Don't mind me. I'm just binge watching old fort 9 vids even though I can't even get my bicycle running right.

I was talking to some V-strom 1000s just the other day. They told me they thought Ryan looked like a bit of a doofus and didn't want anything to do with him. Said something about one of their family members being held against their will.

The interview format really worked here

I've ridden over 100,000 miles on my Vstrom including quite a bit of off road. All touring / adventure mileage. And I must agree that this is the best and most accurate review of the bike I've ever seen. Props to you guys.

Coming to this old review after watching so much f9 in the last couple years, it's easy to see how the channel blew up. Ryan just being honest rather than the new "FortNine" persona is simply ... pleasant.

Great honest review. I felt the exact same way when I first saw the V-Strom. I'd gone to the dealer to look at an FJ-09 and a Versys 1000, both of which were new at the time. The dealer wasn't dealing on either of those bikes, but he pointed out an 2014 leftover V-Strom and said, "I can make you a deal on that". Suzuki had a whopping rebate and I ended up paying $9400 for the Vee. I wasn't terribly excited about it, but I couldn't pass up the deal given the Versys 1000 was going to cost nearly $15,000. I figured for the money, if I didn't like it I could dump it for not much loss. Two years later, and I just can't say anything bad about the Vee. It's just good at anything I throw at it. It's been stone axe reliable. I've ridden it over football sized rocks for 10 miles of rough trail, I've tackled the Tail of the Dragon, and I've ridden two up. I've even taken an extended ride on a friends 2017 BMW 1200 GS and I actually liked my Vee better. She's not a pretty girl, but she has all the right moves.

The production value on these videos are just spectacular. I'd like to know who's behind the scenes.

Where the Vstrom 1000 does excel, is being an all rounder that is frighteningly invincible, effortless and cost effective to maintain. One of the most underrated and underestimated bikes on the market.

That engine was designed in the mid '90s and first saw ultra reliable service in the TL1000 and then the SV1000. It's still going strong in the latest evolution of the V-Strom. The previous versions of the XT 1000 have now become the ADV bargains of the decade.

2018 DL650 ABS I can confirm that this video is spot on. I call my vstrom the perfect wing man. Down for everything. I can spend a few hours getting to some nice trails with easy . And it does pretty well on light fireroads. And gets you back home in comfort again all for well under 10k. Its a no brainer first ADV bike in my opinion. It allows you to realize what you do more of and what direction your future bike will go . It is my first. And i'm not parting with it anytime soon. By the time it gets old and tired I will have comfortably (on and off road)constructed a great Idea for my next purchase.

I'm making the transition from my Ninja to an adventure bike and this is exactly what I need, a straight-up, honest review. 😎👍

Still riding my2005 DL1000 today, smooth running never let me down.

I bought a DL1000 in 2003 and sold it last year after 95,000 happy miles. Great bike.

Suzuki offers great value for all of its bikes. Adventure bikes are swiss army knives - good at a lot of things, but not great at anything.

"every part is really accessible"- you must be on your original air filter.:p

Ryan, this is the single best video I've seen you do. Excellent format (Q&A v. Exposition), a relaxed setting, and superb in terms of useful review information. I know that some of this comes from your extended experience with this particular machine and that you aren't afforded that opportunity with other bikes. All in all, really, really good. I hope that you can migrate some of these elements into future videos. Cheers.

One of the best, HONEST, motorcycle reviews I've seen. Great job buddy. BTW- Enjoying how the production value and your comfort in and pose in front of the camera has progressed. Not easy things.

A few years later, and I reckon this review format has aged quite well.

I don't know how old Ryan is but he looks very young yet is so wise as if he's been living since the invention of motorcycles😊

Own this bike 3 weeks, came with an aftermarket exhaust. Travelled almost 2700 kms. I love it.

Good job, makes me wanna buy one, oh yeah, I already did....

I like that he loves his bike and is passionate about it but at the same time honest about its short-comings.

