With its new middleweight adventure bike, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, the company promises true off-road capability. The V-Strom 800DE is based on a new 776 cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree firing order. It replaces the v-twin engine format and alloy frame with a steel frame. The new V-Strom 800DE, which has longer travel, fully adjustable suspension, and more ground clearance than any previous V-Strom model, is billed by Suzuki as “the most dirt and travel-worthy V-Strom ever.” In India, the V-Strom 800DE is currently the second model in the V-Strom family, following the 250 cc V-Strom SX. However, globally, it is positioned between the V-Strom 650 XT and the V-Strom 1050.
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Suzuki V-Strom 800DE with Revolutionary Parallel-Twin Engine
Suzuki has abandoned the v-twin architecture for the new V-Strom 800DE and instead unveiled a brand-new 776 cc parallel-twin engine with DOHC and four valves per cylinder. It produces peak torque of 78 Nm at 6,800 rpm and 82 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. A six-speed gearbox with a standard bi-directional quickshifter transfers power to the rear wheel.
According to Suzuki, the new engine delivers performance that is free-revving all the way to the top end. With a 270-degree crankshaft, the engine is supposed to provide plenty of torque throughout the rev range in addition to having a nice rumble and sounding like Suzuki’s v-twin engines. The Suzuki clutch assist system helps lessen fatigue on long rides and contributes to smoother shifting. The patented Cross Balancer System is supposed to suppress engine vibration and offer smooth operation.
Enhanced Suspension and Off-Road Capability: Suzuki V-Strom 800DE’s Showa Suspension System
Showa upside-down front forks with 220 mm of travel and a Showa monoshock with 220 mm of rear wheel travel are fitted to the V-Strom 800 DE. Both are fully adjustable. Along with the good 220 mm of ground clearance, these should provide excellent off-road performance. Kerb weight, however, is 232 kg. We won’t pass judgment on this weight until we ride the motorcycle to determine how well it balances out and whether or not it can go off-road as promised by the specs. However, the 20-liter fuel tank offers an excellent range between fill-ups.
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The V-Strom’s previous alloy frame has been replaced with a new steel frame that promises to provide both excellent straight line stability and agile handling for trail riding. If there is damage while riding off-road, it will be simple to replace a detachable rear sub-frame. In addition, the V-Strom 800DE features wire-spoke wheels and an aluminum swingarm. There is a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel. The tires on both wheels are Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour. Nevertheless, the V-Strom 800 DE lacks tubeless tires in contrast to the V-Strom 650 XT. Indian riders may be concerned about this, particularly since many competitors in the middleweight ADV market use tubeless tires on their 650 XT model.
Features of the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE’s Cockpit Technology
The V-Strom 800DE has a handy USB port on the left side of the meter cluster in addition to a 5-inch color TFT LCD multi-information screen with night and day modes. Three ride modes—Active, Basic, and Comfort—each with a different throttle response but the same maximum power. The Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), which has four modes, is another feature of the V-Strom 800DE. There is a dedicated “Gravel” mode for off-road use in addition to the three modes for normal road use. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) comes with two modes of operation: one for off-road use and one for on-road use. The ABS can even be fully disabled for the rear wheel.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE’s Competitive Pricing
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is a very good middleweight adventure bike, especially at its attractive introductory price of Rs. 10.30 lakh (Ex-showroom). The BMW F 850 GS, which is priced at Rs. 12.95 lakh (Ex-showroom), is its closest competitor. The road-biased Tiger 900 GT, which has cast alloy wheels, is priced at Rs. 13.70 lakh (Ex-showroom). If you include the Tiger 900 Rally, the price increases to Rs. 14.35 lakh (Ex-showroom).