Had my v Strom 1050 xt for six months got 30 000 km on it great bike out of the box Cheers from new Zealand 🇳🇿

Hi LCR, great review, I own one of these, same colour, must say your analogy is spot on. I have just over 3000 miles on mine, and have loved every minute of it. So comfy, I also had the suspension set up for my weight, it’s even better now handling wise, the only drawback is, it’s slightly harder to get on the main stand. Fuel economy is exceptional, with my wife on as pillion, I can easily get 63mpg at a steady 55-60mph ( she is not keen on speed), as for the rest, I get between 50-55mpg keeping up with my biker buddies. That’s the thing about the V Strom, it can keep up with the fast guys or it can pootle about, it’s not fussy, put a couple of extra teeth on the rear sprocket, and it improves things even more. Yes, it’s not the best or most attractive adv bike as you mentioned, not love at first sight, but it will certainly grow on you. I like that saying you have about Suzuki, there’s a “mechanical rightness “, well done 👍

@muckle8

2 жыл бұрын

Suzuki - simply the best !

@yememiwa

2 жыл бұрын

Great comment - I am thinking it would be my next bike

@brians5633

Жыл бұрын

I have the same 2020 xt. Has been a dependable bike now at 12k miles.

@zeezeerhydon7083

Жыл бұрын

You know, I've been debating on whether I should get the vstrom or the africa twin for an adventure bike and when it comes to looks I actually really liked the suzuki styling over the africa twin! It's less aggressive but it's a classic look and feels more "rugged".

@martinwu6416

Жыл бұрын

Same here, I own one too, spot on review

I’ve got 5,000 miles on mine and it’s perfect for me. Great at keeping the wind and engine heat off. Great at high speed cruising with the engine changes. I see a long relationship...

Great review. Good to see bikes tested for real in the streets of grey old Blighty, not just sunny Spain.

Always good to see real world reviews, even more so when they're done on my local roads!

Hi Chops, I took one out last month...It's always good to hear another bloggers view on it to back up what I thought and was glad to see I said the same as you pretty much. Not released my vid yet- trying to save it till things get back to normal. Also yes I mentioned about getting your feet down . Right in the way! Plus I have a screen blooper coming up lol!! Good one cheers👍

that was a really good honest review of the vstom really enjoyed the vlog and yes we had to see the hovercraft ! also pointing out a few building's ie chatting as you go along just made the video entertaining .great job MR chops

45K miles on, and my 650 Vstrom still makes me smile more than my other bikes. Fantastic roadbikes Chops.

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Yes absolutely agree Wayno, 650 also a cracking bike 👍

@xl447

3 жыл бұрын

@@LambChopRides just put a quickshifter on my old winter hack, check the vid on my channel bud.

@deanzaZZR

3 жыл бұрын

I did 30K (miles) on my 650 Vstrom and then "upgraded" to the 1000. Both wonderful all-rounders but if I had to pick one it would be the 650.

@racerdaveracerdave

3 жыл бұрын

@@deanzaZZR what are some of the reasons you say that?

@deanzaZZR

3 жыл бұрын

@@racerdaveracerdave It's simply one rider's opinion. The obvious advantage of the 1000 is on open roadway and chewing through miles (the suspension is better overall as well). But even as one who is on the tall side, 6'2.5" (190 cm), I found the 1000 top heavy and just heavy in general. The chudder is real as well. Most of my rides were commuting and in the Santa Cruz mountains for fun and the 650 was stellar at these tasks.

i'm really liking the camera placement in this. well done, sir. great video as always.

What is more depressing than a UK beach in winter? A UK beach in winter in the middle of a covid lockdown. 🇬🇧⛱️❄️🤕

@BibtheBoulder

3 жыл бұрын

A UK beach in the middle of summer that you can't ride to because of a lockdown....

Nice to see the TL engine still being used today. Great engine.

