Suzuki DL1000 Share

Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom

Suzuki position the V-Strom as a dual purpose adventure bike. They’re not the only manufacturer to hold the view that a certain model is at home on motorways, byways or farm tracks. In the V-Strom’s case this is a very valid claim and as a dedicated V-Strom rider I can testify to the bike’s diversity. My V-Strom has negotiated eight-lane Los Angeles freeways, twisty alpine passes in the Rockies, thundered along in outback Australia on arrow straight roads and been ridden on almost every known adventure route in New Zealand including fords, gnarly gravel tracks and the endless network of North Island back roads. And yes, it has been dropped. If you’re squirrelly about scratches on your fairing buy a Harley.

I have owned the one DL1000 since 2004 from new. It now has just under 100,000 kms on the clock and frankly I have done nothing to it apart from the usual servicing. In short, nothing has gone wrong with it except a blown radiator sending unit I replaced for $20. Thus you have the essence of why a bike like the V-Strom is such a popular model especially for motorcycle riders who don’t care what happens under the seat.. they just want to ride the bike and know it will perform. In short this bike is a highly reliable workhorse.

There are prettier bikes with plenty of bling. And more in the computer brain department. However I wanted to know that riding across Australia and America, with little in the way of on-tap support, if the bike failed I would have a good chance of trouble-shooting the problem and possibly miraculously fixing it. In fact nothing failed. Therefore the V-Strom is a peace of mind machine. Turn the key and it all does what it’s supposed to. Get on. Ride.

Consider also the prevalence of jap bike spares & places in New Zealand to get the bike serviced without the need for computer mapping software restricting your choices. Unless you’re Ewan McGregor, price will be one of your highest determinants for what bike to buy. Again the V-Strom model, whether 650 or 1000, represents damn fine value for money and I don’t tend to open the wallet that easily. You can bling the bike out for modest cost from after market bash plates & guards to the luggage options. There will always be an accessory that will fit this bike.

Lastly you’re mad not to do a deal with Avon Suzuki. This company is not one of Suzuki’s highest performing dealers for nothing. You want a supplier who will sell you your V-Strom, accessorise it, accessorise you, service your bike and trade it in when you’re up for the next one. If it wasn’t for the fact that my V-Strom at 100,000kms is just run in I’d be their next customer.