2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800RE | First Ride Review

[@kejefelcz]

Have had mine in green for 3 weeks now as my first ever bike. And I just love it. Comfortable, forgiving, nimble, yet fun and quick if needed. As a total beginner, I think this machine will stick with me for some time as I can't see anything wrong with it or missing anything. Great all-rounder.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Nice, I have one as a long termer and even as someone who's been riding years, it ticks a LOT of boxes for me.

[@AlanMairson]

I’ve been looking for a first bike & keep returning to this one. My worry: it’s too heavy & has too much power. Have those been issues for you? Also, may I ask your height & inseam? I’m 6’3”, 36” inseam, and best I can tell, the 800RE would be a good fit. Thanks in advance for whatever help you can provide. And ride safe!

[@kejefelcz]

@@AlanMairson I'm 187 cm (6,1"), 90 cm (35,4) inseam. The bike is a great fit, quite comfortable, I can flatfoot the ground, really good. I cannot compare the weight to anything else as I have ridden only the driving school bike (Kawa 650). However, the bike feels a bit top heavy in slow speed maneuvering and when moving in the garage. The center of gravity is higher than compared to a naked bikes or cruisers. But you get used to it and it's not really an issue. The power is completely okay, trust me. The bike is very tame, I've been riding it in the standard mode (B) from the beginning and never had any issue or surprise moment. The throttle mapping is accurate and power curve linear. It does not go "like hell" but it's pleasantly pulling when needed through the rev range and quite happy to trundle along at 3000 rpm as well. It does not have a real explosive performance peak at the top, pulls gradually up to 8500 rpm and then the power goes "flat". edit: Being 46 now with not really 100% back, I can also say that 2-3 hrs ride does not cause any pain or stiffness in my back or legs, which is the greatest benefit for me ;). After 2 months of riding and almost 3000 km I can say I'm very happy with my selection. Drive safe :)

[@kejefelcz]

@@AlanMairson I posted a reply here this morning and now it's gone :)). Or at least, I cannot see it. So again, shorter this time. I'm 187 cm and 90 cm inseam, totally comfortable, can reach the ground flat-footed. No back pain, leg stiffnes, nothing (46 yrs old, bad back from sitting all day). I can go for 3-4 hours without a break - no issues. The bike is tame and soft, power delivery very linear, never had a feeling that it had too much power. Been riding in standard mode (B) all the time, even in the rain. The bike is a bit top-heavy, however you notice it only during manual maneuvering in the garage/yard or in slow speed handling (tight turns etc.), but you get used to it very quickly. If you go 20 km/h and above, it's as nimble and flicky as a road adventurer can be (I have no comparison though, it's just my impression). I've covered 2500 km so far and I just love it :). Good luck and ride safe.

[@AlanMairson]

@@kejefelcz Thanks very much for your reply. Very helpful. And yes, it’s the top heavy, slow maneuver problem that concerns me. I keep reading that a first bike should be no bigger than 500cc or so. I keep imagining myself in a local parking lot struggling with u-turns, and muttering: What was I thinking get such a big bike?

[@FerEste]

I was impatiently waiting for someone to review this bike! Thank you!

[@carlosvejar3938]

I got one May 31st, it's a lot of fun and hella comfortable. It's not perfect but it's fun

[@christianweller4288]

A true “strom”. Comfy and long legged. Thanks for a great review

[@UsernameKate]

Love the video, love the layout!! Had a great time on the launch with ya!

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks Kate, was a good to see you too! :)

[@tonygolding2274]

Love your review of the RE , can’t wait to get a test ride myself, it’s certainly ticking all my box,s throw on some heated grips , centre stand and a nice aloy top box and she,d be perfect 👍👍🙋🏻‍♂️👏

[@verbalwidget7267]

Looks like the same forks, brakes and wheels as my 2014 Vstrom DL1000 I'm glad to see the tubeless wheels. This would be the model I would buy.

