The adventure bike category has been the hottest ticket in recent years, and leading the pack is the high-performance and capable Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. Designed with long-distance touring and off-road adventures in mind, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE provides comfort, performance, and ruggedness capabilities. Combining the latest technology with vintage adventure looks, this motorcycle is gaining popularity among touring enthusiasts globally.
In this in-depth blog post, we cover everything you want to know about the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, such as its engine details, features, design, riding comfort, and what makes it so special in the very competitive adventure touring category.
Table of Contents
A Glimpse into the Suzuki V-Strom Legacy
The V-Strom range has been a staple of Suzuki’s range since the early 2000s. It encompasses reliability, comfort, and all-terrain capability. With bikes such as the V-Strom 650 and 1000 achieving legendary status, Suzuki now added to its range with the new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, a mid-weight bike that offers agility and off-road performance to new levels.
Engine and Performance
Powering the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is an all-new 776cc parallel-twin engine. Specifically tuned for adventure touring, this engine gives a whopping 83 horsepower and 78 Nm of torque, providing smooth acceleration and robust mid-range power. The engine is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox and a bi-directional quick shifter for seamless gear changes on the highway or traversing challenging trails. The new engine layout also features a 270-degree crankshaft, which produces a unique exhaust note and improves traction on the dirt bike. Paired with Suzuki’s ride-by-wire throttle system, the V-Strom 800DE’s power delivery is linear and great for both experienced explorers and newbies alike.
Chassis and Suspension
One of the most impressive aspects of the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is its purpose-built chassis. The motorcycle is built around a steel frame designed to balance strength and weight for great handling. Its long-travel Showa suspension system features a fully adjustable 43mm upside-down front fork and a rear monoshock with preload and rebound damping adjustability.
With 220mm suspension travel and 220mm ground clearance, the V-Strom 800DE is poised for demanding terrain. From rocky trails to absorbing highway bumps, the suspension configuration delivers comfort and control.
Wheels, Brakes, and Tires
The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE runs on a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels shod with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour adventure tyres. It’s an ideal combination for mixed-surface riding between tarmac and gravel and all the stuff in between. Braking responsibility is shared by dual 310mm discs with twin-piston calipers up front and a single 260mm disc at the rear. The machine also has a switchable dual-channel ABS system that has three modes, including one for off-road use that switches off ABS on the rear wheel.
Advanced Electronics and Rider Aids
The V-Strom 800DE is equipped with a very comprehensive set of electronics to increase safety and performance. These are:
- Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.)
- Three riding modes (A, B, C)
- Three-level traction control with G (Gravel) mode
- Bi-directional quick shifter
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Switchable ABS
- 5-inch TFT display
The TFT display shows all the necessary information and can be personalized as per rider choice. These features make the rider feel in complete control and with full confidence in different situations.
Design and Ergonomics
The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE combines modern adventure styling with practical design elements. It features a beak-style front fairing reminiscent of Suzuki’s DR Big heritage, a sharp LED headlight, and bold bodywork that gives it a muscular appearance. Ergonomically, the bike is designed with long-distance comfort in mind. It features wide upright handlebars, ample saddle space, and a slim fuel tank that allows it to be grabbed while standing. The seat height of 855mm provides an excellent view of the road yet remains accessible for the majority of riders.
Fuel Tank and Range
Adventure riders require extended fuel range, and the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE does not disappoint with a 20-liter fuel tank. Paired with the fuel-sipping parallel-twin motor, this configuration enables riders to traverse lengthy distances without constant refuelling breaks. Look for an estimated range of around 400 km per tank based on conditions.
Lighting and Accessories
The V-Strom 800DE also boasts full LED lighting, such as the headlight, rear tail light, and indicators. This provides greater visibility during nighttime riding and enhanced safety in poor weather.
Suzuki also provides numerous accessories available for the V-Strom 800DE, such as:
- Aluminum panniers
- Engine guards
- Heated grips
- Touring windscreen
- Center stand
- GPS mount
These allow riders to personalize the bike to suit their particular requirements, whether it be for daily commuting, weekend rides, or cross-country travel.
Ride Quality and Handling
Riders of the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE routinely comment on its balanced handling and pleasant ride. The suspension is well able to absorb imperfections, and the 21-inch front wheel glides over bumps nicely. Its light chassis and well-planned geometry provide an easy handling machine for tight spaces or tough trails.
The seat is well-cushioned for extended-range riding, and the windscreen delivers fair wind protection. Whether cruising at high interstate speeds or navigating twisty mountain roads, the V-Strom 800DE is planted and composed.
Comparisons and Market Position
In the middleweight adventure category, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE goes up against motorcycles such as the Yamaha Tenere 700, KTM 890 Adventure, and Honda Transalp XL750. The V-Strom’s great harmony of features, comfort, and price puts it apart. While some of its rivals emphasize more hardcore off-road performance, the V-Strom 800DE provides a more balanced package that will attract a greater number of riders. It’s just as happy to deliver on a dirt track as it is to handle a cross-country highway trip.
Pricing and Availability
The anticipated price for the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE in India will be approximately INR 11.5 – 12.5 lakhs (ex-showroom), positioning it as a premium but affordable adventure bike. Suzuki has revealed that it will be offered in several global markets, and its India release is expected to arrive by the end of the year.
Conclusion
In summary, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is a highly capable, well-designed adventure bike that gets everything just right when it comes to both off-road capability and on-road comfort. Its powerful engine, sophisticated electronics, and diligent design make it accessible to a wide range of riders, from new adventurers looking for fun to seasoned tourers who need dependability.
Whether you’re about to ride across continents or venture into the backroads of your home country, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is designed to be your reliable partner. It’s not a motorcycle; it’s an experience waiting to happen. For those seeking to escape the mundane and indulge in the adventure of the unexpected, this adventure bike could be the ideal ride.