Suzuki DL1000 reviews

After 35+ years of riding I determined that I wasn't going to buy any more tourers. Unless, that is, someone came out with a tourer having long, supple suspension, comfortable seat, light weight, 6 speed transmission, and great touring range. I thought I was safe until Suzuki introduced the VStrom. They must have designed it with me in mind. My 02 has the optional windscreen, and is otherwise in stock condition. It handles like a ballerina and has the muscle of a superbike. It eats up miles, in sixth gear with incredible ease. In fact, it does everything so well, that the few complaints heard about VStroms are all but petty by comparison. These "all road" touring bikes are made for the USA's "budget challenged" real world of potholes and nasty pavement. These bikes are also extremely popular in Europe, given their penchant for cobblestone streets, tight curvy back roads, and autobahns. If you're looking for a bike that can do lots of things very well, and you like to ride in the same way that you enjoy a good buffet, look no further. Show less

The V-Strom is just plain right! I've never ridden a bike that felt so ergonomically right till I rode this one. I have ridden enough road bikes to know that anyone who really knows his way around motorcycles would know what I am talking about if they would give the bike a try. Most people find the V-Storm not as appealing as other bikes. When the other manufacturers start sending this type of motorcycle stateside I will be looking at them too. Looks like suzuki addressed some of the issues for 2004. I have ridden several bikes and have no regrets. Another factor that makes this bike so appealing is its large size yet LIGHT weight. It handles very well. My advice, give a long test ride over diverse country and be objective. I bet you won't be disappointed. Show less

I have a 03' Blk/Ylw with bags(3), center-stand and a tank bra. So far, I've ridden it down to CA (Bay Area) and back and I've done some day trips discovering Oregon NW/NE area. I average about 47 mpg and the it's probably one of the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Even compared to my BMW R1150GS, it's much easier to ride and faster. In the hills filled with 15 - 40 mph turns, V-Strom is a breeze to maintain a good clip. Ground clearance really isn't an issue, unless you hit a "dip" while leaned over, when the rear suspension will squat and scrape your pegs & center-stand. Aside from a BAD OEM fork spring-rate, I'm pretty happy with the bike. I've insterted a set of Race-Tech 1.0kg stiffer spring which made a noticable difference. Taller wind-shield would be better for 5'8" or taller and the top bag begins to rattle due to latching mechanism begins to loosen. I've not found the fix for this one yet. But, I'm HAPPY with my V-Strom. Show less

The summary is miss leading the reason this bike is not good for me is that I never get anything done. Mow the lawn or go for a ride? Time to ride. I bought the DL in Pottstown PA rode it home to Detroit,619 miles.Best ride of my life a little cold the first weekend of May but still fun. The bike is differant big,angular,will wheelie,can ride it all day without being sore,and it's something you don't see alot of so you don't have to try to personalize it to much to be able to tell it apart from everybody elses.It's a bike that probably won't be a big seller.But I'm sure glad I got mine.If you want something between sport bike crouch and cruiser slouch than V-Strom is the real deal.Just keep in mind you might have to hire somebody to do some chores around the house! Show less

First and foremost this bike is about outstanding value with little compromise. The ergonomics are great and the ability to ride out every tank of gas hasn't gone away after more than 4000 miles. With fuel injection and a proven v-twin motor, the V-Strom doesn't disappoint. Smooth and steady acceleration instill confidence that this bike will never fail you from stop light to stop light or mile marker to mile marker. The 6th gear "over drive" is a nice touch when reaching those hyper speeds of our nation's interstates. The V-Strom quietly cruises along. Real world handling on the V-Strom is second to none. With relatively high pegs, the ability to scrape them never seems to introduce doubt as to the capability of this machine. Balance is like a being on a Segway without the gyroscopes. Lean it over, it can handle it. Be wary of the very sensitive side-stand. Many a stromtrooper has found their bike horizontal after not paying attention to the position of that vertical balance aid. Better still, buy the optional center stand. It's worth every penny. Replace the stock seat and windscreen, and this bike is just perfect. Show less

This bike is absolutely perfect. Suzuki, don't change a thing. Finally, street riding is fun again. I love looking at my charcoal grey DL every day. Show less

Review should be 4.5 stars. I bought it for the height (I'm 6'5") so I had very few bikes to choose from without having my knees in my ears!!. It is a very easy bike to ride and even new riders shouldn't be worried about buying one. It handles easily and is quite comfortable, but with the upright seating and sports windshield, why did Suzuki style it like this? Either make it open faced or a full screen. It is quite comfortable for passengers and my wife enjoys riding with me but the passenger pegs are a bit high for her (5'9"). It has adequate highway power and even with both of us on board(350lbs+) it is hard to keep under 100mph. For the money it is a very good every day bike and has very little to compare with. If I were to suggest a change to Suzuki, then I would change to the Busa engine to impreove the torque for two up riding and change the styling more like BMW enduro bikes. Show less

I just finally broke down and picked up the 'strom the other day. don't tell my employer but I've already had to take a sick day due to too much fun. The bike has awesome torque, plenty of power, and just feels right. My experience with bikes is pretty much across the board. From the ZX-11 to my latest, the ST-1100. Throw in a V-max, a Bandit, and riding various 600's, I've been around the cycling block (so to speak). I have to say, the V-strom enhances my riding ability like no other. I'm just an average 40 year old with average riding skills but this bike encourages my abilities like no other. I just spent an afternoon with my kid brother who rides a '98 VFR and he couldn't believe what I did to him in the really tight curves. What's really cool is when the riding is over, I'm not hurting anywhere. If you want to lean over the tank and pretend you're Joe racer, stick with a "crotch rocket", but remember you just might get a glimpse of me as I pass you by while you complain about that kink in your wrist or neck. Oh, I forgot to mention, I can't afford a garage full of bikes so this is the best of all worlds for me. With the optional taller screen and a set of bags I'll be going across the country next summer. Only a few other things I might change; A set of pipes to enhance the somwewhat subdued sound and pure street tires instead of the more open tread on the originals. Show less

I will try to write the most objective review I can on my VStrom as I can. This bike is very comfortable, even two up. I am in my 50s and can't ride those bikes that have radical seating. The engine has all the power (real world useful power) you could need. Two problems I see with the bike that are experienced by many other owners. First, the windshield is useless. I made an extention that I added to the stock windshield that improved it greatly. Why Suzuki can't get it right is beyond me. Second, the water pump has a slight weep to it and this is a design flaw in the pump. It is not a major deal because the weep is so minor but a flaw nun the less. I will have this issue attended to in the spring under warranty. don't want to have the bike down with only a short time to ride left in the season. There is one other issue that I wish Suzuki had changed which is purely subjective and that is in regards to the chain. I just wish Suzuki had made this bike shaft driven. All in all, considering no bike will have everything someone wants, this bike comes very close. I have had many bikes in my time and I was getting to the point where I was going to give up riding because I couldn't find a bike that fit and worked for me or wasn't boring. Until this bike that is. Now motorcycling is fun again. Show less

it is still to early to predict my long term satisfaction ,but after riding the initial 600 miles my early impressions are very favorable.this bike is by far the most fun motorcyle that i have ever owned or ridden.it is by the way the fourth new suzuki i have bought since 98.it does well in the paved twisties and works on the gravel road surfaces. it has power,handling and 50 m.p.g. to boot. Show less