[@3kdn]

Thank god for you and this bike, i am sick of seeing GS 1300 half hearted reviews this week.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Understandable though, the GS is so popular. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@robertdobbelaer8503]

Wow, nice bike Dan. Super versatile in my opinion as all V-Stroms are. I wouldn't mind owning one, and I do like the looks. I also like the tubeless tires in this version, much easier to 'plug' when you have a flat tire due to a nail or screw which I had a couple of times in the middle of nowhere....

[@Englishbikerdan]

This was my only reason for opting out of either the Transalp or VStrom 800DE when I was looking to change bikes earlier in the year. I can see I would have been very tempted by this new RE.

[@mickleblade]

Tubless conversion is a thing, some special tape that air proofs the spoke nuts. But you only do the rear on a translap

[@rustworks2588]

Top production as always! Thanks for sharing this review! ❤

[@DirtShy]

With cruise control, this 800re would be perfect for me.

[@Englishbikerdan]

It would certainly be a nice feature to have!

[@TheFullBlazer]

Hi Dan, ive just gotten my licence and after doing a lot of researche ended up with this bike. Your video motivated me to do a testride and now i ordered one. Got to wait 3 weeks until its ready. Thnx for this great review helpt a lot making a decision.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Congrats on the new bike, I hope you have many happy miles!

[@endadoyle6546]

Just completed 2500 klms touring the Alps bike was perfect, seat was wonderful riding position perfect, crossing the banding on a wet autobahn gave a floating feeling 😅 once with TC off & on other wise rock solid I had a 45 litre box box and a 65 litre drybag on the rear seat

[@Englishbikerdan]

Nice work! I have a tour coming up on this bike too!

[@endadoyle6546]

Enjoy it was epic

[@apz5817]

What's your height man. I'm 6,2 (1,88cm) and I'm between this and transalp

[@Dan-56]

At least here in the US it’s obvious Suzuki is pricing the 800 to lure buyers away from the 650. So if demand is what’s keeping the 650 around, Suzuki is working hard to slowly kill it off 🙁. However if my favorite dealer is any indication, he’s sold out of 650’s and still has 800 on the showroom floor 😉.

[@deanzaZZR]

It has been quite the tech evolution thinking back to my beloved 2005 DL650 that didn't even have ABS.

[@gray-stromer-pt]

I'm thinking of leaving my old 650 k6 for one of these, seems a perfect replacement and a bit of an upgrade.

[@brianelliott6713]

Always enjoy your video reviews. Thank you.

[@Broken-six]

Very nice review man! I’m going to review it tomorrow, thought id get some specs from your vid. More fun than studying spec sheet. I’m 6’2” 240, see if my experience was the same as yours!

[@AlanMairson]

Was it a good fit for you? (I’m roughly the same size.)

[@simonbowen6653]

Nice bike. Expect Honda will do something similar with the Transalp.

[@msd85TvT]

Suzuki needs to hire visual orientated designers. They’ve got the engineering down…but that bike looks like only it’s mother would love it.

[@Englishbikerdan]

The looks seem to polarise people, I quite like how it looks personally.

[@msd85TvT]

@@Englishbikerdan probably the windshield doesn’t complement the angular face and headlight as much as it does on the DE version.

[@seansixfive]

I am trying to decide on a new bike, I haven't had a bike for 15 years. I first started looking at the Tenere which led to the Transalp and onto the Tuareg 660, Tiger 850, ‘P’ Strom 800RE and I am now looking very closely at the ‘V’ Strom 1050. I never remember it being so difficult. I live in the north of Spain with great B roads and mountain roads. I am pretty sure I would be more than happy with any of the bikes I’ve mentioned.

[@DaveDayve]

I could have watched Another hour of that. Great vid. A good down size from my Africa twin? Power isn't everything I find

[@peterwilson8039]

You’d clearly want a nice light set of luggage for a bike like this.

[@davidpalin1790]

Cool bike 🏍 😎

[@MrEricmopar]

This is really tempting me. I was looking at the BMW F750 GS, but this could potentially be a more reliable alternative. The Japanese bikes are usually really good, but I'm still concerned about the long haul with this new engine design.. IE will this engine last well over 100,000 miles with normal touring, commuting etc and proper maintenance? Other than that, I can see me putting a Hepco and Becker C Bow mount on it and the nice selection of bags available for that mount, and loving it.

