5 days offroad on the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

[@marceliszp4803]

I tested the offroad riding 890 Adventure with Apex suspension(2023 so now fully adjustable) and I must admit that the 800DE suspension works better. Weight distribution is true, but the Vstrom is still exceptionally agile. If I add Japanese durability versus "ready to race", I chose Suzuki.

[@advlife]

I agree and I think this might surprise a lot of people.

[@Audace1400]

The 890 looks a bit funky for me. The norton 901 looks great but pretty pricey. Suzuki seems to check a lot of boxes for a good price.

[@advlife]

Agree - the DE suspension is better than Apex. And the gearbox is worlds better than the Husky offers.

[@05CUSTOMS]

​@@advlifechom. What do you know about biltong? Are you secretly a South African 😂

[@bigj2345]

Bought a 800DE tonight. I'm so excited to get started on it. The test ride was like riding the Cadillac of bikes.

[@advlife]

Congrats mate! Get into it 👍🏻

[@michaelvass1970]

The quality of production of this video has me gobsmacked. Brilliant

[@advlife]

Thanks mate - really appreciate that! Stoked you enjoyed it

[@jonwoodworker]

Great video. I agree, the 800DE is a far superior ADV bike than the Transalp.

[@chasingtrail]

I'm not sure why the KZbin algorithm took so long to point me to your channel, but this is, by far, the best review I've seen on the 800DE, and I've seen many. Fantastic video. You had me rolling a few times as well. Thank you very much for taking the time to make this.

[@advlife]

Thanks for watching! It really is an underappreciated bike I think.

[@bitterlifes]

A motorcycle which you can take long trip without any headache! Excellent on road, very good of road, pretty versatile and reliable. Well done SUZUKI👍

[@tobylevins4995]

I felt the need to comment - it's really hard to be geniune and engaging when presenting to camera, and you are really good at it, keep it up bro!

[@daviddrabek5834]

My son and I just picked one up yesterday for his first big ADV bike, he loves it!

[@danielscott2357]

This bike wasn’t even on my radar. But after watching your review I may have to reconsider. Great presentation, information and humor! You have a banger of a channel mate!!! It was like watching a short film!!! Keep it up.

[@advlife]

Cheers mate. The bike surprised me too and it’s definitely worth checking out. 👍🏻

[@eusergiu9975]

the best video about v strom 800. images , audio ... everything . congratulations👍🏻

[@k_plax]

I hope the aftermarket guys come to the party for the V-Strom. Like all bikes, that'll help with seeing these out there on the trails.

[@VFRMitch]

Your review is spot on. Some of the best cinemaphotography I’ve seen in a while. Great video chaps 👍🏻

[@estebanmorales6568]

Your production quality is exceptional.

[@DKornacki3]

What a fantastic review. Truly showcases your passion for riding & the VStrom! Love it.

[@jimdoolan2277]

Nice review got the 800 in new Zealand and the sx250 v Strom two very good bikes had the 1050xt before this did 100.700 kms on it but the DE800 eats it on road and off got about 15000 kms on the two of them Cheers

[@kawabungah20]

This is an excellent, exciting, entertaining, informative, and inspiring video adventure review. Thank you from California!!

[@alfred4449]

Best review of the 800DE that I've seen yet. Great effort putting this together. The filming, editing, and commentary was 🔥! I've got a Tuareg but I think I need to test ride this one soon just to satisfy my curiosity.

[@denniekorpi5264]

Excellent video. Nicely done! I have money down on a transalp. You almost make me want to reconsider and go for the DE

[@advlife]

It’s definitely worth the seat time comparison mate

[@enzoman1987]

Best video on the 800 so far on youtube. Loved your convos with the cows, I think they ran away cus they’re a tenere fan 😂

[@molzy1234]

Great production and review. Informative and entertaining. Well done 👍

[@Mountainchip]

And solid Japanese engineering! Don't get me wrong, I love the 990 Dakar performance, but the maintenance is insane! This is looking to be my next bike. Thanks for sharing man.

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

Yessir...this was one heck of a production video and review. I really appreciate the edit. 👍 I'm interested in this bike. (or similar) I'm currently liesurely cruising around the farm country of Southeastern North Carolina U.S. on a 22KLR Traveler (with my collapsible fishing rod and gear in the trunk) 😉 Eric in NC

[@davidlovett4427]

I really liked your review of the VStrom,as good as any lifestyle program from the top stations. Well done fantastic David Tasmania

[@peternaur]

Evidently, this video was before CFMoto introduced you to the art of icing your groin. Good to see that the tank could help out. I really love these videos - your presentation style is just so authentic and hilarious and your observations are on point. Test rode the V strom today and I wanted to hate it but I loved it. It is insanely good??? The T7 needs to look out.

