Suzuki DL1000 reviews

I have had three V Strom 650s over the course of the past 10 years… All completely bulletproof and reliable. I have never had an issue whatsoever with any of them. This is my first 1000, but it has so far gone 30,000 miles with zero issues. Keep the tires inflated, change the brake pad when you need to, keep the oil fresh and I really think this thing would go 100,000 miles without any issues. Buying large these bikes are also easy to do your own maintenance on. If I had one complaint, the spark plugs, air filter and coolant would be easier to change. But if you have some tools, garage, space, and patience dot even these items are not difficult to do on your own. Seriously, a really great bike. I honestly don't see a reason why anybody would go for a more expensive brand while this Suzuki V Strom is still being manufactured. The Honda Africa twin would be a great alternative, it is several thousand dollars more expensive, but I do think it would be just as reliable. Everything else, BMW, Ducati, KTM, etc. etc. etc. all of those brands require a lot of maintenance and it is typically not maintenance that you can do by yourself, so you will end up spending easily $750-$1000 every year to keep the thing running for half as long as one of these Suzuki's. You'll not only save bunny on the purchase price, but you'll also save money while owning and maintaining. Show less

I've got 5000 miles on my DL1000 now and will have to say this is the best bike I've owned. Other bikes I've had include a Concours, Ducati 900SS, Yamaha Venture, Seca 650, Seca 550, and Kawasaki ZX750 Turbo. The DL is an excellent handling bike with superb backroad and freeway manners. It lopes along at about 4000 rpm at 75mph, yet really scoots when asked to get up and boogie. Plenty of support group folks for this bike that is sure to establish a cult-like following. The only down side is a too soft seat that gives butt-burn in about 100 miles. This is easily remedied. Show less

To frame this review, let me start by saying that I traded-in a Kawasaki KLR 650 dual sport. I had been looking for several months at moving to something a bit more streetable with decent power and rider ergonomics for local driving as well as 300 - 400 mile weekend trips. I just got home from a nice 50 mile ride (from the dealership) on my brand new DL1000, and while it's still too early to be objective, I'm quite impressed with the difference in ride and power. This bike is very smooth and has a wonderful sound as it tunes up through the gears. I plan on getting the initial break in miles covered on a trip this weekend. I'll post another update once I get some miles under my belt. Show less

I've driven this bike over 4,200 miles since I got it and have nothing but high praise for it. Being a tall person with a history of back problems, the seating comfort was a HUGE factor in my decision to buy this bike. It felt like it was made for me unlike the Hondas, Yamahas, and Harleys that are so prevelant in my area. I test rode a bunch of bikes and the V-Strom blew them all away. The first time I rode this bike I was impressed with the responsive handling and crisp throttle response. The braking power is truly something to be reckoned with. Dual hydraulic front discs just can't be beat. I ride this bike to work everyday and most every weekend that the weather permits and have no trouble putting on 250 miles on a leisurely Saturday afternoon. I've done several 500 mile days! My 13 year old daughter rides with me a lot and I generally don't even know she's back there. There's so much power and suspension that it eats up any road conditions I encounter. I try to avoid gravel but when I do encounter it, the V-Strom handles it much better than the Harley's my friends ride. I have the Givi trunk and side luggage pods. They're nice, very functional. My only complaint is that they're not as high quality as they should be for the price. They're just molded plastic. But they do the job. It is VERY important to load them evenly balanced for weight. If the side pod weight is off by much you'll feel it in the handling. I frequently ride with just the trunk pod in place. Any load at all in the trunk pod is un-noticed. Being a tall rider I did discover that the low windshield works better for me than the optional taller windshield. The taller shield puts the "over the top" turbulence directly into my helmet and I get a lot of buffeting and head shaking. With the lower shield my helmet is above the turbulence in clean air. I get a few more bugs on my faceshield, but the better visibility due to a more stable head is worth the bug juice! A shorter rider would probably benefit nicely from the taller windshield. I have had absolutely NO maintenance or repair issues to report. This bike runs great ALL the time! Very satisfying!! The only complaint I can dream up is the messy chain. Too bad this bike isn't shaft drive or even a belt drive instead of an oily chain. Oh well. Show less

