2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | Exceeding Expectations
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- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
- The new for 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is a serious performer in the mid-size adventure bike category, with capability exceeding what you'd expect after looking at the spec sheet. With Suzuki's famous reliability and durability, an easy to ride nature, reasonable seat height, and affordable price point, this bike should be near the top of your list. #motorcycle #motorbike #suzuki #vstrom #advrider #adv #vstrom800de
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00:00 Intro
02:06 Sound Check
03:31 Riding Position
05:29 Passenger
07:20 Specs
11:24 Maintenance
13:14 Tour/Features
19:59 TFT Dash
22:13 Highway Test
24:45 Urban Test
27:13 Sport Test
30:04 Off Road Test
37:02 Drop/Lift
39:44 Sand Test
41:23 Pros/Cons
44:50 Competitors
49:50 Final Thoughts 
Авто/Мото
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Thanks for the spreadsheet. I'm surpirce you have a 650 thumber (KLR) a 4 on comfort. It's quite a vibey bike compared to most on the list.
Thanks for the review sir. Aside from test driving do you have any advice on a decision between this v-strom and the T7? I can't trail-test either.
I'm 6'4 with a 35" inseam and 260 pounds. I'm a 60/40 blacktop/trail rider. I like to be able to get into some mild technical stuff too. I'm confident that I can upgrade the T7 suspension with aftermarket parts to suit. Can I do the same with the Suzuki? Also, I couldn't find much on the suspension geometry. It looks kind of tight and heavy-forward.
I was set on the T7 until the DE came out with all of its cost-effective per the price point upgrades like the traction control system. Now I'm stuck. I am making a purchase regardless in late August.
The new v-strom engine also makes me a little nervous as it isn't ''proven''. It is probably fine given the pedigree, but...Your thoughts? Any plans on a v-strom 800 DE vs. T700 showdown on your channel? :)
P.S. The transmission also makes me a little nervous. I plan on using my next purchase for some fairly remote excursions this fall. I'm confident in the T7 mechanical and what I need to bring for repairs. I'm from the school of thought that less is more until proven otherwise. To me, the 800DE isn't proven there?
I'm also curious on the low-end torque between the two. I get that this vstrom is a little heavier, but the low to mid gearing looks doggier compared to the T7. I worry my 260 lb will make that situation much, much worse.
Why don’t you or haven’t you Included the new cf moto ibex 800t in any tests and spread sheets? It’s very comparable on spec and priced well below the market for what it includes
I own a Tenere 700 and I test rode the V-Strom 800DE. I was curious about the additional 23 kg (both dry weight) compared to the Tenere 700. What immediately caught my attention is how low the motorcycle sits. Everything is lower compared to the Tenere, including the handlebar, seat, everything. Naturally, this results in a much lower seat height, which may be somewhat uncomfortable for taller individuals (I am 183cm(6ft) with a 90cm(35.4inch) inseam, but this can be solved with a higher seat. I only rode the motorcycle on paved roads and I have to say that the V-Strom feels incredibly stable and provides a COMPLETELY different sensation compared to the Tenere. Of course, you don't notice the extra 23 kg on the road, and because all the weight is situated so low, the motorcycle is very stable in comparison to the Tenere, which tends to sway in various directions at slow speed maneuvers. Low speed maneuvers are also much easier compared to the Tenere. The controls also operate much smoother and more directly compared to the Tenere, including the clutch, throttle response, and brakes. Another thing that caught my attention is the rear brake. With the Tenere you really have to push hard to slow down, whereas the V-Strom's rear brake is much stronger and way more responsive. The tires that were on the V-Strom were the standard tires, which are more road-oriented, so that may have also played in favor of the V-Strom. Overall, the V-Strom performs much better than the Tenere on paved roads. If I were mainly riding on paved roads I would choose the V-Strom. The testride ride convinced me of that...
You'd feel something similar with KLR 2022 and Africa Twin. Tenere is exceptionally top heavy which makes it a *pain* in actual adventuring to lift around. Africa Twin and KLR are both bottom heavy, especially KLR2022 and Africa Twin DCT.
