2023 seems to be the year of reaffirmation for Suzuki. At the EICMA 2022 show, the GSX-8S (which we tested in the previous edition) and V-Strom 800DE were the highlights of the presentation by the Japanese brand, which revealed two completely new motorcycles, both of which are considered references in their respective ranges. So let’s talk about what we felt while riding the new mid-displacement Suzuki trail bike.
Suzuki withdrew from all speed competitions with the premise of making a strong investment in the global market, and the V-Strom 800DE is part of that same investment. With the trail segment being one of the most competitive in the world, such as in Portugal, the Japanese brand wanted to show that the withdrawal from motorized competitions is paying off for consumers.
IN LINE OR V?
The answer is in-line, but without seeming like it. The truth is that Suzuki wanted to maintain the sound and, above all, the behavior of a V engine with this new 776cc block. To do this, it created a 270º crankshaft offset, allowing the combustion times to resemble those of its famous 90º engines. And the sensations that the engine transmits are very similar to what we are used to in a V block, with elasticity in the low and medium rev ranges, without the rougher behavior at low revs, rejecting vibrations that can be considered normal when riding with a V-twin block. However, like the GSX-8S – since the engine is exactly the same, despite having roughly 1 more horsepower – the V-Strom 800DE also suffers a bit at higher revs, where we clearly feel that it “lacks air” due to EURO5 restrictions. However, the response of the 84.3 horsepower is very good along with the 78 Nm of maximum torque, allowing for a smooth ride with few gear changes, relying on the “brute force” of the new Suzuki engine.
TALKING ABOUT THE CHASSIS…
As we mentioned, the whole set of this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is completely new, and accompanying the engine that Suzuki wants to make a reference, there is also a completely new frame – the same as the GSX-8S – with a subframe and unique swingarm of this model. This is in order to make this motorcycle more capable for rough terrain, even though the Japanese brand positions this V-Strom as more focused on paved roads. The DE acronym indicates that we are facing a Dual Explorer, and therefore Suzuki equipped this motorcycle with fully adjustable inverted front suspension from Showa and a rear mono shock, also from Showa and fully adjustable with a click wheel that is always welcome for quick adjustments.
In addition to an excellent 220 mm travel in the front and rear for off-road excursions, we also have exemplary behavior on the road. The base settings will quickly require a small adjustment when we increase the pace, clearly aimed at comfort, fulfilling that purpose well. Still, with a small touch on the front and a few clicks on the rear, the V-Strom 800DE becomes a completely different motorcycle from the one that comes out of the box, and for the better. You know when it seems like everything is working in harmony, from the engine, suspensions, brakes, and frame? That’s what we feel as soon as we make a small adjustment to these suspensions. But the best part was feeling that, with more time, patience, and knowledge, we could take even more advantage of the V-Strom’s set, showing a lot of tuning potential. And even with its 230 kg – a little above the competition, also due to its 20-liter fuel tank – this motorcycle did not show modesty in the transitions between curves, revealing a lot of agility and a desire to corner quickly and with very precise trajectories, even with the 21″ wheel at the front.
But, what about off-road? Well, the route was short, but we were able to understand that the potential of the suspensions and the rest of the chassis remains, and there are precious electronic aids for the less experienced, or those who simply do not want to take as many risks – but we’ll get there. Just to mention that the brakes of Suzuki’s new mid-displacement trail proved to be completely suitable for the capabilities of this motorcycle, with good feel and power at the front and rear, featuring two 310 mm discs at the front and a 260 mm disc at the rear. Just a note for the ABS that showed some intrusiveness at the front in level 2 (the highest), even in situations where it would not be expected to be felt, thus making the driving more enjoyable with level 1 activated on the panel.
THE AIDS
No matter how good the whole package is, it is unthinkable these days to think of a motorcycle with more than 80 horsepower and 700 cc that does not have electronic aids, and good aids. Knowing this, Suzuki did not spare this V-Strom 800DE. Through the 5″ TFT panel, we can control three different engine maps and four traction control intervention modes, with the Gravel mode being the “extra” that we do not find in the naked model, thus offering a more controlled sliding of the rear wheel off-road with the help of this motorcycle’s “brain”. And we can say that it works very well, even on very loose terrain, providing a lot of confidence.
For the more adventurous, it is also possible to completely deactivate the traction control. But the aids are not only limited to acceleration moments, with the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE benefiting from switchable ABS on the rear wheel, in addition to two intervention levels. The bi-directional quickshifter comes as standard on this motorcycle and is also one of the advantages of the new V-Strom.
THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE
The new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE reinforces the idea that Suzuki knows how to make motorcycles very well, it just seemed to be lacking “enthusiasm” or having some difficulties in finding the right direction. With the GSX-8S and the V-Strom 800DE, the Japanese brand is not only preparing for the future but also making its mark in the present.
The two new models are prepared to face the competition, and definitely the V-Strom 800DE is well equipped with features that allow it to be a viable option when looking at mid-range trail bikes. Moreover, it is possible to look at this motorcycle and realize that it is based on a foundation that has room for improvement and for offering more models from Japan. We look forward to it.
SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE
ENGINE 2 inline cylinders, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT 776 cc
POWER 62 kW (84.3 hp) @ 8,500 rpm
TORQUE 78 Nm @6,800 rpm
GEARBOX 6 speeds
FRAME steel tubular
FUEL TANK 20 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION Showa inverted fork, fully adjustable, 220 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION Showa mono-shock, fully adjustable, 220 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE 2 discs of 310 mm, Nissin 2-piston calipers
REAR BRAKE 1 disc of 260 mm, 1-piston caliper
FRONT TIRE 90/90 – 21
REAR TIRE 150/70 – 17
WHEELBASE 1,569 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 855 mm
WEIGHT 230 kg
MSRP (starting from) 11,499€
