Bought my Strom 650 new last summer and i wouldn't change it for this 800DE. I dont go off road, so i dont need a 21" front or want tubed tyres. I also prefer the look of my 650 and really dont like all the toddlers toy colour options of the 800DE. I also dont want or need a TFT screen, especially the service nag that is built into them these days. I like to service my bikes myself. Also the price, i paid £7K for my 650 as a 0 mile, new pre reg, which is a bargain for what is still a great bike. I like the engine in the 800DE, as i have test rode the GSX-8S and it really is a great engine. But it remains to be seen if will be as supremely reliable as the V Twin. Its rumoured that Suzuki will bring out a more roady version of this Strom 800, with possibly less suspension travel and 19" front with tubeless. If that happens i will take more of an interest. But until then i'm extremely happy with my 650.
I know these roads well Michael having lived in Watchfield and Shrivenham and going to school in Faringdon. The new Suzuki is fantastic, I currently have a Vstrom 1000 2018 model and a RE Himalayan. Thanks for the video Sandy
Great review, thanks! I use my DL650 as a daily commuter 12k/year (km). I tried the 800DE during maintenance for 150km but won’t switch: Steer for me too wide, nice for curvy roads but not comfortable on my daily highway trip. Engine more powerfull but less character than the V-twin. I missed the elastic like power band which gives fun on lower speeds. Quickshifter very nice indeed but due to the great DL650 gearbox I use clutchless upshifting a as a habit. (This reduces the need for quickshifter) Fuel consumption was equal on both bikes although trip computer gave impression that the 800DE uses less on highway speed.. The major advantage of the 800DE as a 1.80 rider is the more relaxed, and less angled leg position. I tried to mimic this with a higher seat on the DL650; works not completely but enough for me. I tended to switch motorcycles every 1-2 year but after 2 years riding my DL650 I still don’t feel any itch for “something new”. I’ll just carry on and see.
Excellent Review. Thank you for your work. Love your channel. I will probably buy a used 650 XT for 6000 versus the new 800 for $12,000.00. I think the little L-Twin will have more of a Soul than the parallel twin. I had a Super Tenere 1200 and rode very long 800 mile days on her. But she had no soul. The parallel twin never seduced me. I never bonded with that bike. Also the vibration of that tractor engine parallel twin crept into my old knees and they would just ache after a long day of riding. So the smoother L-twin will probably be a lot better in that area. Anyway...thanks for your work. Godspeed.
Great review there , actually took one for a test ride the other week absolutely loved it .hoping to get the re version very soon depending on trade in value on my current bike so fingers crossed 👍👍 btw watching from Dublin Ireland
thx a lot for your Video. I have a heavy modified V Strom 650 (t has a suspension by Hessler) by myself and it was and still is a great travel companion. (Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, France Morocco and more) I tried then the 800 for a longer test ride and I was very close to switch. The engine is very powerful, the great suspension, very comfortable. I switched back then and I had to admit that the 650 is also such an enjoyable bike. It is lighter (but I am not sure about the center of gravity) , the engine doesn't get hot, you can ride the 650 even in slower revs than the 800. And tubeless tires. But it will be maybe my next bike in some years :) Greetings!
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment . Like you I have modified the suspension on my 650 - I went the Nitron route . With such modifications it is easy to see the benefits of both bikes . I suspect , over time , the allure of the power and quick shifter of the 800 will eventually win me over 😂
Michael, I am impressed with your professional editing of your videos. I can hear the sound of your bike, and then instead of talking while you should be concentrating on riding, you overdub the video from I presume the safety of your office. And no echo effect in your voice, sounds like you use a studio. You are my kind of reviewer!
The objective is to have a well structured and researched “story” , supported by high definition filming and photos, and clear , uncluttered acoustics. Sounds easy but as you have worked out , isn’t 😂
Thanks for an excellent review and the comparison of the new bike with your own V-Strom was useful. This new 800DE is very appealing to me and I like the slightly 'edgy' looks and the purposeful design of this machine......like the new Transalp it's fitted with tubes though, which might put a fair number of buyers off. You've made me want to try a quickshifter! Cheers.
Great review Micheal, thank you. At 5"8t myself I am aware of the challenges. I do wish my 650 was a wee bit shorter. Ride safe and keep it rubber side down!
great video, even part of my 35 mile sneek ride route thrown in, if i had the cash id be buying one of these right away i just love the looks and it would do well next to my road bike
Thank you for an excellent, concise and pretty well covered comparison review of the new DE800 against the V-Strom 650. I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a 650 V-Strom as a go-to all rounder and keep the classics for sunny day ride outs. I probably still will after looking at this review. I wouldn’t be doing the off-road excursions to warrant the 800, but, it sounds like an excellent bike. Lots of chat comparing this with Honda’s new 750 Transalp; from what I’ve heard of both bikes, my choice would be the Suzuki for its better bottom end punch and more expensive chassis. I do like your articulate, well thought out and rational delivery of the video.
Thank you Nigel ! I think that both the Honda , Suzuki and indeed the Yamaha , are good bikes . I have spent a fair amount of time on the new Suzuki engine (DE and 8 S ) and the more I rode it , the more I “got it”. The Honda is fast but in old fashioned parlance you do need to “thrash it” . Might change my views if I had more time on the Transalp but currently I personally prefer the Suzuki . More torque, more versatile - good on the road plus genuine off road potential if you were tempted . I think the 650 is a great value , all rounder . Standard suspension is too soft for me which is why I went to Nitrons but they have sold hundreds of thousands of the 650’s for good reason !
