The medium adventure category has caught fire and one of the sparks that has ignited it is the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE.
Since the big adventures have increased in size, power and mainly in cost, the 700-900cc mid-size adventures. they’re an outlet for far too many riders who agree with the “do it all” logic, but want the “me benefit too” part of the equation.
Starting in 2022, we look forward to two major Japanese manufacturers presenting their proposals in this category: Suzuki with the new V-Strom 800 DE and Honda with the revival of the Transalp XL750.
Brand new, extremely important.
At the invitation of Suzuki’s Greek representative office, Sfakianakis SA, we met in Magoula on Wednesday May 17 to drive the new V-Strom 800 DE for a few kilometers, but on a very characteristic route, and not only that, but also we will do it. write more about the rest of the new Suzukis soon.
It should be noted that the importance of this new motorcycle was expressed in the fact that the company was represented during the presentation not only at the level of the motorcycle sector, but also by the Group’s general management and marketing department.
It is also worth mentioning that it is a completely new model, which is added to the Suzuki range and not to replace the V-Strom 650. Which, by the way, is offered at a very good promotional price at the moment.
Due to the relatively short contact time with the bike, we save the more in-depth comments for the -immediate- future, when we have the opportunity to ride it for hundreds of kilometers and compare it with its main competitors.
However, what we found in its short journey gave us the best expectations. First of all, the relatively large weight of 230 kg is not noticeable. The driving position is excellent, as I at least consider it ideal, with the body stuck to the wheel and the weight loading the front wheel.
The bike, despite the 21″ front wheel, long suspension travel and 22cm ground clearance, steers excellently, wobble-free, comfortably consuming the entire tread of the 150mm-wide rear tire The steel frame with bolt-on subframe of the new V-Strom 800 DE in cooperation with its suspensions Showa (fully adjustable front – rear) and excellent geometry, give the feeling of absolute control in the tornado mountain on asphalt. The facility to change direction is also characteristic.
all engine
The engine works tirelessly from low revs to the red zone of the rev counter, pulling very well throughout its operating range. Suzuki’s decision not to pursue full power (84.3 hp at 8,500 rpm), but the pair (78Nm at 6,800rpm) and the full performance, it seems that in the first phase it justifies it. As well as the option of using two anti-vibration axes in a 90 degree angle arrangement. Finally, we should note that the engine’s firing intervals are 270 degrees, as this option offers a V2 engine running feel, better rear wheel grip, and better running sound.
The standard 6-speed gearbox fast change both going up and down it works without the slightest problem, the clutch is smooth and of course it has a slip system to avoid blocking the rear wheel in case of a sharp descent while the brakes, without having a strong initial bite and very correctly, they do their job without stopping. Indeed, for dirt there is the possibility of deactivating the ABS function on the rear wheel.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE comes with the “package” of driver assistance systems called SUZUKI intelligent driving system (SIRS) and includes very useful functions, which due to time we could not fully evaluate, let alone did not need. Let us mention the four driving programs -which I mentioned in passing do not reduce engine power but rather response-, the adjustable traction control with the possibility of adjustment and deactivation, the ABS with two operating positions and the possibility of deactivation on the rear wheel and Low RPM Assist function.
Overall, the equipment of the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is not only rich, but also of quality and care. This is demonstrated, among other things, by the aerodynamically optimized protectors on the steering wheel, the adjustable brake and clutch levers, the large and wide running boards, the aluminum steering wheel with variable section, the led lights, the most complete digital instrument. and the engine protection with a plastic skirt. What did we miss? A larger air deflector but also manually adjustable (tools are needed to adjust the height of the existing one) and tubeless tires. Also, the 85.5cm ground clearance of the saddle may put off shorter riders. However, the bike is quite narrow, with very good mass concentration and very easy to ride.
Check the short list box
At €12,195, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE doesn’t aspire to be the cheapest option. But it is undoubtedly one of the most complete, while in its driving it seems to be close to the top – but we can confirm that for sure in a few days, after a comparative test.
The first contact with her, however, demonstrated in practice that she should not be missing from any runner’s list of category options.
Photo credit: Christos Karagiorgakis, Suzuki