2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800RE - Suzukis new 'Road Explorer' hits the mark

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

This is one of those bikes that you cannot get in love with so easily, but once you live with it for some time, you love it more and more. It is not an eye-catcher, but overall it offers a great package. Would love to try one. Great video. Enjoyed it. Cheers.

[@mancavemoto]

Couldn't agree more! cheers

[@teneretraveller8980]

Another winner from Suzuki. For me ,better than the DE because I'm sure it would more than cope with the gentle gravel roads and trails i do on my DL650XT. The extra power would be helpful when she tours with me, too. 20 litres is a better tank size than most in this class. How do service costs compare through the class. A couple of my touring colleagues pay extortionate bills to have their Triumph explorers worked on annually. These things add up Good one. Ride safe and happy travels 👍

[@blackskunk54]

Shorter wheelbase than the DL650XT and the DE by 2", so it may not be so good for taller riders. One of the reasons I had a DL650XT was the long wheelbase.

[@UsernameKate]

Loved this Tony!! Great vlog and it was ace to ride with you :)

[@mancavemoto]

Ditto, hope you didn’t mind the mention in the video, but it’s true

[@UsernameKate]

too kind :)@@mancavemoto

[@williamrae9954]

The thinking man's BMW...huge amount of accessories just appearing, Hessler have the DE fully loaded and weighing in at 226kg fully fuelled, so under 220kg for this with 14kg of fuel on-board! Cruise will be available shortly, so it's still cheaper and more reliable than it's BMW competition. Trail de Couvert have just got their DE finished, so even more choice of add ons...good half way point between a Tracer7 and it's 900cc sister, and a more direct Transalp 750 competitor than the DE,as the T/A is a more road based bike...a bike you can buy relatively cheap, and add to later...I'm impressed! Great part of France!

[@mancavemoto]

Thankd for the response, and well put. We were talking to Suzuki about the CC, and as its ride by wire, it should be possible to install it fairly easily on future models. They are lobbying Japan about it

[@jonathonchudyk4509]

Really hope cruise becomes an add on option down the road. I have a deposit on a new 800 RE here in Canada and nothing about CC is known at dealer level. I added it to my Street Bob and it makes a world of difference being able to rest your right arm.

[@williamrae9954]

@@jonathonchudyk4509 Keep your eye on McCruise, they will be making one for these bikes!

[@steamixion]

The thinking mans BMW is the remarkably similar but much lighter, f700GS

[@alq1967]

The green colour is really nice. Fab bike... I'll add it to my wishlist.

[@Alfra1324]

My next bike in blue! Awesome review! ❤😊

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you!

[@gianpaolorusconi6653]

I really appreciate your review. Compliments from an italian motorbiker

[@carlosvejar3938]

I have had mine for a month now lots of fun on the ride to work

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Great review Tony. Thank you. Suzuki has a history of high build quality that is often overshadowed by Honda. I’ve just taken my morning coffee to look at the collection of Suzuki’s I have dating back several decades and the welds etc. are as good as the robot ones used in some areas today.

[@johnmartin7158]

Suzuki are good value for money.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks and yes this is nicely finished off. Less utilitarian than some of the older models

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@mancavemoto I’m curious Tony. Examples?

[@mancavemoto]

The 1050XT is one example, nicely quality finish but very functional. This bike seems to have more thought i the materials and colours. Hard to pin point it, but it just seems a little more classy.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@mancavemoto That doesn’t answer the utilitarian comment. As the engine alone in this guise ( the large Suzuki V twin) was purpose built and not designed to be utilitarian in the slightest.

[@jtb8461]

I have a green RE and really enjoy it. Great all around street bike. You mentioned a resculptured seat but the part number is the same as the one that comes on the DE version. I have a 34 inch inseam so have the optional accessory tall seat which has a flatter profile.

[@peterholloway4361]

It's nice to see the new GS1300 in blue..

[@mancavemoto]

😂

[@martinehulme8743]

I really like this. Under the Christmas 🎁 tree maybe 😮

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

I like the look of this as a replacement for my Versys 650, keep hoping Kawasaki give the 650 a long overdue refresh

[@markb3180]

Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh at Motorcycle Live. Thanks for the review.

