2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | Exceeding Expectations

The new for 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is a serious performer in the mid-size adventure bike category, with capability exceeding what you'd expect after looking at the spec sheet. With Suzuki's famous reliability and durability, an easy to ride nature, reasonable seat height, and affordable price point, this bike should be near the top of your list. #motorcycle #motorbike #suzuki #vstrom #advrider #adv #vstrom800de

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00:00 Intro
02:06 Sound Check
03:31 Riding Position
05:29 Passenger
07:20 Specs
11:24 Maintenance
13:14 Tour/Features
19:59 TFT Dash
22:13 Highway Test
24:45 Urban Test
27:13 Sport Test
30:04 Off Road Test
37:02 Drop/Lift
39:44 Sand Test
41:23 Pros/Cons
44:50 Competitors
49:50 Final Thoughts ---
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[VolkanMemisoglu]

Thanks for adding metric values following the imperial ones. No American or British guy does that. Very appreciated.

[NunyaBusiness...]

I love the genuine family hot take on seating. So much more valuable than a planned out and rehearsed version to try and be "professional" with the video. It's just more real. Props on that and the family did great!

[Motovibes]

I own a Tenere 700 and I test rode the V-Strom 800DE. I was curious about the additional 23 kg (both dry weight) compared to the Tenere 700. What immediately caught my attention is how low the motorcycle sits. Everything is lower compared to the Tenere, including the handlebar, seat, everything. Naturally, this results in a much lower seat height, which may be somewhat uncomfortable for taller individuals (I am 183cm(6ft) with a 90cm(35.4inch) inseam, but this can be solved with a higher seat. I only rode the motorcycle on paved roads and I have to say that the V-Strom feels incredibly stable and provides a COMPLETELY different sensation compared to the Tenere. Of course, you don't notice the extra 23 kg on the road, and because all the weight is situated so low, the motorcycle is very stable in comparison to the Tenere, which tends to sway in various directions at slow speed maneuvers. Low speed maneuvers are also much easier compared to the Tenere. The controls also operate much smoother and more directly compared to the Tenere, including the clutch, throttle response, and brakes. Another thing that caught my attention is the rear brake. With the Tenere you really have to push hard to slow down, whereas the V-Strom's rear brake is much stronger and way more responsive. The tires that were on the V-Strom were the standard tires, which are more road-oriented, so that may have also played in favor of the V-Strom. Overall, the V-Strom performs much better than the Tenere on paved roads. If I were mainly riding on paved roads I would choose the V-Strom. The testride ride convinced me of that...

[sspradley]

It does tour comfortably. The seat is one of the best stock seats I've experienced. I got mine June 21st. Did my first service July 3rd, then on July 5th took off for six days and 3165 miles. It performed exemplary.

[SKgeostrat]

Ian, you are improving your reviews all the time. You have become the best reviewer of ADV bikes that I have come across. The info is clear and well organised and your spread sheet is oustanding. So, keep at it! As for the V-Strom, it has to be one of the two or three bikes to consider, if you are planning on doing real, long distance touring to areas where dealers are not on every street corner. Considering reliability, dealer net works and spare availability, as well as ease of self servicing, this is probably THE most attractive ADV bike out there. If I were going from Europe to South Africa over land, this is what I would choose!

[rantANDrave]

Ian your channel rocks. You’ve climbed the ranks of YouTube motorcycle reviewers and there’s prob not anyone else more thorough and detailed as you. Thank you for your service!

[mlfbreezy]

im so jealous of how much access to off-road terrain you guys have out there. Its magnificent

[thejohnnerparty]

I really liked this review. This review has swayed me to the V Strom over the Transalp, which I was set on getting. A big thumbs up on this review. 😁

[NoSkillzMoto]

I am an owner of the 800 DE. At 3k KM. Love it, gets a little warm at slow speeds but not bad. I am an instructor and this bike is cheat mode easy for slow speeds maneuvers. Very fun bike, more then enough power the gravel mode is excellent. The one quirk of the bike is that you can change Throttle response while your holding throttle steady (don't roll it or roll of it) it can get you in a bit of trouble if you go from C to A. I picked up my front wheel while I was screwing with it while I was riding.

[phatsmitty]

Thank you for the time spent on this one Ian. Always enjoy appearances of Sierra and Maggie... This is such a fantastic time for anyone to enter dual - sport, light, medium, or heavy ADV riding. Your moto journalism is so excellent & we certainly appreciate what you do.

[infinitydreamzz]

I like not only the location of the air filter but also the fact that there is nothing in the way so pulling it out is effortless. So very nice!

[TheSar]

The best, most comprehensive, and real world reviews on youtube. Thank you, Ian.

[bartoszpajak]

Great review! After testing the V Strom for an entire weekend / 600 miles, I ended up buying the Bike. In my use case 80/20 on/off it’s a perfect, reliable travel companion for my trips around Europe and Western Asia.

[jah]

Thanks! I watched several of your reviews multiple times. I’m now a happy 800DE Adventure owner. I bought mine today and road two hours on the interstate. You’re review was very accurate and I do not regret my purchase. I wish you and your family well and hope you will continue producing great content.

[Bass]

Ian, your reviews are the best. I thought that more than a year and a half ago but you have upped your game since then. I appreciate you have added a passenger report. That is an important feature for me when considering the purchase of an adventure or street bike. Seat and comfort, too. Quality of content, format, and production are A plus. Involving your fantastic family puts you over the top. And your comparison chart is GOLD. Thank you.

[damienkeygan]

I had this on my list of potential purchases, along with the Tenere world raid. The only thing that swayed me away from both was a lack of cruise control, a real lost opportunity for both manufacturers given these bikes are capable of big distances, especially here in Australia. Ended up on a new 2022 890 ADV R because of the cruise mostly.
Great review mate, keep ‘em coming

[dueoutdoors]

I picked up my 800 DE a week ago and am 450 miles into the 600 mile break in. It’s better in every way over my ‘18 650 XT - except maybe the seat. The power, smoothness, handling, TFT screen, drive modes/TC modes, and highway comfortability are excellent. I’m 6’3 235# and the bike fits me very well, including when standing up. I did put 1.5”/1” Rox risers on.

I want engine and tank crash guards but nobody has them out yet (I checked Suzuki, Givi, Hepco&Becker, Madstad but nobody has them yet.)

It needs a proper windscreen. 2 things I dislike about the bike are the almost non-existent windscreen, and no 12V accessory plug outlet (though it does have a USB outlet on the side of the instrument panel to plug in your phone). Fortunately I can add both those items when they become available.

I’m super happy with the bike and look forward to a lot of ride and motocamping trips around the Great Lakes region.

Thanks for the review, Ian.

[gabrielkopp]

As a tenere 700 owner I will tell you the vsrom 800de feels 30lbs light that the tenere to me

[kawabungah]

This objective, thorough, expertly delivered review, even including a helpful buyers guide, is world class moto journalism that really helps prospective buyers. This new 800DE model is highly anticipated and, clearly, a worthy machine. You did it justice, Ian!

[paulyoon]

The lack of cruise control is overblown, especially if you want this bike to get you on the BDRs. I have cruise on my road bikes, I use it a little, but it’s not essential. I am much happier that Suzuki went with fully adjustable suspension. Suzuki is giving us a do-it-all bike at a reasonable price with probably great reliability.