Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom Bike Overview
The Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom is a fantastic all-rounder which offers excellent value for money, an easy and manageable ride and plenty of low and mid-range grunt to keep you eating up those miles. It is also comfortable, with owners claiming they can easily ride for up to 400 miles before even starting to feel fatigued and although the engine on this bike will never take your breath away, it does exactly what it required when you want to hit the open road.
The riding position has been well thought through and feels natural with plenty of space and the bars are wide allowing the rider control without having to overstretch. It also has impressive suspension for a bike of this calibre and although the 1000cc V-twin engine seems a little sluggish initially, once you have your motor warmed up you can expect a smooth and light ride.
The best thing about the V-Strom has got to be the amount of bike you get for the price you pay. At under £10,000 there is plenty going for this bike from the panniers that have been stylishly incorporated into the bike’s design and which easily allow you to take a 5-6 day touring trip, to the ABS and traction control which come as standard and the adjustable seat and ratchet screens; it quickly becomes obvious why the V-Strom is a popular bike to own.
On top of this, there is also an earlier model of the Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom which can now be picked up fairly cheaply on the used market with prices starting at around £2,500. The earlier model does have some issues which were rectified in the latest V-Strom release but it’s definitely something to consider if you want to pick up a bargain.
Take a look at the Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom in action…
Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom Bike Spec
- Capacity1037cc
- Top speed140mph
- Weight228kg
- Average fuel consumption41mpg
- Seat height850mm
- EngineFour stroke, liquid cooled, V-Twin, 8v
Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom Bike Insurance
Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Value and performance no negative
Cons
Shaft drive ?
Read More
Good zeroing tourer, fun, value
No issues
Really good front rear weak
Great bike
Loads low end power
60mpg
Pros
The V-Strom is a fantastic all rounder and is great value. Why would anyone pay many thousands more for a BMW GS when the Suzuki does it all and in many instances, does it better. I have had a lot of fun owning mine and would recommend them to anyone. Try it, you'll like it!
Cons
Quality of alloy parts
Read More
Suspension and road-holding is surprisingly good
For a 1000cc V Twin in this type of bike, the engine is perfect. Plenty of grunt and it pulls cleanly whatever the revs. Easily as quick as a 1200 BMW and can return 50mpg no problem
Quality of alloy parts
Typically good Japanese quality but some alloy parts have corroded slightly – not helped by irregular cleaning and use in all sorts of weather
strong brakes and ABS works well when needed but is unobtrusive most of the time
Pros
Power and comfort. A great ride, eats up all the miles. Just what I need!
Cons
Overall finish.
Read More
Very good v twin, plenty of low down grunt
Perfect v twin
Overall finish.
Engine build perfect. Paint and playing finish not a patch on my previous Honda
Front brakes very good, back brake u s
Pros
The fun factor. Everything in a bike that I require
Cons
Seat comfort
Read More
Lovely on straight or twisties. Never had an issue.
Copes with everything I ask. Loads of grunt.
Seat comfort
Everything is still where it should be :)
Work great and never had to test the ABS
Pros
Comfort.
Cons
Can't find anything yet.
Read More
Slightly harsh for pillion.
My first experience of a v-twin – and loving it.
So far, brilliantly economical.
Can't evaluate longevity yet but finish is generally excellent.
Faultless.
Pros
The most noticeable quality of this bike is the feeling that the bike is lighter than its true weight, something that stands out considerably compared to a previous (other manufacturer) adventure bike owned.
Cons
Given a choice of improvements the list is endless and would all come at a cost, perhaps the nicest and probably simplest addition would be heated grips as standard.
Read More
Handling is confidence inspiring due to the relatively low C of G (compared to other bikes in this category) and ease of corner steering at both slow and fast speeds. The bike feels lighter than its weight (232 kg), easy to manoever and the seat height (850mm) is low enough for a firm footing. Can't comment on off-road ability as dont do off-road.
The engine has more than enough low rev grunt to cater for a rider, pillion and luggage. It's not a sportsbike or high powered 'up-market' adventure bike, but theres plenty enough power for a Sunday morning 1-up blast to bring a broad grin on!
This is a 2017 bike so it not practical to realise yearly running costs yet. The current fuel consumption (based on rural riding) is 61.5 mpg therefore with a 20 ltr tank this equates to around 270 mile/tank which in my view ain't bad.
Build quality is up there with the other big manufacturers, the frame, engine, controls and limited fairings all of decent quality in appearance. Accessories (luggage, crash protection etc.) are all well catered for and easily fitted.
Cornering ABS is standard with 3-position adjustment (Off-1-2) to cater for differing conditions. Not yet experienced a riding situation which will put this to a proper test. The brakes have more than adequate stopping power with very little lever pressure. Standard tyres are Bridgestone Battle Wing BW502's, no issues with grip to date.
Pros
Low end torque.
Cons
Nothing.
Read More
Manoeuvrable for its size.
It's not a sports bike but it moves.
170 miles from a 22l tank.
No problems.
Pros
Best things are it does literally everything in one bike, touring, Sunday blast, daily commute. And I always have a grin on my daft face after I've been out on it.
Cons
Slightly stiffer suspension, better brakes. But won't be upgrading. As more than happy as it is, just being picky.
Read More
It is very easy and smooth to ride, wierdly it loves A and B road blasts with mates
I came from GSXR's, the bike I had before I picked this up was a TL1000R. It's torquey, smooth, and brisk if you wind it up.
The bike freaks me out how good the fuel consumption is, at around 50 ish to the gallon... It regularly did 73 mpg whilst running it in (not revving over 6k)
I have rated this low as I keep my bikes mint, and have a constant battle to keep all the fixings and fame parts looking like new. Even with ACF after every wash. Mechanically it's been flawless.
Brakes are okay, it's not a sports bike. It has ABS and Traction control something I've never had before.