You can shave off 2-3 kg by replacing the battery and make the bike slightly more bottom heavy, no idea if it would make any difference in driving, and you can shave more weight by replacing the exhaust with an aftermarket
One thing I notice about Suzuki. They sit back and observe what's going on and listen to riders.
Well done, Suzi.
Kick ass comment, brotha. Gracias!
@@victoriazero8869well, if you have a look at the following channels, Nerb1, Wayne Downset, and ARiemann1 you can adjust to the bike, if you get out and ride it. They’ve taken the Tenere to some pretty gnarly terrain, so it’s doable.
Thanks for adding metric values following the imperial ones. No American or British guy does that. Very appreciated.
It does tour comfortably. The seat is one of the best stock seats I've experienced. I got mine June 21st. Did my first service July 3rd, then on July 5th took off for six days and 3165 miles. It performed exemplary.
I love the genuine family hot take on seating. So much more valuable than a planned out and rehearsed version to try and be "professional" with the video. It's just more real. Props on that and the family did great!
Echo this pretty hard, definitely makes the content a lot more wholesome.
In Asia there would be 4 people on that bike.
Ian, you are improving your reviews all the time. You have become the best reviewer of ADV bikes that I have come across. The info is clear and well organised and your spread sheet is oustanding. So, keep at it! As for the V-Strom, it has to be one of the two or three bikes to consider, if you are planning on doing real, long distance touring to areas where dealers are not on every street corner. Considering reliability, dealer net works and spare availability, as well as ease of self servicing, this is probably THE most attractive ADV bike out there. If I were going from Europe to South Africa over land, this is what I would choose!
Well said
Ian one thing I would add in your reviews is night time visability. One of the few things that concerns me about this bike is the tiny tiny headlights. I would love to see just how well they work at night. I have a permit atm and this prevents me from riding at night. Just a thought.
thats what ive thought too Nothing To Prove does great reviews also
Ian, I totally agree that your spreadsheet, even though you warned us that the results were just your opinions, is refreshingly unique and could be a prototype for other reviewers, even motorcycle companies, to use for future comparisons. Very nice work.
As a tenere 700 owner I will tell you the vsrom 800de feels 30lbs light that the tenere to me
I really liked this review. This review has swayed me to the V Strom over the Transalp, which I was set on getting. A big thumbs up on this review. 😁
im so jealous of how much access to off-road terrain you guys have out there. Its magnificent
Ian your channel rocks. You’ve climbed the ranks of RUclips motorcycle reviewers and there’s prob not anyone else more thorough and detailed as you. Thank you for your service!
thank you for the support
Thank you for the time spent on this one Ian. Always enjoy appearances of Sierra and Maggie... This is such a fantastic time for anyone to enter dual - sport, light, medium, or heavy ADV riding. Your moto journalism is so excellent & we certainly appreciate what you do.
Glad you enjoyed it
The Desert X is such a good bike but the inaccessibility of the air filter is a deal breaker. Well done Suzuki 👍
I am an owner of the 800 DE. At 3k KM. Love it, gets a little warm at slow speeds but not bad. I am an instructor and this bike is cheat mode easy for slow speeds maneuvers. Very fun bike, more then enough power the gravel mode is excellent. The one quirk of the bike is that you can change Throttle response while your holding throttle steady (don't roll it or roll of it) it can get you in a bit of trouble if you go from C to A. I picked up my front wheel while I was screwing with it while I was riding.
I had this on my list of potential purchases, along with the Tenere world raid. The only thing that swayed me away from both was a lack of cruise control, a real lost opportunity for both manufacturers given these bikes are capable of big distances, especially here in Australia. Ended up on a new 2022 890 ADV R because of the cruise mostly.
Great review mate, keep ‘em coming
Throttle locks work fine
@@SamiNami They're paperweights can't stand them.
@@SamiNami I’ve tried them, from the cheapest up to the ATLAS and they’re rubbish compared to proper cruise.
I've owned bikes with both and there's no comparison between the two. Actual real CC is superior in so many ways.
Just buy an atlas
I like not only the location of the air filter but also the fact that there is nothing in the way so pulling it out is effortless. So very nice!
