Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE: Details Technical Specs and Honest Review

For more than two decades, the Suzuki V-Strom has been a prominent motorcycle in the adventure bike segment, giving tough competition to bikes like Kawasaki Versys 650, Triumph Tiger 660, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and Honda CB650R. Over the years, the Suzuki V-Strom motorcycles have undergone many changes in terms of displacement, color schemes, suspension setup, and off-road-focused design.

The first V-Strom model, the Suzuki V-Strom 1,000, was introduced in 2002 as a road-focused motorcycle that could be ridden on harsh gravel paths occasionally. At the time of its launch, the V-Strom had to face tough competition, with Honda’s 1999 Varadero already in the market. The introduction of Yamaha’s TDM900 coincided with the launch of the Suzuki v-Strom, making it even more difficult to garner the attention of the masses. However, the motorcycle’s liquid-cooled eight-valve DOHC four-stroke 90-degree V-Twin engine managed to attract a large number of adventure enthusiasts worldwide. Though the fuel-injected V-Strom engine was based on the TL1000S platform, its 99.2 horsepower generation at 7400 rpm was quite impressive for a dual-nature touring machine and contributed highly to the bike’s success. The bike’s conventional front telescopic forks and semi-adjustable rear suspension indicated that it was designed for on-road long-distance travel.

In 2003, Suzuki added a fully adjustable suspension to its V-Strom motorcycles. This upgrade offered a more comfortable off-road riding experience. In 2004, Suzuki introduced aesthetic changes. Moreover, the new 2004 model of the Suzuki V-Strom received a revised frame. The engine capacity was also reduced to 650 cc to provide a mid-sized option to adventure motorcycle enthusiasts. The 2004 Suzuki V-Strom 650 opened new horizons for adventure, allowing more riders to step into the world of dirt trail riding.

In 2008, the V-Strom 650 engine received twin-spark plugs per cylinder. For confidence-inspiring braking in all riding conditions, the ABS version of the V-Strom 650 was also introduced that year. However, riders demanded that V-Strom be upgraded to a highly capable off-road-oriented motorcycle. In response, Suzuki launched the V-Strom 650X in 2009, featuring a vibrant orange paint scheme, knuckle protectors, and sturdy engine bars. However, the 2009 V-Strom 650X lacked the ABS and advanced off-road capable suspension setup, which disappointed many riders.

In 2012, Suzuki upgraded the V-Strom 650’s engine, panels, and chassis, increasing the bike’s mid-range grunt, reducing the overall engine noise, and enhancing the bike’s capabilities. The new resin panels also eliminated the complaints about build quality and durability.

In 2014, the V-Strom 1000 made a comeback with more dirt-bike-inspired styling. The second-generation V-Strom 100 simply outdid its first-generation counterpart with its pointy motocross-style front, taller seat and bodywork, and straight swingarm. To complement the dirt bike looks, the new V-Strom 1000 received an off-road-worthy suspension setup, consisting of 43mm inverted KYB front forks and a single KYB rear shock. Both front and rear suspensions offered 160 mm wheel travel. In addition, the 2014 V-Strom 1000 boasted 310 mm floating front discs with twin four-piston Tokico calipers. The front brakes were supported by the standard Bosch ABS, offering impressive braking power both on and off-road.

The 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 650 received new spoked wheels for improved off-road performance; the earlier models featured cast aluminum wheels. The same year V-Strom 650’s entire look was revised to give it a new face.

In 2017, Suzuki introduced a miniature adventure motorcycle, the V-Strom 250. This lightweight ADV motorcycle was powered by a 250 cc parallel-twin engine and filled the gap in the market for smaller adventure bikes, increasing accessibility for a wider range of riders. The year 2020 saw the release of the Suzuki V-Strom 1050, the most technologically advanced bike of the lineup featuring an S.I.R.S assist system, cruise control, six-axis IMU, multiple power modes, and ride-by-wire throttle.

The year 2023 marked the introduction of the third-generation Suzuki V-Strom motorcycles: the V-Strom 1050/1050 DE, the V-Strom 250 SX, the V-Strom 650 XT, and the all-new and highly anticipated V-Strom 800 DE.

