The V-Strom 800 DE is BETTER than the Transalp - 2023 Suzuki versus Honda ADV Comparison

Ridge Roamer dives into details on these new middleweight adventure motorcycles to see which is actually better in a variety of categories including design, power, suspension, brakes, features, and more. Which is best, and can either of them beat the Yamaha Tenere 700?

[jaywhoisit]

Suzuki honestly just builds amazing bikes. They are well built and reliable. Features tend to be more basic but that doesn’t interfere with the true riding experience.

[nomayor]

I have a 2006 Suzuki DL V-Strom 1000. I bought it new in Greece, rode it all the way to the UK, where I still use it almost daily. It has done more than 70, 000 miles. Problems? None. Absolutely none. You have to work on the bike to experience what I have experienced, it has good quality rubbers, good quality electrical connectors, layers upon layers of screws, clips and hooks to hold the bodywork tightly in place. It just feels like "someone" wanted to make a bike that would last. It hasn't blown a single bulb, what else is there for me to say more?
On the topic, something that impresses me, the bulbs are Philips, german. The radiator coolant hose clamps say: "Made in USA" on them. The ECU is made by Mitsubishi. It seems they looked around the entire planet, to find the best parts they could use. Well, it worked.
I am looking now to buy a replacement. Not a replacement, I will always have the DL. A successor for daily life let's say. It will be a second-hand 2017 model, I have full confidence it will be absolutely fine. These things are bulletproof.
A small observation on the video, if I may: At point 1:15' it seems to me that it has two counter-balancer shafts not one, one in front of the crankshaft and one under it.

[alphajed]

The thing that Transalp has advantages are:
•You can select the aftermarket accessory packages such as: Touring, Comfort, etc.
•Phone connectivity which is important to me in my opinion.
•You can customise riding mode
•You don't have to add stuffs you don't want.
However, Suzuki have it all as a standard stuff(except Phone connectivity, customisable riding mode, and of course, side/top bags which it can be sold separately).

But still, I'll still buy V-Strom 800DE for these reasons:
•Having more fuel capacity
•Menacing looks, especially the beak(which is always a subjective matter)
•Making quickshifter as standard which makes my ride more comfortable, less stress.

[Thumbs]

Until you ride both you can't decide which is better. Spec sheets tell half a story. These sorts of video's grind my gears.

[philiprobinson]

Having been a Honda customer for over 40 years, I was very disappointed with the quality of my last bike and the attitude of Honda Customer Service, so for me Honda will have to improve a lot before I would go back to them. I have also noticed a trend recently for Honda to produce bikes which are bland and unexciting, bikes such as the NT1100 and the new Hornet. I am sure they are good bikes, but they don't make me wish I owned one. Then along comes the much-anticipated Transalp and yet again Honda plays it safe, with another uninspiring design. I can only think that Honda has lost the plot or are watching every penny. Compared to the Suzuki, it is a no contest for me. Yes, people will still buy the Honda just because it is a Honda, but the Suzuki is head and shoulders the better bike. Well done, Suzuki.

[STohme]

I possessed the old 600 Transalp and the old 750 Africa Twin and I have good souvenirs of these Honda midsize bikes. This time I recognize that Suzuki made a slightly better 800 V-Strom bike and if I decide to buy a mid weight adventure bike I will choose this Suzuki 800 V-Strom. I agree with your analysis and comparison between these two new very good bikes.

[jeffweier]

I've owned Honda's and Suzuki's as well as other brands, so I can't be accused of brand loyalty. In this case with similar power and more torque along with standard quick shifter, adjustable screen guards and most importantly way more suspension travel IMHO it's the Suzuki that is the winner here.

[kamkasturie]

Will go with Suzuki. Sounds great on paper. Hope it will be cheaper than Honda.

[Avensur]

Well, I was gunning for the Honda but I'm considering the Suzuki to be my first adventure bike, excellent engine, more range, suspension travel, and a well and savvy made frame. Thumbs up 👍💪

[dustinanderson]

This is exactly what I've been saying. 100% agree. Both bikes are awesome but Suzuki really surprised me and has won me over. And to be honest if you had asked me last week I was 100% on board with the Honda. Suzuki really stepped up thier game. Totally impressed and totally planning on getting the grey adventure model.

Also Suzuki has MUCH better factory accessories. They use SW Motek aluminum panniers and bash plate. Top of the line stuff. Hondas panniers are plastic and their bash plate is Very thin.

[phil]

It would be a tough decision, but I would go for the suzuki. I have owned a couple of vstroms in the past, DL650 & DL1000, both bikes were incredible machines.

[musikerman]

Upgraded my 6yrs old 650 v-strom to a new 800. Very happy indeed, the only features missing 1) larger windshield and 2) cruise control. Waiting for aftermarket versions of these.

[andrewtreloar]

Suzuki - very underrated in my opinion. I was eagerly expecting the Transalp release, only to be left underwhelmed. To be honest I was expecting more from Honda, a harder edge to the Transalp and more off-road cred filtered down from the Africa Twin. I didn't happen, so I was left a little disappointed - like when Kawasaki released the new KLR - underwhelmed and disappointed and an opportunity missed! If I had to choose, it would be the V-Strom 800 DE for sure.

[kpap]

@Ridge Roamer. That's an excellent comparison. Well done!
In my book the V-Strom has a better suspension and the Transalp is lighter. Thats the bottom line for me. On paper of course since we 'll have to wait to see how both the suspensions work in the real world and how is the center of gravity placed on both bikes. Still full suspension adjustabillity on the V-Strom and less weight on the Transalp are objective.
Also from specs only, the Transalp has higher power output but we'll have to see real world usable power in both engines since they are both new designs.
What's a deal breaker for me it's not the lack of cruise control on both bikes but the tubed tires. These are not hard core off-road bikes and touring (or adventure touring) bikes should have tubeless wheels in my opinion. But in this category only the Aprilia Tuareg has got that right (plus the cruise control if you think that's important). I'm guessing that sooner than later both companies will present versions with the more standard 19"-17" tubeless wheels as it's almost impossible to address this issue with aftermarket solutions.

[TerenceKaplan]

To be fair, the Vstrom is the DE, which is on the 1050 is the up-specced version, and the Transalp looks like the base version.
But just based on the engine, expected dyno's... Vstrom all the way. HP wins at the track, but torque makes the world go around.

[bitterlifes]

Both looks very nice !
But definitely i will choose Suzuki, it seams to be more versatile, slitely more off road oriented.

[donaldheine]

I'm leaning toward the Suzuki. Ultimately we will have to see how they ride.

[federicocerbonim]

Very well explain. Even though I'm a fan and ex owner of both brands (2017 Africa Twin 1000 and 2015 VStrom 1000) I go with Suzuki. What you can not change is the essence of the bike (engine, chassis, Specs, etc.) the DE is way ahead, the rest is paraphernalia. I'll go with the "TwinStrom"...

[urbanadventurer]

If I had to choose today with no ride reviews and not having the opportunity to sit on them, I go Suzuki. They are both finalists for an upgrade bike for me (along with the updated 2023 Tenere and Tuareg 660). We’ll see where I land, but I love having two more legitimate options in the mix. I also love that both the Honda and Suzuki offer OEM low seats for us shorter folks. 👍🏾

[metanolx]

Honda is Honda and the winner of this comparison will be decided by sales. On the other hand, I think that whatever you buy you won't be wrong, tastes are like as... we all have one.