A year after the launch of the completely new V-STROM 800DE, Suzuki has added a more all-round version: the V-STROM 800. Suzuki says it has positioned the new V-STROM 800 more for street use, with comfort in mind.
It has been rumored for some time that Suzuki would add a second, more asphalt-oriented version to the V-STROM 800DE, with which Suzuki has absolutely set the tone in the upper-middle class segment this year. Besides the fact that the model could be found in homologation documents, you could also have sensed it: Suzuki had done exactly the same with the V-STROM 1050, with a V-STROM 1050 and a V-STROM 1050DE.
Suzuki has now extended the differences between the V-STROM 1050 and the V-STROM 1050DE to the V-STROM 800, which in principle has the same differences compared to the V-STROM 800DE as its heavier 1050 brother. By the way, Suzuki has come up with a nice slogan for it, saying that the V-STROM 800 is designed according to the “All Roads Merge” product concept.
According to Suzuki, this philosophy demonstrates the versatility of the V-STROM 800. “The V-STROM 800 performs excellently on a variety of surfaces, offering riders a sense of freedom and confidence for adventure riding,” said Suzuki. According to Suzuki, the V-STROM 800 is designed for long distances, but can also be steered effortlessly through heavy traffic when commuting. “This motorcycle marks an exciting new era in the sporty adventure motorcycle segment,” said Suzuki.
The most striking are the cast aluminum 7-spoke wheels that replace the spoke wheels of the DE version, where the front wheel has gone from 21″ to now 19″. The cast wheels are fitted with tubeless Dunlop D614F/D614 tires in sizes 110/80R19 at the front and 150/70R17 at the rear. According to Suzuki, the Dunlop tires are designed exclusively for the V-STROM 800. The street-oriented aspect is also reflected in the suspension, which now has ‘only’ 150 mm of travel at the front and rear and can only be adjusted to a limited extent.
The shorter suspension travel has also resulted in a smaller ground clearance of 185mm (220mm for the DE). Compared to the De version, Suzuki has shortened the wheelbase to 1,515 mm (1,570 DE) and the steering head angle and trail have also been adjusted to 26° and 124 mm (28° and 114 mm DE). As far as brakes are concerned, the axial brakes of the DE have made way for radial Nissin calipers and 310 mm discs and a 2-position ABS.
The crankcase protection plate, like the handguards, is no longer part of the standard equipment, but these can still be supplied as an accessory, unlike the radiator protection, which is not available for this standard 800. Finally, Suzuki has now used rubber-covered aluminum footpegs.
Suzuki says it has also optimized the riding position for comfort: the handlebars are 13 mm lower and 23 mm further away from you, the grips are 15 mm closer together, the footpegs are placed 7 mm higher and 14 mm further back and finally the saddle height is 25 mm lower compared to the V-STROM 800DE (855 mm). Additional comfort also comes courtesy of a new windshield, which is larger and has a different shape, and can be adjusted to 3 positions in 15 mm increments.
The Suzuki V-STROM 800 is available in three different colors: Pearl Vigor Blue, Glass Sparkle Black and Metallic Matt Steel Green. They are always combined with black-colored parts, while the subframe and front fork are in silver in every paint color.
The new Suzuki V-STROM 800 comes with a 6-year warranty as standard and is expected to reach dealers this year. An extensive range of accessories and accessory packages is available. The price of the V-STROM 800, accessories and accessory packages will be announced later.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.