[@mancavemoto]

No problem!

[@tonygolding2274]

Fantastic review there T , this bike is ticking all my box.s can’t wait to get a spin on one when they hit the shops 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@wunwinglow]

Great review, hopefully testing one shortly, as I am looking to downsize a bit from a Versys 1000, which I have to say I love dearly, but it is time for something new. Tried a 1050 V-Strom DE and it was very good, but too tall for me, and the saddle was awful!! But your review covered a lot of my concerns, positively, so very keen to try one ASAP! Thanks! (I would have prefered some brighter colour variations though! The Versys is bright orange!!)

[@gerassimosmoschopoulos4906]

A green one just enter my garage in replacement of my 09 vstrom650. Hope will be as good as the 650!

[@mancavemoto]

Nice, love that colour. Enjoy the bike I hope it lives up to expectations!

[@ashwinoashwin]

What a fabulous bike! I can't believe Suzuki got the DE instead of the RE to India! We have such few riders who take their bike off road compared to folks who use it entirely on tarmac ! Such a shame. Hope they get it soon to India!

[@kalnwi2023]

Whoa, that was a nice place to ride , indeed .

[@mancavemoto]

It’s lovely, I’ll definitely be heading back there again in the future

[@1990-t1j]

Looks good. I like naked roadsters better nowadays. Strange because I always used to be a big trailie man, when that term was used. XT500, XRV750, 950 Adventure, XB12X. I still have the Buell. Been off the road, but going back on soon. Superb bike. It's almost a naked roadster. The usual good review, Tony. Nick

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Nick, its a really nice bike to ride, plenty of grunt, but comfy too

[@MOTOUK1]

Thanks Tony enjoyed that. Great to hear your thoughts on this bike. Good price too. One thing you forgot! To bring that nice weather back with you. 😂 cheers

[@mancavemoto]

Ha! well it did look like it was going to rain the following da as we left. Looks like we had a nice window of weather

[@williamrae9954]

Get on the Santander ferry and spend 2 weeks between the boat and the Millau Viaduct, great area or biking, and some nice beaches at the bottom(including a nudest one...boiled eggs n fried sausage) 😂😂

[@duanestiles4821]

Nice video and great job on the Suzuki v strom and a shout out to user name Kate awesome video and you keep good company lol

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks 👍

[@UncleWally3]

I’ll hold out for “packages” that add features. That said, our local Suzuki dealer has inflated the price by about $1000 and won’t sell unless we include the hard panniers in the purchase so . . . guess they must be selling well?

[@stevesane800]

Great stuff Tony. Sorry I got on this late. Cruise control lacking isn’t a show stopper. Does Suzuki have accessories (luggage & top box) available for this model? I’ll checkout the local website. Cheers🤙

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, yep same for me, its a 'nice to have' but personally I rarely use it. Yes plenty of accessories, both aluminium and plastic luggage, crash bars, bash plate etc

[@stevesane800]

@@mancavemoto champion⭐️

[@jdecker9834]

Hey Tony, great review. Could you please post a link to that exact riding jacket you're wearing please? Looks very nice and comfy, Thanks!

[@mancavemoto]

www.revitsport.com/gb_en/motorcycle-jacket-offtrack-2-h2o-black-brown?_gl=1*1uyt41c*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlvW2BhDyARIsADnIe-IEnaagxHXd9KKUmYmAMXYmX_vpWi7xXJ4BQaKgvjzWka6EnsybZHoaAqXWEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAADMP2pKpYS21ZBbG3Ia_sd5WdwFuO

[@DirtShy]

Heated grips and cruise control, this 800re would be a winner.

[@mancavemoto]

Heated grips are an option.

[@williamrae9954]

McCruise are on the C/C...all there,everything sensible you need...add to it over time,keeps you out the range of the wife,fettling!

[@wunwinglow]

This 1958 Mk 1 Motorcyclist came fitted with a cruise control, conveniently fitted between my ears. Still works perfectly....

