Essay – Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE – pleasant surprise

To say that the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE was a surprise may be an understatement. The general expectation at the EICMA show about what Suzuki could reveal was low, with only minor updates to existing models and general improvements expected. But contrary to the overall feeling in the pavilion, Suzuki managed to truly surprise with two new models, built almost entirely from scratch. The V-Strom 800 DE was one of them.

TEXT: JOÃO FRAGOSO PHOTOS: SUZUKI

In the heart of the new V-Strom 800 DE is Suzuki’s new parallel twin engine. The 776cc, DOHC engine produces 84.2hp at 8,500 rpm, with 78 Nm of maximum torque at 6,800 rpm. Designed to be a consistent motorcycle, 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 for off-road riding – and a pleasant noise through its exhaust system ensure that it maintains a character more similar to Suzuki’s famous V-twins. Its construction reduces unwanted vibrations and helps achieve a more compact and lighter overall package, which improves, according to the brand, the agile behavior of the V-Strom 800 DE. All of these are strong compliments and well-defined characteristics that Suzuki claims to have instilled in this engine. It is important to note that this EURO5 twin-cylinder is a completely new block, built from the ground up for this V-Strom 800 DE and the GSX-8S, and may even serve as a basis for more models. CHASSIS

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 focused on performance and off-road capabilities, the V-Strom 800DE promises to compete with the biggest names in the ADV range. However, Suzuki has chosen to deviate slightly from the norm by equipping this bike with a 17-inch rear wheel instead of the traditional 18” rim seen on most adventure bikes. This bike has a 20-liter fuel tank and a curb weight of 230 kg. While not an encouraging weight on paper, we will have to wait to test the V-Strom 800DE and see how it is distributed and how it influences the way we ride this bike on the road and especially on more challenging paths. TECHNOLOGY

It is undeniable that Suzuki has let itself be surpassed in recent years in the technological department and in the equipment it offers to its customers, when compared to brands that are at the forefront of technology. But the EICMA 2022 show seems to have been a turning point. This new V-Strom 800 DE comes equipped with a lot of good technology as standard. A new 5” color TFT display is the command center of this motorcycle, which also features low-speed assist system, traction control – including a fully detachable mode, essential for off-road – bidirectional quickshifter, switchable ABS on the rear wheel and the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) system, which allows selecting different driving modes for various situations. All of this allows the new V-Strom to be fully in line with the current technology standards expected in a motorcycle of this segment, and even come equipped as standard with some attributes superior to those of the competition.

SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE
ENGINE	Two cylinders, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
DISPLACEMENT	776 cc
POWER	84.2 hp at 8,500 rpm
TORQUE	78 Nm at 6,800 rpm
GEARBOX	6 speeds
FRAME	tubular steel structure
TANK	20.0 L
FRONT SUSPENSION	Inverted hydraulic telescopic fork, 220 mm stroke
REAR SUSPENSION	Adjustable mono-shock, 220 mm stroke
FRONT BRAKE	2 Discs
REAR BRAKE	Disc
FRONT TIRE	90/90R21M/C 54V
REAR TIRE	150/70R17M/C 69V
WHEELBASE	1570 mm
SEAT HEIGHT	855 mm
WEIGHT	230 kg
MSRP	€11,499.00