21/03/2023
Suzuki’’s new V-Strom 800DE, the most dirt ready V-Strom yet to come out of the Suzuki factory thanks to its 21-inch front, 220 mm of ground clearance and 220 mm of travel through its adjustable Showa suspension, is not expected to hit Australia until July this year.
However, we have been braving the elements today in New Zealand on the new bike.
An awesome 275 km loop that took us from the seascapes of Whanganui, to the heights of Waiouru and back down again via a different track that offered plenty of those picture book quality scenic vistas that New Zealand is famous for. Spectacular watercourses and lush green countryside every which way you looked. It really is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet.
The V-Strom 800DE debuts Suzuki’s all new 776 cc parallel twin. It proved a willing performer today with plenty of flexibility and an engaging character. The new mill has 83 ponies compared to the 71 ponies of the full power V-Strom 650. Peak torque of the new 270/450-degree parallel twin is a healthy 78 Nm at 6800 rpm, that is 25 per cent more torque than the 650.
The 650 will continue to be available in Australia in both LAMS and full power versions, alongside the V-Strom 250SX and the just launched new 1050 and 1050DE models.
The power tails off after 9000 rpm but the 800DE will still rev well past that if you can’t be bothered changing gear. It turns 4500 rpm at 100 km/h, 5000 rpm at 110 km/h. It accelerates well to around 140-150 km/h, and will go close to 200 km/h if you hang on long enough.
It comes standard with a new top shelf electronics kit, including switchable ABS, and if you turn the four-stage traction control off it stays off even if you turn the bike off and start it again, yay! Two-way quick-shifter standard, spoked rims, radiator guard, plastic bash-plate, twin 310 mm discs up front, new five-inch colour TFT dash… That all adds to some pretty decent value…
The new 800DE will hit Aussie streets this July from $16,980 ($18,590) ride away. Suzuki are throwing in an alloy top-box kit valued at over a grand for anyone that pre-orders the machines before their arrival.
So what’s the bike like…?
So, so much better in the dirt than any of the 650/1000/1050 models past and present, including the latest new 1050DE that arrives late this month. It’s engaging, fun, competent, comfortable and undemanding. A great option for those riders that lack confidence in the dirt but still want a comfy long-distance adventure mount that doesn’t scare them.
In comparison to even the new off-road focussed 1050 DE, the 800DE is so much more playful in the dirt. It is just over 20 kg lighter but it feels almost double that thanks to a lower centre of gravity, and more amenable seat height. This is a much nicer motorcycle than the previous F 800 BMW models, and certainly a value packed challenger to the vastly improved latest F 850 GS.
More in depth review to follow. But over 500 words for a social media post is not a bad start….
