Is the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE a Good Adventure Bike? Part 1
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- Two days of hard adventure riding in Australia. Can the V-Strom handle it?
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My gear
Helmet - www.made2race.com.au/hybrid-h...
Jacket - www.dririder.com.au/ Adventure Vortex 2
Boots - oneal.com/products/sierra-pro...
Suspension - yssaustralia.com.au/
Crash protection - srcadventuremoto.com.au/ 
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Living in the middle of England which is slowly becoming one big housing estate I'm super jealous of the terrain you have to ride I'd happily swap sports bike for adventure bike and stop having to dodge police and speed cameras every ride out
Police and speed cameras are a hassle here too but it's super awesome to be able to go wide open and carefree on bush trails 😎
Get to wales,Cornwall,Lake District or Scotland.
One of the great things about riding off road for sure
Living in America I'm so jealous of English riders because one ferry trip and you can be riding from Spain to Morocco.
@@onawhimadventures7672 we don't use boats that's for illegal migrants we use the tunnel train.. 25 minutes and your driving on the wrong side of the road legally 😁
This bike is bulletproof for sure!!
Have as yet to ever define any of your adventures, or reviews for that matter, as dull. Curtis, I love what you do. Thanks so much!
Cheers mate!
Great videos. Loved seeing you doing way more than just gravel/log roads. Really giving an impression of what the bike is capable of, with the right skills and setup!! Keep up the great work.
Thanks, got to test them properly!
What a fun ride. you sound like you are having more fun than anyone else, even when stuff isn't going quite the way you want it to. I'm enjoying watching you find the capability of the bike in your videos, the combo of you ripping it up and thinking out loud is good stuff.
Cheers mate. I love it, can't get enough of riding
Great trip on a great bike !
Thanks for the content mate, looking forward for part 2
Cheers, should be a good un
Looks a cracking bike.Wishing you many happy KM's.
Awesome ride. I've been waiting on a new video like this.
Cheers mate. Really enjoyed this one
Awesome video. Such a beautiful ride and looks like a great time. It definitely sold me on getting this as my next bike.
Really enjoying the bike mate
I've been looking forward to seeing this trip mate, and you don't disappoint, that route looks great fun! The wee DE looks to be in its natural element too, great to see you're liking it so much. Cheers 🤙
Cheers, loved the ride and how the bike went
GORGEOUS video brother! You have always had a good channel, but quality is really getting top-notch. The way your edits turn out etc.-- it's entertaining the whole way thru! Your hard work is appreciated. Made my day watching this, bummed I couldn't get my 800DE out this weekend. Keep 'em coming! So glad you bought that Suzuki! 🤜🤛 Let us know what suspension settings you settle on!
Thanks mate. I tweaked the preload on the front to 1 turn out from all the way in. MUCH better off road, needs a bit more tuning still
Great video mate. Fantastic production value. Well done!
Thanks mate, appreciate it
Wow, doing that track at dusk on your own I give you props 💪💪👌 you are one heck of a skilled rider👍 So glad you’re enjoying the 800DE🤙 The more mods you do will make it stand out more! I spoke to Barkbusters Aus & I think they do a kit or are very close doing them for the DE. No bike is perfect. But this is a great start 🙌
Cheers! Definitely needs a good set of guards, the plastic ones are terrible
0nly found your channel a little while ago. Quickly became one of my go to channels.
What a gun 👍
Thanks mate!
You said your off-road tyres worked well on the tarmac - and you were definitely hustling - I think this is probably a testament to Suzuki's chassis design. 😁👍
Great video man, what an awesome ride. Bike looks good!
Thanks!
Great trip. Keep the way you are making content as it is entertaining and very watchable. You are keen riding in the dark on unknown tracks....oh yes Adventure.
Cheers, love a good adventure ride. I didn't want to sleep in the bush either!
Awesome vid mate, I've done some similar tracks at night on my old DL650, not easy! Great stuff bud. You're getting me keen to look at getting another lol
Haha cheers. Had a blast
Congratulations Sir, great channel. I just found it and subscribed.
Finally someone actually using the mighty DR Big for what it was intended for.
I love the Suzuki just wish they would of given us an updated Doctor.
Cheers from Canada!
Thanks mate. Would love a new Big
Bellthorpe is awesome so is the pine forest at wild horse Mountain, great riding, love the video. Looking forward to the next video
Thanks mate!
Great day of riding Curtis. 👍
You dodged one with that bungee strap. Straps, Sticks, Deja Vu moment!
