Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: The Powerhouse of Adventure Motorcycling

1. Introduction

Launched on March 28, 2024, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE has quickly become a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts. This powerful motorcycle is a testament to Suzuki’s commitment to innovation and performance. With its unique blend of on-road and off-road capabilities, the V-Strom 800DE is designed to bring a sense of adventure and riding pleasure into your everyday life.

2. Engine and Performance

At the heart of the V-Strom 800DE is a new, compact 776cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin engine. This engine uses a 270-degree firing order for strong torque production and is equipped with Suzuki’s exclusive Cross Balancer system for smooth operation. It is said that the engine will get 22.7kmpl of gas mileage when paired with a six-speed transmission.

The engine’s power characteristics are similar to the 90-degree V-Twins in the V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1050⁸. The claimed output is 83 hp at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm. When you twist the throttle to get more power, the engine sends a torquey rush of power forward.

3. Price

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, launched in 2024, has been a topic of interest for motorcycle enthusiasts, especially regarding its pricing. The base MSRP for the V-Strom 800DE is set at $9,899, which does not include the destination charge of $460.00 and a freight surcharge of $100.00. For those looking for more specific details or variations, such as the Rally Edition or the Adventure model, the prices are $13,990 and $13,050 respectively.

It’s important to note that these prices are the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and do not include additional costs such as tax, title, licensing, and dealer charges, which can vary based on location and dealership. Additionally, the actual sale price may differ due to promotions, discounts, or other deals that may be available at the time of purchase.

For potential buyers interested in the international market, particularly in India, the estimated ex-showroom price for the standard variant of the V-Strom 800DE is around ₹10,30,000. This figure is an average and may fluctuate based on regional taxes and other fees.

4. Advance Electronic Systems

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is equipped with a robust collection of advanced electronic systems. Here are some of its key electronic features:

• Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.): This includes Traction Control with a trail-oriented GRAVEL mode plus rider-adjustable ABS with two levels or sensitivity plus the ability to switch off the rear wheel ABS when riding off-road. The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), the Suzuki Traction Control System (STSC) with G (Gravel) mode, the Ride-by-Wire Electronic Throttle System, the Bi-directional Quick Shift System, the Suzuki Easy Start System, and the Low RPM Assist are also part of the S.I.R.S.
• Bi-directional Quick Shifter: This feature allows the rider to upshift and downshift without using the clutch or throttle.
• Ride-by-Wire Throttle: This electronic throttle system provides a smooth and precise throttle response.
• TFT Instrument Panel: The bike features a new generation, full-color 5-inch TFT LCD Instrument Panel that delivers a wealth of information.

• LED Headlights: The V-Strom 800DE is equipped with Mono-focus LED headlights which are vertically stacked with a position light below a trim, height-adjustable windscreen.

• Traction Control System: The bike’s traction control system continuously monitors front and rear wheel speeds, throttle position sensor, crank position sensor and gear position sensor, and quickly reduces engine output when wheel spin is detected.

These advanced electronic features enhance the riding experience by providing better control, safety, and convenience.

5. Design and Styling

The V-Strom 800DE retains Suzuki’s distinctive Adventure “beak” and is available in Champion Yellow No. 2 or Glass Matte Mechanical Gray with new, soft images on top. The all-new angular bodywork emphasizes Suzuki’s adventure bike lineage by drawing from its late ’80s Paris-Dakar-inspired DR 750S Big.

6. Ride Quality and Brakes

The V-Strom 800DE is supported by the longest suspension travel and highest ground clearance of any V-Strom model. This, along with a 21-inch spoke-style front wheel, brings true off-road capability. The bike doesn’t feel any heavier than a Yamaha Tenere 700 or similar once you’ve got moving.

7. Advanced Features

Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) has Traction Control with a GRAVEL mode for riding on trails, rider-adjustable ABS with two levels of sensitivity, and the ability to turn off the back wheel ABS when going off-road. The Bi-directional Quick Shifter, the Ride-by-Wire throttle, and the bright, color TFT instrument screen are all examples of modern technology.

8. Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS)

The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) is an advanced electronic control system that allows riders to select individual settings to optimize performance characteristics and behavior to best suit varying road surfaces, riding conditions, and preferred riding styles.

