I am currently running a 2007 Suzuki Vstrom 1000 set up for touring. Bought the bike 3 years ago coming off a 2009 KLR 650 to try the adventure touring thing and to see if I like it. Buying the Vstrom was a great move for me but I knew when I purchased it I would be moving to something else in the next couple of years. I have looked at BMW's, Triumphs and even the new generation Vstrom but I keep coming back too the Tenere. I test road the Tenere last week and was extremely impressed and now working with the local dealer to try and find a new or left over.......What I am curious about are opinions from guys who have previously owned the Vstrom 1000 and have moved to the S10. Pro's cons and general impression from moving over....Thanks.
Any "EX" Vstrom 1000 owners
- Thread starter Mutt
- Start date
The 2006 DL1K was a great machine for me & I enjoyed my few years of ownership with it. The move to the ST for me in Nov. 2011 was a step up IMHO. Like it so much I bought another! YMMV, but I doubt you'd regret moving on to one.
Kurgan
Well-Known Member
I had a 2006 Vstrom 1000 for 4 years. I liked the idea of the bike more than the reality of owning it. Far too many mechanical issues and shortcomings that needed to be addressed. I wasn't very comfortable on it, the riders triangle (location of bars, pegs and seat) was just too small for me (6'4"). It had the worst buffeting of any bike I've owned in over 30 years of street riding (even with buying and trying 5 different screens). Brakes were ok at best, even after putting better quality pads and carefully bleeding the lines. Suspension was horrible, in particular the front end, which was terribly undersprung. I could go on..
The Super Tenere gives me a much improved riding experience. Better seat, larger riders triangle, better wind management, far better suspension and brakes, loving the shaft drive and lack of chain/sprocket maintenance, better fuel economy, ABS brakes, switchable traction control, standard centerstand and more. Just a more refined bike.
The Super Tenere gives me a much improved riding experience. Better seat, larger riders triangle, better wind management, far better suspension and brakes, loving the shaft drive and lack of chain/sprocket maintenance, better fuel economy, ABS brakes, switchable traction control, standard centerstand and more. Just a more refined bike.
AlsoRan
Member
I owned a 2004 DL1000, it was a fun bike but the Super Tenere was a step up for sure. Hands down better bike. Besides the multiple upgrades & shaft drive etc.), the big thing that I noticed right away was that the annoying fork flex with the V-Strom went away with the Super Tenere. Also I liked the ergo's better. Doubt you would be disappointed moving to a Super T.
yoyo
Well-Known Member
2006 V-strom for me, had it for 3 years and loved every minute of it, bought it after test riding a mates (always a mistake because you always tend to rag them a bit) in the real work it was a very different bike to my Bandit 6 and ZX6, took about a thousand miles to get used to it. As already said chronic buffeting, needed MRA screen, Touno mirrors and extenders to fit it, had the terrible clutch chudder than was cured with a modified clutch basket (best £350 I spent on the bike) also needed a fork brace to sort out a horrible, vague front end at speed. Ergos weren't too bad, could manage a couple of hours before a numb bum set in.
So, the time came for a replacement, Triumph Explorer (not reliable enough for me and terrible local dealer), GSA (too much money and I'd have to keep it serviced to keep the warranty up and that costs) I'd read a lot about the S10 and knew that they get better the more you ride them so I wasn't expecting much from a short test ride, the dealer convinced me to try the new Strom which was a real surprise, much sharper than the old one and much much better brakes but back to buffeting. The S10 felt flat compared, seemed slower, felt as heavy as the old Strom (not heavier) but the weight was low down so it was good. the Mrs made the choice, the S10 looked better (bigger) so a deal was done on a new one and I love it BUT it's not without it's issues. Still have a type of buffeting but more like noise, I've fixed it with a screen extension from a guy in Russia (you'll find it on here) also the throttle response from closed in sport mode is very sharp, I'm getting used to it but at some point will look at adding a Power Commander or getting a flash done.
Go and buy one, you won't be disappointed!