[@Englishbikerdan]

With a 7 year dealer activated warranty, I really don't see how you could go wrong. I think it would serve your needs very well!

[@1Mcoach]

For sure will serve you better than made in China bmw 750gs (and with engine builded in chinese factory - not at all in bmw)!

[@korazon3spinado]

Nice photography

[@roadwarrior8560]

The next gen with cruise control is the one I'll wait for after any problems have been ironed out too.

[@EmopunkDr]

Well said, man.

[@destructiveflow6964]

well suzuki refresh there bikes around 8 to 10 yrs so yea

[@roadwarrior8560]

@@destructiveflow6964 They updated the 650 and the 1000/1050 a few times in the last 10 years or so. I'd imagine for 2025 there'll be better more colours and hopefully a few more options if not updates on the next update.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid. Bit of an exclusive here Dan. I don't think I've seen anyone else's review this yet. Looks decent. Still a bit heavy though maybe. I imagine an exhaust would shed a few kg's though as that end can is a whopper!

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks, although Bike Matters beat me to it. Mind you, they have a team of people so I'm taking this as a win! 😂

[@ragerider6283]

@@Englishbikerdan Who? ; )

[@Englishbikerdan]

Hee hee. Lexham Insurance's channel, headed up by the awesome chap that is Alex Strange who previously worked at Visordown.@@ragerider6283

[@dleebox2268]

The 1050xt adjustable style windshield would've been nicer for adjusting the windshield

[@projectswithjw]

Good video. I did notice that wasn't as much joyous laughing as when you were riding the 650 vstrom. subtle hint maybe? 👍

[@Englishbikerdan]

Not at all, there was a LOT of sillyness earlier in the day, but I had to be a bit careful about what I posted. :D

[@peterwilson8039]

Personally I think people were having more fun the GS-8S launch. That was a beautiful bit of highway you guys got to ride on.

[@peterhobbs7609]

Think that will make a great 2 up mile muncher Dan, a really good review

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks Peter, I have one coming soon as a long-termer. So lots of videos in the pipeline.

[@barriereader9116]

£100 for a kapok throttle lock. £50 for the Bruudt windscreen adjustment system, job done.

[@ZT-wz8yy]

Good video. Probably the most relevant question here: how do you carry your helmet for these events? Is accepted as hand luggage? If so, does it come out of your hand luggage allowance or is it on top? Thanks

[@Englishbikerdan]

Some people carry their helmets on the plane, but I pack it in my suitcase. I've seen people get charged for carrying the lid on. So I don't risk it personally.

[@jonathanwardle2052]

Was interested in this, seems a cracking bike I then saw the weight 😮

[@Englishbikerdan]

It IS a cracking bike. Weight is just a number, and means very little when you're riding it.

[@jonathanwardle2052]

Does when you come to a stop and also an issue when it's rivals are significantly lighter .

[@andrewthompson1313]

After market cruise control from Veridian. Expected to become available in August 2024.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks for the headsup, might need to invest in that!

[@cybilisation]

Hi Dan! What about the vibration what usually comes at around 120km/h? It cause a pretty decent vibration on right foot pags and the right side of the wheel as I observed on DE.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Honestly I never noticed it all that much beyond a slight vibe when going through the gears early on.

[@korazon3spinado]

How is the seat height for you compared to your SV?

[@brianm1491]

Hi, how does it compare to your tiger sport?

[@davidphillips7255]

Cruise would make it possible to buy this bike because it makes riding much less tiring for this senior rider. Without it I have to stick to less powerful machines like my Burgman 400, or my 500F that require much less concentration to ride at the speed limit. That was why I had to get rid of my 15 V-Strom 1000, Even though it was my favourite bike of all time . Every time I looked down I was either 10 under or 20 kph over. That made it too tiring to ride any distance. If price is an issue, make cruise an option.

