Review – Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE – a nice surprise

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To say that the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE was a surprise is perhaps an understatement. The general expectation at the EICMA show about what Suzuki might unveil was low and renewals of some existing models and general improvements were expected. But contrary to the general feeling in the hall, Suzuki actually managed to surprise with two new models, built almost entirely from scratch. The V-Strom 800 DE was one of them.

At the heart of the new V-Strom 800 DE is Suzuki’s new parallel twin-cylinder engine. The 776 cc DOHC engine produces 84.2 hp at 8,500 rpm, with 78 Nm of maximum torque at 6,800 rpm. Designed to be a consistent bike, according to the brand, the four-valve per cylinder engine produces smooth but strong torque at low revs. High levels of torque and traction – extra beneficial off-road – and a pleasant noise through its exhaust system, ensure that it retains a character more akin to Suzuki’s famous V-twin. Its construction reduces unwanted vibrations and helps achieve a more compact and lightweight overall package, which improves, according to the brand, the V-Strom 800DE’s agile handling. These are all strong compliments and characteristics that Suzuki claims to have succeeded in instilling in this engine. It’s important to note that this EURO5 twin-cylinder is a completely new block, built from scratch for this V-Strom 800DE and the GSX-8S, and may even serve as the basis for a number of other models.

CYCLING

With a fully adjustable inverted fork with 220 mm of travel, a 21-inch front wheel, 220 mm of ground clearance, and an electronic kit with additional features around performance and off-road, the V-Strom 800DE promises to stand up to the biggest names in the ADV range. Even so, Suzuki has opted to stray a little from the norm and equip this bike with a 17-inch wheel at the rear, rather than the traditional 18-inch rim we see on most adventure bikes. This bike has a 20-liter fuel tank and a curb weight of 230 kg. Not exactly an encouraging weight on paper, we’ll have to wait to test the V-Strom 800DE and see how it distributes itself and influences the way we ride this bike on the road, and essentially on more complicated paths.

There’s no denying that Suzuki has let itself be outdone in recent years in the technology department and in the equipment it offers its customers, when compared to brands that are at the forefront of technology. But the EICMA 2022 show seems to have been the turning point. This new V-Strom 800 DE comes equipped with lots of good technology as standard. A new 5″ TFT color dashboard is the command center of this bike, which also features a low-speed assistance system, traction control – including a fully switchable mode, essential for off-road riding – bidirectional quickshifter, switchable ABS on the rear wheel and the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) system, which allows you to select different riding modes for the most diverse situations. All of this allows the new V-Strom to be fully in line with the current standards of technology expected of a motorcycle in this segment, and even to come equipped as standard with some features that are superior to those of the competition.

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