I just bought a Vstrom DL1000 and im in love with it

I’ve watched this video (along with many others of yours) so many times. A review of the new V-Strom 1050 would be so cool from you! Cheers from Idaho

I just got a 2021 dl650...LOVE IT!!! 447 km per tank, less than 500lbs. its great comuter, fun touring..just got the rad guard, skid plate is on the way with sadle bags, crash bars come next. Thanks dude...you helped me chose between the Himalayan, pan American, klr, super ten and a BMW...the DL650 won

I bought one of these this year. It surprised me with how good it was on gravel roads but I still haven't found the suspension settings that I like. I find the front too harsh and the rear too bouncy, even with rebound damping set to max. One of the best mods I did was lower wider footpegs from SW Motech. Also, Skidplate, crashbars, LED lights, cruise, heated grips, GPS, topbox and Eastern Beaver power distribution module and I'm pretty happy. I even like the stock Battle wings. I find it doesn't shift into sixth gear very well and the engine also increases revs by itself when the clutch starts to release. I know other Suzukis have and anti stall feature but I don't think the 15 Strom has this. Anyone else notice this?

I love the style of the Videos :D Biker greetings from Austria

You know when a channel is truly talented, when one will watch the entire video review of a product the viewer has no interest in.

I still can't get used to the idea that Joffrey Baratheon went into journalism and started reviewing bikes.

I bought the same bike. And I tell you why I did. Its not off road capable as Africa Twin, not as fast and sophisticated as 1190, not as good as tiger on pavement, has no driveshaft as XT1200 SuperT and etc.... Its a legendary V Strom heritage like no other, without a reason its a lovely bike, There are tons of DL&TL engines over 600.000 km mileage without a major repair. It is a bulletproof Suzuki...

I have the vstrom 650 2018. Actually, 13k km. Im pretty sure it is not the best adventure bike, but is by far the most leveled withing all the aspects. In my case, the previous bike i had was a gs800 2014 that had way more vibrations but with the vstrom 650 with the 20 liters tank I manage to do 400km (250mi) almost every tank. (record in 465km/290mi) When I bought it, i was looking for the 1000 vstrom, and after testing both I decided for the 650 (cheaper and lighter hahahaha) but i was a bit undecided because of the less cc but... after all I can really say like Ryan, I do not regret at all.

I love my V Strom 1000; Jack of all, master of none. Most complete ‘all round’ bike on the market IMHO 😉👍🏻

Whenever I need advice on anything motorcycle related, your channel is the first place I check. Picked up a 2014 1000 in the same red paint last week. Looking forward to putting some miles on it. Thanks for all the great content.

I would love to see a review of the 2018 V-Strom 650XT

Just bought a VStrom myself. So far I love it!

Ryan has a hell of a lot of experience riding off road, and mile long legs. Something to remember when he says how easy a bike is off road ….

I just bought this bike, your review influenced my purchase quite a bit! Looking forward to putting some miles on this beast!

I absolutely love every single one of your videos. The detail and work you put into them is awesome. I’m not an adventure rider so even though I don’t relate to the bikes featured I do enjoy watching very much.

Very balanced review of a very good bike. I had the 2003 model.Very easy to work on, very roomy bike, and excellent lighting at night when both headlights were on, not just one. Great lighting pattern. Not so great on gas mileage but the bike's profile is rather tall and the fuel delivery in stop and go traffic is spotty, even with the Power Commander III. The wind protection on the freeway is very good I think, but I found the suspension a bit harsh, even adjusted. I miss it dearly... Your review brought back memories, even though it's a different model year.

I bought a used 1050XT, and I've had some awesome times taking it offroad, even with the stock tires. Definitely had to invest in that skid plate early on, but it's just an extremely capable machine as long as you respect it.

I owned the 650 vstrom. 2012 in fox orange. Great bike. Bought it twice ! If I get a v storm again probably go with model shown. In 10 years I’ve bought 10 motorcycles. Always do reviews prior. Yours are really great. You and Shawn from SRK are the two best reviewers. Thanks for the lesson/information/ and the skill set you bring to your videos. Bravo!