Except it's not effortless. You need to pull the BATTERY to get the airfilter in/out. Not kidding.
@@davidgrunklee8407I'd rather pull the battery than that bloody big tank!! 😂
Engine heat is a biproduct of the ECU settings related to Euro5. In terms of a perfect stoichiometric ratio between petrol and air, manufacturers know that reducing emissions output, you have to run this ratio higher (more air) and this produces lean condition and more heat. More fuel is cooler, more air is hotter. It's NOT better for the longevity of the engine but manufacturers have their hands tied by a bunch of regulators who think they are god. Also, the radiator fan-on temps are typically set pretty high which doesn't help.
All of this can be fixed with an ECU flash.
Based on price alone, there are really only (4) contenders for me: the Tenere 700, the Tuareg 660, the XL750 Transalp, and the V-Strom 800DE. I wouldn't buy an Aprilia based on their poor reliability track record (not to mention the lack of dealership network in Canada), which is unfortunate because the Tuareg 660 seems like a perfect fit for my needs (so tempting!)
The Transalp seems too road oriented for my liking and the Tenere seems less refined than the V-Strom (I'm not an off-roading expert anyways, so the Tenere is more off-road biased than I need). So, unless an even better mid sized ADV comes along from either Kawa or Honda, the V-Strom 800DE is going to be my future bike! Having said that, I'll keep riding my 2022 CB500X for a few more years.
Note to Honda: How about a CB650X with a better suspension than the CB500X and priced at under $10000? I can dream 🙂
Thanks so much for the in-depth review Ian, very much appreciated!! One quick suggestion for your spreadsheet - a "best bang for your buck" rating in terms of overall score per dollar. I would guess the Tuareg would get your highest rating on that basis.
I picked up my 800 DE a week ago and am 450 miles into the 600 mile break in. It’s better in every way over my ‘18 650 XT - except maybe the seat. The power, smoothness, handling, TFT screen, drive modes/TC modes, and highway comfortability are excellent. I’m 6’3 235# and the bike fits me very well, including when standing up. I did put 1.5”/1” Rox risers on.
I want engine and tank crash guards but nobody has them out yet (I checked Suzuki, Givi, Hepco&Becker, Madstad but nobody has them yet.)
It needs a proper windscreen. 2 things I dislike about the bike are the almost non-existent windscreen, and no 12V accessory plug outlet (though it does have a USB outlet on the side of the instrument panel to plug in your phone). Fortunately I can add both those items when they become available.
I’m super happy with the bike and look forward to a lot of ride and motocamping trips around the Great Lakes region.
Thanks for the review, Ian.
Thanks tall guys rule 😀 I had a 650 xt too and the rake and steering geometry was AWFUL in the dirt… so misleading. This new one is awesome.
I picked up mine about three weeks ago, still less than 200 miles on it though...doggone work schedule and family stuff keeping me off of it most of the time. I moved up from a Kawasaki Versys-X 300...like night and day. Much more comfortable...i'm a big guy like you, 6-2 and 230...and I hated taking longer trips on the Versys because its just too low for me and the seat is designed by some guy trying to emulate a medieval torture device. Love the Strom, though i'm having the same issues as you, can't find accessories. I'm tempted to order accessories for the 650 or 1050 and see if they fit, and if not I'll return them.
I have a DR650 and 2021 dl650xt. The DR is great on/off road. I ride the VSTROM on pavement only which I absolutely love. Thinking of selling both for the 800de so that I have one bike to serve both purposes.
@@arc001 the 800 isn’t as good off road as the DR but way better than the 650. On road it’s smoother, more powerful, and more agile than the VStrom.
@due51outdoors Thank you, I'll probably sell the DR and DL and get the DE, will be doing 5050 tar/gravel. I think I'll miss that vtwin engine though, oh well.
Man, this is my ideal bike. Ain't no one is going to say how good it looks!?
I think it looks ridiculous as is, I'd immediately do something with the front plastics and muffler. That's just me though.🙂
It looks great especially in this paint job, I’m actually a fan of Suzuki’s stacked headlights
I thought the pictures suzuki put on their website made it look ugly, the looks are growing on me the more I see it in videos.