Another excellent presentation of yours, Thanks! I did test ride the 1050DE but did not manage to ride the 800DE. I tested the street version GSX 800 though, which may be tuned differently. The engine felt like a little busier and somehow harsher that the V-twin, not delivering the same smoothness I enjoy dearly since 56k miles on my DL650. Torque and vibrations are very similarly delivered, but not identically. I felt something else than the raw natural gentleness of my V-twinned Strom, or of the 1050DE. I do not intend to do serious off-road. Gravel roads and forest roads are enough. I do prefer to walk or bicycle in nature. Also, as you said, the most helpful gift for a lot of us who bought and used the basic DL650 for decades was its very affordable price (USD8,000 in 2012). This new model certainly boast commendable technology and is a much improved bike, but it's more a costly treat than a help of any kind to our wallets. Without the need of selling my DL650 or the will for serious off-roading , I would consider a 1050DE instead, but not without trying first the 800DE as it could be a mistake.
I have tested the 8S as well . The review is out in a few weeks . The 800 DE produces very slightly more power and has a slightly different tune but it would be hard to tell the difference for most of us . I like you, experienced more “resistance” than my 650 engine but put this down to early stage tightness . I rode a brand new 650 the other day and found myself thinking it doesn’t go as well as my enthusiastically ridden one 😂 Hopefully you get the chance to try the 800 DE . 650 , 800 or 1050 ? Nice problem to have ? 👍
Hi Michael I have a T120 (which I love) and had a Street Scrambler 900. That looked great and sounded fantastic, but I found it gutless. When I jumped off that and on to T120, the difference was marked. I always liked the big Adventure/Tourers but assumed they were too tall for my 29 inside. So went to my Triumph dealer (Pure Triumph Wellingborough and can’t recommend them them highly enough) and sat on a Tiger GT 900 and then tested it for a hour and was really surprised to find I could cope with it. So, got one but with the low seat option which takes it down to around 80cm. I love it. Best of both worlds really. Regards Den
My recently purchased 2020 Yamaha XSR900 is 835 seat but my 5'10" 64 year old inseam is only 30" at best. And I have to leave our property up a 15 degree concrete driveway incline 50 metres in length and then look left right before I commit to the road. I have always faced this on many bikes and been fine but with a few years out of the saddle my confidence isn't sky high. lol. I'm not as tippy toe as you show here but not flat footed both feet either. I'm going to have to go with left foot planted and right foot rear brake before commit to road. Wish me luck and I wish you all the best cobber! Have a great weekend. Top channel. Love it.
I have 1900 miles on my 800DE now. So far it's mostly pavement riding as the OEM tires aren't really off-road centric and I feel bad about dumping them with so much rubber left. (Confirmed the tires weren't really capable when I hit some deep sand last weekend.) That said, I have done some longer trips and the seat comfort is solid overall. I have added a proper skid plate, barkbusters, and crash bars so it can handle the drops. When I get new tires I'm going to do a mod to make the rims tubeless so that issue will be solved then. The bike is fantastic for my purposes so far and my only complaints would be a lack of cruise control and some proper crash protection at the time of purchase.
I only occassionally use the quick shift on the one bike I have which is so equipped mainly because I'm afraid if I too get used to it I will forget not to try to use it on my other bikes which don't have it! Thanks as always for the review. In my case it is very timely because I am beginning to consider aquiring an adventure tourer. My thoughts are initially tending towards the new Transalp largely at this point, before any test rides, because to me it's looks are appealing especially in the white, red and blue colours. .
Always good to hear from you! I have a few bikes with QS and know what you mean . I do find myself thinking “this bike would be great with a quick shifter” , when I ride the others. They used to be racing , upward only systems but SOME of them are great on the road now . I really like them. Transalp has more power but less torque . Likes its revs .. Both good bikes but a different feel to them ..
Andy - maybe we are just getting smaller ? Joking aside , average height is increasing but not as fast as bike height . Adventure bikes , particularly heavy ones ( and aren’t they all? ) need more ground clearance and probably bigger wheels , if they are to have much capability off road ?
If you’re not going to go off road, why go to the expense of changing your winter run around? Thank you for your time in making another informative and amusing video.
sir,you are doing an excellent job.its awesome to see a four decade rider to tell you things.i subed.and i m waiting the review of the re version.also if you could a review of the new transalp.i ride bikes 28 years,but never had the chance to buy a brand new.i think next spring i ll be ready.so i watch many reviews.i m thinking for 4-5 bikes and this one is in my plans.one question if you might.altough i m 5.10 i found vstrom800 a little high,i found it higher even than tenere,so can i ask if this lower seat is comfy enough?the stock ist not bad att all,what about this?
I found the DE a bit tall as well . The RE was much more manageable for me . The review comes out on the 7th of December . I have ridden the transalp but haven’t managed to find one that I could ride for a few days which is what I feel I need to make a proper review 👍
Dear sir,i am always inspired by your energetic,enthusiastic words about ADV..i watch your channel regularly and appreciate your depiction about the wonderful machines of modern,advance Tech and so on I wish I would have v strom 650..Is it going to continue or as heard 700 de in pipe line to reolace the outdated 650xt..your kind reply will be appreciated and welcomed to decide my future course of action regards for your passion and love for us
Firstly , thank you for your kind words . I am glad that you enjoy the channel . I haven’t heard anything about a new 700 but have a very good Suzuki dealer near me and if one is announced I am sure they would let me have a go . New models are normally launched at one of the European shows in the Autumn so we will know soon ! 👍
New road version just released now Michael, I'll be looking forward to your thoughts on it when you have an opportunity to test ride it, It could be the perfect upgrade from my 650.
These Bikes are the only things that can cope with our deteriating road networks, have ridden a couple of sports bike recently but alas the uk is no good for those types of bikes
I know what you mean Philip ! I do really enjoy riding our Suzuki 1000GT and have toured about 4000 of the 6 I have done so far on it . You have to be able to avoid holes but fortunately the GT copes really well with mid corner changes in line . Bikes like the 800 DE and our BMW GS , which we did the NC500 on in May , just glide over the top of them ..👍
Given that we don’t have massive expanses of off road territory (in these parts) I’m not too sure how much appetite there is out there for tubed tyres.