[@toltod]

How lovely to see you power up the bike and TC=off !!!

[@lyubengeorgiev1751]

Such a beautiful video and such an amazing bike! Thank you! I really hope that soon it would be a big dilemma for me between brand new 800DE and well kept CRF1000 with DCT from 2018/2019...yet I have to figure out how to explain the old V-Strom swap to my wife 😁

[@Thumpermad]

Definitely 1 of the Best reviews that I have seen recently you certainly have an amazing way of putting together a great review and video your production skills and content are superb quality in my opinion thanks for sharing Happy Trails

[@hulkdc5499]

One of the very few videos like this one out there, Enjoyed it! Thanks. Which one you go after if want to choose one, Tiger Triumph 900 Rally Pro and Suzuki 800DE?

[@jackchen9803]

Mate!!! U done a great video for this under rated bike… yes indeed.. I am looking at more videos and realised that this 800DE is super under rated for its class.. KEEP UP YR GOOD WORK!!!

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! Stay tuned - will ride it again soon with tuned suspension and a pipe just for fun 👍🏻

[@ownyourworld]

I test rode the Transalp,tenere and then the vstrom and the vstrom was better

[@denniekorpi5264]

I have money down on a transalp but should I reconsider the DE. Test rides won’t happen where I am

[@pigmeal2224]

​@@denniekorpi5264Someone on YT FINALLY showed airbox access on TA just yesterday mate. I've been stalking the net literally for months trying to get some clarity on this as nobody seemed to know, and the dealer claimed they didn't either because "they still haven't received their factory workshop manuals". I'd strongly urge you to take a look. Big Rick Moto I think it was. It drive the final nail into the TA's coffin for us.

[@jaspreetbains2776]

Same here just put money down on the vstrom .

[@888jimmy]

Well you sold me! Am looking for something with little more power than my CRF300 Rally and have been looking at KTM 690R, T7 and Transalp…

[@billfish5913]

Far out! Best review I’ve watched from the world of You Tube. 😎👍

[@barryashenhurst2071]

Lovely drone footage, mate.

[@advlife]

We've got to get you another drone!

[@colinshurey976]

I never even considered one of these but now its the only choose for my planned lap of Oz next yr

[@johnshropshire3399]

Great video 👍👍👏keep an eye out for the dolphin snot😅

[@angelaschneider9067]

Thanks for this great video...( I'm also an 800DE-Owner)....and after 20000km .....its all true, mate!...😊 Greetings from germany...😀

[@heinschwartz7941]

Quality footage and great reporting Damo 👌

[@HONDACR919USA313]

Do you start humming the song they kept playing ? 😅 too funny

[@AdventureAuntie]

Good video. I too have 800DE and agree everything you said. We are in a middle of winter here in Finland, so no riding with Suzuki before spring. So jealous of your trails there. Have to tackle some TET routes next summer and see what the bike can really do. I have Husky 250te for more extreme enduro, so 800DE is a nice add-on to riding dirt roads. Looking forward for your suspension setup. I think factory settings are too soft for my liking and riding style.

[@st3rg]

Next season come south to Greece with your DE and enjoy some great terrain more or less 10 days are all you need to make you come back again :) . If you do contact me to tag along

[@AdventureAuntie]

@@st3rg Really have to consider this 😄 Would be nice to visit somewhere, if i can make the time. I do hate riding highways, but maybe if i take my van and throw bike inside it, i can take the joyrney.

[@toddharrison7130]

Great job mate. Bike looks like it stacks up closely to the AT1000.

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! It definetely does, but with better suspension.

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

Super nice production. Great job! Makes me think I want an ADV bike, and not a sports tourer. Did you find the engine excessively hot?

[@olivataggiasca]

Fantastic video, thanks for your content, truly high quality! Cheers from Italy!

[@HisLostSheep]

Man, you make me want to buy this bike... and I've watched maybe a dozen other reviews. You must be a really salesman.