[@keithsmith7855]

Great review. Is there a mount to put on a Nav unit like on the 1050? Is the engine as smooth as the 650? Which is a little gem we all know, but sometimes a bit down on power. Perhaps this is the perfect halfway point between the 650 and the 1050.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yes theres a cross bar to mount a gps too. I would say the engine is just as smooth. Interestingly the 650 is staying in the line up as therre is still demand. I thought thi may be coming in as a replacement, but appreantly not

[@blackskunk54]

The DE is smoother than my old DL650XT M0 by quite a bit. The RE has a shorter wheelbase than the DL650 which might affect the ergos. The quickshifter is a cracker on the DE. Looking forward to a demo on the RE and my XL750 is getting nervous.

[@gasman6163]

other reviews have complained about vibration through the pegs and bars?

[@mancavemoto]

I didn’t experience anything I wouldn’t expect from any parallel twin

[@njohnson3331]

This looks like a better option for me than the SMT or any of the very expensive road oriented adv-tourers.

[@mancavemoto]

I?ts a much more capable and enjoyable bike to ride than I expected.

[@roadwarrior8560]

Can't understand why they didn't add cruise, it would be more use than the quickshifter to me. £9699 or £9999 with cruise control and maybe hand guards/heated grips thrown in? I know which option I'd go for anyway. Great review, thanks.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep, it seems an odd choice, but then personally I hardly use cruise control, even on long motorway runs, and i'd rather have the quickshifer, so its horses for courses i guess.

[@apz5817]

I test rided it and it is very good motorcycle even though it has good style of riding maybe its a bit small for me I'm 6,2 (1,88) .I woukd buy transalp if it didn't had tubes.I want the motorcycle to for trips two up.Whats your thoughts on these.nice video

[@mancavemoto]

I would say the 800DE is probably a better for you being a bit taller? Tubes on the Transalp is a bit of a shame, I would also prefer tubeless

[@neilsmithers6979]

Did you find the engine felt rough and vibey in the higher revs/speeds? Did the mirrors blur and vibrate as a result of this? I tested the DE and much as I wanted to like, the terrible wind protection and vibes in higher revs out me off along with the vague handling due to the 21 inch front.

[@mancavemoto]

I can’t say that I did, there are minor vibes, but no more than any other parallel twin

[@beverleynorth4914]

Regarding screens, 1 do you find deflector visors effective 2 are they better than tall touring screens

[@marksimpson5218]

The best mod I did to my tracer, was take off the standard screen & put on a small sport screen. I find a naked bike is better than one with a screen.

[@mancavemoto]

Its a bit of a black art to be honest. They work on some bikes and not others an dit all depends on the deflector. I found the most consitient one to be the MRA VSA typ C spoiler

[@beverleynorth4914]

Afternoon both. Thanks for the advice. Seems to be a suck-it-and-see basis, albeit at £100ish a pop for each new screen!!!

[@anthonychristian8030]

Concerned about vibration in pegs and handle

[@mancavemoto]

There is very little

[@blackskunk54]

I didn't hear you mention that the rake angle of the front forks is different to the DE and the wheelbase is shorter by about 2" (Also shorter than the DL650). Might be too small for me @ 6' 1". I rode the DE and absolutely loved it, I have the Transalp 750 and found the DE more fun to ride and more confidence inspiring. I would not pay extra for CC as I would never use it. I have ridden for 53 yrs and never ever found a need for it. The reason they put it on bigger bikes is they are more likely be ridden on motorways IMO. This bike is more likely to be ridden on roads like the ones you have just ridden where CC would not be needed. CC is useless in the wet and should only be used when its dry. Good review though

[@blackskunk54]

Just ridden the RE and it is a little bit small for me. Great bike though, as with the DE, the engine is a cracker and the quickshifter awesome, what clutch? The seat seems more comfy when you first get on but after about an hour it soon feels like any other seat, I do have arthritis though, which doesn't help. Glad they kept the simple controls from the DL650 and others. Dash is very good. Built quality looks very good. Handled some awful potholed roads very well. The green one looks great.

[@lewiss66]

If you had to pick one would it be this one , the 890Ktm or the transalp ? Thanks for you video

[@mancavemoto]

OK, thats a tough question, very tough. I'd probably say for all round work the KTM 890 would edge it, but its £2000 more expensive than the other two. So if I was having to spend my own money, then for what I need and how i use the bike, I think i'd pick the Transalp. Having recently reviewed it, the Honda really surprised me.

[@lewiss66]

@@mancavemoto Maybe a used ktm 890 2023 would do the trick :) Thanks for your comment.

[@mancavemoto]

👌

[@lewiss66]

@@mancavemoto If the 890 ktm did not have this heat problem that burns the legs would you end up having it in your garage ?

[@mancavemoto]

I used to own a 790 adventure, so yes I would own it, the heat isn’t a problem. It’s noticeable, but not a reason not to own one

[@flexywing]

How would you compare it to a Honda Transalp 750?

[@mancavemoto]

Quite similar in some respects. This has more mid range grunt than the Honda, which is a more revvy engine. The Honda feels a bit lighter and more nimble. But the RE is a really good Al rounder. Hard to split the two, it depends on how you like to ride.

[@cdnrider6200]

can you add cruise control from suzuki

[@mancavemoto]

Sadly not

[@nikosdomoktsis4169]

Nice video. Can you please share the location?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks and sure, its on the outskirts of Montpellier.

[@kleef465]

Really love the looks of this bike, looks better then the DE

[@IAmYourReflection]

That windscreen tho 😳

[@mancavemoto]

Its such a blast to ride. The overall package really surprised me

[@mancavemoto]

Yep it’s not the prettiest screen is it….

[@martinbohlin6962]

Maybe the DE-screen fit bolt-on?

[@muftimanan5229]

How does it stand against bmw f800gs 2024..its a bit cheaper than that but i am confused

[@mancavemoto]

I think on paper it stacks up well, but i've yet to ride the new F800GS yet.

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

Is the weight noticeable compared to the transalp?

[@mancavemoto]

In reality, not much. The Suzuki feels like it carries its weight a little bit lower

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

Would you have this over the Honda, 95%road 5% gravel roads?

[@mancavemoto]

I'd need to spend more time on the Honda, but it depends on what you prefer. I like bikes with good torque at lower revs, which is where this bike differs to the Honda

[@DragoniteMotoJP]

@@mancavemoto thank you. It’s tempting, then again, I guess the biggest problem with bikes now, too many good choices… without cruise😅

[@podunkman2709]

Still cooks and vibrate right leg?

[@mancavemoto]

Not much in the way of vibes, get a bit warm the right when worked hard, but not bothersome

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

How does it compare to the Tiger 660?

[@mancavemoto]

More mid range pull, I prefer the Suzuki's engine characteristics

[@stonkerontheroad9609]

Similar price to the Tiger 660 and 850. How do you think it compares?

[@mancavemoto]

Its got more low down grunt than both the triples, especially to Tiger 660. You don't have to work the engine as hard. The other two are lighter i think, but of those three I think i'd pick the Suzuki

[@stonkerontheroad9609]

@@mancavemoto Fair enough. Thanks

[@daveyt4802]

Any word when it will get to the USA?

[@mancavemoto]

Unfortunately we werent given any international release dates

[@trailrider1980]

Suzuki usa has it on its website. It should already be around or if not in a few weeks.

[@notlookingback660]

Is the 800 top heavy as the 650?

[@mancavemoto]

No, I think the weight distribution is better

[@Damian78687]

The question is: Is it worth to purchase a new tiger 900 gt pro for such significant amount of money comparing to much cheaper suzuki vstrom 800re?

[@mancavemoto]

And it’s a good question….

[@Damian78687]

@@mancavemoto adding a new moto guzzi v85tt and stelvio you might get crazy ;)

[@cpuuk]

Lack of cruise was a mistake. The Chinese are putting the bells & whistles on their smaller models.

[@djrandizz]

You want to ride a bike built by communist slaves be my guest

[@blackskunk54]

Buy a Chinese bike then. Problem solved.

