Bike Files: Suzuki V-Strom 800

Suzuki are back in business with a rockin’ mid-range adventure bike.

What’s a Suzuki V-Strom 800?

The V-Strom has been a popular option in the Suzuki range since 2004. Powered by a 1000cc (and latterly 650cc and 1050cc) V-twin engines (hence the ‘V’ in the name) these value for money adventure bikes have proved super popular over the years.

With the original ones a bit long in the tooth, Suzuki introduced the V-Strom 800 for the 2023 model year.

Powered by an all-new 776cc parallel-twin engine, it was a machine designed to compete in the popular light-middleweight adventure bike sector of the market, alongside models like the Honda Transalp and Yamaha Tenere 700.

Two versions are available, the big wheel/tall suspension DE and the more street focussed RE, with its smaller cast wheels, less suspension travel and lower seat height. The V-twin 650 and 1050 still remain in the range, although those are completely different motorcycles and another story for another day.

Parallel twin? Shouldn’t it be called the P-Strom?

Yeah, you’d think so. We guess the V-Strom name was too important to Suzuki to change. And, in case you were wondering, apparently the ‘Strom’ comes from a German word meaning power or current. At first we thought it was a typo!

But is it any good?

The Suzuki V-Strom 800 is a really good motorcycle. It came at a time when Suzuki was in the doldrums, having failed to introduce any really new products for donkey’s years. It was a ground up new design, with a new engine and chassis – the only thing remotely carried forward being the name.

That fresh design meant that Suzuki was immediately able to bring a bike in without compromise. Sure it’s built to a price and doesn’t have all the spec you’d find on more expensive bikes, like the Honda Africa Twin or Triumph Tiger 900, but if it’s missing anything it’s only the ‘nice to haves’ rather than the ‘must haves’. By creating two models, they’ve also been able to appeal to a broad range of riders.

And what are the differences between the two models?

DE stands for ‘Dual Explorer’ and is the full on adventure bike, with long travel suspension and a 21” front wheel to give good ground clearance when ridden off road. Indeed, the most obvious and important differences between the DE and RE (Road Explorer) are the wheels and suspension.

The RE switches the DE’s spoked wheels for cast alloy items, with a 19” hoop up front and 70mm shorter travel suspension contributing to a motorcycle which is 30mm lower. At 825mm, the Suzuki V-Strom 800 RE’s seat height is pretty manageable for most riders, while the DE can feel a little intimidating for those who are perhaps shorter or less confident.

Incidentally, for all the V-Strom is quite tall, a 20mm lower seat is available as an accessory (as is a 30mm higher option).

Other detail changes perhaps tip a nod to each version’s intended use. Both bikes have three traction control levels, but the DE gets a fourth option (Gravel) which is optimised for off-road riding.

The RE loses the DE’s handguards but otherwise gets better weather protection from a bigger adjustable windscreen, and while the basic chassis is shared between both bikes, the different components contribute to a 50mm shorter wheelbase and a set-up which is noticeably more agile.

What does the Suzuki V-Strom 800 ride like?

They are very easy going machines which are true to the spirit of the old V-twin machines.

The engine isn’t the most powerful out there, delivering a peak of around 84bhp, but the adoption of a 270° crankshaft gives a very punchy bottom end delivery that’s got a bit of a lazy V-twin feel to it.

Once upon a time parallel twins had a reputation for teeth chattering vibrations and while this is not quite as well balanced as a ‘true’ V-twin, its twin balance shafts and engineering solutions mean it’s smoother than we traditionally expected parallel twins to be.

It doesn’t immediately feel like the most fun motorcycle on the market, but the more you ride it the more you start to appreciate it. It’s a gutsy thing that’s actually pretty deceptive. The DE is very competent off-road, but if you’re sticking to asphalt you’ll find the RE more nimble and more engaging.

Whichever you choose, you’ll get a motorcycle which really is surprisingly adaptable and competent as an allrounder. The 20 litre fuel tank is large by modern standards, offering a potential 200 mile range between refills.

Throw on some luggage and you’ve got a really capable tourer or daily commuter, which still has enough about it to be interesting on a Sunday morning blast.

What kind of tech is there on the Suzuki V-Strom 800?

As a ground up new design, the V-Strom 800 embraces the latest technology without becoming a slave to it. The view from the saddle is impressive, with a nice big colour TFT dashboard greeting the rider.

You get an ‘up and down’ quickshifter, which means you can change gear without using the clutch when you’re at speed, and pulling away is a doddle thanks to the electronics giving what Suzuki call ‘low speed assist’.

There are multiple ride modes, switchable ABS and the DE has additional electronics features designed for off-road riding. These allow you to switch off the anti-lock brakes on the rear, and to use a special engine map which optimises the power delivery for riding on loose surfaces.

Any accessories we can add?

Both versions are also sold with what Suzuki call it’s Tour package, which literally amounts to a 112-litre three-box luggage system (top box and panniers). These can be retrofitted as accessories and really add to the practicality of a bike which is already brilliant at touring with very few modifications.

Suzuki’s official accessories range include heated handlebar grips, crash protection bars, centre stand, 12v power sockets, higher and lower seat options, skid plate, alternative windscreens and even a longer rear brake lever.

Even though the base spec might not be mindblowing, the accessories list goes a long way to helping owners modify and personalise the V-Strom 800 to meet their own specific needs.

Who is likely to buy Suzuki V-Strom 800?

Being such a versatile motorcycle, the V-Strom appeals to a wide audience.

Adventure bikes are always popular and the DE version is one of the most authentic out there, bringing great presence for not too much money. As an everyday motorcycle, it makes so much sense.

You’d have no problems riding one of these to work every day and taking it on an annual tour as well. It’s a great workhorse, with a modern design and just enough technology to enhance the riding experience without over complicating things.

The lower V-Strom 800RE further broadens the appeal, opening up the model to a wider range of customers – including those who might otherwise be put off by a big, tall adventure bike.

It’s cheaper, lighter and actually a more agile and engaging experience on the road. These middleweights have enough about them to appeal to experienced riders, while being accessible enough for relative newbies.

There’s a reason why there’s been a V-Strom of one description or another for over two decades. They may lack the glamour of European adventure bikes but, in true Suzuki fashion, they do what they say on the tin. If you want a brilliant adventure bike without all the bells and whistles, you could do far worse than a V-Strom 800.

And what are the alternatives?

Honda’s Transalp was introduced around the same time as the V-Strom and packs a very similar specification. It’s the most natural competitor to the DE, in our opinion having a slightly livelier engine and a bit more character, but losing out on all-round ability and off-road prowess.

If riding in the dirt is your thing, Yamaha’s Tenere 700 and the Aprilia Tuareg 660 both stand out, but this is a hugely competitive sector of the market with a plethora of alternatives to the two Suzukis from brands as diverse as BMW, Kawasaki and Triumph.

It’s worth noting too that the V-Strom’s engine also features in Suzuki’s GSX-8 range, so if you like the idea of a mid range Suzi, but don’t fancy an adventure bike, the manufacturer has you well covered.