So, the time came for a replacement, Triumph Explorer (not reliable enough for me and terrible local dealer), GSA (too much money and I'd have to keep it serviced to keep the warranty up and that costs) I'd read a lot about the S10 and knew that they get better the more you ride them so I wasn't expecting much from a short test ride, the dealer convinced me to try the new Strom which was a real surprise, much sharper than the old one and much much better brakes but back to buffeting. The S10 felt flat compared, seemed slower, felt as heavy as the old Strom (not heavier) but the weight was low down so it was good. the Mrs made the choice, the S10 looked better (bigger) so a deal was done on a new one and I love it BUT it's not without it's issues. Still have a type of buffeting but more like noise, I've fixed it with a screen extension from a guy in Russia (you'll find it on here) also the throttle response from closed in sport mode is very sharp, I'm getting used to it but at some point will look at adding a Power Commander or getting a flash done.
Go and buy one, you won't be disappointed!
I really like the Tenere and it's much better off road.
jmcgilroy
Member
I purchased a new 2012 DL1000 and road from California to Newfoundland and back 4 days after I bought it. Frankly, I really wanted the Super Tenere that was two bikes down on the showroom floor but would require the addition of racks and panniers for the ST when they came standard on the DL1000 Adventure. This resulted in a price tag of $4000 more for the ST. I put a lot of miles on the Vstrom and think its a fine bike but the ST finally won out when it was time for a new bike and I have never been sorry. In hindsight, I should have went with the ST back then.
steve68steve
Active Member
I had a 2005 DL1000 which had fueling problems. The bike either ran great or terrible, and I had no way of knowing which it would be on any given day. It had several problems (besides fueling) which were not deal breakers, but were annoying: clutch chudder, buffeting, lurched off the line in 1st. I had a retaining clip on the rear brake line come loose which allowed the brake line to contact the exhaust plumbing. The brake line burned thru, dumping brake fluid on the hot exhaust pipe... fire... 45 minutes into a 3 day-trip. Turn signals broke every time it was dropped (even WITH crashbars). First gear was way too tall, 6th gear required breaking the law.
So, it was often frustrating, but when everything "clicked", it was a fantastically fun bike. It was great for long distance on the highway, great for camping (hauled lots of gear), a little too much for offroad for me at the time.
Coming to the S10 via another Strom (a 650 - big mistake for me) was a big step up. The S10 is just a better bike: better brakes, ABS, linked brakes, better suspension, drive shaft, stuff standard that had to be added to the Strom (center stand, 12V outlet, e.g.). It inspires more confidence off road for me.
I never rode a Gen II DL1000 - in part because I was afraid I'd fall in love with the engine and the handling characteristics and I REALLY wanted a shaft-drive bike. I think on-road zipping around, the VStrom might just edge out the S10 for fun. Reliability, comfort, off road, low maintenance, the S10 wins in my book.
So, it was often frustrating, but when everything "clicked", it was a fantastically fun bike. It was great for long distance on the highway, great for camping (hauled lots of gear), a little too much for offroad for me at the time.
Coming to the S10 via another Strom (a 650 - big mistake for me) was a big step up. The S10 is just a better bike: better brakes, ABS, linked brakes, better suspension, drive shaft, stuff standard that had to be added to the Strom (center stand, 12V outlet, e.g.). It inspires more confidence off road for me.
I never rode a Gen II DL1000 - in part because I was afraid I'd fall in love with the engine and the handling characteristics and I REALLY wanted a shaft-drive bike. I think on-road zipping around, the VStrom might just edge out the S10 for fun. Reliability, comfort, off road, low maintenance, the S10 wins in my book.
Steve it is interesting mentioning the fueling issue mine is the same way. When it works good it's amazing but there are days that it just seems to run rough and i have never been able to figure it out. I have questioned if the TPS is acting up at times because it doesn't make any sense why it doesn't act up all the time. That is the one thing I really liked on the S10 I test rode was how smooth it was through all gears at any RPM, the Strom does not like low RPM at all.
I haven't owned a vstrom but before buying my ST the Tiget and BMW were top contenders.
What sold me is I wanted this bike to put a ton of miles on and do that reliably. I don't have time to spend constantly taking it to the dealer, which is often an hour plus away.
It lacks the power of the other two which was its only downfall to me. That being said. I rode the tenere and 1200 gs back to back and the tenere just felt smoother, that and I liked the gauge cluster way more.
If I didn't plan on riding as much or dealers were closer and I didn't get so frustrated when crap breaks, I'd likely have a different bike in my garage. I got my 2015 leftover new 3 months ago and I've put 5500 trouble free miles on it since.