[@pigmeal2224]

Test rode CF Moto 800, Transalp, T7 and the DE all within a few days of each other. The Yam/Suzi dealership were particularly generous with the test rides. The Suzi was the only bike I didn't want to stop riding. In fact I stopped short of the planned destination with the T7!! Suzi is winning so far ... but should I wait for CF Moto 450MT in a few months ... 🤔🤔🤔. I'd really appreciate your comments on real world fuel usage ... I know the Suzi had this in the display. How were the figures, and how accurate was the display?? Did you pick up on any of that right sided engine heat we keep reading about - FWIW I didn't on the fairly long test ride.

[@advlife]

Yep, got some right side heat but it didn't bother me much. Would be more of an issue sitting in traffic, but when you're constantly moving on dirt roads I rarely noticed it. Fuel range is hard to pin down as it depends on how and where you ride, but it'll do 350 kilomeres no problem. I'm going to ride it again soon with worked suspension and a pipe and I'll try to get a more accurate figure.

[@jayschesser3795]

Grew up on Biltong - Love it too.

[@alozborne]

Typical Aussie, too funny! Really enjoyed your review, you're making a strong case for replacing my 2022 CB500X with an 800DE rather than a Transalp XL750. The weight of the bike is a bit off putting, but not a total deal breaker. Having said all that, I'm going to keep learning on my CB500X for a couple more years, only getting a new bike once I've earned the right to a proper ADV bike! At 53, the learning curve for off pavement riding is definitely steeper than it would have been 30 years ago. Why didn't I ride dirt bikes when I was younger?!

[@advlife]

You saved yourself some injuries by not riding dirtbikes ha ha! The CB500X is a ripper of a bike with a brilliant engine. Explore as far as you're comfrotable and enjoy every minute. Good on you for taking on the adventure!

[@alozborne]

@@advlife The CB500X is an under appreciated bike, glad to hear you think it's decent! It's just unfortunate that it doesn't have more clearance and a better suspension, but it's fully understandable that, as a budget ADV bike, that wasn't in the cards. When the time comes, it's going to be hard to part with my CB500X, but I only have room for one bike in my garage and I'm not buying a bigger house just to accommodate more bikes! However, if I win the lottery I will definitely rethink that :-)

[@nelsdude]

@@alozborne I have a CB500X also. I'm looking at the 650XT Weestrom to replace it. I like everything I see with this new 800DE but for a shorter guy and older I think I'd prefer the older version. My 500 is so fun to ride...just want a little more oomph for highway journeys.

[@sreach93]

Excellent ride review and videography

[@FixingAndFlipping]

How do you like those crash bars? Are they tough enough? I got my vstrom yesterday and ordered the same.

[@PeterRobbo69]

Hi Damo, great video as usual. Where are these dirt roads that you ride on?

[@advlife]

All around the Upper Hunter Valley mate 👍🏻 Mostly around Nundle and Long Flat

[@osimnod]

Now that's a proper review! Honestly placing it in its category but also showing how a rider with advanced skills can make it rip (I don't possess those skills). It's so hard to beat Japanese reliability and, really, how many riders can take a bike to its suspension limits when on an ADV ride? As to your campground "friends" -- if you knew the Texas Two-step you would have danced the night away!

[@repetitivemotion]

I have a 2014 VStrom1000adv and I’ve been sold on Storms ever since.

[@Farangmoto]

Never seen such a gathering of GS's at 14:14. That being said. I like the simplicity of this bike and why I still ride my modded 2017 Africa Twin. Won't touch a new one. T7 or this is looking like the next choice.

[@vivekdchugh]

What a well produced video. Love the subtle comedy! Well done! Subbed. Just one question. How is it on the twisties?

[@advlife]

It’s a lot of fun on the road. The 19” front wheel version will steer sharper but the DE is very impressive.

[@ramiroa.albernazd.2349]

Excelente vídeo obrigado AQUI Brasil 🇧🇷

[@ademmemili7423]

I hope you get to cover the CFM 800MTX seeing as you rate the 901 :D Love your content!

[@advlife]

Working on it now mate 🫡

[@ademmemili7423]

@@advlife That's awesome!!! If you're near the Mid North Coast NSW, I'll race you on my Wee Strom :P Just kidding, I couldn't race a soccer mum on it!

[@CaptainRevs]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video. Well done!

[@advrider7777]

First time watcher, great vid mate , where is that amazing view?

[@weekendwandererraj]

I loved this content from bottom of my heart. The filmmaking left me awestruck. So inspiring. Great stuff. You earned a subsriber mate !

[@vaughndrew852]

I love my de800 its no bs and dose it all perfectly and shows the rest that its the best 50 50 bike money can buy

[@ADVBrett]

Bloody good review. You went down that PHOAW track again..... need to hit that. Keen to know about some of these stunning roads you're heading down. Bull N Bush for a beer soon I think.