No ADV bikes are "beautiful".
They are "purposeful and/or industrial" in the same way a motocross bike isn't designed to be beautiful either.
@@exothermal.sprocket but there can be beauty in functionality, “beautiful” is an abstract term and can be used to describe anything within a specific context
Ian, your reviews are the best. I thought that more than a year and a half ago but you have upped your game since then. I appreciate you have added a passenger report. That is an important feature for me when considering the purchase of an adventure or street bike. Seat and comfort, too. Quality of content, format, and production are A plus. Involving your fantastic family puts you over the top. And your comparison chart is GOLD. Thank you.
The best, most comprehensive, and real world reviews on youtube. Thank you, Ian.
Excellent review. I've found yours to be the most comprehensive and I greatly appreciate all the work you put in to it.
I've pretty much convinced myself to get this bike after the ADV fest this month
The lack of cruise control is overblown, especially if you want this bike to get you on the BDRs. I have cruise on my road bikes, I use it a little, but it’s not essential. I am much happier that Suzuki went with fully adjustable suspension. Suzuki is giving us a do-it-all bike at a reasonable price with probably great reliability.
Great points
I agree. I used a cheap throttle lock for 13,000 touring miles and I never once wished that I had cruise control. The one nice thing about cruise is that it does maintain one speed whereas the throttle lock doesn't.
Oh stop.. 99% of those who profess to be “ADV Rider” are posers looking for nothing more than bragging rights at the local pub…they spend the bulk of their time cruising and highway droning… as for the BDRs… I can do the same route in my 96’ Honda Accord… just like the TAT… now those routes are overblown… wanna impress and be the toast of the poser crowd and be considered a legitimate ADV Rider?…. Cross the Sahara or Russian Tundra or better yet the Amazon Jungle….until then……
👏
People being dismissive because it doesn't have cruise control might as well be irked that it doesn't come with cupholders and a sound system too. I find it asinine.
I believe engine heat problems with recent bikes is related to the latest emissions regulations in the EU. It seems it is easier to reach the requirements when engines are running around 100°C, approximately 10°C more than previous models. Thank you for the great content, Pascal from sunny southern France.
Suzuki also put a nice deflector to push the rad heat away from you but only on the left. As a result, almost all the heat pushes on the right knee area. If they’d done the same thing on both sides it would be much less noticeable.
It's from programming the fuel-to-air ratio extremely lean to meet those emissions standards.
This objective, thorough, expertly delivered review, even including a helpful buyers guide, is world class moto journalism that really helps prospective buyers. This new 800DE model is highly anticipated and, clearly, a worthy machine. You did it justice, Ian!
Thanks for the great review and shout-out. Looking forward to getting some seat time on one of these. It appears that Suzuki has done their homework with the 800DE. Appreciate all the time you put into these in-depth reveiws. Ride On! -Rob
Outstanding review of the new Strom. You just won't find it done better; straight up and on point. Thanks, Ian.
the best part for me was the family intervention :) so cute!!! thanks for the indeep review Ian!
I got the adventure model two days ago. It is my first adventure bike my first bike in 23 years. So far I love this machine. I have kept it in fuel map C until I am more comfortable with being on the bike. I am glad to see a good review from you on this machine. Keeping it on asphalt this year and next year I’m going to take a few classes on how to ride off road. This should also give me time to put proper rubber on the wheels and get some bark busters. So far I’m very happy with the purchase.
Great review! After testing the V Strom for an entire weekend / 600 miles, I ended up buying the Bike. In my use case 80/20 on/off it’s a perfect, reliable travel companion for my trips around Europe and Western Asia.
Love your detailed reviews and a big thank you for your buyer's guide. I know that takes a lot of time to create, but it is so helpful for selecting one's adventure bike.
Very informative review, thank you. Also appreciate you pulling together the spec sheet - you've gone above and beyond. Many thanks for your hard work! Wish this bike was only $11,350 here in NZ (NZ$18,995...)
It can take some planning to come around to your full length review but they are very well done. I particularly like how you give all important spec conversions right away, that really helps for me personally.