What sold me is I wanted this bike to put a ton of miles on and do that reliably. I don't have time to spend constantly taking it to the dealer, which is often an hour plus away.
It lacks the power of the other two which was its only downfall to me. That being said. I rode the tenere and 1200 gs back to back and the tenere just felt smoother, that and I liked the gauge cluster way more.
If I didn't plan on riding as much or dealers were closer and I didn't get so frustrated when crap breaks, I'd likely have a different bike in my garage. I got my 2015 leftover new 3 months ago and I've put 5500 trouble free miles on it since.
AlsoRan
Member
I purchased a pre-owned '04 which had the fueling issue, same thing with good days and bad days. I took the bike in and they said "thats a warranty fix". Mind you this was three years since the bike was new. They re-flashed the ECU and the bike ran great. No cost. Good of Suzuki to take care of the problem with no hassle.Mutt said:
Z750jay
New Member
Got a new DL1000 in 20008 which I had for 6 years. It developed a fuelling issue after a year or so mainly just after starting on cold mornings but I did not find it a problem as I was used to it from when I owned a Drag Star as riding that on the 50 mile commute to work when it's sub zero and snowing was interesting to say the least. The issue did go away when I replaced the original exhaust cans for some cheap replacements. Ok the gas mileage went down to about 25mpg but it sounded good.
When I swapped over to the S10, I was mostly struck by how much more refined things were. The S10 was much more sedate - it just feels right to chug along at 65 everywhere. When out with the plastic fantastics I can still keep them honest on the twistys but it does not feel 'right'. The Vstrom loved to be thrashed everywhere and liked cruising down the autobahn at 140mph and was basically a TL1000 with longer suspension.
The Vstrom had a better seat than the S10 ( I am 6'1"). I did two RBL1000 Iron Butt rides on it and could get off at the end with no discomfort while the S10 is just a little bit less comfy, probably the only thing the Vstrom has over the S10.
But in comparing the two, the S10 is sooooooo much better overall. Heck, the brakes work on the S10. The Vstroms kind of stopped you eventually, most of my braking on that was done with the engine.
Very happy I changed over to one.
When I swapped over to the S10, I was mostly struck by how much more refined things were. The S10 was much more sedate - it just feels right to chug along at 65 everywhere. When out with the plastic fantastics I can still keep them honest on the twistys but it does not feel 'right'. The Vstrom loved to be thrashed everywhere and liked cruising down the autobahn at 140mph and was basically a TL1000 with longer suspension.
The Vstrom had a better seat than the S10 ( I am 6'1"). I did two RBL1000 Iron Butt rides on it and could get off at the end with no discomfort while the S10 is just a little bit less comfy, probably the only thing the Vstrom has over the S10.
But in comparing the two, the S10 is sooooooo much better overall. Heck, the brakes work on the S10. The Vstroms kind of stopped you eventually, most of my braking on that was done with the engine.
Very happy I changed over to one.
Tony Down Under
New Member
I bought a new 2012 DL1000 as a cheap foray into the dual sport/adventure segment after riding sport tourers for years. I really enjoyed my time on the DL.
Personally I thought the ergos where better on the DL than the S10 but still very similar. Wind management is better on the S10, better protection around the lower body, however I had as much trouble sorting out the buffeting/wind noise levels created by the windshield etc on the S10 as I did on the Strom. The S10 is more stable in dirty air around traffic and in cross winds compared to the DL.
Both bikes have great engines for their purpose but deliver power differently. The S10 is strong off the bottom, no chugging or lugging around town below 3000 RPM like the DL. I don't like the note of the S10, especially at idle as it sounds like a bucket of bolts. Luckily, my DL was a good runner and I loved thrashing it at higher revs, the engine has a lot of character and it made the Strom a lot more fun to ride in the twisties.
The DL is a better handler on bitumen, lighter and more nimble with a quicker turn in. The suspension on the S10 is better out of the box and the S10 will haul a pillion and heavy luggage with ease. Brakes are better and the addition of ABS is a no brainer. The S10's headlights in comparison to the DL are pretty poor. Overall, as others have mentioned the S10 feels like a heavier but more refined version of the DL. To me the S10 is a very utilitarian motorcycle, it doesn't overly excite or thrill me but it's a comfortable, reliable and reasonably priced long distance stead at which it does this job very well.