Haha yep, wary of that now!
That bike is so quiet... I can't wait to see what kind of exhaust you get for it 😎 I'm about to take my 2015 big bore KLR on a high altitude ride today. Starting elevation 5,430ft and ending at 14,128ft above sea level 🔥
That is getting high!
Great 👍 Vid mate , a good test of the Strom . Happy 😃 days
Cheers mate, loving it
Oh , that's great! Great to see, what the v Strom 800 can do with a good driver! thx for sharing this enjoyable video! It looks really easy, with an skilled rider like you :) I am still riding a modified 650 v Strom, with more ground clearance and longer suspension. Btw. : I am using Australian Softbags from Andy Strapz. After some journeys (Greece, Italy, Morocco, Spain...) I can really recommend them. Greetings from Austria! Looking forward for the sandy part!
Andy straps is good gear!
Oh man, give me a break! I'm so jealous. 😀So cool your trip!!! Wish I could join. The Netherlands is not a place to ride your bike like this! Great video. Love it.
Cheers, we're very lucky
Good to see you’re giving the bike a real world test, great work.
Have a look at the Rhinowalk 48lt panniers, I’m running a set on my 890R and reckon they’re great value for money
Cheers mate. I'll have a look, seen a couple of people with them now
I have the 28 L Rhinowalks and they’re decent on my little CRF300.
Mate you find the best tracks, looks like you're really gonna get the most out of that strom!
She's doing well so far!
Nothing like a mechanical as the sun is setting on a track you are not familiar with. A proper adventure ride! Really appreciate your vid as I look for a replacement for my trusty 990, for exactly this kind of terrain...even that shitty clay! :) Looking forward to part II. Thanks!
I wouldn't call this a like for like replacement for your 990 (if that's what you're after). Enjoying it for sure!
Have you considered the Africa Twin (16/17)? I've had the 950KTM and reckon my AT is 99% as good off rd and 80% better on the tarmac. Definitely worth a look.
@@actstuntcam Thanks. In all fairness, I've not jumped on an AT and probably should. When it launched, was not paying much of attention to other bikes and my blood was running orange. No more. :)
9:26 ... good old Aussie bush etiquette ... someone has left a recovery track alongside a bog hole. No need to wait for Russell Coight to turn up :)
😂
Curtis ,have you ever considered a shaft drive bike:] You are really testing out the new Strom! Can't wait for part 2.
Haha I might need shaft drive at the rate I'm going!
Nice ride and good to see the V Strom in action.
Cheers, enjoyed it
This bike suits you really well. It makes sense you need to hear the bike! I think the people that like the quiet exhaust, (myself included), don’t really do much aggressive off-road. I mostly commute and use it as a daily casual rider. Hearing the bike in a lot of situations off road is definitely important! Great video!
Cheers. For road riding it's nice and quiet. Certainly won't annoy the neighbours
You can feel the bike through your body, just ask a deaf or hearing impaired rider. Exhaust note is for aural satisfaction! 😅
@@harowerks44 for sure. It also helps hear the revs though!
18:55 did you just invent the word ‘stickist’ ? 😮 I like it! Good show sir!
Haha yep, after my last stick run in, I'm off them
One of my favourite rides, and yes it would have to be the most treacherous clay in these parts. Haven't been all the way, but I'm working up to it.
Had to have a bit of a laugh, you managed to find "Lantana" again 👍 Great ride by the looks of it, I need to get some more luggage sorted to do longer rides where I might run out of daylight.
Haha yes, some Lantana, thankfully it was mostly cleared!
...fantastic skills, fantastic playground in your country, fantastic video....🎯🎯🎯
fantastic bike...( had the same, but didnt know what this bike can do....whoaaa👍🍀)
thanks for this review
greetings from germany...✌
Thanks mate!
best looking bike in my book. Can't wait for it to be for sale secnd hand.
