★ 2023 SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE REVIEW ★

[@UncleWally3]

Nice! Hard to find a “bad” bike these days; within their price range they all deliver as promised. Why I try to stay away from purchasing brand new is because of “packages” and options like low/high seats. To toss a perfectly good OEM seat, pegs, exhaust, wheels, suspension, etc, and pay for the same item twice, is ridiculous. Why can’t we order what we want directly from the factory?

[@williamrae9954]

Copart sounds like what you need?

[@chadkline4268]

Yes, that's my main gripe with motorcycles AND bicycles. They ought to have a checklist that lets you specify the optional stuff.

[@chadkline4268]

I think they focus too much on MANY models, and not enough on core models done right.

[@chrischristofis8501]

You do exactly that with BMW

[@blackskunk54]

You would have to pay more initially. I agree with you though.

[@disekjoumoer]

I think Suzuki has themselves a winner in this machine.

[@ayna957]

I'm the same height as you so I'm really thankful you always show how the bike fits you!!

[@bitterlifes]

If anyone looks for a true midweight adventure motorcycle by definition !!!?? This Suzuki it is exactly that! Well done Suzuki 👍

[@roadwarrior8560]

Road version with 19-17 cast wheels and tubeless tyres due out soon? hoping it has a cruise control option too.

[@LTLT900]

If Suzuki put cruise control and tubeless tyres on this bike all you would have is people complaining about the price rather than the other way around.

[@volt8684]

Yeah agreed. Ido t need any of them except tubeless and don’t want quick shifter or mapped ignition. I also hate the yellow. I have a v strom 650 in blue and silver and really has enough power for me, never felt short

[@Checkpat]

Next generation with tubeless will be mine

[@rsq72]

..and cruise! 🙏

[@Checkpat]

@@rsq72 yes ! Extra bonus 🤩

[@stoatsngroatsuk5012]

Thanks Mark, this helped my decision, the test ride confirmed it would fit with my needs, so I bought a black one! 😀🙏

[@norsehall309]

G'day from Australia,Mark, with the competition from the big four Motorbike groups in Japan your would have to make a quality product just to survive even before you entered the world market, it's a matter of choice every Adventure Bike from Japan are excellent, cheeper in Australia as we are close to Japan, another great review, cheers mate Neil 🤠.

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks Neil great comment 👍

[@thodoris3790]

I like this bike.much more extras than transalp and power to low and middle revs.i dont care about tubes and the lack of cruise control.well done suzuki.and thanks Mark!

[@markpulling12]

Thanks my pleasure 😊 Great bike cheers mark

[@mrsilbo6499]

Excellent review as usual, Mark. Suzuki has listened to the market and delivered an excellent bike. I can't see what the fuss is about tubes or tubeless. I always put puncture seal in my tyres & haven't ever had a flat. Really like this bike & unlike every Honda, it has the horn button in the usual place, which might just save your life.

[@mamlukavlogs6353]

What kind of puncture seal are you using ? Can we use seal in tubed tires also ?

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@mamlukavlogs6353 I just buy whichever sealant my local bike shop has on the shelf. I don't think they're designed to work with tubes, though.

[@rsq72]

Excellent review as always Mark. Had a pointy SV650S, now own a naked curvy and a wee, massive fan of the 645cc V-twin. If this had tubeless and cruise I’d have put a deposit down. Maybe a future non-DE version will have those, and hopefully a quicker steering 19” front?

[@PerspectiveBeyond]

I've read of rumors that a street version is on the way, maybe by the end of the year. 19" front, alloy rims, tubeless tires, and some less weight. Not sure if the tank size will stay the same, otherwise I don't know where that less weight is coming out of, but we'll see.

[@garmit61]

As ever this is a great no BS review Mark. Just a few comments. my 650 VStrom gives an even more authentic Vtwin sound. Fuel economy easily gives me 240miles plus. Quick shifting is achieved by not using the clutch. I'd like another 100cc to drop the revs at 70mph but it's not critical. If like no ABS and I turn off TC because it's pointless. I'd also like adjustable front forks but I can mod them for that. I think they shouldn't call parallel twin a VStrom. It should be a PStrom. I don't like the screen and I wouldn't buy a bike with different maps. Suzuki ought to be able to map it properly so the 800cc delivers top performance. The old VStrom is the smallest cc engine I've owned since 2003 and I'm not really missing the power rush too much. The ease of riding easily makes up for that and compared to 900, 955, 998 and 1130cc engines I've been riding the Strom power is more usable on the road.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks I too owned a 2014 v Strom 650 and was always very impressed with it ....it had plenty of power ...the engine was a gem 💎 Best wishes mark

[@Checkpat]

V is for versatile and not for V engine ✌️

[@Grahamvfr]

​@@CheckpatV is for configuration and strom is German, for power or stream hence V power... Apparently!!!

[@minkyhead]

@@applecorp if you didnt like the screen on the 650 easy fix god help u when you get on the 800 not a easy fix # tiny

[@minkyhead]

@@applecorp thats good i am just looking around and really did like the suszuki apart from the lack of a cockpit worthy of the name ...i see funnily enough in the last few days they are goind to make a r version ..lets say just for the fun of it it comes out around the same price as the transalp or around 10k ..it will be a winner for sure and to be fair its in a diffrent price bracket to the bmw ...i think they will sell a shedload if it come off ..really was nice machine i thought

[@thehammer3340]

Bigger windscreen and Akropovic Slip On, I'm already to ride. Thank you sir for a very good review.

[@johndavy8801]

Superb review Mark as always,the Suzuki vstrom 800 might cost more than the Honda Transalp 750 but you get loads more standard kit included that in effect makes it better VFM.

[@markpulling12]

Yes I agree 💯👍 Best wishes mark

[@williamrae9954]

And the weight is the same, once sorted out for overland....224kg dry,with an 18" rear wheel...Honda needs more thrown at it!

[@F3udF1st]

The Honda costs like 10% more than the Suzuki over here.

[@johndavy8801]

@@F3udF1st I’m shocked at that as the Honda here in the UK doesn’t have fully adjustable suspension or a quick shifter that’s standard kit on the Suzuki.

[@F3udF1st]

@@johndavy8801 The Suzy is about 9000 GBP in Sweden. Probably due to the low valuation of our currency or something. I don't know. I'm worried they might hike the price before I can buy one.

[@n22pdf]

I much prefer the new vstrom to the transalp looks great 😊 awesome review Mark

[@markpulling12]

Thanks yes for me the v Strom just wins the competition ! Best wishes mark

[@helgejohan3604]

Noo way man😅 Transalp best buy adventure and Yamaha T 700🔥

[@davidwylde8275]

Had a couple of hours on the 800de from Crescent a few weeks ago, last weekend I tried the transalp and I have to say I thought the v strom was considerably better than the honda, I felt the Suzuki handled better and the engine felt far more punchy , all I got from the transalp was a lot of vibration through the bar ends and the footpegs, had suzuki fitted cruise I would have ordered one

[@markpulling12]

Thanks david yes those are kind of my thoughts ..i thought the suspension on the v strom was excellent :) best wishes mark

[@minkyhead]

test rode them both and found the hondas engine a bit upside down ..pretty fast when it got going but the suzuki was way way better lower down where it is needed most i think .its a pity they got a little to skinny in the cockpit area that wont be easy to fix as its very very low for atall guy ..tbo ive had a t7 and out of the three the suzuki would be my choice apart from the total lack of weather protection which is a deal breaker for me ...ive got crfs for the trails and would like to see a r version better cockpit 19 front tubless and i think id have pop at one

[@colindeans5972]

Nicely done Mark. I'd like one of these but I'm struggling with the idea of selling my Z900RS. V Strom would be a better all rounder, not really a looker though.

[@kentower]

Hey mate, cool reviews, especially since I always look for height comparison. Im 1,78 with 31" inseam, but when I sat on the xsr700 ( i know this is a different video, Im cruising thru your reviews) I could only get the ball of the feet down. Maybe because yours had this different seat then? It wasnt too terrible but I was a bit dazzled because you could flatfoot the xsr and are a bit smaller, so I was expecting to flatfoot easily. Have to check Yamaha for specs on that seat, Im totally in love with that bike, but still have to farm that cash to be able to afford one. Cheers to you, the Vstrom looks superb as well!

[@georgeblumenthal7938]

Great review as usual. I hate that they did not add cruise control.

[@markpulling12]

Yes that would have been great 👍 Cheers mark

[@martinehulme8743]

Another great review Mark, all the relevant information...I like this, but not as much as some of the others, wasn't keen on the transalp either, wouldn't do for us all to be the same.... I bet it's great for touring though 😅🎉

[@markpulling12]

Yes thanks Martine.... interesting how we all like different types of bikes ... oh well keeps the world interesting 😁👍 x

[@martinehulme8743]

@@markpulling12 it sure does, there's some great bike out there, past and present 💝

[@blackskunk54]

Very good review. I agree with most of what you said and the way you said it too. Words I would have used. The engine is fantastically torquey and a joy to ride at slow speeds. No throttle jerkiness like my Transalp 750. The suspension is very good too, as is the dash, the quickshifter, the ergonomics (6' 1"), the handlebar controls easy use to unlike Honda (wheres the bloody horn when I need it...grr. An absolute joy to ride, most fun I have had on a bike in 53yrs of riding. When I got off to get some grub I just wanted to get back on, it really is that good. I have just ridden the 800RE and found it a bit small for me, different rake angle and shorter wheelbase. Not keen on tubeless tyres either after many years of problems with various bikes not sealing properly for various reasons. If you get a puncture on tubed they take longer to go down, so safer IMO. For some reason Canadians get the best colour DE in white with blue plastic. If I can get a good deal to trade I will certainly think about it.

[@mamlukavlogs6353]

Hello mate ? Initially I had plans to go for Honda Transalp now I am planning to buy Vstrom DE for touring with my wife and luggage . Would you recommend Vstrom 800DE over transalp 700 ? Please advise ? Also hard luggage or soft luggage for long touring ? ❤thanks for your advise being experienced with transalp already

[@1990-t1j]

The adv bike I'd buy, if I wanted an adv bike. Yellow and blue is the best colour. It could do with an adjustable screen that doesn't require an allen key. Lovely TFT. Excellent review, Mark. 1990 [Nick J]

[@markpulling12]

Thanks as always nik They haven't sorted out the user names yet 😂

[@jamesprice7470]

Great review mark the tft looks gorgeous.

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks James 😀

[@mvjoshi]

Such a huge relief to see over the screen on the left (right) side of the road in a video like this. Excellent video, Mark, as usual. Why, oh why, did Suzie put TT rims on this....So many people are going to be put off by just this one major deficiency... I had a Versys 650 for 3 years and am planning to get this whhen it comes to India. But now, I have to think of converting the TT to TL rims with that 3M sealent etc.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks 👍

[@sturejonsson]

Very nice Suzuki-V strom😊👍💪

[@quentinjackson6015]

Great review - thanks. For me this might be the perfect middleweight adventure bike and I like the 'edgy' looks.........if only it had tubeless wheels though. I haven't tried a bike with a quickshifter but that looks to be a good feature. Cheers.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Quentin 😁

[@splodge57]

No use for an ADV bike so I'd go for the GSX800S. Better looks, lighter and tubeless tyres for £2500 less!😂

[@silotx]

With a cruise control and tubeless tyres this could be the perfect middle cc adv bike maybe on the next version.