To me i see this bike as a smaller capacity 1050 rather than a replacement for the 650 and although I'm sure its offroad ability is better I'd much rather take a drz400 type of bike off road. Overall i like the bike but i dont feel the need for the tech, its tall and heavy and missing a vtwin and i dont think its for me, a lighter wieght bored out 650 would have been far more appealing to me.
Hi Des , 270 degree crank has the pulse of the V twin . I explain a bit more about the new engine in my 8S review out in a few weeks . I think they had taken that V twin as far as they wanted to go . Personally I agree about smaller, lighter bikes off road but we are all different 👍
It's not even in the same class. The 800DE is designed to be as fun as a sport tourer and as capable as a KLR off road. It's not a motocross or Enduro. You'd never take a DRZ on a ride across Europe.
Yes, you can, but it's senseless. Tubes are better in every way unless you only use a bike at high speeds on asphalt/tarmac. ie, sport bikes or cruisers.
Thank you David . I have had a brief ride on a Transalp but not long enough to make an informed comment other than the power is higher up the rev range which some will like , more than others . Although I have done a lot of miles off road in the past , it was more enduro than trail and I have hung up my boots 😂 I try very hard not to read any other reviews before I go to camera and it certainly felt like it would be more capable than my 650 which has limited ground clearance and non switchable ABS ( unless you con it - see internet ) . Proper , current off roaders seem to be putting the new bike through its paces well . The demonstration at this years ABR event was pretty impressive but riders that skilled are fast on a shopping trolley . Do you plan to ride rugged off road or more gravel tracks / firmer ground ?
@michaelmam I am a dyed in wool Honda fan boy now too old but still enjoying my CBR650F. Very tempted by the Tranalp by all accounts a road bike with light off road potential. More than enough for me. The Suzuki and similar Triumphs just look bigger!
@@davidconnelly2096 You can get it on the Honda - its £ 250 . 👍 Personally I prefer the Suzuki gearbox but Lambchop prefer the Honda .. we are all different!
You are the tester in this case. So it is your job to decide, whether the bike is worth extra money (compared to 650).You have got the experience and the bike. Two things the majority of the viewer does not possess. Why are you leaving it up to us then? :-)
Spending other peoples money is pretty easy 😂 My view is that I won’t rush to change mine but when I do , I would be very happy with a low seat, 800 . If I was buying from scratch and had the extra £2-3000 , dependant on the deal , the 800 is a better bike . 👍
Gteat review. I enjoyed the quick shifter explanation. Do you need to clutch down to first gear? I have a 650 but thought the 800 was a bit plasticky and dont like the colours. I might consider one with different colour ways in the future.
The quick shifter works down to first as long as you have about 2000 revs on the engine . I choose to use the clutch for first but it is a preference rather than a need 👍
Sir... how do manufacturers measure "overall height" for their official spec sheets? from bottom of tire to top of windshield or? top of the tank? mirrors? interested in upgraded my V-Strom 650 to the new 800DE but the 800 is listed as 4" shorter.. but the seat height is 1" higher. i'm a taller rider and if the 800 is really 4" shorter with a higher seat - i'd be in an uncomfortable riding position - more street bike than adventurer/tourer. from this side-by-side 2:50 they look very similar in "overall height". Can you please solve this question for me? much thanks
I am not sure how they get their overall height measurements but suspect you are not comparing like with like . The 800 is significantly taller than the 650 … much closer to the bigger 1050 . It will suit taller riders . Hopefully you will have an opportunity to see and sit on one . You will see what I mean 👍
@@michaelmam Thank you very much for the reply. Your video has really helped me decide. Since my comment I have started paperwork on getting my 800DE !! 1 hour ride to go get it but im sure ill be as happy with it as I was with my 2008 vstrom.
Great stuff Michael. 21" tubed tyres? No thanks. I always think that adventure-styled bikes like the V-Strom 650, Versys, CB500X, and F750GS are actually just adventure 'styled' road bikes. You can see from comments that riders in the US/Australia do often need the off-road capability but I've no idea where I'd go off-roading near me. Cheers
Personally I think the 800 will be better at constant higher speeds ? A bit more power. The 650 is a good engine but consumption drops quite quickly at higher speeds . Only an opinion .. 👍
@@michaelmam What is toad focus? I had a DL650XT and sold it after 2 yrs cos of the vibes when riding at high speed, not something I did often though. It was a great bike but having ridden the 800DE and RE I had a lot of fun on the DE. When I rode the RE I noticed the mirrors vibrating, which has put me off. My 650 never did that. Will have to try the DE again. I am 6' 1" and find the RE a bit small for me, but the DE is just right, as is my Transalp 750. Unfortunately the Transalp does not have a torquey engine like the Suzukis. I am reluctant to change as I have only had the Transalp 3 months, but the 800DE has a better engine IMO and is more confidence inspiring than any bike I have ever ridden in 53 yrs of biking. Glad that Suzuki have kept the controls simple, if it works don't fix it. If I get offered a good deal to trade and could get the white DE they have in Canada I would be very tempted.
I am a smaller rider ..173 cm and I found it very comfortable , if a bit tall . Taller riders have told me that it works well for them too . In my view it is certainly as comfortable as my 650.. 👍
@@michaelmam Thanks for the reply! I am 176cm. I own a tracer 700 2018 model(my frist bike). But i find the seat really uncomfrotable to the point that i stop riding through these years(have made modification to the seat). So my big concern is the bikers comfort and as I am looking to replace my current bike, I am trying to figure out which one to go for.
I didn’t try , I was only riding a couple of hundred miles in my local area . The power supply is an upgrade on my 650 where I use my phone , handlebar mounted on a Quodlock , with vibration damper . It works well .
I test ride this and transalp back to back.this bike is for big lads.i am 5.10 and i really found this bike big.i dont understand why they made such wide handlebar.the bike feel even taller than tenere world raid.i liked the engine,the suspention,but i dont know..i also i find it ugly.very ugly.and who will do hardcore off road with a so much tall and heavy bike?i could go for the re version,but damn,this is even uglier
@@leeengelsman1855 if only the Japanese designers actually had to ride, lift back up, and change a flat tube in 100 degree weather we might get practical adventure bikes. Had the Vstrom 650 received the USD forks and rear shock like the Vstrom 1000 did in 2014 it would have been great. But Suzuki has always held back on the little 650.
