presentation of the V-Strom 800 S.E. 2025
Suzuki's entry into the 800 / 900 trail bike category was a direct response to the off-road trend. The V-Strom 800 D.E. put forward TT arguments, with a very convincing and homogeneous off-road result. Not very sexy, but effective, this Dual Explorer does justice to the trail name.
Now that it's proved its worth, it wants to appeal to a more on-road audience. No problem, all Suzuki has to do is create a sister with other attributes. This is how the 800 V-Strom S.E. came to enrich the catalog. For Special Edition? No, not to be confused. This S.E. stands for Sport Explorer. An alliance that speaks volumes. But is it a simple "adaptation" or a major transformation?
At first glance, there are few changes. Sober colors, a more discreet look... This 800 V-Strom doesn't seem to want to stand out. But if you keep your eyes open just a few seconds longer, you'll notice a host of changes between the D.E. and the S.E.
First, the rims. Instead of spokes, they are spoked, with a 19-inch front wheel, whereas the D.E. tracks with 21. The front tire is also wider, going from 90 to 110.
Next, the suspension. The new V-Strom's suspension has a 150 mm travel, much more reasonable than the Dual's 220 mm. Strangely, the seat height is only 30 mm lower. But its 825 mm are already much more accessible and pleasant when it comes to putting your feet down.
With this alone, the V-Strom 800 S.E. shows that it's not a trail bike. The other variations only serve to reinforce its rolling attitude. The windscreen is higher and wider, the footrests have a standard profile, the engine cowling, radiator guard and handguards have been removed, the 4-piston brake calipers are radially mounted, and the suspension offers fewer adjustments. For the 41 mm inverted fork, compression and rebound damping are no longer affected, only preload. As for the shock absorber, only compression is no longer adjustable, but preload and rebound damping remain.

On board, the rider has a slightly different riding position, a little further forward. For added dynamism, the handlebars are raised by 23 mm and lowered by 13 mm. The footpegs are exactly the opposite: 14 mm further back and 7 mm higher. The "steering triangle" of seat, hands and feet is designed to deliver greater precision and stability.
Here's what sets the Sport Explorer apart: a lot of little features to make it a mid-size touring trail bike. Like the 650 V-Strom, but bigger. The parallel-twin powerplant inside is the very recent unit inaugurated by the 800 D.E. and the GSX-8S roadster (soon to be featured in a GSX-8R?). It's a 776 cm3, 270°, rated at 84 hp at 8,500 rpm. It's not the most powerful in the category (a Transalp or a 790 Adventure do much better), but its ease of use and availability make it very pleasant and reassuring. Torque reaches 8 mkg at 6,800 rpm.

If we go into a little more detail, SDMS allows you to choose 3 engine response mappings, from the most invigorating A to the very progressive C. These could be assigned as A = Sport, B = Touring and C = Rain.
Traction control is just as simple. Gone are the GSX-R's 10 intensity levels, with intervention as soon as you moved your helmet. On the V-Strom 800, it's 3 Modes, on the same tangent as the SDMS curves.
Remember that the shifter allows you to shift gears without touching the clutch, Easy Start facilitates engine starting (a simple press and the starter motor turns until the thruster wakes up) and Low RPM Assist boosts engine speed to avoid stalling at low speeds.
In previous lines, it was suggested that Suzuk' would play on price by modifying certain equipment. One might have feared that the instrumentation would suffer, as is the case with some manufacturers. Fortunately not. The 7-inch TFT color screen is still there. Sober, well-stocked with information without being a mess, pleasant to consult, the screen offers two graphic themes according to day or night.
There's a USB socket, which is virtually indispensable these days.
Another practical point: the bubble is adjustable... by just 3 cm, which won't make much difference. You'll have to rely more on its size to protect your chest and ganache.
No center stand, no storage compartment, but 20 liters in the fuel tank, a package holder, a remote knob to adjust shock absorber preload and a removable rear frame.
Like the D.E., the 800 V-Strom S.E. is based on a tubular steel frame, with the engine as a stiffening element. Braking is provided by Nissin brake shoes biting 310 mm discs. The 260 mm rear brake uses a single piston. On the other hand, with a 55 mm shorter wheelbase and 7 kg less weight, it promises superior agility.
this V-Strom 800 Sport Explorer is the perfect addition to Suzuki's "intermediate" trail range. The technical differences allow us to offer a reduced price of 1,000 euros compared to the country version. With the D.E. and S.E., the 650 std / 650 XT duo can count on more ambitious siblings. As the family also extends to the 1050, there's something for everyone
M.B - Manufacturer's photos