[@RB-gx4qg]

They Chinese are giving away free refills to maybe sell some bikes and attract customers . The big boys have big boy bikes if you want the bells and whistles. If this had it all, it would make too much sense to not get a big boy bike from them. Classic tier sales model

[@mrcreative6020]

Where can I get a free one?

[@SlickMotoMike]

Is there an option to buy with the v-twin engine? Don't fancy a 125 thats how these sound and these engines are not as reliable as a v-twin nor do they purrr

[@mancavemoto]

No there isnt, and this new engine hasn't been around long enough to give any indication of long term reliability yet. But i've not heard of any issues with it so far

[@flexywing]

Sorry I noticed, you hit the cone! tut tut tut

[@mancavemoto]

Watch it again, I think you'll find i didn't.....not that it matters

[@flexywing]

@@mancavemoto Opps my bad, must watching these and drinking! 🤪

[@bayramaydemir2278]

Final speed?

[@mancavemoto]

Never something i really worry about but it will exceed 200kph, don't ask me how I know ;)

[@87Kal-El]

Will be good for 175cm not to high ??🤔

[@mancavemoto]

I’m 178cm and it’s a very easy flat foot for me

[@87Kal-El]

@@mancavemoto ok thanx

[@user-fv1576]

This or tiger 900?

[@mancavemoto]

hhhmm, I guess the Tiger 850 sport is a pretty close competitor. The Triumph is nicer looking, but I think i'd pick the Suzuki. A little more left field, and I prefer the grunt of the twin over the higher revving triple that needs to be worked a little harder.

[@viperq]

Bummer it doesn't have CC, otherwise a great bike.

[@blackskunk54]

No

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Think I’d go for the tracer 900 which just under 10k and comes with cruise control and 6way imu = much more of a bike

[@trevorphillips3055]

How does that compare on price?

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@trevorphillips3055 the standard 900 tracer is £9900.00. Still come with better equipment, tech and the great cp3 engine. Altogether a better bike

[@marksimpson5218]

The great thing about the tracer, is you get everything with it. With the gt you get heated grips, cruise control, centre stand, panniers tft dash, quick shifter. On paper my bike would only be worth 6k now so I won’t part with it. Only the screen needs changing, I went for a small Puig sports screen which transformed the bike.

[@mancavemoto]

A Tracer 9 GT + that has all the kit on it is £14,910.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@mancavemoto a basic Tracer 900 that comes cruise control and a 6 way IMU is just under £10. The same as the basic, without extras Suzuki 800RE. Which bike would you prefer?

[@nwmi493]

what is the likely hood since the wheel and tire are the same for the 650XT (gold wire wheel) that it would fit on the 800RE? The dealer couldn't tell me. He said the axle could be different. The wheels on the 800re are ugly AF. It would be a $1400 gamble to purchases the XT wheels hoping they would fit the RE. both are 17 rear and 19 front, with the same tire width. What do you think?

[@mancavemoto]

A dealers will never confirm something like that because of homologation. But indeed the axle widths and offsets could be completely different. But you’d probably be more sure using the wheels from the 800 DE?

[@milodebruin4821]

800RE kinda looks like 'bore' - ops for the marketing department 😂

[@azut75]

Seat hight 825 mm ????? A bike for the short people.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes, just over 32 inch stand over height.

[@gordon4221]

Mmmh - you can get yourself a standard BMW 900XR for £10300 which weighs less ,has significantly more power, more torque , better brakes and adjustable screen without tools. You also have the option to start adding things like cruise control as you require. Lovely bike but maybe not the bargain you think.....

[@mrsilbo6499]

Made in China too. That doesn't actually bother me, but it might affect others' decisions.

[@DavidKD2050]

I was thinking the same thing but at the end of the day I don’t want to carry a pillion or the kitchen sink. What I want doesn’t exist. (Currently own, and have a dysfunctional love hate relationship with, older 2011 VStrom 650. Love ❤️ the engine, perfect if you ask me, but I would accept a much lighter parallel twin as a replacement). Give me a mild adventure bike with similar off road credentials of the 650 or 800 reviewed here, but smaller and much lighter. 50-60 hp, good health torque, and 180kg. For my commuting and mix of riding this is the perfect bike.