This bike does everything well. It reminds me of the Honda 750's of the 1970's. I love riding this bike and I think that this bike is helping me to become a better rider. Only negative is some wind buffeting, even with windshield in highest position. Great bike for the price. Show less

Bought the Black/Yellow with the Givi bags, center stand and taller wind screen. Added Givi black case guards and hung a pair of PIAA 510 fog lamps on them. At 6'2", I get some wind buffeting/wind noise but nothing that ear plugs doesn't cure. Light and nimble, it's great on Vermont's dirt roads and the proven V-twin engine coupled to the six speed gobbles up poorly maintained super slab equally as well. The torque that comes on around 4000 rpm is "wheelie sweet"! The only change I'm considering is lightening the weight and enhancing the throaty exhaust note with some after market pipes. Show less

When you're a referee for Cycling USA, the national governing body for competitive bicycle racing, you're always on the go. Especially when it comes to working an event as a Motoref, a position where the referee has to get right in with the bicycles. Having to watch for rule infractions, reporting who is doing what to whom and making sure there are no conflicts between the racers and other users on the highway means the Motoref needs a bike he can depend on. The Suzuki V-Strom is just that kind of bike. Flying into Madison, WI. for the NCCA National Bicycle Championships, I picked up a demo V-Strom. The bike came with a tank bag (stash for radios, rain gear and lunch) and a full tank of gas. Before I left I found myself doing tight figure of eight's in the parking lot, an early indication of just how well this bike was going to work. On the road the V-Strom showed just how fast it was as it quickly punched up freeway speeds heading out to the road course. The short windscreen did its job and directed the wind over the top of my helmet, later I would discover that it did the same thing with pouring rain. West of Madison the countryside is hilly with black ribbons of pavement wondering through the many fields and wooded hillsides. The bike was sure footed and demonstrated a quickness through the turns that would embarrass many a sport bike. The V-Strom's wide bars made it easy to control the bike even when it would slide on the rain slick corners (oil in downtown Madison and cow leavings in the countryside). My only complaint is that the V Strom was geared too high for my purposes. While long legged on the open road and with more than enough power to quickly break any speed limit the bike didn't like anything under 8-10 miles per hour. On the steeper hills some of the bicycle racers were almost walking, it was so steep. Easy for me to grab a handful of throttle, but when the job says you must stay behind the riders, life gets a little difficult. Robert at Engelhart Sports Center said a smaller front sprocket on the V-Strom would have taken care of that in a heart beat. Bottom line, after 5 days and almost 500 miles of moto refereeing in the sun and rain, I would opt for the V-Strom any day. The combination of a huge power band, great speed, confidence inspiring handling and heart stopping brakes combined with a comfortable saddle is hard to beat. Ted Fisher USCF Motoref. Show less

So comfortable, quick, smooth. Only comfort factor is the windshield, the tall shield helped some, and the Laminar ears helped some. This machine is wonderful and fun. Many miles have been street, some gravel/dirt roads and some trails, it will do it all. Very usable power band, rev low and torque around town or trailing, wind it up when needed on the road, nice little boost when the secondaries open about 4500rpm, and yes the front end gets light in the first 2 gears. Show less

28 years of riding mostly Harleys and BMW twins. Sprinkling of Hondas. This DL1000 blows away every other bike I have ridden in my life with unsurpassed handling, reliability and comfort. I have ridden over 2000 miles in the few weeks that I have had it. Only flaw is the too short windshield. It has an unbelievable motor with lots of power from 3500 - 7000 rpm. Only reg fuel is recommended and even riding fast I get 45 miles per gallon! Show less

I've been riding for 30 plus years and this bike has put cramps in my face from grinning. I have added a Givi tail trunk and different windshield. I've taken this bike down logging trails fully loaded with camping gear. I've done 800-mile days with it. I've run with the squids in the twisty stuff. And this bike just eats it up and comes back for more. I have no regrets whatsoever. Show less