[@markpulling12]

I hope so too 🙏

[@althescottishbiker]

Great review Mark, I was looking forward to this one. I agree with the other comments, cruise control and tubeless could make this bike ideal for touring. The screen looks very reflective, any issues with it? Ride safe.

[@markpulling12]

Hi no problem with the tft even in sun easy to read ....but yes I would love cruise on this Hopefully Suzuki will read all these comments Best wishes mark

[@chadkline4268]

Whining 😊

[@volt8684]

Hi Mark, thorough review. As 650xt owner I looked at this at nec. Was left in definate position of not changing. Think plastics and exhaust looked dreadful. Suzuki losing plot of why people bought v strom. Price has gone galactic. The weight is awful. I’m sticking with my 650, does all I require. Had 130hp bikes and for the road torque and use ability is my satisfying ingredient. My v strom in 3rd can do 30-90 by cracking open throttle. The engine braking is great too. My 650 running same revs at 70

[@markpulling12]

Yes agreed...I had a 650 in 2015 great machine and like you say vfm and all round ability is great 👍 Cheers mark

[@blackskunk54]

The exhaust is the same as the one I had on my DL650XT M0 2020. I agree about the plastic, although good quality not sure about the colour.

[@malcolmpatton9314]

Great review Mark would be considering this when I change my Honda 500x. 😊

[@davidh7280]

Thanks for great review. I had a 650 VStrom couple of years ago. Always felt a big bike, physically, similar to this one. I stalled it at a junction, dropped it and did my hamstring in😢 The anti stall assist didn't work but it was my fault anyway! But why call it VStrom when it's a parallel twin? Should be a TwinStrom or something? Still no centre stand as standard?

[@gazzertrn]

how can it be a v-strom when its a parallel twin ? Nice bike though i think i would buy it . another colour maybe .

[@mamlukavlogs6353]

Nice and crispy review mate ❤. How would it be with pillion rider and all luggage ? Will it be comfortable still

[@markpulling12]

Hi yes I would expect it to be super comfortable still loaded up It's a very substantial bike Cheers mark

[@leeparrish2526]

That looks superb in the blue and yellow paint scheme. It's just a shame it's £1000 dearer than the new transalp

[@markpulling12]

Yes I know what you mean but that includes quickshifter hand and rad guards which brings it closer Cheers mark

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review Mark. Cruise control and heated grips would be nice options to have on this bike.

[@podunkman2709]

...and air bags

[@pistolpete6321]

@@podunkman2709 only need 1 airbag, but great idea. I think some Honda Goldwings have an airbag.

[@alphacapo]

Buy one and put them on then. It also apparently needs tubeless tires. Better metal handguards and skid plate. Crash bars. Bigger windscreen. What else am I missing? Just like every other bike in this price range. Atleast people don't have to bitch about the casio dash anymore. (I liked it) give me the casio dash and a real skid plate instead

[@pistolpete6321]

@@alphacapo all good points. Even without all the things we want it seems like a pretty decent motorcycle.

[@Gusto0172]

Thanks for a great review Mark. I'm currently deciding whether to go for a Vstrom 800 or KTM 890 Adv. KTM has the specs over the Vstrom, but Vstrom has reputation of reliability & is a significant discount to the Vstrom. Reliability is important as will use it much for outback touring in Australia. Cheers. Gus.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Gus yes I think the Suzuki would be the best bet for reliability Best wishes mark

[@turinhorse]

great overview. thanks

[@rainerlovesjapan9468]

Engine seems quiet at high speed. Nice bike👍🏻

[@s4m130]

Another great review, Mark!

[@jonomasonILoveU]

Nice video as usual Mark, yeah I checked it out at my local dealer today and decided it`s ugly sitting next to the 8S, both bikes are very good machines, I`m considering trading my 22 Dukke390 on the 8S (blackmodel)😁

[@Rinkydink73274]

Hi Mark, nice vid..if you had to choose ignoring the cost which would you go for the Transalp of the Vstrom?

[@markpulling12]

Hi mick it's a very close choice....but I'd go for the v Strom by a small margin. as I found the suspension to be a bit better ..very nice ride quality 😁 Best wishes mark

[@toufikprotik5785]

Hey mark great review. I'm 5 foot 6 with a 30 inch inseam,do you think ill be able to reach ground with both legs?

[@markpulling12]

Hi yes you are the same as me ...I'm on balls of my feet not flat footed You can get them lowered though. Best regards mark

[@toufikprotik5785]

@@markpulling12okey, thanks for the reply , best wishes.

[@carlosvejar3938]

Mark, Sir, if you get a chance could you take a look at the RE version of this bike?

[@carlosvejar3938]

I bought the RE version, Mark. I pick it up June 1

[@theriderdtm8650]

Thanks Mark for the review ✌🏻😊

[@markpulling12]

My pleasure!

[@leanatale7251]

I've 2 650 vstrom fantastic bike for the money, the new 800 should adress the only short fall of the old 650 lacking a little in power for 2 up distance work.

[@fraxonthefurry21]

1:07, I was confused for a sec and thought he was really short lol

[@Gmac237]

Hi Mark, realy enjoy your test reviews but when you discribe the V-Strom 800 weighing in at 230 kg as note exactly "super lite" ? Suzuki claim its an adventure bike designed to go off road, hence the 21" front wheel . If you have spent time riding "off road" you will know you will invariably fall down! Try picking up a 230 KG motorcycle with such a high centre of gravity a few times and you"ll end up getting a hernia Tell it like it is, its an over weight road bike for off road posers ! cheers

[@podunkman2709]

Suzuki were always heavy like steam locomotives

[@charleydog2669]

Big rock moto did a first impression and dropped it. He rated it as not bad to pick up.

[@brettroman3218]

Thanks Mark.Great review.👍

[@markpulling12]

Glad you enjoyed it Brett 😀

[@akiuliano]

Nice bike. The lamps are strange and it’s heavy. For that money and style, I prefer the V85TT. Now that is a bike with soul.

[@markpulling12]

Yes guzzi make some great bikes 😁👍 cheers mark

[@thodoris3790]

There is a conversation about engine heat.did you noticed annoying engine heat when you stoped?i test riden this and transalp back to back,and the transalp made much heat,maybe becouse it had the big oem skid plate.the test rides was happening back to back from many riders,so vstrom was not cold.strange.i also found,even it is heavier,vstrom was more agile in handling

[@markpulling12]

Hi I didn't notice any heat at all but I'm in the relatively cool UK Cheers mark

[@thodoris3790]

@@markpulling12 thanks Mark.you are always kind to responde.

[@donalfredisaac]

I missed how much is the travel suspensión both front and rear, tks for your reply

[@markpulling12]

Hi. 220 mm travel front and rear Best wishes mark

[@acadenacci]

Mi piacerebbe sapere se il motore scalda le gambe e se la sella è comoda e non dura, grazie.

[@markpulling12]

Hi the seat is very comfortable...there is a bit of heat at low speed but you don't feel anything at speed Best wishes mark

[@Nick-Emery]

So it’s not a v twin but it’s named V Strom?

[@kennypool]

That's a lot of power, and fun. Fast acceleration, zero to the tree on the corner in about 4 seconds. Not for beginners

[@markpulling12]

Definitely not for beginners with 80 HP ...plus physically too big for a beginner id say cheers mark

[@helgejohan3604]

Transalp faster and better looking 😎🔥🔥

[@volt8684]

@@helgejohan3604Not correct. Look at tests- on paper yes. Real life no. Suzuki torque batters the honda

[@joecamel6835]

I knew I shouldn't have looked...it's nice , thing is Suzuki and Kawasaki are harder to get worked on here, It's Yamie and Honda country.