Here are some key features of the SDMS:

• Power Mode Selector: This feature allows riders to select between three different engine output modes that control power delivery to match road and riding conditions. Mode 1 provides the sharpest throttle response and delivers maximum power, making it a solid choice for experienced riders out for a sporty run. Mode 2 provides softer throttle response and more linear power delivery, making it a practical mode for daily riding. Mode 3 has the smoothest engine response, a softer power curve, and a lower maximum output, which makes it great for riding on roads that are wet or slick.
• Anti-lift Control System: This system improves acceleration efficiency while stopping the front wheel from lifting off the ground. When turned on, the system gives you an option of 10 modes. Mode 1 gives you the least amount of control, and Mode 10 makes it almost impossible to lift the front wheel.
• Bi-Directional Quick Shift System: This system automatically interrupts power delivery just long enough to unload the transmission gear dogs and allow a clean upshift, producing smoother, almost uninterrupted acceleration. For faster and smoother downshifts without directly blipping the throttle twist grip or using the clutch, the system automatically opens the throttle valves just enough to increase rpm and match engine speed to the next-lower gear ratio.
• Engine Brake Control System: This method wipes out the effect of engine brakes to prevent back tire sliding or skipping and provide smoother, more controllable behavior. A choice of three modes plus an OFF setting let you control the effective strength of engine braking to match ride conditions or your taste.
• Motion Track Traction Control System: This system allows the rider to select different levels of traction control intervention, depending upon road or racetrack conditions as well as personal preference and experience level. The system continuously monitors front and rear wheel speed, throttle position, crankshaft position, gear position and motorcycle motion, and quickly reduces engine power output when a loss of traction is detected or predicted.
• Active Speed Limiter: This system lets you set a speed you do not wish to exceed and then accelerate and decelerate as you please up to that speed.

9. Engine Brake Control

Engine Brake Control, often referred to as engine braking, is a technique used in vehicles to slow down or control their speed without relying solely on the braking system. It works by utilizing the engine’s natural compression to generate resistance and reduce the vehicle’s speed.

Here’s how it works in more detail:

• When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, a vacuum is created which restricts airflow from the engine’s cylinders.
• This lowers the engine’s energy output, causing resistance in the engine and stopping force.
• The benefits of engine braking include lower brake wear, better car control, and improved fuel economy.

In the context of the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, the Engine Brake Control System is part of the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS). This system cancels out the effect of engine braking to suppress rear tire sliding or skipping and provide smoother, more controllable behavior¹. A choice of three modes plus an OFF setting let you control the effective strength of engine braking to match ride conditions or your taste.

10. Active Speed Limiter

The Active Speed Limiter is a feature that allows you to set a speed that you do not wish to exceed, and then accelerate and decelerate as you please up to that speed. This method makes it more difficult, but not impossible, to increase the speed of a car above the posted speed limit. It can also electronically limit the speed of the vehicle to fully prevent drivers from exceeding the speed limit.

In traffic, the limiter will stay active as you slow down and speed up, but you will need to fix it if the speed limit changes. You can also bypass the limiter if you need to speed up quickly, by pushing down hard on the accelerator.

This feature is part of the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) in the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE¹. It enhances the riding experience by providing better control, safety, and convenience.

11. Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Fuel Tank

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE has a large fuel tank with a capacity of 20 liters. This large fuel tank offers extended riding range for long-distance touring on the road or making it between infrequent refueling points off it. Combined with the frugal fuel economy, this gives the V-Strom a theoretical range of over 280 miles. This makes the V-Strom 800DE an excellent choice for long-distance rides and adventures.

12. Suspension System

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is equipped with a robust suspension system designed to handle a variety of terrains. Here are some key features of its suspension:

• Long-Travel Suspension: The V-Strom 800DE has the longest suspension travel of any V-Strom model. This, along with a 21-inch spoke-style front wheel, brings true off-road capability. The suspension is fully adjustable up front and at the rear (both are changeable for pre-load, rebound damping, and compression damping).
• Showa Mono-Shock Rear Suspension: The Showa mono-shock rear suspension with a piggyback remote gas reservoir contributes to agility and stability.

• Aluminum Swingarm: Matched to the V-STROM 800DE’s chassis geometry and long suspension is a new, uniquely shaped aluminum swingarm that enhances vertical, lateral, and torsional rigidity to aid straight-line stability and controlled cornering.

These features ensure that the V-Strom 800DE provides a comfortable ride, whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling off-road trails.

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Seat Height?
A: The seat height of the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is 33.7 inches or 855 mm.

Q: What is the Weight of Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
A: The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE weighs approximately 507 lbs or 230 kg.

Q: What are the Dimensions of Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
A: The dimensions of the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE are not specified in the sources.

Q: What is the Engine Displacement of Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
A: The engine displacement of the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is 776 cm.

Q: What is the Tyre Type of Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
A: The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comes with the latest Dunlop ADV tires.

In conclusion, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is a versatile and powerful motorcycle that offers a unique blend of on-road and off-road capabilities. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading out for an exhilarating ride on the highway, or exploring some natural scenery, the V-Strom 800DE is engineered to deliver a satisfying riding experience wherever you decide to go.

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