The latest model of the V-Strom family, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is an ideal off-road centric machine, purposefully-built to carry adventure enthusiasts, their riding partners, and their luggage safely to remote scenic spots, rugged landscapes, and wilderness for an ultimate escapade. This article offers an honest review through a deep dive into the performance figures of the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE on paper, on road, and off-road, providing you a clear insight about the suitability of this motorcycle for your individual riding style, preferences, and needs. For many it is the V-Strom bike they have been anticipating for years. To find out whether the same holds true for you, continue reading.

Unveiled for the first time in 2022 at the most important international two-wheeler trade fair and exhibition, the EICMA, the V-Strom 800 DE attracted masses with its eye-catching, aggressive off-road looks and a compact parallel-twin power plant. The on-paper specs, especially the claim of longest wheel travel and highest ground clearance in the V-Strom family, also garnered a lot of attention, proving the bike’s competitiveness as a reliable off-road machine.

As its name suggests, the DE (Dual Explorer) trim of V-Strom 800 guarantees a soul-satisfying adventure riding experience. But at the same time, the acronym indicates that the bike may lack in terms of on-road long-distance riding experience what it fulfills in the off-road aspect. Available in two variants, the V-Strom 800 DE (standard) and the V-Strom 800 DE Adventure, this adventure motorcycle by Suzuki offers much room for customizability, especially if you choose the base/standard model. As for the chassis, engine layout and capacity, fit and finish, ergonomic configuration, and braking power, both versions are exact replicas of each other. The Adventure model; however, includes additional safety features, including an aluminum skid plate and metal crash bars.

If you are looking for a bike with stock hard side cases, even then the Adventure trim is the right choice for you. It is worth mentioning that the cost difference between the two trims is because of these additional luggage pieces and safety features. If you enjoy the freedom of customization, then opt for the plain model and decorate it with your preferred luggage bags, high-quality sturdy crash bars, and other aftermarket parts. When weighing out your option, it is also important to consider the availability of Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE aftermarket parts. Since it is a brand-new model, modification parts may not be readily available in the market.

The V-Strom 800 DE is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, 766 cc parallel-twin compact engine that hammers out 83 hp or 61kW of horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 58 ft-lb or 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm. The V-Strom 800 DE has a claimed top speed of 115-118 mph. The bike reaches 0-62 mph (100 kmph) in 4.0 seconds and has a quarter-mile acceleration of 12.4 seconds at 108.1 mph.

The V-Strom 800 DE power plant delivers power to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission, a cable-actuated slipper assist clutch, and a final chain drive. The compact engine unit does not stick out, reducing the overall width of the bike.

The engine’s torque production makes the V-Strom 800 DE an enjoyable highway cruiser. Furthermore, the bike’s stock seating is quite comfortable for long hauls. At highway speed of 80 mph, the bike runs at 5500 rpm, and at 85 mph, the bike runs at 6000 rpm. Despite high speed, the engine produces negligible vibration. At about 6000 rpm, a small buzz can be felt in the handlebars, but it is nothing too distracting or staggering. However, the lack of adequate wind protection can affect the otherwise relaxed highway riding experience. A taller windshield is required to cut out wind noise, especially when you are riding at over 70 mph. Though you can easily use this bike for interstate trips; however, the availability of cruise control would have certainly made the highway riding experience smoother and more comfortable.

When riding the bike at slow speed in hot weather, the excessive engine heat becomes quite noticeable. But since this issue persists in almost all of V-Strom 800 DE’s competitors, including the KTM 890 Adventure, the Honda Africa Twin 1100, and the Triumph Tiger 900, it should not be a complete deal breaker but certainly something you should consider when buying this bike. One reason this problem is becoming prevalent in most contemporary motorcycles is because of the installation of catalytic converters to keep the emission within the standard Euro 5 requirements.

The engine offers high power outputs for sporty and fun riding; however, the V-Strom 800 DE is not the fastest motorcycle. If you are a speed enthusiast, looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure on paved twisties, then the V-Strom 800 DE is not for you.

With the 5.3-gallon fuel tank capacity, the V-Strom 800 DE can easily cover 200-250 miles before the need for refueling. On average, the bike offers 50 mpg of mileage; however, the fuel mileage can drop drastically to 35-40 mpg if you have an aggressive riding style.