Personally I thought the ergos where better on the DL than the S10 but still very similar. Wind management is better on the S10, better protection around the lower body, however I had as much trouble sorting out the buffeting/wind noise levels created by the windshield etc on the S10 as I did on the Strom. The S10 is more stable in dirty air around traffic and in cross winds compared to the DL.
Both bikes have great engines for their purpose but deliver power differently. The S10 is strong off the bottom, no chugging or lugging around town below 3000 RPM like the DL. I don't like the note of the S10, especially at idle as it sounds like a bucket of bolts. Luckily, my DL was a good runner and I loved thrashing it at higher revs, the engine has a lot of character and it made the Strom a lot more fun to ride in the twisties.
The DL is a better handler on bitumen, lighter and more nimble with a quicker turn in. The suspension on the S10 is better out of the box and the S10 will haul a pillion and heavy luggage with ease. Brakes are better and the addition of ABS is a no brainer. The S10's headlights in comparison to the DL are pretty poor. Overall, as others have mentioned the S10 feels like a heavier but more refined version of the DL. To me the S10 is a very utilitarian motorcycle, it doesn't overly excite or thrill me but it's a comfortable, reliable and reasonably priced long distance stead at which it does this job very well.
Squibb
Well-Known Member
I ran a 2005 KLV1000 from new (the orange V-Strom badged Kawasaki) for 3 years. Then went KTM990 Adv, Versys1000 & now a 2014 S10 ES.
We still have fond memories of the old Strom, largely due to some memorable trips around Europe. However she did have the usual bottom end fuelling issues, improved but not eliminated with a PC. The gear ratios were always wrong for an adventure bike too, inherited from it's sporting roots & there were some crude finishes all around the bike. Still it was good value at the time & I got an excellent price come trade-in, when production had ceased.
The S10 - altogther a more serious piece of kit. Very solid, does the job perfectly for us & I love the ES/ZE suspension system, which suits our riding needs perfectly. Left of fileld from a GS & all the better for it IMHO. Still, each to their own, just try before you buy to avoid disappointment.
Ride Safe ............... KEN
We still have fond memories of the old Strom, largely due to some memorable trips around Europe. However she did have the usual bottom end fuelling issues, improved but not eliminated with a PC. The gear ratios were always wrong for an adventure bike too, inherited from it's sporting roots & there were some crude finishes all around the bike. Still it was good value at the time & I got an excellent price come trade-in, when production had ceased.
The S10 - altogther a more serious piece of kit. Very solid, does the job perfectly for us & I love the ES/ZE suspension system, which suits our riding needs perfectly. Left of fileld from a GS & all the better for it IMHO. Still, each to their own, just try before you buy to avoid disappointment.
Ride Safe ............... KEN
Thanks for the input it's much appreciated. I really like the Vstrom and for the money it has been a great bike just a few little things that are a pain. The one thing I really like about the bike is the comfort for all day riding. It handles well for a big bike but I think it's time for a change. I have been tempted to by a new Vstrom 1000 as i can get one for $5500 less than the S10 as it is a 2014 left over just not sure if I would like it as much as the S10.
Squibb
Well-Known Member
So simple on the DL1000/KLV, no need to touch the cam chain, so it's got to be far easier than the S10. Not that I have the need yet, I have to admit; just check out the manual &/or other posts here.gaps said:
However, if you really fancy a challenge, try a BMW K1600 - 24 little beggars to check & loads of tupperware & other hardware to remove. Like many regimes on the bike, it's a horrid job & I suspect one that gets ignored - anyway I sold mine on at 5500 miles, after suffering suspension & gearbox failures, thankfully fixed under warranty, but at the expense of 3 months down time.
Returning to the OPs question, there is little doubt that the new Strom is a step in the right direction & fuelling is much improved. However, considering it's lengthy gestation, I still found it disappointing TBH. Suzuki could have done far better & still kept it price competitive - even the dealers admit it. Still, bike magazine rode one overland from the UK, back to the factory in Japan, & it managed the task far better than I would have expected.
Ride Safe ...................... KEN
greg the pole
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people
Owned a 2006 for 5 yrs and 55KM.
The difference is night and day. I don't miss my v-strom one bit.
The difference is night and day. I don't miss my v-strom one bit.
::026:: the only thing the Vee has going for it compared to the S10 is weight, in every other department it is second.greg the pole said: