2023 SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE REVIEW!

[@overkillnick1003]

Lucky enough to take this out back to back with the Transalp. The Suzuki won in every area as far as I am concerned, the power was easily accessible low down, the Transalp had to be worked. The Suzuki was also far more comfortable and felt a more substantial bike. V strom vs Transalp……V strom wins.

[@cedric7016]

I rode the transalp for 3 days and was not excited at all afterwards

[@chrisdodson9972]

I did exactly the same. The transalp isn't in the same league. The vibrations on the honda loosened my fillings.

[@F3udF1st]

Finally someone reviewing the nice color!

[@spicy110]

Luck of the draw in this case 🙂👍

[@cirian75]

Excellent everyman review, much better than the magazine princesses.

[@spicy110]

😁👍

[@kpappa]

I test drove this bike and I do confirm high vibrations on the foot pegs around 6K-7K revs. Also an other thing I have to mention is the large amount of heat comes from engine when in traffic and moving in low speeds. It is like having heated legs with this. I do confirm that it has great torque from low revs unlike Transalp, great suspension, great breaks, great siting position and it feels much lighter that a 230Kgr bike. It is also very maneuverable in traffic. It is quieter from Transalp in term of exhaust sound.

[@KevinMaschke1]

I ride a 650XT, and got an 800DE to ride while mine was in the garage. It feels different, but similar. Officially it weights 14KG more than my current V-Strom 650XT, but it feels a bit lighter. It has 84.3HP compared to the 71HP of my 650XT. And it has more torque. It feels snappier than the 650, a little more responsive and accelerates quite a bit faster. I tried all three drive modes, and you can definitely feel a difference. - Mode C is the softest, where the torque seems to be tuned down, and acceleration is more gradual. Nice when just cruising through traffic or long stretches of highway. - Mode B is a little bit snappier, similar to my 650. - Mode A is really snappy. In 1st-4th gear you turn the throttle a bit and really feel the pull. It feels a bit more stable on high speeds too. The 21" front wheel feels nice, but requires a bit more effort to lean in corners (most likely because I'm not used to a 21"). It seems to prefer to stay upright. I had a similar feeling when I initially started on the 650XT. Things I didn't like: - Vibrations at the footrests. The motors vibrations are really strong there and its something that did annoy me, so I imagine it would be even more annoying on longer rides... - Motor heat. On my 650 I don't feel any heat from the motor when riding or when stopping while on the bike. On this one yes. When riding slow, I can feel the heat on my legs, and it becomes really obvious when stopped. - The plastic fairing around the tank and the beak feels cheaper and less sturdy than the 650...

[@LickyDischarge]

Superb upload dude! Very much enjoyed thank you 👍🏻

[@bartoszpajak2285]

I fully agree! That’s why I bought it. Before purchasing I rented the bike from the dealer for the weekend to test it and rode 600 miles in 2 days on it, since I want to do long distance travel around Europe, some light off-road included. Although nothing about it is really outstanding, the whole package is pretty impressive and very close to my perfect travel companion. All it needs is some protection and a bit more aggressive tires for the gravel stuff.

[@Birdynmnm]

Nice review thanks. It is a big agile bike with tons of power as you said. I did a short test drive on it and that engine is absolutely brilliant. It’s so smooth, that you do notice the little spot where some vibrations do show up, but you only really notice it because of that otherwise general smoothness. You might say it adds some character. I agree with other commentator on the color schemes being a bit toy’ish, and besides the missing cruise control that my only objections to this brilliant bike. I am on the 1000 XT, and will stick with that as i Love that bike. Been test driving all competitors without making them want me to swap. Not even close. But for sure, I got almost to the point of doing the swap with this 800…

[@spicy110]

Yer that is kinda my point with the vibrations they are nothing. But I get the feeling people read stuff like that as if it is a big deal.

[@moto-jeff]

It is a great engine, that also works brilliantly in the GSX-8S that i recently test rode. I currently own a 650 Strom, but i dont want a 21" front, tube tyres or the Fisher Price toy colours, so i shall have to give this one a miss.

[@spicy110]

Yep I made a video on the GSX-8S last week. 🙂👍

[@melfzs]

Great review, I've done 60,000 miles on my 2014 Vstrom 650 and never thought of it as vibey? so this thing must be smooooth!

[@spicy110]

I remember being able to feel that v twin throughout the bike, I don't mean it's buzzy. Probably poor word choice on my side but yes this engine is REALLY smooth.

[@melfzs]

@@spicy110 yeah, you know you're on a V twin but it's an enjoyable thrum 👍

[@HippoDrones]

Is great that they are keeping the yellow peril going, shame the v-twin has been killed though! A channel I follow is travelling the world ona 1050cc V-Strom... Lavi & Oli well worth following! 🙂

[@comicbiker3559]

Love it, excellent review ❤

[@ramsy66]

I went from a Honda Hornet to the DL650 (2019) and wow. I'm a similar height to you and the increased comfort isn't just nice, it feels WAY safer to ride. I'm actually in control rather than being all hunched up around the handlebars!

[@IIARROWS]

"Bollywood" music segment at the end really surprised me. :D

[@spicy110]

It's got a good grove! Haha

[@maverick6762]

I've seen a couple of reviews. One in particular kept going on about vibes. A very good review and not the usual Suzuki bashing one either.

[@rsq72]

“V-Strum” 😆 Instant like, v-strom fan here, love my wee 👍 once you tailor them to your size, best bike ever imo. This new 1 is cruise, tubeless and a 19” front away from an instant buy for me, but if Honda get there first on the transalp I could be swayed 🤷‍♂️ Entertaining and informative as ever spicy, ta for the review 👍

[@DJPTEXAS]

Love the bike and maybe it's not a big deal in Europe but it would be great to have cruise control for the US... Add Tubeless spoke wheels ......

[@darronjknight]

My honda xl600lmh has tubeless spoked wheels, and it's of 1987 vintage. The spokes don't go through the rim, but through a kind of lip in the middle of the rim.

[@DJPTEXAS]

@@darronjknight they should have done that with this bike....

[@ANDY1985UK2011]

why you need cruise control? it's not hard to stick to the same speed

[@DJPTEXAS]

@@ANDY1985UK2011 Come out to TEXAS and ride for 4 or more hours in a straight line and tell me after you wouldn't want cruise control...

[@simonchilli2088]

Very good review. Other YTs or whoever are talking about vibration thru the bars have to remember that these bixe aren't run in yet. Maybe the vibes will stay maybe not. If you own it yule get used to no doubt I expect.

[@RebelRDX]

So true. Running in will probably get rid of those vibes. Literally the only person I have seen to mention this good on you :)

[@simonchilli2088]

@@RebelRDX That goes for nearly all of this type of first ride reviews really.

[@bikersquest]

Out of curiosity how does running in a bike reduce vibes, what causes it in the first place when not run in?

[@RebelRDX]

@@bikersquest Good question. Motorcycle engines always start to feel smoother after a certain amount of miles as all the internals bed in and mate together properly. Less friction inside the engine seems to equals a smoother feel at the bars. Most bikes feel a bit nicer after the first oil change, but I've had bikes that really started to feel great after 6,000 to 8,000 miles (big Japanese V twins for example). Even my Vstrom 650 lost almost all of its buzz after the first 5,000 miles or so. Some of its due to us as riders just gripping too hard on a new bike, or bars needing to be adjusted a few degrees. But the mileage certainly seems to help

[@simonchilli2088]

@@bikersquest No idea. But normally an engine will run more smoothly when run in.

[@thodoris3790]

I d like to see a review for the new transalp from you.i test rode them back to back,and i liked the vstrom,but in 5.10 that i am a found it a little bulky.wide seat makes it feel really high,too wide handlebar maked me lean forward,i dont know..but the engine was fire

[@santhoshkumar9586]

Good review mate👍

[@andreglomm9843]

True the Look is Close but on my DR 800 S everything is fine on the 800DE m knee is bent to much and I feel a little cramped I Hope a nice tall Rally seat will come soon maybe then it's better

[@mhult5873]

I also experienced a vibration, at ca 5000 rpm, when testing the bike. It was a tingling in my feets from the foot pegs and it was actually so much vibration that it’s a showstopper for me. It was very noticeable vibrations with my boots. Could be not a problem for other people, but for me it was. Very unfortunate, because IMO the bike was otherwise great. And also great looking bike, to boot.

[@spicy110]

I wonder if it is worse on some bikes because people seem to be on 2 sides on this.

[@mrsilbo6499]

Nice review, Spicy. Did you adjust the screen? At 6'4" tall, I expected you to need to! Does it adjust via a ratchet mechanism or fiddly allen bolts?

[@spicy110]

I do not think it adjusts other than nuts and bolts, if you look at 5:37 I can see now way of it moving. Willing to be corrected if anyone can confirm. At 6'4 no screen has ever worked for me other than a couple of massive ones! I tend to keep it low so I can deal with clean air hitting me not turbulence in the face haha.

[@chadkline4268]

I hear it's well designed so it may not protect your face, but there is no buffeting. The air flow remains smooth.

[@urbanadventurer5]

Great review. I know you described it as a big bike. What did you think about the seat height for shorter riders?

[@tbonesenior6736]

Great video 👍👍

[@MaykonHardoim]

Great video.

[@chadkline4268]

I think it has a nice tall 1st gear for offroading. Some say it's great like a comfy plush KLR. Kind of like the KLR everyone dreamed it would be in 2022. I'd like to know how it compares to the BMW 850gs.

[@Mean-bj8wp]

Not a fan of USD forks on off road bikes. How I see it is there's a higher chance of dirt breaching the seals as the stanchion is lower down and add to that when a USD fork seal goes it empties the fork quickly due to gravity and will leak even when the bike is sat on its stand. then the oil because there's so much of it coming out gets on the brake disc and brake pads.

[@WolfyFam]

Not sure about the wheel size+type but looks to be a good all-rounder

[@jarno3000]

Your voice is very much like James' voice from Throttle House

[@brucegroom1929]

So7nds like you're in love mate....don't tell Reeno!

[@MaykonHardoim]

Between this bike and the Honda Africa twin. With one do you think is moore comfortable for a 6'4" guy?

[@spicy110]

I have not ridden the Honda yet as Honda don't lend me bikes atm. To my memory the Africa does seem taller but that is all I can say.

[@chadkline4268]

Inseam is what we should be talking about. Some at 6'4 will have 34in, some 38in. From floor to pelvic bone in bare feet.

[@spicy110]

@@chadkline4268 38? bloody hell! I have a 33' inseam.

[@chadkline4268]

@@spicy110 I'm 6'3 with 38in inseam. Less than half my height. I read that inseams can be 43-53% of height. Torso length is mostly genetic. Leg length is mostly environmental. Should've drank more milk as a kid 😆👍 .. for women, the percentage range is less.

[@francescnuhaan1038]

I own this magnific bike and can only mention one inconvenience: engineheat!!

[@IRQ1Conflict]

As far as cruise control is concerned, if it bothers anyone just slap a throttle lock on er and call it a day.

[@toltod]

only feature I need is cruise control....

[@ReValveiT_01]

Brave of Suzuki to price this £400 higher than the Tiger Sport 850.

[@Adventure_blac]

I believe it’s a fair price based on spec alone. I haven’t ridden either though. Suzuki has a dedicated gravel mode that can me turned of and switchable abs. The triumph has non adjustable suspension whet as the Suzuki has 2 more points inches of travel in the rear and 1.7 up front price makes sense in the states maybe not other countries. 21” spines vs 19 cast front wheel as well. So u get a fair bit more

[@jmsmikey]

Does the engine run hot, bake your legs? I'm hearing reports of this. thank you

[@spicy110]

I didn't notice that much but then I own a XJ6 nicknamed the ball cooker for that reason so I tend to not pay attention to heat. But I really don't remember that being abnormal.

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

Which new suzuki has bulbs?

[@spicy110]

Gsx-8s indicators

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

How would this bike be better or different than the Tiger 850 Sport? Similar power, but different engines and adjustability. Thoughts, anyone?

[@djrandizz]

Probably more fun to ride, more costly to service

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

@@djrandizz Tiger, right?

[@paultanton6721]

The Triumph triples have a good reputation, but equally Suzuki aren't in the business of building duff machines - ride both and see what you think 👍.

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

@@paultanton6721 I agree. I'm waiting for the Suzuki to show up in the States for a test ride against the Tiger.

[@paultanton6721]

@@juliemcgillivray3394 I've only sat on the V-strom at a show, not ridden one but I found the Foot controls awkward, you cannot see them looking down, the Honda Transalp feels more natural in that respect.

[@RufusCapstick]

English country roads are so claustrophobic, you can go for a ride in the country but you're not allowed to see it! I live in a smaller country but the country roads are open to enjoy the views. Btw, I'm English so not a Johnny Foreigner hating on the English countryside.

[@shaneryan9076]

isn't now... a P Strom? ill show myself out

[@bikehubjapan]

Or a P-Strum 😅

[@shaneryan9076]

@@bikehubjapan or that 🤣

[@spicy110]

Ok I knew this joke before but I was trying to be kind....p-stream

[@cedric7016]

V in vstrom doesn’t stand for the V engine but for versatility!

[@hisride]

@@cedric7016 okay cool so what does strom mean??

[@harryrobinson3747]

Spelt review wrong in the title just letting you know

[@spicy110]

Sorted thanks!

[@alphacapo]

Flip up plate holder=no camera tickets

[@spicy110]

Huh?

[@hawedehre]

The color scheme is Ukraine memorial 🍀

[@BlazinBlades]

The Vstrom 650 is not a viby bike this bike apparently has some annoying vibes at 5500 rpm that vanish later on and do not exist before. All good 🍻🍻

[@palmertrees]

they've obviously never ridden a 2 stroke

[@spicy110]

Who me? Or people talking about vibes? Haha

[@ANDY1985UK2011]

and as a 5 7" guy i'll stick with my tiger 800 that has the seat lowered lol

[@godfather9253]

mabey it was a chick and the vibrations where giving her to many os hehe ;)

[@philiplaurell1163]

No cruisecontril??? Dealbraker for me. How on earth can you produce a long distance bike without a cc in this day and age?

[@steve00alt70]

Suzuki should just dump and destroy their drz400. This Vstrom is the equivilent modern drz400 with no carbs lol

[@silverhill377]

And it's 180 lbs heavier😅