@@leeengelsman1855 I never said USD would reduce the weight ... I installed the DRZ400SM forks and clamps on my DR650 with the 21" front wheel since Suzuki doesn't know how to build a DR650 with USD forks and the assembly was only a pound or two more, but I gained stiffness in the front end, precise handling, full adjustability of the USD forks and the SM large disc brake too. The point is not a pound or two but what you gain out of the bike. Suzuki skimps or the rear shock on the V650 too, I would pay a bit more to have the V1000 USD forks factory fitted and a real effort put into the V650 and have an amazing machine. But like a lot of Suzuki's line up, good enough is good enough for us. (like with the DR650, DRZ400, DR200, RMZ's) I grew up and raced MX when Suzuki had heart, they would strive to be the best. It's puzzling to me having so much history with their bikes and knowing what they were capable of at one time. What we should be looking at with the V800 is a sub 430 pound machine, tubeless rims, cruise control, and a bike that would beat the Tenere and KTM's at their own game. But we get a bike that's as heavy as an African twin, less hp than the AT, lacking in many features people wanted and were hoping for from a ground up new build. It's disappointing for many who had hope or rode Suzuki's when they had heart.
@@marksimpson5218 Hi Mark , I guess it depends on the sort of riding you do ? I have some bikes with and some without but only tend to use it on longer journeys . Personally I like bikes with heated grips 😂 We are all different . 👍
Why the hell did Suzuki go from tubeless to tubed? Absolutely rediculous. Should also have cruise control as standard. Pity, I would consider it otherwise.
That's why the God of inner tubes invented Goop 😉 and cable ties are such an essential self rescue item 🤓 I think Suzuki's reasoning is that if you're in the middle of nowhere, with no phone signal, no passing motorists, and you've dinged a tubeless rim or got a puncture in a spot on a tubeless tyre where a repair kit simply won't work, then at least with tubed tyres you can get the tyres on and off more easily if you absolutely have to. As tubeless tyres have thicker side walls they are more difficult to get on and off the rims, if you absolutely had to fit a tube to one using hand tools you'd definitely appreciate the difference then, trust me 😉 but like I said, Goop!
To go up to a quick shifter and back to tubed tyres is a huge retrograde step, tubed tyres are from the 70`s get real Suzuki. looks as though its got a cable clutch as well, Ugh
Not a patch of trail or track & NOT a review or test .. It's an oversized, under powered over weight pig .. & NOT a V-Strom .. it's a P-Strom .. Suzuki screwed up
Hi Errol.I remember that you helped me understand the Nikasil process. You clearly don't like this review, which is fine. Have you ridden the 800 or are your views based on the specifications?
![Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs (my) Honda Transalp 750 - Objective Comparison [QuickTest#29]](/img/1.gif)
I much prefer the Suzuki to the new TransAlp.
Suspect that both will sell well . Good that we have the choice👍
Bought my Strom 650 new last summer and i wouldn't change it for this 800DE. I dont go off road, so i dont need a 21" front or want tubed tyres. I also prefer the look of my 650 and really dont like all the toddlers toy colour options of the 800DE. I also dont want or need a TFT screen, especially the service nag that is built into them these days. I like to service my bikes myself.
Also the price, i paid £7K for my 650 as a 0 mile, new pre reg, which is a bargain for what is still a great bike.
I like the engine in the 800DE, as i have test rode the GSX-8S and it really is a great engine. But it remains to be seen if will be as supremely reliable as the V Twin.
Its rumoured that Suzuki will bring out a more roady version of this Strom 800, with possibly less suspension travel and 19" front with tubeless. If that happens i will take more of an interest. But until then i'm extremely happy with my 650.
Both good bikes and as you rightly say , which one you prefer depends on what you want to do with it 👍
I know these roads well Michael having lived in Watchfield and Shrivenham and going to school in Faringdon.
The new Suzuki is fantastic, I currently have a Vstrom 1000 2018 model and a RE Himalayan.
Thanks for the video
Sandy
Nice part of the world . We are lucky . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment Sandy 👍
Great review, thanks! I use my DL650 as a daily commuter 12k/year (km). I tried the 800DE during maintenance for 150km but won’t switch: Steer for me too wide, nice for curvy roads but not comfortable on my daily highway trip.
Engine more powerfull but less character than the V-twin. I missed the elastic like power band which gives fun on lower speeds. Quickshifter very nice indeed but due to the great DL650 gearbox I use clutchless upshifting a as a habit. (This reduces the need for quickshifter)
Fuel consumption was equal on both bikes although trip computer gave impression that the 800DE uses less on highway speed..
The major advantage of the 800DE as a 1.80 rider is the more relaxed, and less angled leg position. I tried to mimic this with a higher seat on the DL650; works not completely but enough for me. I tended to switch motorcycles every 1-2 year but after 2 years riding my DL650 I still don’t feel any itch for “something new”. I’ll just carry on and see.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍
Thanks for the metric conversions...greatly appreciated...great video & great to see Suzuki progressing with adventure bikes..
£350 for an aluminium bash plate!!!! Someone is trying to pull our pants down there.
😂 other suppliers are available …
Thanks for watching 👍
Super review, your experience speaks, thank you ❤
Welcome . Thank you for your comment .
Another brilliant review.
Thank you !
Well done. Nice review.
Thank you Ken 👍
You are the Dude. Excellent perspective.
😂Thank you !
thanks for this clear and fine review and comparizon;)
Very welcome . Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment .
I love the content creator's written prologue.
Never sure if anyone reads them . Clearly you do ! Thank you .
