First Ride Vlog | 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (on & off road)

The new 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is a new entrant into the mid-size adventure bike category. Facing competitors like the Honda Transalp, Yamaha Tenere 700, BMW F850GS, Tiger 850, Tiger 900, KTM 890 and more, how does this new bike stack up? Spec sheets don't tell the story of this bike, it is far exceeding my expectations so far. #motorcycle #motorbike #adv #advrider #dualsport #vstrom #tenere700
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00:00 Intro Walk-Around
07:30 Road Test
16:49 Drop/Lift
19:26 Off Road Test
34:00 Wrap-Up
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[@BigRockMoto]

⚡NOTES: 1. Full review coming soon... stay tuned 2. I moved the mic in my helmet, but it was too close to my mouth, I will fix the audio for next time. Sorry. 3. You wanted this video asap... so my scheduled videos like the Scram 1200XE got pushed back... don't worry they are coming 4. Didn't mean to say it's "better" than a T7... but the comparison is natural, and I'll go in depth in my full review how it compares to T7, Tuareg, 890, etc. 🏍TODAY’S GEAR: ⚡ Klim Krios Pro: imp.i104546.net/WD9gOM ⚡ MSR Voyager Jkt: bit.ly/40YqWmO ⚡ Klim K Fifty 2 Jeans: imp.i104546.net/BXa310 ⚡ REV’IT Dirt 3 Glove: imp.i104546.net/BXa3A0 ⚡ MSR Adventure Boot: bit.ly/433bSVY ⚡ Mosko Moto Wildcat 8L Backpack: bit.ly/3OiE5Ss ⚡ Mosko Moto Gnat Handlebar Bag:bit.ly/3oTJMOx ⚡ Foamerz Glasses: imp.i104546.net/DKQa9b

[@marioaraujo74]

Looking forward to know your opinion how it compares to the Tuareg. And what a nice preview, it's clear that you really enjoy it! 😊

[@InuranusBrokoff]

Enjoy your reviews, but that mic was too much, catch you next time brother.

[@gijshazerswoude9101]

I can't wait till your full review on thuis bike.

[@triguywon9938]

This bike looks to perfectly split the difference between the T7 and Africa Twin. I really like what it offers.

[@BigRockMoto]

Yes

[@cblais19]

As somebody who’s has a 2016 & 2020 AT and is selling his T7 with a new 800 in the garage, concur. I’d even say it’s more of a less “fancy” but better in many ways F850GS - that true 50/50 paved/soft road bike.

[@dionoliveira4058]

was thinking the same ...like they copied the chassis

[@bryanmathew2079]

Yes This Bikes Seems Vg, 4me. Maybe 2yrs Cruise C...?

[@ItspronouncedAaron]

The mini Africa Twin everyone wanted is a Suzuki.

[@KR-qs3rt]

When Ian laughs.... You know its a great bike. 😊

[@BigRockMoto]

It really is!

[@BERZERKERSV4]

No no.. is more of a devilish giggle….!

[@KR-qs3rt]

@@BERZERKERSV4 Lol. Yea that's true...

[@luketembreull8138]

In 20 years of riding and over 70k miles, including an iron butt, I have never had cruise control. I agree that it seems like a no brainer to include it, but I struggle with all the people saying that is disqualifying. A ten dollar throttle lock solves hand cramping. Ride more, worry less. I wish I could convince my better half that this is in the budget. My two bike garage(ST1300 and KLR) could become a one bike garage. Thanks Ian for confirming what I felt after my 10 mile test ride. 2nd and 3rd gear seem magical on this bike, smooth torque through the whole band. I couldn't test the suspension though. Thank you. It seems like it would explore fire roads all day with ease.

[@marcochavane3124]

I ride 10-12k miles a year. Cruise Control is a big plus to me. Some folks are more prone to cramping and vibration discomfort. It can be a boon for quality of life for folks that ride every day.

[@draked5968]

It's also to protect my license. I have a hard time not twisting the throttle when I'm holding it.

[@mike.thomas]

If you haven’t had it, you don’t miss it. I’d never had it on a bike before, but when I took delivery of my used BMW R1200GSA, the sales guys were like “oh, you’re going to LOVE the cruise control”. I said I didn’t think I’d ever use it. They said “yeah, everyone says that until they try it”. Anyway, I had a long ride home, and turned it on after reading about it at a gas stop. OMG, now I got it! Anyway, I think people are reacting to the fact that if you have a bike with throttle-by-wire, and a computerized dash, and other bikes exist in the manufacturer’s lineup with a cruise system, then it’s a no-brainer to include it, so it seems like a huge omission if it doesn’t. The law of rising expectations.

[@draked5968]

@@mike.thomas T7, TransAlp and now this without cruise control. I'm starting to think they are stupid.

