Motorcycle specifications SuzukiV-Strom 800 D.E. 2023 The unexpected trail

In the Suzuki trail bike family, we already knew the small V-Strom 650 and the big V-Strom 1050. At the Eicma trade show in Milan in early November, Suzuki unveiled an unexpected intermediate version, the V-STROM 800 DE.

This new model is neither a small 1050 nor a big 6?, but a completely new motorcycle, derived directly from the brand's new roadster, the GSX-8S, whose platform it shares.

gone,then, isthe V-twin to which the V-Strom owes its name; welcome tothe new in-line twin. Despite this change in engine architecture, Suzuki has nevertheless decided to keep the same name, so as not to confuse motorcyclists accustomed to the name.

In fact, the first V-Strom appeared in 2002, with the DL 1000 V-Strom, derived from the TLS 1000 roadster. The following year, Suzuki presented the DL 650 V-Strom, which inherited the SV 650's attractive engine. These two motorcycles, especially the 650 version, cut their own paths and won over a large number of motorcyclists. In fact, the latter's presence in the catalog was never interrupted, while the DL 1000 V-Strom's career was halted in 2007, only to restart in 2014 with a more dynamic version. In 2017, the 650 will follow in the footsteps of its big sister, with both models now available in different versions: standard, XT or DE for the 1050, and standard, A2 and XT for the 650.

note that the DE version of the V-Strom 1050 is new for 2023 - (see the Suzuki 1050 V-Strom DE 2023 fact sheet)

the new V-Strom 800 (available in A2 version) thus makes its appearance in the range in this new DE finish, i.e. its most adventurous version, DE initially standing for Dual Explorer. To help you find your way around Suz' range of trail bikes, the standard version is primarily intended for road use, with its spoked wheels (19" front); the XT version is designed more for off-road use, with its spoked wheels, but still with a 19" front wheel; while the DE version is the most adventurous and off-road of the bunch, with its spoked wheels and 21" front wheel.

And so, the V-Strom 800 makes its intentions clear from the outset, presenting itself to us in a DE version whose main yellow and blue color scheme is an unmistakable reference to the historic colors of the brand's motocross bikes, notably the famous RM 400s of the 1980s, which were the stuff of dreams for generations of motocrossers. The model is also available in grey and yellow, or black and blue... part of the brand's off-road color code.

Technically, the 800 DE shares the same platform as the new GSX-8S, and is powered by a 776 cm3 (84 x 70 mm) vertical twin developing 84.3 hp at 8,500 rpm and delivering maximum torque of 7.95 mkg at 6,800 rpm. All of which means a very comfortable and efficient performance at the usual engine speeds. This new parallel twin features 270° valve timing (as on the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and the new Honda Transalp), to deliver a pleasant, V-Twin-like character. The cooling system has been specially designed to ensure rapid temperature rise on start-up, to reduce cold emissions as much as possible, while maintaining optimum operating temperature in all conditions.

in terms of electronics, this new trail bike comes with the same array of features as the GSX-8S, including a ride-by-wire electronically controlled throttle; three riding modes ranging from the most dynamic (mode A) to the softest (mode C)a disengageable traction control system, offering three levels of intervention plus a G mode (for gravel) designed to limit the intervention of the assistance system in off-road conditions, without however disconnecting it altogetheran up & down sifhter for upshifting and downshifting without disengaging the clutch; a simplified starting system, with a single press to start the engine; and Low RPM Assist, an electronic assistance system for low-speed riding. What's more, the 800 DE is also equipped with a limited-slip clutch, a mechanical system that further enhances ease of use and rapid handling.

When it comes to handling, the first question you ask yourself when talking about a trail bike with real off-road capabilities is: "Isn't it too high? While this notion is objective in terms of its numerical value, it is also highly personal in terms of its size, physiognomy (short or long legs) and ease of handling (Cyril Neveu or Gaston Rahier, to name but a few, have won the Dakar many times on very tall motorcycles, despite their very small size). The V-Strom 800 DE has a seat height of 855 mm, midway between the 835 mm of the 650 XT and the 880 mm of the 1050 XT.

The tubular steel frame is the same as that of the GSX-8S, but with a reinforced rear frame. The swingarm also differs, as does the geometry of the front axle (28° and 114 mm of clearance, versus 25° and 104 mm), increasing the wheelbase to 1,570 mm (from 1,465 mm on the 8S) for greater overall stability. Naturally, the new V-Strom is fitted with 21" spoked wheels at the front and 17" at the rear, shod with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour as standard. Suspension features a fully adjustable upside-down front fork and a rear monoshock with hydraulic preload and rebound adjustment. It boasts 220 mm of ground clearance for easy off-road riding. On the other hand, its 230 kg fully loaded weight is likely to be a handicap off-road, compared with the 204 kg of the Yamaha T7, for example.

Let's end our portrait of this new trail bike, which should be one of the spearheads of the category next year, by pointing out that behind its three-level adjustable bubble, it features an instrument panel with an ultra-complete 5-inch TFT screen, as well as a USB port for powering smartphones and other GPS devices.

In short, the new Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is a pleasant surprise...

M.B - Manufacturer's photos