Good stuff!
Much appreciated!
Thank you Ian, for yet another fantastic review! I've gotten to the point where I don't buy anything until I've seen Ian's review on it. I find that you seem to fit my size and riding style very closely, so your opinion matters to me. Keep up the good work, we all love what you're doing here! Kudos brother!
Glad to help!
Been waiting for this!!! THX IAN!!! Honestly, your initial impressions video comment mentioning this is what the KLR should have evolved into years ago made me go look at one. So..., I bought an 800DE a couple weeks ago. 😅 I have ridden the KTM 890 ADV-R a few times, and was actually at the dealer looking at a used one--was very serious about purchasing it. But, they had 2 new 800DE's in stock as well.... Went with the new V-Strom instead because it blew my mind just how good it is! Far better off-road than people can understand w/o riding it. This thing is going to sell very well.... No, it is not as fast or quick as a KTM. It is not as 'race-oriented' as the WP setup on the R, but it is WAY better than an Africa Twin or T7 off the dealer floor. The new V-Strom jumps better than I thought it would, and the handling is just great.
This is the new standard for mid-size ADV bikes... Calling it now.... Why? The value. Spend the extra for Euro to go all out, or save a little coin and live with some other compromise (comfort/suspension/power/etc). Saying this is the THE bike all others will be compared to for the next 2-5 years or so. "Meh, just get a V-Strom." Sorry KLR! LOL!
I am all for a little less power for a lot more reliability, but the T7 is too low on power and uncomfortable. I agree with your scales/scores on the buyer's guide 110%. It is so refreshing that Suzuki went from not being in the conversation at all, to being a legit contender in a super-competitive segment--at a value price to boot.
Been waiting for this review!! Awesome work!
Thank you for this review, great job. I have been waiting for a comprehensive review like this. You even included the location of the air box which is a big deal with these in my opinion(glad they moved it lol). You are the first person to do this in any of the reviews I have watched. I hope to be testing one this week.
I have bought the new Transalp 750, and had the chance to try the V-strom 800DE for a half day when first time service the Transalp. These are comparable. I was positively surpriced, the excess weight compaired to the Transalp you dont feel. The engine also feels atleast as strong low/mid torque as the TA. The TA engine wants more rpm. The adjustability on the shocks are a big plus, and also you get QS, engine guard, handle guards included (but also about $1000 higher MSRP thant the TA here in Norway). The plastic baggage rack is cheap and weak. All in all a good bike. The dealbreaker for me on the Suzuki was the looks, but of course that is subjuctive :)
Funny, Suzuki looks better than the TA to me. But as you said, subjective
@@slakk5093 TA purposely look OLD. So it is indeed very subjective feeling. If you have no nostalgia for the 90s dorky bulges, its not appealing. Ditto if you dislike hard edge modern ADV cues from Suzuki.
By very far the best and most informative motorcycle review I have aver seen - anywhere! Very impressive presentation of compressed, useful, non-chatty information. A real text-book example on how to do these things! Impressive - Thanks!
Excellent and complete review! Thank you Ian!
First off Mr. Ian I very much appreciate the humanization of having the family there! Also, this makes me want this stupid motorcycle even more than I already did!!! Such a cool bike.
( wish it had cruse control)
Thank you for your thorough work Ian.
As always thorough and honest.
excellent analysis as always. Thank you ! Also, Thanks for the excel file with comparision.
great job i wanted the transalp but i might go for vstrom - i did a VA to CA trip and back in 2020 on a 650 vstrom 2019, absolute reliable champ
Ian, your videos have become a trusted source of even-biased information for me. Thank you.
Great review! Really appreciate the spreadsheet as well. Thanks!
Fantastic review. Couldn't really ask for more. You've got the format nailed.
Thanks for the reviews on this bike. I just picked up my vstrom 800 and love it so far.
Just wanted to say I enjoy your channel and keep up the excellent work!
50 Minutes video, I dont need to start watching it before realizing the amount of effort you did, worthy of my support ! I will give you a like first!
Thank you for the review and I'm going to add one of these to my stable. Your reviews are tops in my book.