[@sheezy2526]

Nice bike, can't afford it lol.

[@MarioFlores-ni3kj]

Niiice!!!

[@cpuuk]

If they had put the cruise on it this it would have been a perfect long distance tourer.

[@markpulling12]

I know cruise would make it great 👍

[@rodtukker1904]

Finally a diesel engine 800 DE.

[@chadkline4268]

Too many yuppies in the motorcycle world these days. Always complaining about little features. If it came with a lolipop, I'd buy one!

[@trd4d]

I see the lack of cruise being the reason that I pass on this bike. Probably go with CF Moto

[@pdrhound]

No dirt???

[@thodoris3790]

Big dilemma.this or the transalp...although i m leaning to this. even if its uglier...

[@markpulling12]

I prefer the comfort and suspension on this one cheers mark

[@joecamel6835]

I think it looks dreamy , lol .

[@johnrocker2986]

Suzuki why reinvent an already great bike.

[@ianbrown1387]

I've got the 650 which is a great bike but compared to this it's really dated.

[@johnrocker2986]

@@ianbrown1387 so what benefits does your current 650 lack?

[@pcarragher6025]

If you had to buy one Mark, Transalp or DE? Some say Transalp the is better bike on road and shorter riders.

[@markpulling12]

I would go for the v Strom by a tiny margin...I prefer it's power lower down and it's suspension. .but it is a bit taller Cheers mark

[@alexmorgan3435]

Shame it doesn't have cruise control.

[@williamrae9954]

It will have,shortly...if you know where to look(going by the comments, plenty clueless people, don't, same goes for tubeless tyres? ).

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@williamrae9954 Have you been on the sauce?

[@williamrae9954]

@@alexmorgan3435 I rarely drink, and last night wasn't one of those times...just read the comment on Transalps and V-Strom 800,same clueless clowns throughout... Bart Factory seal rims, McCruise will have C/C for both models shortly, miserable, tight arsed idiots won't open their wallets,but just criticise both models which are built to a budget,i.e.,go spend £5k+ on a Ducati Desert X if you want your ideal machine! Over and out...

[@JW-cq4ez]

So sorry it doesn't have cruise control.

[@adrianrubi5012]

I thought they would call it “DR Big Twin”...

[@markpulling12]

I remember the Dr big from years back cheers mark

[@maraudostrogoth747]

But it's really more of a "P" Strom than a "V" Strom. Perhaps Suzuki should have called it the P-Strom, to differentiate it.

[@helgejohan3604]

Transalp I rather have✊✊🔥

[@podunkman2709]

Looks more like retro bike

[@markpulling12]

Yep 80 s special:)

[@alphajed7700]

Suzuki was the one who invented a duck beak on ADV bikes

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

Bike is in Ukraine 🇺🇦 colours. Nice bike.

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks 👍...I like the Suzuki blue and yellow

[@kittsonic1]

Suzuki sells value safety...they could of done a better design..make it look more punchy..

[@ZT-wz8yy]

First

[@markpulling12]

Brilliant 👍

[@mikerider58]

Great bike but it's not a Vstrom, and aren't we getting tired of the Jetski look l know l am. The yellow looks cheap and the BIG FAT EXCHAUST makes me wonder " who designed this" l mean, looks wise.😢 The parallel twin is obviously cheaper to produce than the V -Twin and l suppose that's it, that's what's annoying me, it's NOT the affordable 650 vstrom, it's a 800cc JETSKI with a small TV instead of rev counter and speedo and it's 10 grand . Don't get me wrong, nothing against parallel twins, great motor but this isn't the 650cc vstrom. The 650cc is more versatile, lighter, off road friendlier, cheaper insurance, tax, parts and have a huge fan base. Let's make it bigger, that's exactly what happened to The Titanic 😮

[@helgejohan3604]

Ugly bike😫

[@cynic150]

Horrible colours!