💯
What a terrific ride. Jeeez i had no idea you were so close to us. We were at Kilkivan just 2 days ago, and we got 166 acreas at Maryborough. Amazing!! Looking at our Vstrom at Twba tomorrow, to supplement the stable of CRF's. Might link up one day hey!! 👍👍👏👏
Well there you go. My parents have property at Dunmora. If you're heading to Elite, ask for Kurtis (yes, same name different spelling) and say you saw my channel
@@onthebackwheel Wowww ... even crazier ... ours is at Dunmora!!! 😯😯
@@pigmeal2224 haha nuts. Have to catch up for a ride
There's a post on Fbook in the world 800de group that the slip-on from the Suzuki Bandit 600 circa 2001 fits up on the 800de. Could be a cheap option to up the noise with an eBay slip-on. Love the vid btw
Yeah right, I'll have a look. I took it off and measured it, just a standard size so there's hope
Definitely got lucky with the strap not doing any damage or locked up your rear tire nice vid the 800 DE is a big contender 👍🤟
Sure was lucky there. Time for some new luggage
Looking forward to day 2. Those hills were a bit nasty at night.
For sure. Good fun
Yup. Keeping my WR250R. Easier to suffer a bit on the highway than a lot in the dirt on the big beasts.
Depends on your riding. On these trails I'm taking the V-Strom every time. The next day...the morning was tough
Kilkivan is actually where I have planned to get to then drop in on my son just out of Gympie, knew it would be a full day ride, so it was great to watch. Cheers
It's actually a really easy day. We left at like 12.30 and had issues. I did it again really quickly to find lost luggage and got home less than a day. You'll love it
@@onthebackwheel I don't ride as quick as you and tend to stop a bit to listen & saviour the flavour of the bush (including lantana & cow shit 🙂) It would be a good day's ride if I don't have to make it home before the chill hour. Actually, just bit the bullet of some cheap 14lt x2 Pannier/Saddle Bags for the KLX300 / KLX400, will see which wins out.
@@ShadowVonChadwick 😂. If you did it one way and stayed the night it would be perfect. Which bags did you go?
Can you do a side by side comparison with the klr? I know its written off but i reckon you can make a pretty good video using old footage. Comparing weight, offroad ability, highway ability etc
Thanks
I'll see what I can do 👊
Your kidding me you guys found the grip track when you desperately needed it 😂 👍 how bout that. What a break
Haha yep. It was hidden down in the scrub and broken, but did the trick!
Ive been leaning towards this bike for awhile. Probably going to pick one up in a week or so. I seen one with an exhaust and it sounded incredible. That stock exhaust has to go lol oh and btw i live in southwest virginia and it looks the exact same as where you are riding. Red clay and all. Never woulda thought
Well there you go. Red clay is awful
Bellthorpe becomes hellthorpe in the wet. At the 19 min mark there is an old gold mine on the right that’s worth a quick look. Does the DE come with an chain guide? Couldnt see one when you were pulling out the strap that was stuck. Be worth the investment with your luck with stuff getting stuck in the chain. What soft luggage are you considering? Looking forward to part 2.
Nice ride Curtis. I have been to the Gympie dealer, the Hervey Bay dealer and the Bundaberg dealer and no one has a 800DE in stock - no one!! Its giving me the shits as I really want to see one in the flesh and take it for a test ride!! Geez that VSTROM is quiet!
Haha yes it is! The Toowoomba and Virginia shops had demos, long way for you though
Muito bom seu vídeo enduro trilha aventura com esse tanque 800DE aqui BR 🇧🇷
Thank you!
Holy crap that big DR is working it!!! So glad to see this content keep up the great work brother 👊
Cheers mate, will do
Two decades ago I used to ride trails like this. The bike of choice was a DT200/DT230. Comfortable on the highway and low maintenance because it's a true dual sport not based on a race bike, yet really light at just over 100kg so easy and not tiring in rough and slippery conditions. Nobody makes a bike like that anymore, the nearest you get is a CRF300 which is at least 30kg too heavy and underpowered.
Dt230, they are cool bikes!
Great video.....as always. What is it with new bikes all the main light is up in the tree tops? What tires are you running on the Suzuki?
Cheers. My last bike was the same too 🙃. They are the Pirelli Scorpion Rally
Great video! I’m testing out the Transalp this weekend but I think I’m gonna get the VStrom as my mate and I spend more time off roading than on road.
Which tyres did you put on yours?
Cheers. I put on the Pirelli scorpion rally. The front is amazing
that red/clay part in bellthorpe can be a challenge despite it looking like a simple backroad…never gets a chance to dry out either
Definitely. Always slippery!
Fantastic 👍🏻
Loved it
@@onthebackwheel I want to buy one myself
@@eusergiu9975 really enjoying mine. Pretty capable for a big machine and nice to ride to and from work
Great vid. Any damage from the bike going over? Gotta try those tracks. Good old Maryborough I was born there grew up in Hervey Bay.