The bike’s front suspension is a fully adjustable inverted fork offering 8.7 inches of wheel travel, rebound adjustments and preload dials at the top, and compression adjustment at the bottom.

The rear suspension offers the same amount of travel as the front forks. The rear shock is fully adjustable, providing compression, rebound, and preload adjustments to riders.

The suspension setup offers a smooth ride on gravel paths and rugged terrain, allowing you to stand on the pegs and ride this bike quite aggressively. The engine and suspension are very off-road compliant offering a true sense of freedom and adventure.

Besides its engine, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE’s suspension setup is considered its best feature. Compared to the models in the V-Strom lineup, the V-Strom 800 DE offers the most off-road centric suspension, boasting a 28-degree suspension rake.

At first glance, it can be seen that the bike has a larger rake angle at the front fork, making it more stable on paved and irregular terrain. The 61.8-inch wheelbase further augments the bike’s stability and agility, ensuring precise turns on tight corners, steady on-road handling, and predictable off-road handling. It is worth noting that the 61.8-inch wheelbase is quite common in most motorcycles and may be seen as an average spec. The 8.7-inch ground clearance on the other hand is quite impressive, being the longest ever seen on any other V-Strom model. This increased vertical ground clearance allows the bike to tackle rough and uneven terrain without damaging the engine. The ground clearance is the reason this bike feels unreasonably tall to shorter riders. Unfortunately, it is extremely tough to strike the balance between overall height and ground clearance without compromising one of the two.

The bike feels slightly heavy on the city streets; however, its wide handlebars greatly enhance maneuverability and make lane splitting easy, making it an easy-to-ride bike around town. However, this is not as flickable as a sports bike, and although it turns easily in corners, it does not support fast turns in tight corners.

Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE’s front brakes are 310 mm discs with Nissin two-piston calipers present on one side. The rear brakes consist of a 260 mm disc with a Nissin single-piston caliper.

Both front and rear brakes are equipped with ABS, but riders can only switch off the rear wheel’s ABS for off-road action. Despite adjustable ABS, the V-Strom 800 DE’s braking setup fails to inspire confidence compared to higher-end adventure motorcycles that feature four-piston calipers. The braking system cannot be deemed powerful by any means and has much room for improvement; however, it is still adequate in most riding conditions. It is claimed that the braking setup of the V-Strom 800 DE perfectly matches the performance of spoked wheels and suspension setup, allowing low-speed maneuvers and optimal braking control. However, riders can determine how the braking setup suits them by taking a test ride.

The combination of off-road centric Showa suspensions and tube tires has many V-Strom fans dissatisfied. It is as if Suzuki took one step forward with the new suspension and spoke wheels only to take two steps back with the tube tires. While tube tires are resilient and support the bike’s off-road characteristics, they make the bike less reliable for long-distance highway travel.

The 90-90/21 front tire and 150-70/17 inch rear tire also raise concerns among riders. The tire size is adequate for light off-roading but seems unsuitable for aggressive off-road riding. If you are looking to use this bike for heavy off-roading, then you might need to install adventure-specific tires.

The spoke wheels of the V-Strom 800 DE enhance the bike’s off-road character. Durable and well-designed, they can easily take the abuse of rough riding conditions and uneven rugged trails.

The V-Strom 800 DE features an 855 mm/33.7-inch tall seat height. Considering the bike’s ground clearance, suspension travel, and seat height of other adventure motorcycles of this category, the V-Strom 800 DE has a moderate seat height. On paper, the seat height seems unreasonably high; however, riders fail to realize that many other factors affect the seat height, including suspension preload, carrying luggage, riding with a passenger, the rider’s weight, and the rider’s inseam. All these things push the back of the bike down, making it easier for you to touch the ground.

Average riders who are about 5 ft 9-10 in tall may not be able to flat-foot completely; however, they can still manage the motorcycle fairly well. Riders taller than 5 ft 10 inches can easily flat foot on both sides when the bike is at a standstill. On the other hand, it will be a challenge for shorter riders to handle this motorcycle. Unfortunately, the geometry and overall height of adventure motorcycles are not suitable for shorter riders in general, and the V-Strom 800 DE also disappoints in this regard.