As for working on it yourself and maintenance, I would bet the Suzuki will prevail. Cheers

This is a very old video but wow the informationis priceless.Just a flood of accurate real world info.Thanks Ryan.

Great write up, and kinda sums up why I still dig riding my 2006 Vstrom 650......

nice review, it was quite a surprise that you were not in love with the bike since day one.

Please test the v-strom 650 2019

You sound an act way above your age impression. That's a compliment

Outstanding video. I just totaled my beloved Ducati Multistrada 1100S... & I'm quite sure what I'm replacing it with. Thanks for the great review!

Alright, not only are the reviews stellar but on top of that Ryan is roughly my height and weight, allowing me to check the actual bikes size. Subbed.

60k and many adventures later, I'm still loving my '02 DL1K. It's like dating an 18 year old.

I've watched quite a few of you guys' videos from Canada, but this was the first time I spotted the "eh?" "I have it on the inside of my lappelle, eh?"

Yo what the hell is that eloquence and filming location. So good, yall

Very nice review. VStrom 1000 is a great bike and a great value for money. I almost got one last year but the only thing that made me hesitate was the fact that it is a little top heavy and as a short rider, I needed a bike that was easy to handle. Compared with the Africa Twin, which is of nearly the same weight, the Twin has a lower centre of gravity and feels like a lighter bike. I decided last year to wait until I got the Twin and I am glad I did so.

I dont ride the 1000 V-Strom,but the new 1050 got me on test ride. Damn,such an easy to ride and comfortable bike. I bought it and it was absolutely worth it. I absolut recommend it for tall persons with the max seat height of 87 cm. Now you have cruise control and many other nice-to-have things.

We want a review on the new V-Stroms!

Ryan- THANK YOU! I have 19 1000xt and was worried about how flat the power is over 5k and the vibration, thinking something might be wrong w my awesome bike. But you mentioned those things are just the engine characteristics. Thank you for calming my worries. And your production quality is incredible!!

Ryan your description is GREAT, I am much older than you, with more miles on all cylinders HOWEVER your vids are kick... Brilliant, will look much deeper into Fort Nine because of you!

My first bike - 2009 V-Strom 650. And now she's sitting in a garage, it's freezing outside and I can't wait for spring.

You have the best most real world reviews and I love your commentary on your videos!

You see, this is the kind of video I really enjoy. Honest and goodness review of a bike, untethered with bias views. Love it. Cheers.

I know nobody's a 'natural' at anything - whatever you had to do to get to this place, you've got the duck metaphor dialed in! It looks effortless from here and I appreciate it!

This bike review format really works - not perfect, but useful and more than adequate. Kind of like the V-Strom . . .

Every bike Ryan reviews makes me want that bike and check the local ads.

I love the DL1000 - I've been able to zip off the pavement and through some fire roads and they are all good. It is still a heavy bike off road but seems easier than some of its adventure tour competition.

I just bought one of these in Oct '16 . I'm 5'11" so it's tippy toes when I stop. Once I start rolling, though, the seat is very comfortable. I do love the power delivery and the way it goes through the curves. nice adjustable windscreen keeps the wind blast off of my chest but still wind on my helmet. Kept her in TC1 and got her to lose traction on a dirt road. nice torque. She is a duckling but the way she performs is surprising and comforting

That was one of the most level-headed and honest reviews I've ever seen.

Nice video. No surprise there, all of your vids are good. But the guy off camera on this one, I couldn't hear him. Just a heads up. As always, you don't suck. Much love from MURICA.

7:43 My left eye twitched. I though the crashbar will hit that pipe thingy. Awesome bike. Someone please convince me I don't need a new bike because I already have a perfectly fine one. I hate bike envy.