[@midnightrider1827]

With 600k on motorcycles I never missed it until my R1200RT. Like others have said, it just lets me relax and enjoy the long days in the saddle, especially as I get older and my hands arent what they used to be.

[@PissTakeProduction]

If that 800DE had Cruise Control I would buy one in a heartbeat.

[@jadoningalls1205]

Depending on where you live, a throttle lock may be a close substitute

[@marceloecalves]

Believe cruise control is optional that can be added on?

[@mermerac9610]

Unfortunately it is not

[@pedrovazquez9146]

Cruise might make it close to perfect!

[@aditya.ishan27]

So having spoke which aren't tubeless is not a major set back for you? For me this is the one reason to not go with it.

[@moorepower13]

I remember doing a Suzuki Corp survey on the middleweight category and remember the tech question including cruse control as a high or low priority. I guess enough folks said low. Remember, for every person who wants every bell and whistle there are 2 people saying they want to keep things simple.

[@Angry-Lynx]

They cheap out, no excuses, if its matter of cost they could do it as option

[@moorepower13]

Sure but they also asked us about how important value for money was to us so they are listening.

[@SnappyWasHere]

I think the most impressive thing is you made no excuses for it. Most bikes it’s an add different tires, have the suspension done, new wind screen, or many other things. This one just works. Nice.

[@gregbenage5864]

The hoary old cliché, "It's heavy, but you don't notice the weight once you get going." "Get a throttle lock." "Get a Tubeliss kit if it really bothers you." I love Ian's reviews, but he always makes excuses for shortcomings during his honeymoons.

[@Happypillz]

@@gregbenage5864 Its always a trade off. You could buy GSA850 and pay the additional 7k. Even the Taureg is at least 3k more in Canada. For the Price their had to be trade offs.

[@gregbenage5864]

@@Happypillz What's the trade off? The Tuareg is $12,300 US, compared to $12,000 for the Suzuki. You get cruise control and tubeless wheels. You're going to add $1,000+ and ~20 lbs. for engine guards and a decent skid plate, so maybe fork over $15,000 for an 890 Adventure with cruise control (tubeless wheels standard). For that matter, the "old, long in the tooth" V-Strom 650XT is $2,000 cheaper and even *it* has tubeless wheels! Fact is, you don't *have* to make the trade offs Suzuki wants you to make in this market.

[@triot2127]

@@gregbenage5864 The Aprilia is still missing dealer support across most of North America. This can be a issue for many seeking warranty repairs, especially people that live in rural areas. Or people touring far from home.

[@gregbenage5864]

@@triot2127 I can imagine specific scenarios where I might be inclined to settle for an 800DE: can't afford a KTM, can't find a T7, don't have an Aprilia dealer, pretending I'll go somewhere a DL650 won't take me, etc. I can't imagine anyone preferring it in the midsize class. (If it's even "midsize." It weighs as much as a standard Africa Twin.)

[@larsthorwald3338]

For me, the lack of cruise control is not a blocker. I've had CC on a couple of bikes (Harley, Versys 1000) and used it maybe once a year.

[@simulacrae]

The stupid thing is that the bike already has ride by wire for the traction control, so adding cruise control would have been easy.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

With all the electronics its more expensive. For me cruise control isnt needed although ABS is good especially on roads in winter with black ice. Crash bars are a must for engine protection as are the radiator protection and a bash plate. The handlebar hand guards being breakable and aluminium cast footpegs are bad news as shown by ollie and lavi on their 1050 v strom round the world journey.

[@collectivelogic]

Never judge a Vstrom by its cover. Suzuki still has some magic left, even though not much of an R&D budget. Your "quick" reviews are better than most channels and their entire review series. Keep up the great work.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks!

[@The333]

Seems like Suzuki put out a solid mid-level base ADV bike that could be set up in a lot of ways. I'll be interested to see some rides where it's been accessorized specifically for off-road (beefier, tires, crash protection, suspension set up, etc.) - but it seems like a really solid bike - the VStrom has always been a solid platform.

[@BigRockMoto]

Agreed

[@davidlane5925]

I absolutely love my DE800. Perfect for my needs and a significant step up from my previous 650XT (which was one of my favorite bikes that I have ever owned).

[@UncleWally3]

Yep, been riding for over fifty years; I’ve owned three Wee ‘Strom’s from new, still have a 2015. Not only do they appeal to my sense of frugality, they’re darn good bikes. I also have an Africa Twin and I’d love to know how the new DE800 compares.

[@falchiherve2024]

I own one too here in south of France Allready 4500 km on it I do love this bike very much But when you are ciy riding behind cars in 2 nd gear for exemple....the bike and the ride feels very uncomfortable.....very jerky....vibes....not smooth at all.... What do you think

[@charlesochler5800]

I have a 22 650 really love the bike for munching miles just wish had more suspension adjustment. I commute 80 miles a day.