Excellent Review. Thank you for your work. Love your channel. I will probably buy a used 650 XT for 6000 versus the new 800 for $12,000.00. I think the little L-Twin will have more of a Soul than the parallel twin. I had a Super Tenere 1200 and rode very long 800 mile days on her. But she had no soul. The parallel twin never seduced me. I never bonded with that bike. Also the vibration of that tractor engine parallel twin crept into my old knees and they would just ache after a long day of riding. So the smoother L-twin will probably be a lot better in that area. Anyway...thanks for your work. Godspeed.
Thank you for taking the time to comment . look after the knees 😂 Hope you have fun on the 650 if you go that way .I really like mine..
Great review there , actually took one for a test ride the other week absolutely loved it .hoping to get the re version very soon depending on trade in value on my current bike so fingers crossed 👍👍 btw watching from Dublin Ireland
I liked the DE although I found it a bit tall . The RE, which I reviewed a few weeks ago , was very good . Have Fun !
thx a lot for your Video. I have a heavy modified V Strom 650 (t has a suspension by Hessler) by myself and it was and still is a great travel companion. (Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, France Morocco and more) I tried then the 800 for a longer test ride and I was very close to switch. The engine is very powerful, the great suspension, very comfortable. I switched back then and I had to admit that the 650 is also such an enjoyable bike. It is lighter (but I am not sure about the center of gravity) , the engine doesn't get hot, you can ride the 650 even in slower revs than the 800. And tubeless tires. But it will be maybe my next bike in some years :) Greetings!
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment . Like you I have modified the suspension on my 650 - I went the Nitron route . With such modifications it is easy to see the benefits of both bikes . I suspect , over time , the allure of the power and quick shifter of the 800 will eventually win me over 😂
Very good review! Thanks! It seems to be a wonderful bike, a little on a heavy side maybe but anyhow.
Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it .
It doesn’t ride heavy on the street but I am sure it would feel it if you were picking it up in a field !
Great review Michael, I need to ride one now lol.
Thanks Barry . Enjoy your ride and let us know what you think ? 👍
Michael, I am impressed with your professional editing of your videos. I can hear the sound of your bike, and then instead of talking while you should be concentrating on riding, you overdub the video from I presume the safety of your office. And no echo effect in your voice, sounds like you use a studio. You are my kind of reviewer!
The objective is to have a well structured and researched “story” , supported by high definition filming and photos, and clear , uncluttered acoustics. Sounds easy but as you have worked out , isn’t 😂
Great review. Your current 650 is a very good bike, keep enjoying it. Thank you.
Thank you too!
Thanks for an excellent review and the comparison of the new bike with your own V-Strom was useful. This new 800DE is very appealing to me and I like the slightly 'edgy' looks and the purposeful design of this machine......like the new Transalp it's fitted with tubes though, which might put a fair number of buyers off. You've made me want to try a quickshifter! Cheers.
Quentin , once you get used to a good QS - and in my current view , Suzuki make the best - it is hard to go back 😂
Great review Micheal, thank you. At 5"8t myself I am aware of the challenges. I do wish my 650 was a wee bit shorter. Ride safe and keep it rubber side down!
Thank you Robert ! Glad you enjoyed it . Have fun on the 650 . Great bike 👍
great video, even part of my 35 mile sneek ride route thrown in, if i had the cash id be buying one of these right away i just love the looks and it would do well next to my road bike
Intrigued now 😂 which road is your sneak route ?
@@michaelmam i do a loop round burford lechlade across to faringdon over to oxford then back home...
Thank you for an excellent, concise and pretty well covered comparison review of the new DE800 against the V-Strom 650. I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a 650 V-Strom as a go-to all rounder and keep the classics for sunny day ride outs. I probably still will after looking at this review. I wouldn’t be doing the off-road excursions to warrant the 800, but, it sounds like an excellent bike. Lots of chat comparing this with Honda’s new 750 Transalp; from what I’ve heard of both bikes, my choice would be the Suzuki for its better bottom end punch and more expensive chassis.
I do like your articulate, well thought out and rational delivery of the video.
Thank you Nigel ! I think that both the Honda , Suzuki and indeed the Yamaha , are good bikes . I have spent a fair amount of time on the new Suzuki engine (DE and 8 S ) and the more I rode it , the more I “got it”. The Honda is fast but in old fashioned parlance you do need to “thrash it” . Might change my views if I had more time on the Transalp but currently I personally prefer the Suzuki . More torque, more versatile - good on the road plus genuine off road potential if you were tempted . I think the 650 is a great value , all rounder . Standard suspension is too soft for me which is why I went to Nitrons but they have sold hundreds of thousands of the 650’s for good reason !
Another excellent presentation of yours, Thanks!
I did test ride the 1050DE but did not manage to ride the 800DE. I tested the street version GSX 800 though, which may be tuned differently.
The engine felt like a little busier and somehow harsher that the V-twin, not delivering the same smoothness I enjoy dearly since 56k miles on my DL650.
Torque and vibrations are very similarly delivered, but not identically. I felt something else than the raw natural gentleness of my V-twinned Strom, or of the 1050DE.
I do not intend to do serious off-road. Gravel roads and forest roads are enough. I do prefer to walk or bicycle in nature.
Also, as you said, the most helpful gift for a lot of us who bought and used the basic DL650 for decades was its very affordable price (USD8,000 in 2012). This new model certainly boast commendable technology and is a much improved bike, but it's more a costly treat than a help of any kind to our wallets.
Without the need of selling my DL650 or the will for serious off-roading , I would consider a 1050DE instead, but not without trying first the 800DE as it could be a mistake.
