This is great!
I'm shopping a 1050XT as my next motorcycle and very strongly considering treating myself to a new one. Used market is very thin anyway, as the bike has not been in the US very long.

For the footpegs, would a lowering kit help? I don't know how tall you are but at over 6 feet, I found footpeg lowering surprisingly helpful on my 2007 DL1000.

 

I was in your position a few months ago. I was going the used route, but the market for big ADV motorcycles is thin (not just COVID, people seem to prefer riding sportbikes and shy away from putting miles on them... I sold my Honda at about 70k km and I kept hearing how it's basically unsalable due to its "high" odometer). The dealer had a good deal for paying in cash, and the new DL1050 looks so damn sexy with many upgrades that it was worth it for me to go new.

I don't have a problem so far with my knees, it's definitely an improvement over CB500X, I don't know how much a lowering kit would help. I'm about 178 cm (5'10")

 

You might be surprised. The peg lowering kit on my DL1000 "only" took them down by 1 inch. Doesn't sound like much but it meant my knees were less bent.

In your case it might mean the pegs get in the way a little less since they'll be farther away.

Could also be you'll get used to it, since the bike is very new to you.

I wish I could test ride a 1050XT but there's no way. Dealers in my state never stocked them.

 

I'll give it more thought once I get past the break-in period and get more used to it
As far I understand from reading comments and reviews (having never owned a Strom before) the new DL1050 is an improvement over the old DL1000. Perhaps more seasoned Stromers can you help on that front

 

@On2Wheels

The foot pegs and side stand are things you will likely get used to over time. I do have the peg lowering kit and that makes my riding position a bit more comfy.

The Time and temp are a bit difficult to read in some cases but it's not like you read them every few minutes. Generally I like the presentation of information on the screen.

As far as the buttons are concerned I think you will get used to them. I like that they don't have a while bunch of buttons on the handlebars and have figured out how to make the best use of the buttons that are there. The only real annoyance with the buttons I have is after the bike has been shut off to remember to activate the cruise before hitting the "Set" button. (I used cruise pretty much all the time I'm not in twisties.)

I agree the handling is very good and (to me) most importantly gives a great feeling of confidence.

Regarding the engine: I have had two DL650's (about 340,000 km between the two of them) and my wife had a Gladius that I occasionally rode. to me Susuzki's 650 twin is one of the nicest most fun engines I have ridden. What impressed me the most on the 1050 is how much the state of tune of the engine reminds me of the 650. Way more power of course and not as smooth but happy to pull to redline and in twisties happy to stay around 6,000 rpm in 2nd or 3rd.

..Tom

 

@V-Tom
I hope I get used to them quickly. Besides being annoying, I don't want to get into the (rare) situation where I have to stop suddenly and put my foot down to support the bike, and then fumble it and fall!
I agree with on the VT 650 engine... it was a peach to ride. I think the SV650 is an often overlooked option for those looking for a mid-sized naked, which is a shame

 

I'm pretty fond of the peg lowering kit on my Vee2. I have the one with the gear shift relocation.

 

Rick, does the Peg lowering kit from the V2 fit the 1050XT? Your webpage showing your lowering pegs left me unsure. Thanks!

 

Hi, I agree that the time and temp info is too small ,and its something that I glance at regularly. When I first got the bike I hated the position of the foot pegs getting in the way when coming to a stop. But now, I never even notice this. Strange, but I've obviously got used to where the pegs are and it just feels normal.

 

Ironically all the stuff you have complaints about you will get used to... and the seat, which you had no complaints about, you will come to hate!!!

 

information like time and temperature are microscopic at the bottom of the screen... not ideal

Not ideal, but maybe you can attach one of those glue-on "full sheet magnifying glass" cut to size of your display, what was big it will get bigger and that "time and temperature" should get more visible?

Amazon.com

Also maybe attach a couple of these "stick on lenses" to the bottom of your helmet visor?

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/apparel-and-safety-gear/eyewear-and-face-protection/52602-stick-on-magnifying-lenses

 

...
Also maybe attach a couple of these "stick on lenses" to the bottom of your helmet visor?
...

I've been using "Hydrotac" stick on bifocal lenses on my sunglasses for several years now. They have all kinds of sizes. (I'm using 2.0's now.)

For night riding I have bifocal Safety glasses.

..Tom

 

- Side stand:
This is also related to the peg position. I can't seem to kick the stand in one motion as the peg interferes with that, and the spring isn't loaded enough to take it all the way down. On the CB500X I used to lift the peg with my calf, and kick the stand down with my heel, in one continuous motion. Tips on how to kick it in one motion are welcome!
The stand is also too easy to close (for example if moved while the stand is down... happened to me on the test ride, but I caught it in time before it was too late!)

I can suggest you do a "kickstand mod"...

I am happy with the end result, now the springs are really holding the kickstand in "open position", and you have to apply decent force to "close it", the way it should have been done by Suzuki. It takes about 7 lbs of force to close it now, before it was almost closing by itself.

Kickstand modification

modified the kickstand on my '18 Strom 650XA for a more positive lock and more lean. I suggest to grind the actual kickstand arm, rather then grinding the small stoppers and making them even smaller and weak. Happy with the end result, now the springs are really holding the kickstand in "open...

www.stromtrooper.com

 

About these foot pegs. What could have made this objectionable that is not given a mention in previous Stroms?

 

[/QUOTE]


I suspect seat position is slightly different.

..Tom

 

- Low RPM assist:
I get why this feature is present on a beginner friendly motorcycle like SV650 and smaller... but is it really needed on a motorcycle this size that's geared more towards more experienced riders?

I am experienced rider 🙂 and don't mind the Low RPM assist, I usually have music playing in my helmet, and pulling a slow U-turn without hearing the engine is a tricky business, I rely on the electronics to prevent the engine from stalling, if on incline I keep my eyes on the RPM's as well.

Fun fact: "experienced riders" do stall their engines at take offs and parking lots sometimes...Suzuki is well aware of the age group that buys Vstroms