[@robertbarker7539]

​@@falchiherve2024- I've heard someone say that engine heat is a problem in hotter climates. Have you found this to be an issue?

[@falchiherve2024]

@@robertbarker7539 no It disappears around 3000 km Long breakin....and that bike is fantastic

[@davidruggles996]

I rode a 1st Gen DL1000 150k miles. Since then moved to baggers but this has me intrigued to come back to the ADV side. I can't remember ever hearing stock Suzi suspension earning so much praise. Nice video Ian!

[@mhult5873]

This was one of the best reviews I've ever seen, because you discussed what I think is important for me when buying a bike. Now, I am a beginner, so I really appreciate that you describe your impressions of riding the bike and how it handles, as well comparing it to your experience of riding other bikes. Because you have great experience riding different adv-bikes/bikes in general I highly trust and highly appreciate your reviews. Many thanks! Looking forward to your full review of this bike! Br from Sweden.

[@trompelemonde4728]

The answer to why it is easier to ride up hill: vectors. When driving up, part of the force goes into the side of the hill which increases the friction, and thus you have more traction. When going down, it is the opposite.

[@patrickg2577]

I think what helps with design of the bike is the fact that Suzuki bolted on the subframe instead of wielding it. It can be fixed and not a complete loss if wrecked. It seems like a bike you can play hard on and fix if things do break and go wrong. Having good torque and power low in the rpm’s is also good for hills and off road to get through the gears better.

[@Rickmac22]

Really authentic review! Appreciate you being upfront about your preconceived spec sheet bias for this bike. All I've heard about has been negatives around its weight and no cruise control. Thank you for bringing the rider perspective to life. Still leaning harder towards a V-Strom 650 given its legacy performance/reliability, but this review has me heading back to the dealership for another look at the 800! Now, if you could just get a 1000sx to review...

[@dawudgt]

And NO Tubeless

[@lo76er82]

I’ve been watching your vids for a couple years now and it seems like your off road riding skills and confidence have improved quite a bit! Good job on the initial review and thanks for taking the time!

[@RideWithDaan]

Hey Ian. Discovered your channel couple of weeks ago because I’m in the market for an adventure bike. Have been absolutely binging all that quality content. Thanks a lot! Greetings from Bali, Indonesia

[@BigRockMoto]

Welcome aboard!

[@EpicHardware]

im not even interested on the bike, im really into how Ian discovers what's good and what's not

[@americandude3825]

Same

[@Predator5142]

Same here 😂

[@jackvliet]

Nah i love the idea of this bike 😂

[@Jonathan-L]

@@jackvliet What Jack said. It's all about the bike.

[@canadiancowboy89able]

Same

[@michaelskinner896]

It's always great when something goes above and beyond without an expectation to do so. You clearly had a lot of fun with this! Looking forward to the full review.

[@rcvg69420]

Your offroad comments really reminded me of my DRZ400E offroad. The DRZ is just easy and stable off road, it really is easy mode and kind of more than the sum of it's parts in this way. Even others comment on how easy it is offroad. It just lets the rider know, "hey, you don't have to work so hard just sit back, don't go too fast, I got this bro". Where other more serious bikes might put you in an aggressive position you'd need to get comfortable with or less serious bikes might just wallow all over the place, the DRZ is a nice sweet spot. Sounds like they integrated that feeling well into this 800. I'll put it on the wishlist...

[@BigRockMoto]

Exactly

[@cpuuk]

Great to hear that 800 has some usable off-road chops. Pity they left the cruise off, otherwise it sounds perfect.

[@kerrylawless8163]

Your passion and sheer enjoyment on two wheels is totally infectious Ian. Another fantastic video, full of useful info. Bike looks amazing, am trying not to let the lack of cruise control be a deal breaker. Might hang on to my 2017 650xt for another year or two and hope that Suzuki stick cruise control on the 2nd gen 800DE.🤞😁

[@milaventurasprod]

I think it's a really good idea to test the bike as is, and then test again in the full review with the suspensions properly adjusted and knobby tires, as it's the first mods the majority of people do. Great insight as usual, thanks Ian!

[@ttrguy9952]

Ian I love this new first ride format. Everything you experience the first ride is very informative and gives a real feel of what to expect of the bike. Nice! It looks like Suzuki has entered the foraywith a serious motorcycle. My Rider Mannequin gives your video 2 thumbs up. 👍👍 Great Video Sir! Ride SAFE and BE safe Ian. ✌

[@stephenlaughridge]

Great pre-review Ian thanks for all you do to inform and share your thoughts

[@weshopper9738]

So pumped for this review! I’ve been wanting to upgrade from my v strom 650xt to something a little more off road capable and I think this might be just what I’m looking for. Thanks, Ian!