I have tested the 8S as well . The review is out in a few weeks . The 800 DE produces very slightly more power and has a slightly different tune but it would be hard to tell the difference for most of us . I like you, experienced more “resistance” than my 650 engine but put this down to early stage tightness . I rode a brand new 650 the other day and found myself thinking it doesn’t go as well as my enthusiastically ridden one 😂
Hopefully you get the chance to try the 800 DE . 650 , 800 or 1050 ? Nice problem to have ? 👍
Hi Michael
I have a T120 (which I love) and had a Street Scrambler 900. That looked great and sounded fantastic, but I found it gutless. When I jumped off that and on to T120, the difference was marked. I always liked the big Adventure/Tourers but assumed they were too tall for my 29 inside. So went to my Triumph dealer (Pure Triumph Wellingborough and can’t recommend them them highly enough) and sat on a Tiger GT 900 and then tested it for a hour and was really surprised to find I could cope with it. So, got one but with the low seat option which takes it down to around 80cm. I love it. Best of both worlds really.
Regards
Den
Well done ! That sounds like fun ..👍
My recently purchased 2020 Yamaha XSR900 is 835 seat but my 5'10" 64 year old inseam is only 30" at best. And I have to leave our property up a 15 degree concrete driveway incline 50 metres in length and then look left right before I commit to the road. I have always faced this on many bikes and been fine but with a few years out of the saddle my confidence isn't sky high. lol. I'm not as tippy toe as you show here but not flat footed both feet either. I'm going to have to go with left foot planted and right foot rear brake before commit to road. Wish me luck and I wish you all the best cobber! Have a great weekend. Top channel. Love it.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment . Have fun on the Yamaha 👍
@@michaelmam You too mate.
I have 1900 miles on my 800DE now. So far it's mostly pavement riding as the OEM tires aren't really off-road centric and I feel bad about dumping them with so much rubber left. (Confirmed the tires weren't really capable when I hit some deep sand last weekend.) That said, I have done some longer trips and the seat comfort is solid overall. I have added a proper skid plate, barkbusters, and crash bars so it can handle the drops.
When I get new tires I'm going to do a mod to make the rims tubeless so that issue will be solved then.
The bike is fantastic for my purposes so far and my only complaints would be a lack of cruise control and some proper crash protection at the time of purchase.
Sounds like you are pleased with it . Have fun when you get more, off road capable , tyres 👍
V-strom 800 DE is a great bike.
I was certainly impressed by the new engine , gearbox and adjustable suspension .. 👍
Good review! Liked the part about you not liking hospital food nor prison food!🤣
Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it 👍
I only occassionally use the quick shift on the one bike I have which is so equipped mainly because I'm afraid if I too get used to it I will forget not to try to use it on my other bikes which don't have it! Thanks as always for the review. In my case it is very timely because I am beginning to consider aquiring an adventure tourer. My thoughts are initially tending towards the new Transalp largely at this point, before any test rides, because to me it's looks are appealing especially in the white, red and blue colours. .
Always good to hear from you!
I have a few bikes with QS and know what you mean . I do find myself thinking “this bike would be great with a quick shifter” , when I ride the others. They used to be racing , upward only systems but SOME of them are great on the road now . I really like them.
Transalp has more power but less torque . Likes its revs .. Both good bikes but a different feel to them ..
Great review thanks 👍
Thanks for watching! 👍
Thanks, I enjoyed your video. I do wonder why all the bikes these days are so physically large.
Andy - maybe we are just getting smaller ?
Joking aside , average height is increasing but not as fast as bike height . Adventure bikes , particularly heavy ones ( and aren’t they all? ) need more ground clearance and probably bigger wheels , if they are to have much capability off road ?
I laughed out loud to the "immortal" comment.
Parabéns vídeo concordo plenamente, aqui BR 🇧🇷 estou aguardando a minha Yellow Champions moto excelente obrigado pelo vídeo
Good bike . A bit tall for me but doesn’t mean I can’t respect it 👍
Great review
If you’re not going to go off road, why go to the expense of changing your winter run around?
Thank you for your time in making another informative and amusing video.
No plans to change currently Gavin . The 650 is a great bike .. but one day 😂
sir,you are doing an excellent job.its awesome to see a four decade rider to tell you things.i subed.and i m waiting the review of the re version.also if you could a review of the new transalp.i ride bikes 28 years,but never had the chance to buy a brand new.i think next spring i ll be ready.so i watch many reviews.i m thinking for 4-5 bikes and this one is in my plans.one question if you might.altough i m 5.10 i found vstrom800 a little high,i found it higher even than tenere,so can i ask if this lower seat is comfy enough?the stock ist not bad att all,what about this?
I found the DE a bit tall as well . The RE was much more manageable for me . The review comes out on the 7th of December . I have ridden the transalp but haven’t managed to find one that I could ride for a few days which is what I feel I need to make a proper review 👍
Dear sir,i am always inspired by your energetic,enthusiastic words about ADV..i watch your channel regularly and appreciate your depiction about the wonderful machines of modern,advance Tech and so on
I wish I would have v strom 650..Is it going to continue or as heard 700 de in pipe line to reolace the outdated 650xt..your kind reply will be appreciated and welcomed to decide my future course of action regards for your passion and love for us
Firstly , thank you for your kind words . I am glad that you enjoy the channel .
I haven’t heard anything about a new 700 but have a very good Suzuki dealer near me and if one is announced I am sure they would let me have a go . New models are normally launched at one of the European shows in the Autumn so we will know soon ! 👍
@@michaelmam 90K views 10 months ago #advnews
#dl700 #vstrom700 #advnews
Awesome review. Is the low seat on the 800 DE just as comfortable as the stock seat?
New road version just released now Michael, I'll be looking forward to your thoughts on it when you have an opportunity to test ride it,
It could be the perfect upgrade from my 650.
I am looking forward to riding it as well👍
Smaller, wheelbase 50 mm less
Great review, thanks. I wonder how it compared to the original honda africa twin crf1000.. Same weight, less power.
The dash is way better, the power is fine. The engine is more fun. The AT is a great bike though.