I haven't always agreed with you on some of your reviews but I have to give you props on this review. You kept an open mind on the performance of the bike. Other reviews I have watched they seem to dismiss the bike based on the previous road biased vstroms. Well done and a great review. I think this bike is a gem and makes a great platform to build on.
have an 1990 r100gs since new and an 2016 ktm 1290 sat..... i rode my buddys new 800de last friday..... was very surprised.... what a fine motorcycle... suzuki did a great job.... good for them... good for us.....
I've purchased new bikes and not gotten that thorough of a walkthrough. Nicely done.
Thanks for the review, man we all love you and looking forward to to next bike
Absolutely agree with regard to the missing cruise control. Me and some of my friends would never buy a bike like a Honda Transalp or Suzuki V Strom 800 without this feature. Though the rest maybe great..
Agreed, they lost customers..
I use a throttle lock like the GoCruise 2 on my old GS. Affordable and works great!
@@OCADV Yes but it is just not the same and really for all these advanced electronic bikes with fuel injection there is no reason not to include it....
I use these mechanic throttle locks on some of my older bikes, too. But I would not buy a new bike any more without it. For example I replaced my Tenere 700 (that I really loved) by a Aprilia Tuareg 660 mainly because of this feature (plus tubeless tires, quick shifter) - these things are quite important for me because I like do do long rides. I would buy a V Strom 800 because I like the style plus bullet proof japanese technology - but no way without cruise control!
@@thomasstaudigel7264 Agreed....
Long time follower of the channel. Just commenting to say your daughter is getting so big! I remember seeing her previously on the channel as a baby. Adorable family ❤
A very comprehensive and well delivered review. The time and effort you spent are underlined by the overall quality of the video and its content. Thank you.
Ian you do such a great job on your reviews. I bought my 22 Honda CB500x based off of your review of that bike and I'm 100% happy. Your review was spot on and you earned my trust for future bikes.
That being said, I prioritize fuel economy #1, reliability and then wind protection since my normal use is highway riding to/from work. My 500x can get 60mpg highway on regular 87 octane (higher in town). I was really disappointment to see Suzuki recommends higher octane fuel. That's a problem for me because the money I save on fuel pays for my bike. Overall though I probably will buy a V-strom 800de, but after seeing this review I think I don't really need to rush out and buy one this instant. For now I'll just enjoy my 500x and these great review videos!
Really enjoying the details you get into I'm eyeing this bike for my next ride and you are definitely helping thanks for the ride brother 👊
YES! The review's here!!! BTW, the plastic panniers look better and are rated for more carrying capacity than the aluminium ones 🙃
Great review and super handy spreadsheet! Thanks for all the effort.
by far the best testing channel on the internet! Now I want to buy one.............just turned 74 looking for an all purpose scoot........
I have been eagerly awaiting this review and it's efforts to be objective and comprehensive really set it apart from the vast majority of reviews out there. All the good reviews are consistent and make me think that finally I have found a decent replacement for my well sorted 09 vstrom 650. Well done and thank you very much
Hey Ian! I can't help but repeat myself; I love how thorough this review is and your other reviews as well. Great job!
I appreciate that!
Great review. Picked up a lot of ideas. Many thanks😊👍
Another excellent and entertaining review, as always. Maybe consider adding a Value row to your spreadsheet where you divide the price of the bike by the score you give it. I think it would be interesting. Thanks. Keep it up
Ian, I've seen many many motorcycle reviews, and some of yours, and in all honesty I got more out of this review. So many people you see are just telling their likes or dislikes, whereas you at least in this case give an informed experienced approach to the cycle review. Thank you for doing that.
That's an amazing work that you did there ! I LOVE your reviews, by the way, I watch them all the way through, and that is a proof ! Keep up with that, please
Much appreciated!
@@BigRockMotoI agree. You're covering all the bases 👍
Great review. They just keep getting better.
Great work Ian. And I'll keep mentioning the awesome drop/ lift test, don't see a lot of "reviewers" doing that.
