[cycleworld.com] - 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE/800DE Adventure First Look

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Suzuki has revealed the V-Strom 800DE and 800DE Adventure, two brand-new 2023 adventure models powered by a new parallel-twin engine.

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Suzuki has released two brand-new versions of the V-Strom, the 800DE and 800DE Adventure, which use a new parallel-twin engine. (Suzuki/)Unveiled alongside the new GSX-8S streetbike that shares the same parallel-twin engine, Suzuki’s new V-Strom 800DE and 800DE Adventure step into the middleweight ADV slot to combat the likes of Yamaha’s Ténéré 700, BMW’s F 850 GS, and the all-new Honda Transalp 750 that was unveiled at exactly the same time as the Suzuki at the EICMA show in Milan. That’s a tough market, but on paper at least it’s one that the new V-Strom looks well equipped to enter, combining a design that’s much more rugged than the old V-twin-powered V-Strom 650 with impressive levels of equipment.


The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE in gray/yellow. (Suzuki/)By calling the new bike “V-Strom,” Suzuki has dismissed the idea that the “V” stands for the V-twin engine configuration. After all, the firm previously made the V-Strom 250 using a parallel twin, and the new V-Strom 800DE uses that same format. The all-new engine follows the same direction as most of its rivals, with a 270-degree crank to give an uneven V-twin-style firing interval with the packaging and production-cost advantages of an inline-twin.


The Suzuki 800DE Adventure, comes with extras like additional protection from an aluminum skid plate, crashbars, plus side cases. It is available in one color, gloss black. (Suzuki/)Suzuki’s US press materials are coy about the engine’s power output, but at the press launch in Europe the numbers were confirmed as 83 hp at 8,500 rpm and torque peaking at 57.5 lb.-ft. and 6,800 rpm. Those numbers give it the edge over the 72 hp Yamaha Ténéré 700, but are similar to the 94 hp BMW F 850 GS and 92 hp Honda XL750 Transalp. Since the V-Strom 800DE tips the scales at 507 pounds, including a full 5.3-gallon tank of fuel, it’s on par with the BMW for weight, though noticeably heavier than either the Ténéré 700 or the XL750 Transalp.


The brand-new 776cc parallel twin has twin balance shafts, one ahead of the crankshaft and one below. (Suzuki/)Where the old V-Strom 650 had little in the way of real off-road ambition, the new V-Strom 800DE takes its adventure role much more seriously. The new engine, with twin balancer shafts in a patented arrangement to offset the vibes of the 270-degree crank, is bolted to a tubular-steel frame with a bolt-on subframe and an aluminum-alloy swingarm. A fully adjustable Showa inverted fork offers 8.7 inches of travel; it’s matched at the rear by a Showa monoshock, also adjustable for preload (via a remote adjuster), compression and rebound damping. A 21-inch front wire-spoked wheel is matched to a 17-inch rear, with 90/60-21 and 150/70-17 tubed Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires respectively.


With the bodywork off, you can get a good look at the 800DE’s tubular-steel frame. (Suzuki/)As on the GSX-8S that shares its engine, the brakes come from Nissin, with 310mm front discs. But unlike the streetbike, the V-Strom uses axial-mount front calipers; a single 260mm rear rotor and one-piston Nissin caliper deal with the rear braking, and there’s ABS as standard. That ABS has two modes, plus the ability to switch off the rear-wheel antilock system entirely for off-road use. Other electronics include three riding modes; four traction-control settings, three for road and one for gravel use; and a bidirectional quickshifter as standard. Suzuki’s Low RPM Assist system, which helps prevent stalling, is also fitted.


Both bikes have a fully adjustable Showa fork and standard-mount Nissin brakes. Multiple ABS modes are selectable. (Suzuki/)
An aluminum swingarm, 17-inch wire-spoked wheel, and single-piston rear brake grace the rear. (Suzuki/)Like the GSX-8S, the V-Strom’s airbox is mounted under the seat to make more space for the fuel tank, allowing larger capacity without excessive bulk. That tank forms a key part of styling, a strong suit for the V-Strom. Like the larger V-Strom 1050DE, the 800 takes its inspiration from the original DR Big, the bike that first introduced us to the now-ubiquitous “beak” front mudguard, but the V-Strom 800DE has a much more agile appearance. The tubular-steel chassis and compact engine make it look far less bulky than the 1050, while the stacked LED headlight setup is a modern twist that makes it instantly recognizable.


Stacked LED headlights resemble those on the new GSX-8S and GSX-S1000. (Suzuki/)Those lights sit beneath an adjustable screen, albeit one that requires a hex wrench to move between its three possible heights. Of course there are optional alternative screens for increased protection. Behind the screen, there’s the same 5-inch color TFT dash as on the GSX-8S, complete with day and night modes and dedicated bar controls to navigate the menus.


The cockpit view shows the new 5-inch TFT display, and windscreen that requires tools for adjustment. (Suzuki/)Under the engine, the exhaust is protected by a plastic skid plate; while the GSX-8S packages its entire system under the engine, the V-Strom 800DE has a conventional side-mounted muffler to increase ground clearance and make sure the exhaust is out of harm’s way. The higher-spec V-Strom 800DE Adventure model gets additional bash guards on either side, plus side cases and a tougher, alloy skid plate. Other optional extras available include fog lights, alloy or plastic top and side cases, and a host of other components to tailor the bike toward either touring or off-road use.


Unlike the GSX-8S that shares the same engine, the 800DE and 800DE Adventure get a conventional exhaust to keep it up and out of harm’s way on the trail. (Suzuki/)Prices have yet to be announced, but the V-Strom 800DE will be offered in yellow/blue with gold rims or gray with yellow highlights and black wheels. The 800 DE Adventure comes in gloss black with blue trim and gold rims.


The switch pod on the left handlebar controls the menus on the TFT dash. Both models come with brush guards as standard. (Suzuki/)
A closer look at the TFT display, which can be set in a day or night mode. (Suzuki/)
Another view of the handguards. (Suzuki/)
The rear rack can accommodate various luggage options. (Suzuki/)
The rear shock has a remote preload adjuster for quicker adjustment. (Suzuki/)
The seat height on both models is set at 33.7 inches. (Suzuki/)
The standard 800DE gets a plastic skid plate; the 800DE Adventure gets an aluminum unit. (Suzuki/)
USB port to power smartphones and other devices. (Suzuki/)
The other color option on the standard 800DE is blue and yellow. (Suzuki/)2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE/800DE Adventure Specs

MSRP:TBAEngine:DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.Displacement:776ccBore x Stroke:84.0 x 70mmCompression Ratio:12.8:1Transmission/Final Drive:6-speed/chainClaimed Horsepower:83.0 hp @ 8,500 rpmClaimed Torque:57.5 x lb.-ft. @ 6,800 rpmFuel System:EFIClutch:Wet, multiplate w/ Low RPM AssistEngine Management/Ignition:ElectronicFrame:Steel backbone styleFront Suspension:Showa inverted fork, fully adjustable; 8.7 in. travelRear Suspension:Showa monoshock, fully adjustable; 8.7 in. travelFront Brake:Nissin 2-piston calipers, 310mm discs w/ ABSRear Brake:Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc w/ ABSWheels, Front/Rear:Cast-aluminum alloy; 21 in./17 in.Tires, Front/Rear:90/60-21 / 150/70-17Rake/Trail:28.0°/4.5 in.Wheelbase:61.8 in.Ground Clearance:6.7 in.Seat Height:33.7 in.Fuel Capacity:5.3 gal.Claimed Wet Weight:507 lb.Contact:suzukicycles.com