Well there you go. No damage this day...some fairing scratches and a small crack the next
Would the 250 ‘strom be able to handle the type of routes you took on this video? I only ask as there were a few times you sounded a bit out of breath wrestling the 800 when it got a bit boggy and also when it ended on the side. I’m only 5’7” (70kg) so worried if I ever decide to go off road, an 800 maybe a tad too big for me, especially when things get tougher, where as a lighter bike I always assume would be easier to manoeuvre.
Geat riding, and thanks for sharing some fantastic scenery that I would never have even thought existed (Pom from the City here lol)
G'day mate. I haven't seen ridden one, but no reason it couldn't do all of it up to Black Snake and Kilkivan easily. You'd just have to slow down a little because you've got less suspension travel is all
Amazingly strong luggage strap!
Hehe it struggled
Great content. I purchased a demo last week due partly to your reviews. Such a fun bike! The weight dissapears even at walking speed. Really well balanced and not top heavy feeling. I sat on a T7 a year ago and it just felt so awkward despite me really trying to like it. Certainly heavy at a standstill but they all are really. Mine has a Scorpion slip on, sounds great but a tad loud.
Thanks for the reviews.
No worries. I'll look up the slip on, needs a pipe IMO
Time to invest in some decent rackless panniers Curtis! Awesome ride though 👍🏻
Yeah, still deciding which way to go there
I run the Kriega OS base soft pannier system…been excellent so far , close to bike & forward, secured to the frame & you can change the size of the bag you attach to the base depending on what you’re doing…and if you have the coin to buy all the different sizes ha
Great Vid. Do you think the lights have been affected by suspension setting changes you might have made?
No, if anything that should have made them better. Easy fix, just need to read the manual and adjust them
Even on standard settings taken out of the dealership, on my 800DE they were aimed high. In fact even my 2013+ DL650 and a lot of friends 2017+ DL650, they were all aimed high with the low beam, and even the high beam were hitting the trees. ;) I dunno what's with Suzuki with this, but for the DL650's we all had to adjust the aiming screws. These new lights are funky so waiting for Part 2 to see how it's done. Great video @OnTheBackWheel
Yep it seems to be a factory thing with Suzuki, my DL650 was the same out of the dealers. Easy enough to adjust though.
If it’s a bike and you have adventures on it, it is by definition a good adventure bike.
Oh I wouldn't go that far 😂
I just bought a 390 adventure as my first bike, kind of wishing I got one of these 😆
Haha 390 is probably a better choice, much lighter
you get me hyped to ride bikes i wouldnt normally want to lol... i went and tried to trade my mt07 in on one of these the other day..the black and blue adventure model and they gave me a super lowball on mt. but i accepted an offer and ran my credit. was great i just dont have enough credit history.. bike came out to way more than i wanted anyways.. almost $16,000 us dollars
$16000?! That's a bloody lot
yes sir. $12 something msrp they added 1k to that for dealer markup plus all the fees comes out around that much.. hell the KLR650 base model is over $9000..its ridiculous how much we pay here
@@onthebackwheel
Go the Vstrom! Yew.😎
👊
Kinda like how did a full branch go right through your KLR rear wheel and chain, wow :)
Haha yep, good times
That bike really looks the goods with the new rubber on it, It was no worse than the T7, I think its mainly the rider that makes a good bike great, Will you get the bigger screen as well,
Wasn't planning on it, there is no protection for your face though so it would be appreciated
How are you liking this bike off-road compared to your KLR? Is the extra ~50 pounds noticeable? I'm considering swapping my '23 KLR for one of these, I already know it will be a huge upgrade on-road but have to say I like the KLR off-road so I'm hoping this is as good or better aside from the extra weight.
It's similar off road, but it is certainly a heavy girl. Though the KLR is too. As you said, it is a huge upgrade on the road!
Awe…the joys of solo travel, by motorcycle. Murphy Law continues to be consistent.
Haha yep, keeps you honest
Love your videos, Curtis .
I have a 800 DE and absolutely love it.
Can I ask you how and what sort of phone mount you have used?
Thats exactly how I want to do mine.
Cheers Andy. 👍
G'day Andy. I use a quad lock. Love it. Works great in all but the toughest terrain where you can knock it off
Your mate should never ride alone 😂
I'm waiting for the used 800DE market with all the farkles pre-installed.
Might have to wait a bit, farkles are only just getting released
The tenere seems to be struggling compared to the suzuki 😂
Gday mate, Some reviews have said the 800de motor gets very hot , have you found that I know its still our winter in QLD ??
