Thoughts on this V-Strom 1000
Discussion
Going for a nosey at this later. Any thoughts on them. Been on the lookout for something to add to my garage that's more comfy, takes a pillion easily, eats up miles, not too expensive to run and most importantly something that I don't mind using when the weather gets a bit crap. Not needing speed or thrills out of it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20250902...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20250902...
Looks alright.
My best mate had that year model in that colour for 3 years. Suzuki reliability and pretty useable.
The engine is a bit flat up top, but not surprising giving it's a detuned tl1000 engine and it's Japanese v twin.
They offer a lot of bike for not massive money.
Doing the valve clearances is not a quick job, my mate did it himself, the rear cylinder is a pig to get too.
My best mate had that year model in that colour for 3 years. Suzuki reliability and pretty useable.
The engine is a bit flat up top, but not surprising giving it's a detuned tl1000 engine and it's Japanese v twin.
They offer a lot of bike for not massive money.
Doing the valve clearances is not a quick job, my mate did it himself, the rear cylinder is a pig to get too.
I have just bought a 2016 version which I bought for the exact same reason as you did. It is absolutely superb, not got loads of tech but the reliability aspect really sold it to me. I took it for the first ride last night and was pleasantly surprised. Great riding position, engine is just right and will sit at motorway speeds comfortably. No vibration through the bars or pegs and I have to say I am over the moon with it so far. Mine doesn't have luggage or heated grips but I felt those were easy enough to add should I wish. The only thing to check is the wheels as the spoked ones can be prone to corrosion but from the photos these look ok. Here is mine. 
Stevemtb said:
Seems plenty of money for a 6 year old bike that was never that desirable, maybe I'm miles off the pace? Love the adventure graphics, bit over kill for a bike thats done 11k in 6 years!
I picked up on the mileage too. It's festooned with "adventure" tat and, judging by the mileage and location, it's been to the ABR festival six times and languished in the garage the rest of the time. Could be a good buy.I've got one, cracking good road bike provided you don't want to do track days or go bog hopping on it.
If you're tall with long legs you might want the Suzuki high seat (£180) and / or a footpeg lowering kit (£60).
The engine is bomb proof and delivers all it's grunt in the 3-6k range, it's not one for chasing the red line. The 'exup' valve can be troublesome if the cables seize up but it can be disconnected and a healtech fitted (£50).
If you're tall with long legs you might want the Suzuki high seat (£180) and / or a footpeg lowering kit (£60).
The engine is bomb proof and delivers all it's grunt in the 3-6k range, it's not one for chasing the red line. The 'exup' valve can be troublesome if the cables seize up but it can be disconnected and a healtech fitted (£50).
Thanks for the useful replies.
I did think the way it's kitted out and the ABR stickers conflict with the lack of miles. All round it was very clean, perhaps cleaner than it even looked in the photos. An odd mark on top of one of the pannier boxes, perhaps something spilt but all round very clean.
Only been riding 3yrs so insurance was an issue. Managed to find a multibike quote that's only £150 more annually compared to my current single bike policy.
I did think the way it's kitted out and the ABR stickers conflict with the lack of miles. All round it was very clean, perhaps cleaner than it even looked in the photos. An odd mark on top of one of the pannier boxes, perhaps something spilt but all round very clean.
Only been riding 3yrs so insurance was an issue. Managed to find a multibike quote that's only £150 more annually compared to my current single bike policy.
Nothing too useful to add but wondered why the dealer had changed the reg no (if they have) in photo, it shows (to my eyes) SR15 LGL?
So as ever in bored moments threw it into gov.uk with a result of "Vehicle details could not be found"
SR looked reasonable for a sale in Scotland, 15 odd for 2019 bike and LGL was the reg of my first car so stuck with that...
SR19 LGL comes back a 'black 1037cc Suzuki' and MOT checker 'SUZUKI DL 1000 X AL9' so guess it is right rego.
MOT no fails or advisories and mileage appears 'support' advertised mileage.
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?regis...
So as ever in bored moments threw it into gov.uk with a result of "Vehicle details could not be found"
SR looked reasonable for a sale in Scotland, 15 odd for 2019 bike and LGL was the reg of my first car so stuck with that...
SR19 LGL comes back a 'black 1037cc Suzuki' and MOT checker 'SUZUKI DL 1000 X AL9' so guess it is right rego.
MOT no fails or advisories and mileage appears 'support' advertised mileage.
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?regis...
Good deal for that and all the luggage. That's the later version with an IMU as well. My Uncles 2017 one has just gone over 50k miles with absolutely nothing wrong other than a worn out shock and fork seal (shock replaced with Nitron). I can't fault my 21 1050XT tbh. As far as speed goes I ride it a fair bit faster than my previous VFR1200F - it's just considerably easier to throw around and you've got the increased tech backup.
As an aside, I took mine for it's 15k valve service last week or so (bought last year with 2k). Dealer said he's never had to shim a 1000/1050 (mine were on the lose side but within spec which is good). He also said Suzuki are going to be bringing in a 10 year extended warranty soon (currently at 7 years) and back dating it if you have the bikes serviced with them. Mine cost £602 inc the excess for the loaner 800 and they greased the suspension linkages for free (mine were VERY dry at 15 so don't skip it!). Jobs I could do myself but quite frankly have neither the time nor the desire to do so.
Mileages seem to be at both extremes. Fairly high and very low. Can't help but feel it's a mix of commuters vs older riders who do naff all mileage. Many in the younger age bracket (that includes me!) usually go for the more "fun" stuff but I want the reliability.
I do see an increasing number of people going for them though.....
As an aside, I took mine for it's 15k valve service last week or so (bought last year with 2k). Dealer said he's never had to shim a 1000/1050 (mine were on the lose side but within spec which is good). He also said Suzuki are going to be bringing in a 10 year extended warranty soon (currently at 7 years) and back dating it if you have the bikes serviced with them. Mine cost £602 inc the excess for the loaner 800 and they greased the suspension linkages for free (mine were VERY dry at 15 so don't skip it!). Jobs I could do myself but quite frankly have neither the time nor the desire to do so.
Mileages seem to be at both extremes. Fairly high and very low. Can't help but feel it's a mix of commuters vs older riders who do naff all mileage. Many in the younger age bracket (that includes me!) usually go for the more "fun" stuff but I want the reliability.
I do see an increasing number of people going for them though.....
Edited by Biker9090 on Thursday 25th September 11:26
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