[@advlife]

Agree mate - bikes and beer day is needed.

[@marcostesta6541]

Greatest review and reviewer ever

[@minas4everyo]

very nice video! one question... where you buy the fuel tank pad?

[@advlife]

It's a Suzuki Genuine tank pad mate. Part number is 99180-25L10

[@mrcreative6020]

Good review except for the eating while talking. . The big elephant in the room about that 800 DE is that it is not tubeless. If it had been it would have been near perfect and they would have sold a hell of a lot more. Could they not have just used the same tubeless wheels that were on the 650 or thousand, they were great

[@moorepower13]

I wonder if ,like other suzuki's , there is 20lbs of "emissions equipment" in that exhaust?

[@Jam-hj1ht]

can confirm, the bike can easily lose 20+lb with a full exhaust. If you delete evap, lithium battery it's probably 35+lb down on the stock bike. Not a lot of options for full exhaust at the moment tho. The arrow titanium collector+can is like 1300-1400. just a slip on can save over 10lb tho.

[@ajlongworth69]

Been tossing up between vstrom and the transalp lol still undecided. Where abouts inthe hunter do you hail from?

[@humansloth2]

You are very talented! I enjoyed the video 💪😂👍 Keep it up. Greetings from Austria 🏍️

[@RugerM77]

If you had to choose between the Tuareg 660 and the 800DE for intermediate off-road ADV riding but also to be used as a daily commuter, which would you pick?

[@advlife]

I’d love to have both! But…the Suzuki for the engine, gearbox and comfort plus dealer support. The Tuareg is one of my favourite bikes though so it’s no easy choice.

[@TheQQRYQ80]

Tuareg has tubeless tyres which is better for daily commuting.. in my opinion

[@nelsdude]

Great video production and great review. Love your interspersed humor! Well done!! I'd have watched a much longer version of your production if it was there. Entertaining and fun. As a side note...would you still recommend a 650XT for a guy that would never ride as hard as you in your videos? I'm 65 & simply looking to upgrade a little from my CB500X. Cheers!

[@advlife]

Absolutely mate - the 650XT is a brilliant, comfortable and reliable bike 👍🏻

[@MotoPassport]

Trying to explain the ergo’s to the cows Bloody hilarious!!!

[@TC-iz6xe]

Honest opinion what is better the Africa twin 1100 or the Vstrom ???

[@amrooon0098]

Where is this track ? 5:45 TIA

[@Golobtin]

I was wondering if the heat from the engine bothered you or not. I have been considering this bike, but been told there is too much heat from the engine. I am in Dubai, hence heat is a factor indeed. Thanks for the video. I will check your other videos too. Cheers.

[@2Meerkats]

👏👏👏👏 nice - mate - No mention of DE vs the Tuareg on dirt roads and trails... ? or do I have to watch it again?

[@advlife]

I didn't do a comparison. I generally try to steer away from that unless I have both bikes with me. That said; the Tuareg is better than just about anything except maybe an 890 ADV R on proper trails. On dirt roads they both do well but over long days and long distances I'd take the Suzuki for comfort and that amazing engine/gearbox combo.

[@IanSmart-g6y]

you didn't mention the gravel mode, did you get a chance to try it out?

[@advlife]

Yeah I did mate and it’s pretty good. It allows for a decent amount of slide before it pulls everything in. The other TC modes are way too restrictive. I prefer riding with it off mostly because there’s such a nice feel from throttle to rear wheel.

[@thodoris3790]

awesome video!can i ask,many complane about very much engine heat.what would you say?

[@advlife]

Yeah there is a bit. We rode on some very hot days too, but it didn't bother me all that much becuase we're always moving at pace. Possibly more of an issue if you're in traffic for long periods.

[@cloud9847]

I'm seriously torn between a 800DE and a Transalp. I'm leaning towards the 800DE. You seem to get a bit more for roughly the same money.

[@s-code-b]

I hope there are no bears where you stop to rest, because I've heard bears like biltong & Chinese food too. Very pleasant & entertaining vlog.

[@advlife]

No bears in Australia thanffully! It's just the spiders, snakes, sharks and crocodiles you gotta watch out for. ha ha

[@s-code-b]

@@advlife Your sharks have an especially bad reputation.

[@MickH60]

@@advlife You obviously overlooked DROP BEARS....!!!!!