@aking610

3 жыл бұрын

I had a 1999 TL1000R in 2009, literally amazing but was a serious handful....tried to kill me a few times but I'd have one again tomorrow.

@ozzie1299

3 жыл бұрын

@@aking610 🤣 I had a 1998 in 2009. Never had a licence and took it out for a run. 20mins later I was back having shat myself and put the bike straight on ebay. I genuinely only bought it because I loved the sound that came out of it.

The landing craft at the museum is LCT 7074, a d-day survivor of the landings. Landed on Gold beach!

@stevebolton8471

3 жыл бұрын

I didn’t realise they were so long!

@LickyDischarge

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that, saved me going onto Google 👍🏻👍🏻

@Englishbikerdan

3 жыл бұрын

@@stevebolton8471 That's what she said.

@stevebolton8471

3 жыл бұрын

@@Englishbikerdan Fast response! 😂

@Englishbikerdan

3 жыл бұрын

@@stevebolton8471 Mrs tells me that too 😂

Great video Mr Chops! I’m looking at a new one of these to replace my recently nicked Vespa 300. Resisting joining the GS crowd and wouldn’t be taking a huge bike off road anyway so this looks a good all rounder I remember going to France in the 70’s on the hovercraft and it was like a wild white water ride, bouncing from peak to peak for what seemed like hours! My poor dad was inspecting the inside of his paper bag all the way!

Its about time you boys in the industry found a different name for these "adventure" bikes. Because all of you mention how shit they are off road. They're really just comfy road tourers.

@racerdaveracerdave

3 жыл бұрын

I have to admit thinking the same

@samiam5326

3 жыл бұрын

Adventure Tourers?

@pja7

3 жыл бұрын

Elevated Ride Bikes - EVRs

@chriskneifl3290

3 жыл бұрын

It depends on how you define off road. They're not trail bikes, but my 650XT is awesome on dirt and gravel roads.

@iwasadeum

3 жыл бұрын

They're only shit at off-road for the unskilled rider. Is it harder to ride off-road than a dedicated off-road bike? OBVIOUSLY. They're very heavy. But in the hands of a good rider, they can get just about anywhere you can take an Enduro/trail bike. Only much more comfortably.

I would take this over the Africa Twin which Honda have wrecked with that 21” front wheel and non intuitive menu system. In town I would remove the panniers and leave on the top box for filtering through traffic. I much prefer the seat to that hard, skinny thing on the Honda.

Sorry to hear about the lock down , the hover craft was good to see Happy new year chops

Great video chops 👍 I've recently bought a 1050 vstrom (the standard one) it was a pre reg display bike and has the crash bars, spot lights, Ali belly pan £8999 all in... For the money you can't beat it and as you said its the perfect commuter/mile muncher

@chrisw4215

3 жыл бұрын

Still happy? I can’t decide between Suzuki and Yamaha tracer 9

@2wheeledwillie395

3 жыл бұрын

@@chrisw4215.. Yeah loving it.. I've done a couple of videos on my vstrom, check them out

@chrisw4215

3 жыл бұрын

@@2wheeledwillie395 Thanks, will definitely do

Didn't even realise the hovercraft still ran. I remember going on it as a young boy to the IOW. Fantastic

Great ride out mate looking forward to seeing you in the new year

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Happy new year Anthony!

Great video Chopsy! Love the history lesson and the hovercraft footage. I have the 2014 1000 and the new version is certainly worth looking at. Brilliant all rounder.Have a happy new year brother. All the best from Australia.

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Same to you Andrew 👍🍻

Well bugger me, I didn’t think the hovercraft were still in use anymore. Superb upload all round Chopsy. 😎👍🏻👏🏼

I used to have a 2007 VStrom 1000 and I loved it. I think the VStrom's are like the Swiss Army knife of bikes - not great at anything, but good at a lot of things. And the v-twin engines on both the 650's and 1000's have been around forever and are practically bulletproof.

Enjoyed that, thanks Chopsy! Nice little tour of Portsmouth too.