Key facts Suzuki V-Strom 800 S.E. (2025) : What you need to know before you buy
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
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11,239€
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10,699€
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Performance
- Max speed : approximately 200 km/h (124.30 mph)
- Average fuel consumption : 4.40 liters/100km (0.53 mpg)
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Estimated range
: 455 km (283 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.
Specifications Suzuki V-Strom 800 S.E. 2025
- Chassis
- Two-seater saddle
- Frame : tubular steel structure
- Fuel capacity : 20 liters (5.28 US gallons)
- Oil capacity : 3.90 liters (1.03 US gallons)
- Seat height : 825 mm (32.48 in)
- Length : 2,255 mm (88.78 in)
- Width : 905 mm (35.63 in)
- Min height : 1,355 mm (53.35 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,515 mm (59.65 in)
- Weight when fully loaded : 223 kg (492 lb)
- Front axle
- Reverse telehydraulic fork Ø nc, Wheel travel : 150 mm (5.91 in)
- Angle de chasse : 26 °
- Braking 2 Nissin discs Ø 310 mm (12.2 in), radial mounting, 4-piston caliper
- Front tire : 110 / 80 - 19 → Order this type of tire
- Transmission
- 6 stage gearbox , manual - shifter as standard
- Secondary by chain
- Rear axle
- Monoshock, Wheel travel : 150 mm (5.91 in)
- Braking 1 Nissin disc Ø 260 mm (10.24 in), single-piston caliper
- Rear tire : 150 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Motor
- two-cylinder parallel , 4 strokes, set at 270°
- Injection Ø 42 mm
- Cooling system : liquid
- 2 ACT
- 4 valves per cylinder
- 776 cc (Bore x stroke: 84 x 70 mm)
- 84.30 ch (83.10 hp) to 8,500 rpm
- 8 mkg (78 Nm) to 6,800 rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio : approximately 2.48 kg/ch
- Weight / torque ratio : approximately 25.74 kg/mkg
- Compression : 12.8 : 1
- Starting system : electric
- CO² emissions: 104 g/km
- Standard equipment
- Brake assist : ABS
- Number of riding modes : 3
- TFT Full-Colour screen size: 12.70 cm (5 inches)
- Aluminium rims
- Shifter
- Gear indicator
- USB plug
- Start assist
- Park assist
- Traction control
- Adjustable windscreen
- Anti-slip clutch
- Optional equipment
- Center stand
- Heated grips
- Practical information
- Country of manufacture : Japan

helmet
Gloves
jacket
braking
Chain kit
Oils
Parts
Luggage
Tires
Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 19 reviews
Otherwise, there's one big flaw for me: its mug with those 2 horrible little lights. It's a pity, because there's nothing really bad to say about the rest! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Alain81
Personally, I think it's a great bike, but of course there's better and worse out there. It's great value for money, hard to beat that. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Loic
The bubble can normally be changed easily and cheaply, and the lighting can be improved for not too much money (it should be decent from the start(!), but at least it can be improved easily). BUT, in 2024-2025, a trail-roader without cruise control, not even as an option, is a no-go.
Other manufacturers have understood that there is a clientele for mid-size bikes with equipment+, and that customers don't necessarily choose mid-size bikes because they can't afford them, but because they're what they want (weight savings, the feeling of being able to exploit the engine rather than turning the handle and seeing 130 unnecessary drunks arrive).
It's a pity that Suzuki, over and over again for so many years, has failed to offer models that are really well positioned in the market. Just like with the V-Strom 1050 SE, which is still a very good motorcycle, but lacks in certain respects in the face of market developments. Rationalizing the range to save money is understandable, but offering a basic version and at least one very well-equipped version has, in my opinion, become a necessity for a manufacturer that wants to face up to the competition. Rating : 3/5 Respond to Max
STRENGTHS;
- 84hp engine as efficient as a 95hp ktm - perfect shifter on the fly during acceleration or hard braking - hyper-coherent sdms modes, even the smooth mode with passenger doesn't stifle dynamism - perfect braking, neither hard nor soft, with excellent feel - quality suspension for the price of this model - intuitive dashboard controls, easy-to-read display, usb socket - smartphone support crossbar - optional heated grips and center stand, well-integrated and easy to use - good original 100% road tires DISADVANTAGES:
- inadequate and dangerous lighting, especially when cornering - awkward and tiring riding position, neither trail nor road - comfortable but less maneuverable and lively than a Versys or Tiger (consequent weight at standstill and in a series of tight bends) - volume of suzuki side-case kit too small - bubble needs to be adjusted in angle (too straight and forward) and height (too tight on freeways for rider 1,80m and +) - shock absorber rebound adjustment screw not easily accessible with center stand - no clutch lever stroke adjustment knob Rating : 4/5 Respond to L PR
What's not to like? Zero bubble protection. I'm struggling to find a solution to the problem of the helmet swirling around, and it's impossible to ride with the visor open (1m79). These (big) details limit its suitability for travel. It's a shame. Rating : 4/5 Respond to Chris
The icing on the cake: to correct this problem, my dealer suggested fitting additional lights that mount on crash bars. Total bill: 656.48 + 381.49 = €1037.97 !!! It's a bit expensive to correct a design flaw! And who do you think pays for it? I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. In the near future, I'll be illustrating my comments with photos. For the moment, I only represent myself, but SUZUKI France will have to make a gesture. To ignore this problem seems to me totally unacceptable. Otherwise, don't ride during the day... As for me, I finished my shift around 7:30/8pm, and resumed my commute with my katoche... It really pisses me off! Sincerely, Frank Rating : 4/5 Respond to FrankyH30