Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: Everything You Need To Know

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is Suzuki's new middleweight adventure motorcycle that promises true off-road capability. Built around a new parallel twin engine, the V-Strom 800DE departs from the V-twin format and alloy frame and uses a steel frame and a new 776cc parallel twin engine with an order of 270 degree ignition. According to Suzuki, the new V-Strom 800DE is “the most dirt, most ride-worthy V-Strom ever” boasting of long travel, fully adjustable suspension and higher ground clearance than any V-Strom model to date. While internationally the V-Strom 800DE falls between the V-Strom 650 XT and the V-Strom 1050, in India it is now the second model in the V-Strom family, after the 250cc V-Strom SX.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Engine

For the new V-Strom 800DE, Suzuki has moved away from the v-twin architecture and introduced a new 776 cc parallel twin engine, with 4 valves per cylinder and DOHC. It generates 82 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of maximum torque at 6,800 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox which gets a standard bi-directional quickshifter. 

Suzuki says the new engine offers free-revving performance right through to the top end. The engine has a 270-degree crankshaft which is said to offer abundant torque throughout the rev range, while producing a great sound and sound similar to Suzuki v-twin engines. The patented Cross Balancer system is said to reduce engine vibration and provide smooth operation, and Suzuki's clutch assist system helps reduce fatigue during long trips and contributes to smoother shifting.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Suspension & Dimensions

The V-Strom 800 DE features fully adjustable Showa upside-down forks with 220mm of travel and a Showa monoshock at the rear, plus 220mm of rear wheel travel. Ground clearance is also a good 220mm and together this should provide very good off-road capability. Curb weight is 232kg, although we'll reserve judgment on the weight until we can ride the bike to see how the weight is balanced and whether it's as capable off-road as it promises to be on the spec sheet. The 20-liter fuel tank promises very good range between refills.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Chassis & Wheels

The new steel frame replaces the V-Strom's previous alloy frame and has excellent straight-line stability combined with nimble handling for trail riding. A detachable rear subframe will be easy to replace in case of damage during off-road driving. It also has an aluminum swingarm and the V-Strom 800DE uses wire spoke wheels. The front wheel is 21 inches and the rear wheel is 17 inches. Both wheels wear Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tyres. However, unlike the V-Strom 650 XT, the V-Strom 800 DE does not have tubeless tyres. This is something that might interest Indian riders, especially since the 650 XT comes with tubeless tyres, like many competitors in the middleweight ADV segment.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Features

The V-Strom 800DE features a 5-inch color TFT LCD multi-information display with day and night modes, accompanied by a convenient USB port on the left side of the instrument cluster. There are three driving modes, Active, Basic or Comfort, which provide the same maximum power, but change the throttle response. The V-Strom 800DE also has the Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), which has four modes. In addition to the three modes for normal road use, there is a special "Gravel" mode for off-road use. The ABS has two modes for different types of use: one for on-road use and another for off-road use, where it can also be completely disabled for the rear wheel.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Price & Competition

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE has been launched at an attractive introductory price of Rs. 10.30 lakh (ex-showroom), which in our opinion is a very good price for a mid-weight adventure bike. In comparison, its closest competitors include the BMW F 850 GS, priced at Rs. 12.95 lakh (ex-showroom), while the road-going Tiger 900 GT (with forged alloy wheels) starts at Rs. 13.70 lakh (ex-showroom), and if you consider the Tiger 900 Rally, the prices go up to Rs. 14.35 lakh (ex-showroom).

What the BMW F 850 ​​​​GS and Tiger 900 Rally have, but not the V-Strom 800DE, are cross-spoke rims with tubeless tyres, which will be a sore point for some. If you ignore that and are willing to take it apart when you get a flat tire, the V-Strom 800DE certainly offers good value right now. We can’t wait to swing a leg over it to see what it offers!

2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Key Specifications:

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