Great vid chops . A tour of Portsmouth and a bike review brilliant. You got me thinking now I like that v strom.

Great review. Loved it! I’m pretty sure all merc drivers would be happy with a gash on the side.

Really enjoyed that, actually liked see Portsmouth. As for the bike, well it’s easy to criticise but for the money it’s a reliable way of getting about. Definitely on my list as an additional bike. Thanks Chops 👍🏻

Good video that mate, bit of culture and a review all in one, more like this pls 👍👍

Another great review. One of the bikes on my list for a commuter and mile munching. Yes, the screen adjustment on the fly is a bit annoying, but maybe do it while in cruise control?🤪 Still not a safer option over stopping of course. Love the content and can’t wait to see more!

Another great vid John and thanks for stopping to showing me the hovercraft. It was awesome! Yes, please put a 17” on a V-Strom and make a Hypermoto! And then tell us all about it... Happy New Year!

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sam 😁👍 yeah 17" wheels is the way forward! 😎

Thanks for the video pal, good job indeed. You should give another try with that head to head drag vs AT...

That was a fun surprise Mr. Chops! I was very lucky. when i was ten years old i flew from california to london and met my cousin who is about ten years older than i. Among other great adventures, she took me on a hovercraft ride from Dover to Calais. The white cliffs, the excitement of the ride - although we had to fight a bit of sea-sickness (air-sickness? hover-turbulence?) - arriving in France... I remember it all very clearly.

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

I missed out on that experience gutted I never got to experience those missive channel crossing versions 👍

Love this content Chops! Keep doing what you're doing mate. 👍🏻

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated!

Cracking review thanks Lamb Chops, this is my next bike need to think more about practicality (and my mature age and creaking frame) throwing in my GSXR 1000R for this so my touring is made easier and because it has the luggage and cruise thats me sorted. Thanks buddy

Cracking video mate. Important that these sorts of reviews get done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks matey 👍

Thanks for that tour - Once Covid all sorted I think a winter break on Portsmouth seafront beckons. I didn't see Portsmouth Tourist Board as one of your sponsors - only a matter of time I suppose before your official guide badge arrives? Excellent VStrom coverage too of course (wonder why they call it that?).

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

haha, think I might actually have to be armed with the correct facts then haha :-)

As always Chopsi you make fantastic video. Love the new part of you making history lesson, and doing a tour of Portsmouth and a bike review that´s bloody brilliant. Yours Sincerely The Danish Viking. :-)

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks matey appreciated really is :-)

Thought you was going to meeting up with spicy 110 LOL. Nice review as always Chops, hope you and the family had a fantastic Christmas and here's to a better 2021. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

haha, as it happens we were supposed to meet for a Christmas meetup but was cancelled :-(

I like this video very much especially that Milemunchersong :) Greetings from Germany and well done!

You want to "try a 17" front tyre, like some kind of supermoto" - Have you tried a Tracer900GT Chops? Adv-ish riding position, grunty motor, sports/touring road tyres. Later ones handle OK too. You are right about the Strom too, its a great bike, but more of a tool than a bike you become attached to.

Mucky and rough as the weather is i am missing riding already after a week in lockdown.Its what helps a lot of us keep our sanity.

Quote of the week "I'm not a hovercraft expert..." really made me smile. :-)

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

haha good :-)

Chops thanks for the review, Portsmouth (I'm a resident) is real town riding and as a 2017 V-strom rider I concur great bike, totally underrated. It was said it does not do 1 thing exceptionally but does everything else very well, which convinced me to buy my 1050, everyday is a blast. The bike group to which I belong have a mixture of 966/GSXR 1000 and Fireblades but after a days riding I'm the only one with no aches 😁 and I'm 60, yes I can't keep up on the straights but on the twisties I do just fine. Once again great review and now I'm a subscriber 👍