Thanks for that got me a DL650 2018 and really enjoying it thinking about getting the Dl1000 next year but do like the fuel range on it over 450 km on a tank might take one for a test ride Cheers for new Zealand

Great review Ryan. I don't think Suzuki employs any stylists at their headquarters. The engineers work hard to whip up these great bikes underneath, and they're left with nothing to wrap them in. Someone over there needs to fall on their own sword (think Gladius, pun intended) and allow real designers to be hired. Only the GSXRs any good. My brother owns a previous gen model V-Strom 1000 and pretty much echoes your sentiments. Tank comes to mind. Function over (no) form for sure. My Tiger 800 XC is quite the same. She looks just OK but, when you get riding, wow. Looks matter less when you actually ride. Your honesty is refreshing; looking forward to the next videos.

Hey man...totally dig your approach and reviews. This bike is on my short list to add one to the garage next to my DRZ. As a tall dude, your ergos and opinion help me greatly. THX

Great honest review. I have a 2014 DL1000 with 25K miles in 18 months. I'm in full agreement that function overruled looks, cruise control should have been included and another gallon of fuel would have been nice at times. Most of my riding is touring and the V-Strom fits my riding needs very well.

The style of this review is really enjoyable to watch mate. Excellent job! Look forward to more like this.

Great edit / review. With all of the reviews, etc that you have done over the years; Does this review make you want to do a list of "Unsuspecting Heroes" in the motorcycle world... Sort of a list of "black swan" bikes that often go overlooked, yet perform beyond expectation? Just a thought. Stay safe.

Is this the bike we hear in the intro while the F9 logo comes up?

Have a 2020 V-Strom 1050XT. Best bike I ever had. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. I'll look for low mile 2023's in a few years so I'll have one for the next couple decades.

Thank God, a motorcycle reviewer who isn't afraid to say negative things.

Love the honesty, that's why I buy my gear from F9

Still looking for a replacement for my vstrom. Loved it and may just have to get another

Whenever a Motorcycle company need advertising they should come to U great videos you guys make and excellent style of explanation big fan F9

I have been eyeing this for a long time, but I still think I'm leaning towards the Versys 1000. I don't ever see myself going off road and I want more a sport bike feel.

DL650 owner here. Doesn't do any one thing well, but I can offroad it where atvs go; ride two-up with full camping gear, whatever. It does lots of things with remarkable competence.

Have had 3. Currently ride 2014 adventure strom. I have never had a problem and ride it offroad daily. It is my fave and affordable. KLR 650 AND YZ 450 are a couple others I have road through hell and back with great satisfaction. 🔥

Insane quality production.

Just want to say I love your videos and your style. Keep up the good work!

The best review of a V strom 1000 ever.

Could you do a video on the tiger / explorer from Triumph? F9's quality review would be appreciated!

Nice interview Ryan! And equally nice review... Stay safe bud.

Just now saw this in my stream. Absolutely had to watch it. Excellent video!

Hi, nice vid, would love to see your take on the new vstrom 1050, how does it compare to the competitors and maybe your current adv bike.

I bought one of these bikes. You pretty much nailed it.

Funny thing, I looked at the Vstrom 1000 then the Africa twin, bought a new Goldwing and a 250 Vstrom for local rides, the 250 is actually a great bike, did 150mile round trip on it, and actually enjoyed it!! Great reveiw.

Had one of these. It was a great bike! Only got rid of it because I got into cruisers. I'd own one again. Great brakes, suspension, handling and I liked the power.

I can't wait until you review the new V Strom DEs - then we can see how far they've come 💪🏼

Looking for an honest unbiased opinion. Which is a better all around bike vstrom or versys 650. I will hopefully buy one (Versys) next year. I hate Suzukis beak, versys looks so much cooler, but vstrom does seem to be slightly more capable.

What an interesting relationship you've got with your V-Strom

you guys are getting good at this

Loved my 2008 DL1000. I'm an old rider and the seating position was very comfortable.

Always surprised at how many different and inventive ways to host a video. And all of them fitting just right. Like this, a good toned down bike gets a good toned down video.

Yep test rode this and I loved this motorcycle. I dig the v-twin