These Bikes are the only things that can cope with our deteriating road networks, have ridden a couple of sports bike recently but alas the uk is no good for those types of bikes
I know what you mean Philip ! I do really enjoy riding our Suzuki 1000GT and have toured about 4000 of the 6 I have done so far on it . You have to be able to avoid holes but fortunately the GT copes really well with mid corner changes in line . Bikes like the 800 DE and our BMW GS , which we did the NC500 on in May , just glide over the top of them ..👍
Given that we don’t have massive expanses of off road territory (in these parts) I’m not too sure how much appetite there is out there for tubed tyres.
To me i see this bike as a smaller capacity 1050 rather than a replacement for the 650 and although I'm sure its offroad ability is better I'd much rather take a drz400 type of bike off road. Overall i like the bike but i dont feel the need for the tech, its tall and heavy and missing a vtwin and i dont think its for me, a lighter wieght bored out 650 would have been far more appealing to me.
Hi Des , 270 degree crank has the pulse of the V twin . I explain a bit more about the new engine in my 8S review out in a few weeks . I think they had taken that V twin as far as they wanted to go . Personally I agree about smaller, lighter bikes off road but we are all different 👍
It's not even in the same class. The 800DE is designed to be as fun as a sport tourer and as capable as a KLR off road. It's not a motocross or Enduro. You'd never take a DRZ on a ride across Europe.
Can you go to a tire shop and fit tubeless tires? If yes, replace that huge and heavy muffler and you've got yourself a great bike..!
Hi Chris , personally I think that is the right approach . Adapt it to suit your needs . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍
Yes, you can, but it's senseless. Tubes are better in every way unless you only use a bike at high speeds on asphalt/tarmac. ie, sport bikes or cruisers.
not really as the rims are not tubeless rims. You can modify them with a tubeless kit or a tubeliss kit but not really worth the hassle I dont think
😊👍🙏
Quale dei 2 motori euro 5 scalda di meno le gambe ?
Great video Michael. Convinced me to try a bike with QS. Do you plan to try a Transalp. And did yoy try the DE off road?
Thank you David . I have had a brief ride on a Transalp but not long enough to make an informed comment other than the power is higher up the rev range which some will like , more than others .
Although I have done a lot of miles off road in the past , it was more enduro than trail and I have hung up my boots 😂 I try very hard not to read any other reviews before I go to camera and it certainly felt like it would be more capable than my 650 which has limited ground clearance and non switchable ABS ( unless you con it - see internet ) . Proper , current off roaders seem to be putting the new bike through its paces well . The demonstration at this years ABR event was pretty impressive but riders that skilled are fast on a shopping trolley . Do you plan to ride rugged off road or more gravel tracks / firmer ground ?
@michaelmam I am a dyed in wool Honda fan boy now too old but still enjoying my CBR650F. Very tempted by the Tranalp by all accounts a road bike with light off road potential. More than enough for me. The Suzuki and similar Triumphs just look bigger!
@@davidconnelly2096 Try the Transalp with QS . You might enjoy that . 👍
@michaelmam Hopefully it is an extra.
@@davidconnelly2096 You can get it on the Honda - its £ 250 . 👍 Personally I prefer the Suzuki gearbox but Lambchop prefer the Honda .. we are all different!
جميل جداً
You are the tester in this case. So it is your job to decide, whether the bike is worth extra money (compared to 650).You have got the experience and the bike. Two things the majority of the viewer does not possess. Why are you leaving it up to us then? :-)
Spending other peoples money is pretty easy 😂 My view is that I won’t rush to change mine but when I do , I would be very happy with a low seat, 800 . If I was buying from scratch and had the extra £2-3000 , dependant on the deal , the 800 is a better bike . 👍
@@michaelmam You see? What a lovely and effortless way of putting it :-) Thank you and good luck.
@@albertjurcisin8944 It depends on what you want from a bike, they are both good bikes
@@michaelmam sounds about right
@@blackskunk54 Recently reviewed the 800 RE , out on Dec the 7th . I liked it .. well other than the tyres 😂
Gteat review.
I enjoyed the quick shifter explanation. Do you need to clutch down to first gear?
I have a 650 but thought the 800 was a bit plasticky and dont like the colours. I might consider one with different colour ways in the future.
The quick shifter works down to first as long as you have about 2000 revs on the engine . I choose to use the clutch for first but it is a preference rather than a need 👍
Sir... how do manufacturers measure "overall height" for their official spec sheets? from bottom of tire to top of windshield or? top of the tank? mirrors?
interested in upgraded my V-Strom 650 to the new 800DE but the 800 is listed as 4" shorter.. but the seat height is 1" higher. i'm a taller rider and if the 800 is really 4" shorter with a higher seat - i'd be in an uncomfortable riding position - more street bike than adventurer/tourer. from this side-by-side 2:50 they look very similar in "overall height". Can you please solve this question for me? much thanks
I am not sure how they get their overall height measurements but suspect you are not comparing like with like . The 800 is significantly taller than the 650 … much closer to the bigger 1050 . It will suit taller riders . Hopefully you will have an opportunity to see and sit on one . You will see what I mean 👍
@@michaelmam Thank you very much for the reply. Your video has really helped me decide. Since my comment I have started paperwork on getting my 800DE !! 1 hour ride to go get it but im sure ill be as happy with it as I was with my 2008 vstrom.
Great stuff Michael. 21" tubed tyres? No thanks. I always think that adventure-styled bikes like the V-Strom 650, Versys, CB500X, and F750GS are actually just adventure 'styled' road bikes. You can see from comments that riders in the US/Australia do often need the off-road capability but I've no idea where I'd go off-roading near me. Cheers
Which is better at highway speeds - the 650 or the 800?
Personally I think the 800 will be better at constant higher speeds ? A bit more power.
The 650 is a good engine but consumption drops quite quickly at higher speeds . Only an opinion .. 👍
After having sat on one, I’d honestly save the money and get a slightly used 650 instead.