The V-Strom 800 DE is a middleweight adventure motorcycle not just on paper but also on the road. Weighing approximately 230 kg/ 507 lb when fully fueled up with 5.3 gallons of fuel, it is neither too light nor too heavy. Riders with intermediate riding skills can easily manage this bike; however, beginners will find the weight a major concern initially. If you are riding with a passenger or carrying luggage, the weight will increase significantly and might also meddle with the handling, control, and stability. When compared to the most popular motorcycles in its category, the KTM 890 Adventure and the Aprilia Tuareg 660, it feels heavier. But when compared to the Yamaha Tenere 700, it feels lighter and more manageable.

The V-Strom 800 DE offers a neutral riding position, allowing riders to sit backward or forward on the seat. The bike offers plenty of legroom even for taller riders who usually feel cramped when riding an adventure motorcycle. The plush one-piece seat and naturally upright riding position make the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE a highly comfortable ride. You can easily travel long distances on this bike without getting tired.

The passenger pillion is just an extension of the rider’s seat and is adequately comfortable for short rides; however, some passengers might find it too narrow to be comfortable for longer trips. To enhance the pillion comfort, riders might have to install a more plush and wide seat. The passenger grips and detachable foot pegs are rightly placed to ensure safe and secure riding ergonomics. When it comes to two-up riding, riders do not feel cramped and can easily ride in the same upright riding position as if they were riding solo.

Overall the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE’s seat ensures comfortable long-distance travel, especially when riding solo. For a comfortable two-up riding experience, this bike certainly requires upgrades.

The handlebars have an impeccable finish and are mounted quite low compared to other adventure motorcycles. For wind protection, the bike features a bolt-on adjustable windshield; however, to adjust the height of the windshield, you would need the stock Allen key provided with the bike. Furthermore, the handguards work pretty well as wind deflectors.

The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE has a prominent adventure-style beak front that enhances its dirt trail-ready aesthetic. A small windshield is installed at the front to complete the adventure motorcycle appearance. The plastic bodywork lacks rigidity but still has a satisfactory finish. The vibrant paint scheme combined with blacked-out parts imparts an aggressive look to the bike. Due to the bike’s compact power plant, the bike has a slim and sleek silhouette. The rear features a stylish luggage rack that adds to the bike’s aesthetic appeal. The rear fender is a bit on the smaller side and offers a stripped-down look.

The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE features LED lights for optimal illumination required for safe off-road riding and on-road touring experiences. The company has also used LED bulbs for front and rear turn signals, four-way flashers, tail light, and brake light.

The five-inch TFT display is bright and easy to read with a big fuel gauge and gear position indicator. An accurate thermometer, clock, tachometer, trip computer, and air temperature gauge are also included. Riders can adjust the traction controls, ride modes, and ABS using the TFT screen. The bike features three ride modes: Active, Basi, and Comfort The V-Strom 800 DE has two ABS intervention levels and can be switched off at the rear.

The advanced Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S) allows riders to optimize their riding conditions and experience. The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) allows riders to transition between a more aggressive riding mode with the sharpest throttle response and peak torque delivery. This Active or A mode is best for long-distance highway rides. The softer (B) riding mode allows riders to enjoy comfortable riding in urban settings. The (C) mode provides low torque and linear power delivery for rainy and slippery riding conditions. The traction control system also features five different modes. Mode 1 offers the lowest traction sensitivity, Mode 2 provides moderate sensitivity, Mode 3 offers the highest traction sensitivity, Mode 4/Gravel mode offers optimal traction for off-road trails and gravel paths, while Mode 5/Off allows riders to switch off all functions of traction control.

A small USB outlet is also provided on one side of the dashboard, allowing riders to charge their electrical devices while riding.

All Suzuki motorcycles are well-known for their durability and longevity. The V-Strom 800 DE being a Suzuki model is a low-maintenance bike and reliable for long-distance on-road and off-road trips. With this bike as your adventure partner, you need not worry about getting stranded due to a maintenance issue. However, the bike’s oil change interval at 3,750 miles is quite short compared to other adventure bikes that require an oil change after 6,000-8,000 miles. The air filter is placed under the seat and is also easily accessible. The placement of the air filter makes its maintenance quite easy, considering riders do not have to remove the fuel tank to access the air filter.

