Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT Review (2020)
What Is It?
The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT is an off-road focused premium adventure bike and is powered by a Euro 5 compliant liquid cooled 1,037 cc V-Twin engine, producing 105.9 bhp at 8,500 rpm and maximum torque at 6,000 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (850 mm / 33.5 inches)
- Weight: Heavy (247 kg / 545 lbs)
- Economy: Average (45 mpg / 6.3 l/100km / 15.9 km/l)
- Range: High (200 miles / 322 km)
- Power to Weight: Average (0.429 bhp/kg / 0.320 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: High (130 mph / 209 km/h)
Pros
- Loads of riding aids with a simple interface
- Great value for money
- Good all rounder
- Accessory bar
- Sounds great
- Handling
- Brakes
Cons
- Screen is only hand adjustable from the front
- Looks divide opinion
- Hard high seat
What Is It Like?
About me
I'm a 50 year old male, 6'3" and 113 kg / 250 lbs. My riding experience spans 34 years, from the smallest 2 strokes to the largest 4 strokes. RG500's and mighty GS's, I'll ride them.
Why did you choose it?
Looks to start, then a test ride.
What is good about it?
The engine is from the legendary TL1000R, although muted it still packs a punch and the handling is sublime.
What could be improved?
Seat comfort and touring screen.
What is the economy like?
Average is 48 mpg but I have seen 60 mpg.
Any mods or upgrades?
Nothing at the moment but I want to upgrade the exhaust, seat and screen.
How is the engine?
Amazing, the sound is beautiful and it 'sounds fast'. Lovely growl.
How does it handle?
Brilliant, with total confidence. You would never know you were hustling a 250 kg bike around.
What are the brakes like?
Top scale.
Is it comfortable?
Only one hour and then numb bum settles in. I would love Suzuki to produce an official touring seat.
How reliable have you found it?
It's brand new but I wouldn't expect any problems from Suzuki.
What's the servicing frequency and cost like?
The first service was £158 then every 7,500 miles. Suzuki could have probably made it every 10,000 miles with this engine.
How would you sum up the model?
It's brilliant and saves you a fortune over most other brands or, looking at it another way, gives you a lot more fun than smaller bikes from comparable brands.
- Greg T, 2020
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 - Base model without the wire-spoked wheels, handguards, engine bars, Aluminium under cowling, LED indicators, a hand adjustable screen over 50 mm, adjustable seat, centre stand and 12V socket.
It also lacks the electronics package with two level cornering ABS, front to back load adjustment while braking, hill hold control and cruise control.
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.