This is an amazing and underrated motorbike. I tested it and I loved it more than its famous counterparts. Especially if you consider the value for money. Anyway, thank you for this amazing test ride. The best out there.❤ Already subscribed to your channel.
Forget the bike that little angel of yours❤️has grown so much hahah. God bless you and your family Ian. Great video as it IS the standard now on YT !!
I was laughing during the passenger test, good times. Happy for your family man, bikes aside I hope you are all happy. Thanks for the review!
Biggest takeaway for me is the weight of the bike is really not a big deal, ie "pickupability". Also being reminded of Suzuki reliability which greatly adds to ownership satisfaction. I too am bummed no cruise control. We can never have it all. GREAT review. Thanks Ian.
I didn't think the weight was a big deal pre purchase.
The 650XT is 485lbs
The 1050 is 537lbs
Seems like the 800 at 507 is normal.
A lithium battery, decat midpipe and slip on dropped my bike 22.5 lbs.
Thanks for including the pillion review!
Loved your passenger input! Not very many reviews have that. Great review, thanks.
My pleasure!
Great review & info thanx.
Splendid! Airfilter under the seat, gps mounting bar & air temperature indicator well done Suzuki. Unfortunatly can not say the same about the Honda TA 750…
I think this is one of the best reviews you've done on any bike, maybe because it suprised you how good it was?
Any way, love all your content and hard work that you put in to create it, keep it up!
Lovely little family. I love how you introduced them into your reviews...great man...take good care of them ❤
Love seeing your little girl in the video, and your clear, concise, accurate analysis on the bikes. Keep up the great work!!
👏👏👏👏your reviews are the great!
Great review as expected, I would say seems like a well rounded bike but as new platform bikes go time will tell but I expect it not to disappoint. Would be nice to see a 1100-1200cc inline version of Vstrom come out I still have an 05 DL 1000 Vstrom as one of my multiple bikes still puts a smile on my face just as much as the newer bikes I own . Thanks again always look forward to your reviews when they come out .
Best motorcycle journalist on RUclips bar none!!
Thanks! I watched several of your reviews multiple times. I’m now a happy 800DE Adventure owner. I bought mine today and road two hours on the interstate. You’re review was very accurate and I do not regret my purchase. I wish you and your family well and hope you will continue producing great content.
The V Strom 650 xt was & still is my favorite bike, i am really into this new 800de alot, really nice piece from suzuki👊🏽😎
Thank you very much for this very informative video. Love your channel! I have a modified v Strom 650 by Hessler. (18cm suspension travel in the front, 20cm in the back and more then 20cm ground clearance, which served me very well) and I made a test ride with the 800de. I really loved the power of the new engine and the suspension, It is also really a very comfortable motorcycle what I really appreciate, because I am a traveller. Thank you very much for making the lifting up test, which is one of my biggest concerns because I mostly travel alone. I was really surprised about the heat the engine produces in a a stop and go traffic. The 650 doesn't do anything of that, even in a moroccan desert with 48 degrees Celsius. I also don't know about the wired vibrations around 5500 rpm. You said that the suspension at the 800de is very soft but you never mentioned if you have tried to adjust the suspension for your needs. The oil change interval in Europe is 12 000 kilometers btw. Greetings from Vienna/Austria
Fantastic and detailed review. I loved my 2012 vstrom 650.
Great vid. Thanks for the download.
Looking forward to test this bike. Im in the lookout for a midADV and this has been in my Radar for a couple of months now. This among a couple of selections like the Tiger900, Norden901, and KTM890. Not really worried about cruise control though but it would have been nice if its installed. Tubed tires can be converted with outex rim tapes to go tubeless. Hopefully a lowered seat will be available.
Looks will always be subjective but I personally like the gundam looks of it. Important factor for me is the reliability and simplicity of electronics package.
Thanks for the review BRM. Keep em coming! 🤙🏽
Suzuki has lower *and* higher seats on their website for aftermarket purchase, but they’re a couple months away from being in stock and ready to ship.
@@due51outdoors good to know. Like most new models, in time, accessories and a little bit of personalization will be available soon after.
Thanks for the info.
Your pillion rider demo is a cute highlight addition every time lately! It’s awesome to see the family and they most certainly do NOT have big A-S-S’s. 😂 Thanks for the review man!