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary 👍🍻

Of course I wanna see a hovercraft 😂🤣 Great vid Mr chops 👍👍

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, I lucked out it was there! Glad you enjoyed it 😁

@daveg8325

3 жыл бұрын

I want a go on the hovercraft! Review of the hovercraft next please chops! 👍🏻

Great video Chops and a free history lesson thrown in for free 🤪🎉🎉 how were those gloves I’m after a warm dry pair that you can still feel the controls

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

The gloves are great, they do take a little bit of bedding in as the waterproof membrane is inside the glove so does make them tight to start with. After 2 - 3 rides though they are lovely

Honest review as always. You opened my eyes. I was thinking about buying a V Strom. But relaxation? I want to have fun on the motorcycle. Thank you for making it very clear what the Vstrom is good for.

The V-Strom looks like the ideal street / onroad travel bike. The hovercraft scene was just amazing

Good review Lamb Chop. I used to enjoy going on the Hover Craft from Dover to France when I worked on the Channel Tunnel.

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Oh really Lyn brilliant! Would have loved to go on one of those 👍

Isle of white hovercraft brings back memories of excitement and awe as an 8 year old boy in 1990 from Northern Ireland over on holiday with my great aunt I’d never seen anything like that before lol.

Great watch. Thanks for continuing to entertain me this year. Boris is wearing a bit thin now ! :(

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Haha thanks Bunny 👍🍻

The forts are Palmerston’s Follies, Lamp Chops. Built in the 1800’s to keep the French out. We might still need them!!

@Porkycheun

3 жыл бұрын

At the moment that would be more to keep you from exiting your own country... 😉

@DanTube2010

3 жыл бұрын

@@Porkycheun or for parties: kzread.info/dash/bejne/qYGJxdGyfMvaqrA.html

@pyrodoll2422

3 жыл бұрын

What would the French possibly want here? 😀

@Edgunsuk

3 жыл бұрын

no we dont m8 we brexited !! ""so long and thanks for all the fish !

Great hovercraft footage, Chops!!

Brilliant review, well done 👏

Great little review. I’m to unaccepting of change to give parallel twins the credit they probably deserve, and ADV bikes for that matter, that being said, I’d buy the Suzuki here just for keeping the spirit of the V-Twin going.

Excellent history lesson enjoyed the tour round Portsmouth and Southsea bike seemed excellent for the job rather liked this video because of the dual purpose of the conversation history and bike rolled into one complete video could you do another like this or is it a bit TMF Food for thought though choperoo.

Cracking summary of the ‘bike, I nearly NEARLY bought one, but ended up going for the vfr1200x. For the money and for what you get for your money the strom is hard to beat. There’s a few 80/20 adventure bikes, but these hold their heads high. Good pcp offers and reliability is a given. Nice job suzuki I say. Top work chops... 👍👍

Loved the vid still undecided between the Tiger 900 and Vstrom, due to Covid cant even test ride the pair but it gives me time to have a good look into both cheers chops.

@jblue1299

3 жыл бұрын

Which one did you get?

@glennollerenshaw8466

3 жыл бұрын

@@jblue1299 still havent decided struggling to get decent test rides

@jblue1299

3 жыл бұрын

@@glennollerenshaw8466 , I am in the same situation, but I am leaning towards the Suzuki ……

Awesome motovlog John, and ace to see some of Portsmouth :-)

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pete 😁😁👍

Great video...like the bit on the hovercraft......didn't realised it still exists.

Great real world review Chops, cheers. I do have a question , if you or anyone else in the know could answer please. I had a Marlboro Yamaha TZR as a teenager (30 years ago). It was fluorescent orange but always showed up fairly dull in the photos. Is this the same?, as it might swing my decision .