[@Mtthwpez]

Sadly, with Suzuki deliberately not giving this a cruise control option, the better option would be to either get a used 1050 Strom or even a Triumph 800 Tiger over a new one of these..

[@podunkman2709]

1050 is different puropse bike (this should be obvious)...Tiger as well. In addition Tiger cost way more and loves fuel - consumes a lot of it.

[@t_rex8767]

hm not sure if i should get the 125cc-license like i commented on another video or just get the A-license available even though it would be first time with a big geared bike

[@linepulse]

Is this jacket your wearing the ozark? Looks different to mine. What special version have you got 😮😮😮...

[@Englishbikerdan]

No this one was the Outlast, which has been discontinued but you can still buy it from various outlets. I've now got the Ozark too. Lovely jacket!

[@pandar2205]

Very interested in your comparison to the 1050

[@Englishbikerdan]

I won't be doing a comparison vid, but I can tell you the 800 RE would probable be my pick. Lighter and cheaper.

[@garystratton8731]

Which would you choose out of this and the tracer 7 GT. I noticed you just reviewed the new Tracer GT. Is there a big difference in performance etc?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Tricky as they hit slightly different when ridden. The Tracer 7 handles more like a nimble sporty tourer, while the V-Strom feels much more like an adventure bike as it's bigger. I think they are different enough not to be directly compared.

[@garystratton8731]

@@Englishbikerdan Would you say the V Strom has a lot more power. Also for pillion? Which would you buy?

[@Englishbikerdan]

I'd say V-Strom is noticeably more torquey low down. Not sure which I'd buy, as I like both!

[@ajinisaudi4499]

x tahu this model masok malaysia x

[@fjeewani]

What is the helmet brand you are wearing? Link please?

[@Englishbikerdan]

HJC RPHA 11.

[@houseofroos]

Hi Dan, This or a KTM 790 ADV?

[@valeriolotta]

Next bike target

[@user-fv1576]

This or tiger 900? Btw can you buy cruise control ?

[@Englishbikerdan]

This, but mainly due to the much lower asking price. The Tiger 900 is a great bit of kit. No cuise on this V-Strom, yet.

[@KairyuRider]

How is it compared to a transalp for someone that will been 99% road and 1% dirt road

[@Englishbikerdan]

I would say this more road focused machine would suit those requirements better.

[@podunkman2709]

Transalp, what is OBVIOUS, is an "adventure" bike. This one is more like day-to-day bike (but u can take it for World tour as well).

[@KairyuRider]

@@Englishbikerdan would you say it’s a bit better or is it “night and day” difference

[@soul0luos]

Everything about this bike looks great except for the hideous beak/bill. Cruise control would have been nice as well, especially for the “touring” model.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Yes CC is a missed opportunity on all of these middleweights. Hoping they get an update with it.

[@renatovitas7546]

very good very good ,report e bike

[@87Kal-El]

Weel be good for 175cm ??

[@thodoris3790]

i like this bike.first thing, a puig screen,this looks awful.second an aftermarket exhaust

[@badir1907]

I think the front looks better than the new GS

[@Englishbikerdan]

I like both. :)

[@korazon3spinado]

So when will you ditch your SV and get one of these?

[@Englishbikerdan]

I probably won't tbh, as I already have another road based tourer. For now anyway. But perhaps in the future.

[@korazon3spinado]

Could you get a rack for the SV and a windshield, would it be comparable to this?

[@daveyt4802]

Any word on USA release?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Nothing mentioned at the launch, but it can't be too far away!

[@peterwilson8039]

@@Englishbikerdan Here in Canada, it's already on the website. Doesn't mean it's in the dealers yet. Where I am we got snow already so it's moot.

[@Mike-er7ym]

You failed to mention the Honda Transalp as a rival ! Which is its nearest competitor 😮

[@Englishbikerdan]

Because the Transalp competes with the 800 DE, not the 800 RE.

[@tiernangorduin7975]

You are a bit harsh with this comment lol……you failed

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

I'm strongly considering this model and the Triumph Tiger Sport 850, and respect your opinion. How would you compare them for quality, ride, power, brakes and engine heat?