And YES, The kislux Tote! I have in Candy Pink and I've been rocking my bag all summer. Yay!
Hi Ian
Thanks again for a good rewiew, the bike really looks awesome. Keep up your good work ❤ 👍 i love see your rewiews
Center of gravity should not be underestimated and Suzuki has always been one of the best in putting it down low. The DR650 is a great example of this - on paper it's a heavy pig compared to any modern dual sport, and even a Honda CRF650L... but riding it back to back with those bikes - the DR is super easy to ride because that massive engine sits so low. I've taken my old DR through some gnarly singletrack and the only time you feel the weight is if you need to physically lift the bike off the ground.
Same thing with the VStrom 650 I used to have. Super easy bike to ride, and feels 100 lbs lighter than the spec sheet says.
I'm really excited to give the 800DE a go one of these days, because it sounds like Suzuki stayed true to it's roots and made a motorcycle for people who don't care about having the best specs, but want something that's easy, reliable, capable, and a good value... i.e. they want a bike that they will actually use to go places and do stuff!
Appreciate the thorough review @BigRockMoto!
Ian, very thorough and thoughtful, informative. Given me some thinking to trade my 2016 650XT v-strom…your content is some of the best around at the moment, thanks! 🇦🇺
Glad to help!
Very helpful!!! Picking mine up tomorrow!!!
How do you like it almost a year later?
@@KalJoao Overall i reallly like it. It handled alot better than my 800GS did off road. It feels a little top heavy when at standstill, or moving around in garage. In fact i feel its a little tall for me and I’m 6 feet. The front brakes are a little weak….need stainless steel brake lines . I was previously riding a FZ09 and so i miss the engine, but love the more upright position. Just turned 65 and wanted more comfort . This bike really has it!!. First bike ive owned that didnt feel need to replace the seat. I also feel its a bargain , considering all the 20k adv bikes now.
@toobdogs4675 does the weight feel okay at low speed maneuvering/once youre moving? I was wondering if I'd want a lowering link since im shorter and dont off road, lol. Cheers!
Yes as soon as you are moving the weight is hardly noticeable
Weirdly if you're a 90/10 type "adventure touring" rider I think the best successor to the V-Strom 650 is now the Moto Guzzi V85TT. Similar power overall but you get a shaft drive, cruise control and tubeless rims for about the same cost as the new Transalp and DL800. It's a bit more likely to start leaking somewhere or throw an electronic hissy fit though!
Great point.
The Guzzi is seriously never mentioned. Ever,, until you chimed it in. Kudos 👏.
I'm considering renting a unit from a local supplier to give it a good test.
They are selling well under 10k for used from that dealer/rental.
And,, I'm a PO of a Vstrom 650 that imho is a fabulous machine. I'd buy another one.
I have 120,000 miles between two DL650s (first and second generation) and recently rode the Dolomite Mountains of Italy and to the Moto Guzzi factory on a V85TT. I very much agree that the features of the V85TT are exactly what's needed for touring (cruise control and tubeless tires). One-up the V85TT is actually quite nice. Two-up comfort was terrible. My wife could not find comfort on our Italy trip. Upon returning home, I bought an Africa Twin Adventure Sports to be the stable mate to our Moto Guzzi V7 Special and Suzuki DRZ400S. The V7 also is very cramped and uncomfortable for two-up, but damn is it pretty!
The risk with MG is a real damn shame. #1 on my list...totally smitten by it on demos at ADV Fest this year. Ergos are perfect, smoothest shifting bike I've ever ridden, really perfect ride by wire throttle control and all for about $10500 and hard cases on a good deal.
Lack of tubeless and cuise control made me avoid Vstrom 800de dispite the other great features. I went for a V85tt and I wait for it
good video Ian , well done makes a very interesting bike . cheers steve/Australia
That is such a fun road. I did it back in 2018. I would absolutely hate being in that area durning the rally. Ive seen videos during the the rally and that road is at a standstill. Hope your Alaska trip is going well.
Phenomenal review. Best in class!
Glad you liked it!