Ride one 😉 . I like the 650 . I have one ! The 800 DE or RE ( slightly lower , more road focus ) are better bikes … The 650’s are great value 👍
@@michaelmam What is toad focus? I had a DL650XT and sold it after 2 yrs cos of the vibes when riding at high speed, not something I did often though. It was a great bike but having ridden the 800DE and RE I had a lot of fun on the DE. When I rode the RE I noticed the mirrors vibrating, which has put me off. My 650 never did that. Will have to try the DE again. I am 6' 1" and find the RE a bit small for me, but the DE is just right, as is my Transalp 750. Unfortunately the Transalp does not have a torquey engine like the Suzukis. I am reluctant to change as I have only had the Transalp 3 months, but the 800DE has a better engine IMO and is more confidence inspiring than any bike I have ever ridden in 53 yrs of biking. Glad that Suzuki have kept the controls simple, if it works don't fix it. If I get offered a good deal to trade and could get the white DE they have in Canada I would be very tempted.
@@blackskunk54 😂 sorry , Typo . Road focus ..
@@michaelmam froget it
@@blackskunk54 😂👍
How comfortable is the seat and the riders position in general? And how it is compared to the 650 version?
I am a smaller rider ..173 cm and I found it very comfortable , if a bit tall . Taller riders have told me that it works well for them too . In my view it is certainly as comfortable as my 650.. 👍
@@michaelmam Thanks for the reply! I am 176cm. I own a tracer 700 2018 model(my frist bike). But i find the seat really uncomfrotable to the point that i stop riding through these years(have made modification to the seat). So my big concern is the bikers comfort and as I am looking to replace my current bike, I am trying to figure out which one to go for.
The same
How about mounting a GPS? Is it improved in that area?
I didn’t try , I was only riding a couple of hundred miles in my local area . The power supply is an upgrade on my 650 where I use my phone , handlebar mounted on a Quodlock , with vibration damper . It works well .
What is your height Sir?
1.72 metres , with a 29.5 inside leg . Liked the bike a lot but with the standard seat , found it tall 👍
Comment on hospital food and prison food! 😂 I’ll shamelessly steal it!
I test ride this and transalp back to back.this bike is for big lads.i am 5.10 and i really found this bike big.i dont understand why they made such wide handlebar.the bike feel even taller than tenere world raid.i liked the engine,the suspention,but i dont know..i also i find it ugly.very ugly.and who will do hardcore off road with a so much tall and heavy bike?i could go for the re version,but damn,this is even uglier
No tubeless tires? 500 pounds? Suzuki got it wrong. I'll keep my Vstrom 650.
Your right weight is a very important factor.
@@leeengelsman1855 if only the Japanese designers actually had to ride, lift back up, and change a flat tube in 100 degree weather we might get practical adventure bikes. Had the Vstrom 650 received the USD forks and rear shock like the Vstrom 1000 did in 2014 it would have been great. But Suzuki has always held back on the little 650.
And lack of cruise control!
@@verbalwidget7267 how are USD forks going to reduce weight?.
@@leeengelsman1855 I never said USD would reduce the weight ... I installed the DRZ400SM forks and clamps on my DR650 with the 21" front wheel since Suzuki doesn't know how to build a DR650 with USD forks and the assembly was only a pound or two more, but I gained stiffness in the front end, precise handling, full adjustability of the USD forks and the SM large disc brake too. The point is not a pound or two but what you gain out of the bike. Suzuki skimps or the rear shock on the V650 too, I would pay a bit more to have the V1000 USD forks factory fitted and a real effort put into the V650 and have an amazing machine. But like a lot of Suzuki's line up, good enough is good enough for us. (like with the DR650, DRZ400, DR200, RMZ's) I grew up and raced MX when Suzuki had heart, they would strive to be the best. It's puzzling to me having so much history with their bikes and knowing what they were capable of at one time. What we should be looking at with the V800 is a sub 430 pound machine, tubeless rims, cruise control, and a bike that would beat the Tenere and KTM's at their own game. But we get a bike that's as heavy as an African twin, less hp than the AT, lacking in many features people wanted and were hoping for from a ground up new build. It's disappointing for many who had hope or rode Suzuki's when they had heart.
I love the looks of this bike, but no cruise control has pushed me elsewhere. Such a shame.
What did you go for in the end?
It’s funny, I have cruise control on both my bikes & never use it.
@@marksimpson5218 Hi Mark , I guess it depends on the sort of riding you do ? I have some bikes with and some without but only tend to use it on longer journeys . Personally I like bikes with heated grips 😂 We are all different . 👍
@@michaelmam R1250GS🙌
@@essex__rider Good bike . I have a low chassis version . 👍
Why the hell did Suzuki go from tubeless to tubed? Absolutely rediculous. Should also have cruise control as standard. Pity, I would consider it otherwise.
Totally agree, you get a puncture you have to remove the wheel, which means extra tools required.
That's why the God of inner tubes invented Goop 😉 and cable ties are such an essential self rescue item 🤓
I think Suzuki's reasoning is that if you're in the middle of nowhere, with no phone signal, no passing motorists, and you've dinged a tubeless rim or got a puncture in a spot on a tubeless tyre where a repair kit simply won't work, then at least with tubed tyres you can get the tyres on and off more easily if you absolutely have to.
As tubeless tyres have thicker side walls they are more difficult to get on and off the rims, if you absolutely had to fit a tube to one using hand tools you'd definitely appreciate the difference then, trust me 😉 but like I said, Goop!
I suspect they'll be releasing a more road focused variant of the bike with cruise and tubeless soon too.
Quickshifters rule...
I ride some with , some without . QS definitely rule 😂
650xt a v engine always better
Have you ridden the 800? I suspect not.
To go up to a quick shifter and back to tubed tyres is a huge retrograde step, tubed tyres are from the 70`s get real Suzuki. looks as though its got a cable clutch as well, Ugh
Not a patch of trail or track & NOT a review or test .. It's an oversized, under powered over weight pig .. & NOT a V-Strom .. it's a P-Strom .. Suzuki screwed up
Hi Errol.I remember that you helped me understand the Nikasil process. You clearly don't like this review, which is fine. Have you ridden the 800 or are your views based on the specifications?