[@akshay3545]

Which is best Transalp 750 or Suzuki v-storm ❓️

[@19714955]

If it had cruise control it’d be a genuine contender

[@barneyfb]

Ive just watched your video on the cf moto 800 explore. Im balancing between the 800 mt touring or the 800de. Im not riding gravel only paved roads. Whats your take on that? If i choose the cf moto it will probarly bethe first in my country. :D

[@advlife]

For just road riding I'd probably go the CFMOTO. Cruise control, heated grips and seat, and a good screen - it's hard to beat for the money. The V-Strom 800RE road version would be worth a look though and so is the amazing V-Strom 650.

[@TheSwellrider]

Great Job !! Good info, narration is spot on (and not AI), plus...you're funny. What's not to like?

[@mattmiller6629]

Great video. Have you had a go on a Tiger 900 Rally Pro?

[@advlife]

Yes I have. There's a full review on my website advlife.com.au - it's very good and an excellent package of standard equipment.

[@mikemills5144]

Did you have the Chinese food?

[@advlife]

I did mate!

[@silveriojohan]

What happened to the Africa Twin Adventure???

[@advlife]

It’s sitting quietly in my garage looking awesome 👍🏻

[@silveriojohan]

@@advlife mine as well until the next season, greetings from Toronto, Canada and thanks for the inspiration

[@TRAVERSE_ADV]

Sneddo a bodyboarder aswell?

[@toltod]

Funny that I'm ready to purchase and its a fight between the Norden 901 and the vstrom 800de Adventure

[@martyn_g]

Reliability, no question

[@hondaexplorer]

How inconsiderate were those potential steak sandwiches!?

[@advlife]

😂😂 So rude!

[@thambu19]

You are quite hilarious and I loved your video.... Loved your review too... A lot of us coming from dirtbikes feel like we ought to have the T7 when the extra comfort of the 800DE is what we actually need even though it doesn't have that extra suspension travel. What do you think about the top heaviness? Does it compare to the T7 or better or worse?

[@davidgrunklee8407]

I sold my t7 for a de800 (I'm 5'6" tall)... the de is MUCH LESS top heavy imo

[@thambu19]

@@davidgrunklee8407 thank you

[@advlife]

The Tenere is particularly top heavy and more so than the V-Strom. That said, it's not something that ruins your ride. I'd choose the Yamaha on a straight up aggressive offroad ride, but I find the Suzuki more appropriate for the 90% of riding I do that isn’t balls out in the dirt. It's also a lot more comfortable and has a better gearbox and more exciting engine.

[@thambu19]

@@advlife thank you so much. The Tenere is definitely on my list of bikes to try along with the Tuareg.

[@mitchapalooza]

“Hey guys, we’re just talking about the ergonomics.” 😂😂

[@daviddrabek5834]

Which tires are you running?

[@gabrielkopp2036]

Its a great bike..sold my t7 to get one.. a decision i don't regret..just curious what tires are you running? Apologies for tires i am in the USA mate

[@advlife]

Mitas E09 tyres mate 👍🏻

[@gabrielkopp2036]

​@@advlifethanks mate..a little more aggressive than I think I need..I did have the e07+ on my t7 and really liked them.. one day I could ride 500 miles on pavement and the next 100 miles on forest roads

[@gasdive]

I still can't believe that they've built a ride by wire, big bore all road tourer and it doesn't have cruise control. BTW, the algorithm threw you up in my feed with the 450MT launch, and that was great, this video is even better, subscribed. PPS, this is very much like how and where I ride, as I live 40 minutes from Long Flat, and I recognised the valley and the twisty uphill drone shot.

[@hemantha7080]

Superb No-nonsense simple review easy to relate , The was as good as Vstrom Is 😊😊

[@Scantcity]

Great work! So I'm looking at a Norden 901 or this, same price, opinion? New Sub:)

[@advlife]

Definitely test ride both. the Norden is better for more aggressive offroad riding through the lighter feel, balance of the drop down tanks and it has cruise control which is always nice. The Suzuki has a more exciting engine and much better feeling gearbox. The suspension is pretty comparable but the V-Strom might be slightly better IMO.

[@jesusstuntdouble]

is that forbes river road?

[@WeatherMan404]

the comparison to the husq 901, they also pretty much 10k in money separated

[@thelonewolf666]

awesome

[@QuinnBoone]

The cows agree wholeheartedly!

[@cranedaddy678]

Subscribed. Awesome video man!

[@advlife]

Awesome, thank you!

[@youngypaul]

great vid