[@Englishbikerdan]

All things considered, I think I prefer this new V-Strom. It handles a bit better on the road, better rear suspension than the Tiger 850 which was far too soft. Plus less vibes on longer journeys too. The Tiger is better looking, but I feel this new Suzuki pips it in the practicality dept.

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

@@Englishbikerdan Logical, but I'm struggling with the looks of this prom king. Prefer the 800DE looks much better.

[@FourIntoOne]

Wait, what? The V strom is now a parallel twin? Why is it still called the V Strom them? Should be called the P strom. The whole world has gone mad......

[@Englishbikerdan]

The V in V-Strom has apparently always meant Versatile, according to Suzuki.

[@Dan-56]

Or is it “V” for Vertical twin 😉.

[@podunkman2709]

We saw this ... wize question...millions of times. The answer is simple: because of progress, because of marketing.

[@vidiot9000]

Pee stream!

[@1Mcoach]

V like video… nowadays..

[@billboring3925]

With that kind of money I should have cruise control. That’s why I won’t be buying one I’ll be buying the CF Moto ibexes 100 which has kickstand cruise control, and all these electronic features that you just can’t pass up and it’s a good bike.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I've not ridden any of the CFMOTO offerings yet, they seem hard to test around here. While I agree, they have a lot of features for the price, I still think CFMoto are rather expensive when competing against the large manufacturers with proven reputations and reliability.

[@jhguygih]

It's like comparing Toyota and Peugeot or even worse like Jac or Tiggo from CN. The reliability and value retention is what you get with the Japanese motors although they cut costs with those electronics.

[@ADobbin1]

Please tell suzuki, yamaha and honda to fire their existing colour scheme people and hire someone with an imagination.

[@rtistofficial6070]

Wish it was V twin

[@Englishbikerdan]

Why? It has the exact same firing order as a V-Twin and feels very familar to the Vstrom 650, but with way more power.

[@yinyangthang]

Relaying that you can't quite flat-foot it, but that you are on the balls of your feet is useless information without you also divulging your leg length. Otherwise, thanks for the review.

[@Englishbikerdan]

We're all different shapes, heights and sizes so surely it only matters if it fits you? My measurements are always in the description though. Thanks for watching!

[@yinyangthang]

@@Englishbikerdan Sorry, didn't see that. Cheers.

[@paulneedham3608]

No cruise control.

[@korazon3spinado]

Username Kate really seemed to like this bike and she has only a 29" inseam.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Yeah it's a great bike, looking forward to riding it a lot more in 2024.

[@destructiveflow6964]

Maybe call it P Strom >_

[@loftysaltmarsh69]

Nooooo that's the new GS 🤔

[@Englishbikerdan]

Checks price, eh no. :P

[@mickleblade]

Suzuki OE accessories are way overpriced, luckily there are alternatives.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I agree, far too expensive for some items!

[@splodge57]

The middleweight ADV style bikes are overpriced. For another £800 I'd buy the new Kawasaki Zx6r.😊

[@Englishbikerdan]

Totally different bikes though. The ADV style bikes are excellent and I'd say, priced about right. But, that's subjective on what you want out of a bike.

[@splodge57]

I agree, it's great bike as is the TransAlp but at least £1000 too expensive. Nice review, cheers.

[@F3udF1st]

Not yellow? Don't want it.

[@Englishbikerdan]

DE it is then?

[@lukaszjaskulski5818]

Good but ugly

[@peterwilson8039]

First comment

[@podunkman2709]

Sorry, but this review is quite poor. Talking about nothing. It's certainly a great bike (the 800DE is one) but I doubt they've eliminated one of its major flaws; it cooks the right leg, terrible vibrations in right feet. Still too heavy. They went too far in the direction of the old VStroms: the seat was too low, the suspension travel was too small. If they eliminated these issues this bike would be ideal.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I am an expert at talking about nothing, I'll have you know! :D If the seat is too low and suspension travel not enough, get the DE. It's literally the point of having two versions, one for road, one better for dirt.