Nice to see you almost passing by my front door in Havant 👍, hope to one day to see you on the road to say hi

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Could have popped in for a cuppa! 😁🍻

@jon_pickett

3 жыл бұрын

@@LambChopRides maybe next time you should 😂 and ogle over my little bike collection

Great vid as always 👍

An adventure bike with 17'' wheels: Buell Ulysses. I still have one. Just as punchy between 2,000 and 4,000 as this, I'd wager. Maybe punchier. I crossed from Dover to France on a hovercraft with my XT500 in 1989, I think. Better than the ferry. Excellent review of a bike I really like.

I agree it's not for fire trails or will compete with Tenere or AT. But it works just fine on gravel. And that's the most adventure most people will do. As long as it does that ok I think they have a winner. I like the looks. It just looks like it means business. No bullshit machine made to work. Test drove one and I might pick one up. I really enjoyed the engine and the cornering feeling. And I own a sports bike now. The first kilometer I thought it just felt odd. But it is fantastic.

Great Video 👍 what video setting do you use on your hero 4 on your helmet? Great to see you riding in my neck of the woods 😁

Very pleasant and well presented video. First of yours I've seen. *subscribed

Enjoyed that, could’ve watched another 25 minutes! New sub. Cheers.

Happy New Year, Mr Chops. It's a motorbike, better than being in a car 👍🏼

Great vid Chops! 👍

Another great vid chops 👍👍👌👌 I love my v strom 1000 xt I fitted the foot rest lowering kit to mine sorts 2 problems I test rode the 1050 It does vibe more than my 1000 xt

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Good tip!

Of course I want to see the hovercraft. Great video Chopsy.

Thanks chops really enjoyed that. From a boring day on the Wirral

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Paul :-)

Thanks 🙏🏼 that hover craft was a good shout

Looking for a touring bike. Was excited by the new Multi but honestly it just seems obscene to spend that much for gimmicks that will probably break anyway. maybe i should take a look at this. It's better to have a bike where you can reach the limits than a bike that makes you feel unworthy.

@2wheeledwillie395

3 жыл бұрын

Bill I bought a new 1050 Vstrom a few months ago and am absolutely loving it.. There's too many Vstrom haters that judge them unfairly... if you look at them for what they are(like chopsy has) .. A well priced, reliable, comfortable commuter that you could easily ride all day (which I have) and has plenty of power I honestly think you can't go wrong.. And I actually think they look great!

@Miata822

3 жыл бұрын

@@2wheeledwillie395 Thanks, Willies. I think I have also heard that V-Stroms also tend to live forever.

Excellent video fella - such a lot of bike for the money. And I really liked the Chop's Chravelogue piece too. :-)

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

A great real world review Chops I bought one in October and agree with everything you said! You could pay another £10000 for another adventure bike that would still look ugly like all adventure bikes. and not be as reliable as that old lump which is the smoothest v twin I've ever rode and I've had a few (9)

Great review Chops, loved the hovercraft section. 👍

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks matey, need to include a hovercraft section in every vid haha 👍🍻

@muddyharbourrider7340

3 жыл бұрын

Ha, that might be hover doing it!

I like the old McClaren colours. I've seen this bike reviewed previously on other motorbike KZread channels (sorry Chops) and nearly all seem to love this bike. Loved seeing the hovercraft as well👍👏😎

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Haha no problem Neill your allowed to watch other channels... just make sure I'm your favourite 🤣

@whittlad

3 жыл бұрын

@@LambChopRides of course your No:1 🙌👍😆😎

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

😆🥰

would love to see you do a video on old 2 strokes 125’s 250’s 350’s

I have the 2018 DL1000XT. The only issue I've had is the effort required to go from 1st to 2nd. You do get the hang of it, but I wondered if the 1050 feels any different.

Spot on video you picked out things like foot pegs get in the way etc pretty accurate just a couple of things you should look at one is if you have it long term check fuel consumption I'm getting 67 mpg amazing and you can buy a 1050 base model for £8300 which makes it way cheaper than its competitors. I'm well impressed with mine.

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah that is a great price!!

