We ride the new-for-2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE - FULL REVIEW

BikeSocial regular Simon Hargreaves test rides the completely and totally new-for-2023 #Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, the parallel twin with a 21in front wheel, at the launch in Sardinia.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:50 On board test ride starts
01:10 What is a V-Strom 800DE?
02:40 Market overview - Yamaha T7, Aprilia Tuareg 660 & Honda Transalp
03:52 Engine specification: layout, capacity, power & torque
05:50 Engine balance
07:50 Airbox location, tank size and fuel range
09:40 Engine, chassis layout, dimensions and weight
12:20 Engine vibration description
13:38 Chassis spec: frame, subframe, swingarm, suspension
15:50 Riding position: ground clearance, seat height and seat comfort
16:25 21in front wheel, tyres, agility, general handling
17:25 Trim: quickshifter, screen height, dash, traction and throttle modes, switches and extras
20:45 Price
23:42 Riding montage
24:30 Verdict (very long) vs Yamaha T7, Aprilia Tuareg 660 & Honda Transalp
35:40 Outake

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[NtGism]

Simon's bike launch reviews have become my go-to coverage for new releases. Even though the videos are long, they don't beat around the bush. Densely packed with useful insights. Keep it up

[rightwingsafetysquad]

The only thing this bike is missing is cruise control. A major oversight in my opinion. Once you have throttle by wire the only additional cost is for the buttons. Frankly all bikes with throttle by wire should have cruise control.

[timdew]

Comprehensive review, bench mark for a new bike launch. Great to see so many middleweight adventure bikes, strong contender from Suzuki 👍

[phatsmitty]

Excellent, Simon! As always, way back to the day of Performance Bikes!

[SAB-iqkp]

Very quality presentantions on this channel! One of the best.

[Ridingforsanity]

This is the most comprehensive review I’ve watched so far on this bike. Bravo! This has helped me understand where this bike fits in the category and as a whole what bike characteristics are like. I think that is lost in most professional reviews, at least the videos, in respect to the riders just want to boast how hard they rode the bikes and how they wish it had more this and that. In this review it was focused on what the bikes is about and for that I am grateful!

[sazful]

I think this is the best review until now!! Thank you!

[onecookieboy]

The best and most objective review that I've seen of the V-Strom. Thanks for being honest and not varnishing over (or just outright not mentioning) the shortcomings.

[krisc]

Love your rambling, Simon! Great, in depth review! Thank you.

[alanridley]

I think your ride and bike appraisal sounds pretty unbiased and accurate. I love the sound of what this bike is about.
I would love to own one but can't bring myself to part with my current 2018 V-Strom 650XT. I just love it.
Did you ride another of the test bikes to check if the vibration is also in them or just your test bike?
Keep up the good work.

[kawabungah]

This is an exciting and thorough review: nicely done. Can't wait to take this bike for a test ride myself in California - whenever that will be...!

[sercio]

6:50 Finally someone that goes trying bikes and knows his things on engines!! Bravo!

[Jake-ugmf]

I really like the 800DE, I think I want to buy one for the ‘24 model year but I also want cruise control, hopefully they offer it as an option or the aftermarket steps up and provides.
It’ll either be the 800DE or an Africa Twin (Non-DCT) for my next bike.

[Merc]

dude the part about the engine balancing mechanics was the most interesting part dont stress

[gurnstein]

If the old DL650 is anything to go by, I think you'll find that 20 litre tank is good for a lot more miles than quoted here. I'd expect fuel consumption to be similar, 60+/- mpg, so with real world riding a full tank will be good for 200 miles and a good whack of change.

[wardroland]

Thanks Simon. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.

[fasteddy]

In this class for me the Moto Guzzi V85TT is the winner (I have the Centenario). I cannot understand that it is the only one with shaft drive, a decisive point for me for travel bikes. I also like the uncluttered air-cooled engine. Handling really is great (I can compare it to my BMW 1200 GS, both air-cooled and liquid-cooled, and my Ducati Multistrada 900), brakes are solid, seat and suspension firm but comfortable, tubeless spoked wheels, wet weight 229 kg, 23 litre fuel tank and 550 km range. With 76 hp it is a bit down on power, but for me still enough to have fun on the back roads. I never get on the highway anyway.

[gearjammer]

Sat on one at the Xcel show. Really comfortable, unlike all the other bikes at the show.

[moorepower]

Lighter bikes have been snapping frames after a couple years on the market. I think Suzuki choice of a beefer frame with the removable subframe deserves some respect from the spec sheet warriors.

[bitterlifes]

Without going into details, definitely this bike it is the best on midweight segment.
If i have to make choice, without the doubt would be this Suzuki, and the second would be the Aprilia tuareg 660.