The lightweight plastic bodywork of the bike is highly susceptible to damage in the event of a fall or a crash. To reduce the maintenance or replacement costs, riders need to install crash bars.

Over the years, the V-Strom lineup has amassed a cult-like following. Whenever Suzuki announces a new V-Strom model, riders have high expectations from it. The V-Strom 800 DE was a major step up by Suzuki in the adventure motorcycle segment; however, the bike still has many shortcomings, much to the riders’ disappointment.

Compared to its competitors, the V-Strom is slightly on the heavier side. Though the weight is not obvious when you lift the bike or ride it, in certain situations, the additional weight becomes noticeable, such as when riding uphill with a passenger or luggage. Just like the Yamaha Tenere 700, the V-Strom 800 DE lacks the cruise control feature, which is by far the biggest disappointment. This could be Suzuki’s strategy to compel more riders to buy the V-Strom 1050 DE, but the company certainly missed a chance to fill the gap by providing a mid-sized off-road compliant touring motorcycle with advanced features like cruise control.

The exhaust hanger is welded to the subframe and that can cause potential issues in case the exhaust experiences a strong impact due to a drop or crash.

The lack of tubeless tires is another downside of the motorcycle, but many off-road riding enthusiasts do not prefer tubeless tires because they damage the rims. On the other hand, the tube tires are a nuisance for riders who travel long distances, as these tires are prone to punctures.

Overall, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is a great bike with a powerful engine, offering smooth and linear power delivery. The fuel-injected power plant combined with a large fuel tank capacity makes the V-Strom a highly reliable touring motorcycle and an off-roader. Thanks to the smooth fuel delivery, the bike offers a crisp and predictable throttle response with no abruptness. The clutch operation, stable geometry, wide handlebars, premium adjustable suspensions, and quick throttle response make the bike more maneuverable and easy to control both on and off the road. Though the suspension is on the softer side, it is still very high quality. Plus, the softer suspensions are found on nearly all adventure motorcycles. On the paper, it is claimed that it is one of the heaviest adventure motorcycles in its category; however, it is one of the easiest bikes to pick up if you drop it.

The potential deal-breakers of this bike can be the tube tires, thin tire size, lack of cruise control, and two-piston caliper front brakes instead of four-piston calipers. The vertical ground clearance and tall seat height make this bike less suitable for shorter riders. The dashboard is easy to use but many riders may not find it very impressive. Though the bike’s engine and fuel range are more than capable of handling long-distance motorcycle rides, the tube tire setup raises questions about the bike’s on-road performance.

Considering all the features, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is worth buying if you are looking for a performance-oriented off-roader. But if you are looking for a sports touring motorcycle, then this bike is not for you. If you want to use this bike for light off-roading and frequent long hauls, then consider installing more road-focused tires, a taller and wider windshield, side cases, a comfortable pillion seat, and crash bars. On the other hand, if you want to use this bike for aggressive off-roading, tire replacements are a must. The expected on-road and off-road reliability is one of the best available on the market, making this bike worth buying.

With the introduction of the V-Strom 800 DE, Suzuki has managed to demonstrate its flair for designing and manufacturing an off-road bike that performs equally well on paved roads. However, Suzuki still has to strike the balance between off-road and on-road characteristics to create a mid-sized adventure motorcycle that can handle the demands of rugged terrain and long stretches of asphalt. The bike is a better option compared to the BMW F850GS, the Honda Africa Twin 1100 manual, and the Yamaha Tenere 700. On the other hand, the bike does not match the comfort and performance of the KTM 890 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, and Ducati Desert X.

For V-Strom fans, the V-Strom 800 DE is the bike they have been waiting for. Through this new model, Suzuki not only preserved the practicality, durability, stability, and original essence of a V-Strom model, but also added off-road capable features without compromising comfort, simplicity, and ease of use and customization. If you want an affordable mid-size adventure motorcycle, the V-Strom 800 DE is the ideal two-wheeler for you.