Hello from the USA...great video...am bike "shopping "...looks like this bike just might be a contender...have to go see one for fit to my 29" inseam...kind of like my old cb750 which was great no matter where I was riding it

Very nice Mr Chops, I wouldn't mind a V Strom, a good honest bike, good on fuel, nice relaxed loping v twin cruising - but I've got 4 bikes already and the wife doesn't know about one of them as it is !! Often think of dear old Portsmouth as a town, but it been a city for 800 years I think - it has got the lovely old town section too ..... spent some time there in the 1990s, happy days 🙂

Nice real world vid & review. Suzuki's are great real world reliable everyday bikes that give you what you need at a good price. However you generally don't lust after modern Suzuki's as they're not really aspirational bikes & as you said Chops, they are great tools & to be used as such imo.

247kg wet is not heavy if that includes the panniers and rack, crash bars, etc. Strange thing about the engine: my SV1000, which this engine is based on, knocked out about 118 bhp. Prior to that the TL 1000 (widow-maker) made 135. My SV didn't lack mid-range or anything else. Now they've stretched the engine a bit but it's only making 105. I suspect a tuner could chip it and get a hell of a lot more out of it. Enjoyed the hovercraft, good film.

Bloody hell chops i was cold watching you without neck buff 😨😨 great vlog tho pal

Jeeze I wasn't expecting a hovercraft that massive! Didn't know they made them in to that scale lol

I put over 50k on my old 2005 vstrom 1000, it wore out a couple of chains and rear wheel bearings. Its valves were still within tolerance when checked. But it was a bit boring and as a result I don't miss it.

Nice video. Thanks! I decided on the v-strom over the tiger 900, purely because of the styling, the tiger is too bland looking. I was holding out till the new year, hoping for a good price drop, but they've only offered a so-so finance deal (3%) instead. Once the current lockdowns are lifted I'll be getting one.

Enjoyed this video production very much, a great machine to have as general riding, what are they like for service costs? Ride safe and all the best for 2021, let us hope this crap can be sorted by springtime.

@LambChopRides

3 жыл бұрын

Good question I would think service costs are reasonable as oil change and filter are very easy to reach. Should mean service costs are easy to swallow

Great review thanks!

These are great, honest bikes that plain work for whatever you need them for. Great motor, chassis, and brakes, and great gas mileage (my 2018 has gotten just over 70 mpg overall on a 1200 mile weekend trip). Great that cruise completes this bike, and $100 Oxford grips take care of the last issue. Two notes: First is, with proper tires and a decent offroad rider, the V is actually rather good offroad. Also, these regularly go well over 100K miles, and there are many in operation with 200k+ miles. Loved the hovercraft detour! That's exactly what the V is for!

She sounds a lot like the 2004 I had for many years and many miles. She's a big, soft, comfy girl for mile munching and surprisingly agile in mountain curves.

I think the suzuki is a underrated machine. From what I understand they are Bullitt proof and ultra reliable. Geat review again chops. 👍😊

👍 Great review on a underrated bike

I was going to upgrade from my 14 but with only cosmetic upgrades, ill keep the 14 ,Vstrom owners are a loyal bunch ,but with Honda Ducati working overtime to refine their bikes, Suzuki are falling behind now if you where to ride the 14 side3 by side theirs not a big difference, other than low rpm power up until 4 rpm ,same everything else,so your better off buying a 2019 model that's discounted ,we still see them new here in Canada for 10 grand. Really enjoyed your excitement on this review, thankyou, and Happy New Year

Was considering this in the XT version. Ended up going with the 4500km F850GS Adventure with 4500km for the same price as the base VStrom model. Though I love the V sound.

I’ve been looking and test rode the tiger 900 GT Pro how do you think the Suzuki compares?

I've had 2 VStrom's a '02 way back and a '09 both were superb, reliable, and ultimately fun bikes to own and ride. I think my old Bandit needs a new stablemate!

Nice job Chops! I want one of these bikes.

Excellent vid lamby