Honestly haven't had an issue. You're right, hasn't been hot yet, probably still hotter than a lot of other countries though!
I am back with more question. Would you have enjoyed this trip more with a Tenere 700? Is the 800de as capable as the T7? Which one is easier / funnier to ride?
Good question. I don't think it would have made it any different for me. I do like how good the Tenere is off-road and wheelies...wouldn't say that would have made me enjoy the trip more though. Both got their pro's and cons and I'd happily have either
Does it come with spoked tubeless like the 650 XT?
Nope
I wonder if auxiliary lights on crash bars would help?
For sure. Some adjustment alone should pretty well solve it
How do you mount your gps or phone to that bar above the display?
I use a quad lock
You remind me of an Australian Benny Hill lol.... thats a good thing for me haha.....
Haha sounds about right at times
I don't know which one to choose! This or ktm 790 adventure 2023... Please help me! Now! 😢🙏
Maybe the 790. 800de if you don't care about cruise control and add a bigger screen. There's also the Honda Transalp, they are cheap for what you get
How is it for someone new to bikes? My bro got a t700 and want to ride with him. Im 5ft 9in and a 30in seam
New to bikes I'd get something lighter. It's a bit to handle unless you've been riding
@@onthebackwheel thanks for the reply. What weight should i be in? Ill probably be around 90/10 on/off road. Mainly light off road once or twice a year
@@kalash2874 mate something in the 300 range. Versys 300 could be a good option
What Tusk pannier system is on that T7?
Just asked him. 30l Tusk excursion rackless
@@onthebackwheel Thanks!! I've been going back and forth between the Excursion and the Highland x2. Still a bit torn.
Do you reckon you could do this route with a honda cb500x ?
For sure, it wasn't hard
@@onthebackwheel Thank you.
What map system do you use mate?
Gaia GPS. Free and easy to use
@@onthebackwheel awesome thanks 👍
aaaayyeeeee
V-Strom 800 DE, KTM 890 Adventure or Tuareg? You had them all - what’s your opinion?
Tuareg for sure
@@onthebackwheelstill Tuareg? There must be something special about it😊
@@richardhretczak536 they've done a great job with it. Light, well balanced, good suspension and handling
This or ktm 790 adventure 2023?
Yet to ride the new 790. Not sure tbh!
Please get some rok straps 👍🏻
They are top of the list (along with some luggage)
Fantastic vid. Glad you are loving the Suzi. Impressed with your 'cool' at finding the strap wedged in your chain. I need to learn how to calm the fv
Haha of my better traits (and bad if you ask my wife!)
Ok I buy v storm 800de 👍
Enjoy
Why is your brake fluid black already ?
It's just a reflection, if you zoom in it's spot on for colour 😅
∆ What they said ∆ It's still clear
those robot like headlights are in fashion, suzuki, yamaha, ktm, honda, cfmoto...
Hopefully the others are better, these aren't the best
Check out desert express build
Seen it and love it. Working towards something similar
I am 1.9 tall looking to buy one .probably get MPE to do suspension,
@@derrickpagett125 I'd get the OEM high seat straight away. Probably some risers too and you'll be good
LMFAO that’s how us old dudes are supposed to fall
😂
قوه قوه
You sir, need shaft drive
Haha it might help 😂
Gotta.get.yourself some riding lights on that girl.
Not wrong there, the stock ones suck!
I don't really ride at night, so I don't have the best frame of reference, but those headlights seem awful!
Mate they are. I've adjusted them and that are better than this video, but still not great
@@onthebackwheel gonna put light bars on it?
@@rugged04270 probably not mate. I commute in the night regularly, but it isn't too far. Otherwise I try to avoid it if possible and now they are adjusted they do an ok job
If it would receive a facelift, that would be great. I never understood the styling of the front end having 2 “fenders” that pointy nose thing is ugly. A total deal breaker for me. Same with the Triumph Tiger 🤮
The ADV beak 🤣
The cheesy cheap ass kickstand that needs a bigger foot got you i see.
Nah it's good. Fell the other way, my fault
Looks adventure worthy, don't destroy this one mate... your a worry sometimes Curtis..🫣
Haha I am prone to misadventures. This is about the extent of stuff I want to do on this one, try to keep her nice!
@onthebackwheel it is a fine line mate, I do relate, keep her on the back wheel mate 👍🏻