Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE - Full Ride Review - On & Off-Road

The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE is a more off-road focused version of the successful and much loved V-Strom 1050. The engine and chassis are pretty much unchanged, but the 1050DE gets a 21-inch front wheel, longer travel suspension and spoked wheels, as well as a few more rider modes and some small changes here and there. So has Suzuki produced a bike to mix it with the Adventure big boys? or is it just paying lip service? In this video, I take a good look at what its like both on and off road, and who exactly is the V-Strom 1050DE for?

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00:00 - Introduction
00:29 - Engine
02:19 - Suspension
04:09 - Ergonomics
09:16 - Specs and standard kit
10:28 - Windscreen
11:22 - Bike Walk Around
12:35 - Off-Road Ride
15:36 - Who is it for? and conclusions

[skyworks]

I did buy the regular 2023 Vstrom 1050 with an Akrapovic. I love the bike. I had all the Vstroms from 2005, 2019 XT and now the 2023 model. So I know how the bike developed trough the years. I like the suspension, quickshifter. The motor can ride pretty sporty when I ride in the Alps and I do push it a lot. I l also had a new KTM 1290 Super ADVS 2022 so my expectations are high.

[mancavemoto]

An issue with the earlier upload meant this had to be re-uploade, so I've lost the initial comments. Apologies

[alainrigaud]

as you said, high and heavy were deal breakers for me I went for thr 800 DE with no regrets!

[fabianobenedetti]

But in the end it’s only a few quids more expensive than the normal, and imo better looking, so why not ? Regarding the 800 de, they are 2 completely different rides, and the 800 felt too soft to me, the 1050 is much more composed on the road, and I prefer it...Crash bars, center stand and decent screen are all optional extras on the 800, and cruise control is unavailable. Weight is definitely on the heavy side, but no Suzuki is shining on that matter...

[allanmason]

love the honest review great stuff thank you

[ToddTheAxeMan]

I had that same impression since I also have a 32' inch inseam. There are footpeg adapters to lower the stock pegs. And also you mentioned the weight which was also a turn off in the dealership sitting on the machine.

[Dan-]

The 1050 XT seemed to be a good option for a two up touring bike, the DE almost seems like Suzuki just threw some “off road” parts at it to try and fill a hole in the lineup, without a great deal of success 🤔. Or am I off base with that assumption?!

[kevinmason]

sorry but the wind shield camera has to go by-by....love the bike and your review...

[barryhughes]

A great review, I have ridden both and I tend to agree with your summary but the 1050 is a nice bike.

[stevesane]

Thanks Tony for your honesty. The 800DE would be my pick even if I would be doing the exact same roads as you’ve done on the 1050DE. Whilst it’s only 20kg lighter, the versatility would be better & touring would be just as comfortable. Even more so with the RE road version just released. I hope you get a go on that when it gets released in the UK. Cheers👌

[teneretraveller]

No dramas.
Will be watching 800RE test with interest.

[Greggspies]

I've ridden honda and Vstrom and must say Vstrom was better, maybe another honda test dunno! Main thing I liked on the Vstrom was the engine, it revved low down on the motorway for cruising which I liked

[alainmichaud]

That was honest review ... Alain & Yellow

[-tj]

Handsome bike. A bit heavy. The screen is awful. What a hassle to adjust it. Good review, Tony. Nick J

[allenlesouski]

I feel the bike sits up to high if your under 6ft it's a struggle when stopped. Everything else is great