I was originally planning to buy an R1200GS, but took one for a long test ride and could really not see what the journalists were on about. It just didn't do anything for me.
Next plan was to try the Africa Twin. Also took it for a test ride but a bit bland and too much like a dirt bike for me.
The same dealer also sold Suzuki and he suggested I give the V Strom 1000 XT a try.
Wow. That was more like it. As a road bike it was way ahead of the Beemer and Honda. I didn't try them off-road as I don't use the bike off-road, so I can't comment on ...Read more

I have been riding Suzuki's for 25 years. I have experienced multiple issues with this bike from day 1, leaking oil upon pickup, was returned from the first service with oil leaks, I now have 2000klm on this bike and it yellow for a reason! Suzukis customer care is a joke and the excuses keep rolling in, as far as Vicky from customer care is concerned there has never been an item of failure on this bike and is happy to contradict what she says to suit her own agenda and refuses to put you through to her manager.
I have been blocked from there ...Read more

Took out the V Strom for a ride as it's one of the bikes I'm considering. Also in the mix is the new Ninja 1000, Tracer 900 and Multistrada 950. I've ridden the 2015 Tracer of these bikes and the 2016 Ninja 1000 but not the Ducati.
I'm looking for a road bike that is comfortable to ride and still has some good performance in the curves and straight lines. There is some other contenders that suits this but these are the bikes I can see myself with.

Ok, straight of the bat the V Strom is a cracker bike.

Metro/city riding;

It's very well...Read more

I've got a 2012 DL1000 (the last of the old shape) I did a lot of research & didn't hear of any negatives...I realise now I wasn't asking the right questions. Bought the bike with 10,500 km & was very happy with the all round package. Did my first big trip and while travelling through Brisbane in 4th with just a little throttle it would occasional feel like it was cutting out - very disconcerting whilst trying to negotiate traffic, saw a Suzuki dealer & thought I'd ask some questions.....They had no idea but were happy to have a look at it to...Read more

Purchased DL1000 new in 2009 . Now done 130,000 km Overall a very good bike . Some spare parts way overpriced eg fuel pump almost $1000 footpeg $160. Issue with voltage regulator eventually replaced under warranty ( after being stranded more the 1000km from home twice !)Fuel economy is reasonable generally 350km for 17 lt
Not happy about a warranty claim for fuel pump being denied due to water in the tank and I refused to be robbed by suzuki for the pump.
Fuel pump was cleaned by a friend and is still going strong 90,000 km later
Update -160,00...Read more

Bought the DL1000 brand new after being bikeless for about 9 months. Previous bike was a Suzuki SV1000. TBH I regret selling that bike. Anyway I bought a 2011 model late in 2012. Got an unbelievable deal. Have to admit it is the ugliest bike I've ever owned & also the first Adventure bike. Colour was black.
Optioned it up with a Givi screen & top box, heated grips, centre stand, crask bars & bash plate, pannier frames & soft textile saddle bags. The hard case saddle bags are more useful but they make the bike "fuglier" than it already was. Als...Read more

I've had this bike just over 1 year, and taken it down the east coast of Australia. It just goes all day without a care in the world. All of my riding has been on the black stuff, so i can't comment on it's off-road ability.
It's easy to service, has heaps of ground clearance, and you can stand up on the pegs while you ride if you need to stretch your legs for 5 mins.

It's a lot cheaper than it's sports touring alternatives.
Great for long rides, and also a bit of fun to fang around the twisties.. this bike isnt' superb at any 1 thing.....Read more

I love this bike so far. I test rode many in the lead up to buying and came close to buying others, but when I sat down with my criteria, firstly something that would do many things and meet a variety of user challenges, nothing else came close for the dollars. I put a top box on, ($150- pre-delivery) and my first thousand k's comprises of three long run-in rides. The bike opens up beautifully now that it's not restricted to 4,500 rpm. It has phenomenal engine braking. I'm guessing with aftermarket mufflers it would sound fantastic. It is...Read more

A fabulour bike. comfortable, a good set of long legs for touring, and a great engine. Handles competently, and even the worst weather won't phase it.
since writing my previous review soon after I bought my V Strom I have clocked up 46,000 klm, 20K of these in a round Australia trip. Aside from wear and tear things you'd expect it performed beautifully. I had it fully loaded up, soft panniers, dry sacks tied over each pannier, a top box, a plastic crate behind me loaded up with cooking gear, food, tent, and a tank bag. I could never part w...Read more