Suzuki V-strom 1050 Review
"The sensible adventurer's choice that secretly rewards every mile ridden."
Used Buyer Review
The V-Strom 1050 is one of those bikes that makes you wonder why you ever bothered looking at anything else. It's not flashy, it won't win you any bar bets on spec sheets, but spend a week on one and you'll understand why these things have such a devoted following. The 1037cc V-twin pulls cleanly from basically nothing, the ergonomics fit most riders without touching a wrench, and the electronics package on the XT models is genuinely useful rather than just marketing noise. Traction control and cornering ABS work quietly in the background without annoying you. Buying used, look hard at the chain and sprockets — owners who neglect them tend to neglect everything. Check the TFT screen for dead pixels on post-2020 models and verify the quickshifter works in both directions. The handguards crack easily if it's been dropped. Minor stuff, but telling. Avoid anything with crash damage to the subframe — they're notorious for twisting slightly and creating weird handling. Overall this is a genuinely sorted adventure tourer that doesn't punish you for riding it every day.
Pros
Cons
You prioritize weekend canyon carving over long distances
Similar Adventure Reviews
"The adventure benchmark that justifies every penny, used or new."
Tall touring riders wanting one bike only $11,000-$17,500
"The best big adventure triple money can buy used."
Long-distance tourers wanting genuine off-road credibility $10,000-$16,000
"The benchmark adventure bike, best bought used with patience."
Experienced riders wanting the ultimate adventure touring machine $16,000-$22,000
"The sensible used adventure bike that genuinely delivers on every promise."
Riders wanting reliable, versatile, fuss-free adventure touring $4,500-$8,500