port to connect accessories under seat and near speedo
Buying experience: Dealer
Year: 2020
If you are a badge snob stay away because whatever I say you will ignore. I come from BMW 1150 GS and more recently CRF 1000 Africa twin and have been riding bikes for over 50 years and the STROM is easily the best all rounder for real world riding I have owned. After reading some of the rubbish that so called professional reviewers have written I must own a one off because a lot of the comments do not resonate with me at all. Fantastic frame and engine, very stable at all speeds, comfortable and can really get a move on if you want, however it’s by no means a hardcore off-roader but handles dirt roads and some light off road work very well ( I live a mile and a half down a dirt road which gets very muddy) Go and test one and decide for yourself.
Very comfortable ride - excellent brakes.
Flexible, sounds great, more than enough power for the real world and economical. Some reviewers feel its over geared-rubbish just change down and leave it in a lower gear, fourth works really well on the twisties and sixth great on the motorway.
Very solid and feels as well built as my last Honda
A lot of bike for the money
More than enough for me, after all it’s a motorbike what more do you need? Some might miss a tft screen but how much time do you spend looking at your screen if you are riding properly?
Buying experience: Great experience from Cupar Motorcycles in Fife.
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £150
This is a great bike to jump on and ride anywhere you want. It carries its weight low so its great for when you're feeling ambitious and fancy some muddy back roads. Standing back and looking at just gives me a beaming smile.
Good strong brakes, would have like Suzuki to put an off road option on the brakes but I doubt these bikes will ever be put through any extreme off road. The down hill descent is a strange sensation the first couple of times I used it but it works so no complaints. Seat is ultra comfy compared to other makes and can spend plenty of time in it without getting sore.
Suzuki's TL engine is possibly the best version of a V Twin ever, nothing complicated, pure pleasure. Just the sheer fun of this thing brings a massive smile every time I open it up. Open road A mode but when you want to chill out B mode is so smooth.
I had a TL1000 back in 2000, that thing was abused for the 7 years I owned it and it never let me down once, so expecting something similar with this one. It feels tough and sturdy and witha warranty of 3 years for peace of mind.
Decent price to purchase 7500 mile servicing but looking at the service book it wont need much doing to it. Averaging 48 mpg at the moment which is good enough for this size bike.
Do we need TFT? All of the info is there that you need. I ride with a Cardo system and bluetooth GPS so never need the bike to pick up the call or tell me where I'm going. GPS mount is handy, More factory screen options would be nice, as for adjusting on the go have you ever tried to adjust a GS screen whilst moving! Seat adjust is a bit annoying but all the tools are on the bike just need 5 minutes to do it. Suspension is perfect and after riding GSA's for several years I'm now questioning why we need electronic suspension.
Buying experience: Buying just as the lockdown for coronavirus kicks in is not good. However my dealer did the best they could and Suzuki finance was sorted so easily. As a Keyworker I require my bike for work and its been a pleasure.
A static view of the Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT
Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT beak
Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT LCD display
Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT comes with a centre stand
Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT fuel tank
Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT engine
Suzuki V-Strom XT helmet by Arai
Stand-up riding on the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT
Riding the Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT
Off-roading on the Suzuki 1050 V-Strom XT