[@mikealls8938]

Brilliant review, glued to the screen ! Well done 👍

[@cblais19]

I'm really enjoying mine, it's far more enjoyable to ride on-road then a T7, but still feels "smaller" off pavement then an AT or bigger bike like you noted. Early adopter issues are real: the OEM (SW Motech I think?) crash bars are out of stock, the alu bash plate is like nearly $400, and BBs don't work. The German Vstrom/DE Big folks have a Zeta hand guard setup, but I think that's to work with their replacement straight bars. On the suspension: one big upside of it being a fully adjustable Showa unit is that reworking should be cheap and easy! Cogent turned my AT's Showa unit into the best suspension I've ever ridden.

[@Angry-Lynx]

Whay is Cogent and what changes were made to AT suspension? I have 18 AT and would love better (More comfortable), especially shock on offroad and potholes

[@cblais19]

@@Angry-Lynx Cogent Dynamics, a great East coast US suspension shop. They’ve done a lot of work developing valving setups for the AT. That stock Showa suspension has a pretty good potential as long as you’re not looking to toss it over jumps and stuff. With a resprung and revalved fork & shock, even 2 up it glided over paved and soft roads.

[@rd2957]

I love how excited you were on this one!

[@Dr.Twisty]

Really surprising, good review Ian. Thanks! I’m looking forward to hearing what you’ve done to your 890 suspension and why. Please post it soon. Keep up the great work!

[@christopher9626]

Fantastic, Ian! I really enjoyed this

[@ComfyDadShoes]

So glad you got this for testing!

[@chrisphillips0000]

It' 's on my buy list now thanks to your first ride review.

[@kevinhamlet2164]

Great review! Definitely moved this bike up my list of potentials in the future.

[@tubo2491]

Love how far your channel has come, Ian. You're producing high quality content for all of our ADV needs. One setback to this success that I'm noticing is the audio. If you can try to make this better the videos would be 10/10. Mic might be too loud or close but wearing headphones while watching this is hard. Thanks for the videos and hopefully you can implement these changes into your future videos! Cheers, Ian!

[@BigRockMoto]

Yes, it will be fixed,

[@kawabungah20]

That was a fun first ride (vicariously speaking). I was impressed by the ease of adjusting the front and rear suspensions with ready tools in the super-cool handlebar bag. You did that quicker than it takes scrolling through menus on most electronically adjustable rides! Really looking forward to the Big Rock Moto full-up, detailed review that has become exemplary in moto-journalism.

[@nateperkins7534]

Ian, you just kill it with your vids, and this one is exceptional. Kudos to Suzuki, too. I wanted to see your perspective of this 8 compared to the Strom 650, and, well, Suzuki is going to sell a boat load of these. Looking forward to your full test! Thanks again.

[@dirkhuman760]

Enjoying it from Africa. I like the looks of the bike, such a mixture of bare bones and modern plastics. So minimalist in some places like under the seat to the back, you can see through it, and so compact at the front with lots of protection. The stance on the front fork is nice looking.

[@8andsk835]

Traded in my Ktm 790 for the 800DE today. There’s already a lot of stuff that I love about this bike. Also got a huge discount because it’s a 23

[@Rezolve-mh9tl]

You can feel his excitement just doing the walk around. He’s gonna love it I already know

[@danielm6507]

My pops has 1000km on his already, and actually said it reminds him of his KLR but much better. Cruise control not necessary for us, cars have it and seldom used even there, much less desire on a bike.. Says its been the best 1000km - in love with the bike. Amazing review Ian, loved it!! This one is a winner.

[@user-ui9pn1np1q]

Hi Ian , thanks so much for your rewiew, i look forward to the long one. It looks and sounds like a awesome bike i really need to try that one. Thanks again from Denmark

[@flexywing]

Grest review, looking forward to the full review and can't wait for the Transalp review

[@advredbikes]

Thanks Ian for showing another great bike, I really like the different reviews.

[@BigRockMoto]

My pleasure!

[@jamessmith9786]

Nice work Ian. A glowing review, so now the two in my dealer's inventory are probably sold. Oh well, I can ride my 650 into the sunset. Seriously, your reviews are so comprehensive and informative, the only channel one needs.

[@regoc2050]

You are such a great motorcycle reviewer! You clear so many details. Best regards from Croatia :)

[@RickWaterman2112]

Great introduction video to this machine! Well done, Ian!

[@KevinMaschke1]

Got to ride one while my 650XT was being serviced. 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...

[@rjeepster8640]

So glad to hear you mention the RPM @ MPH so important to those of us who do 8 hour days in the saddle! Thank you!

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

I think you do a really good test of the bikes your testing. We really get a feel for the road and offroad capabilities of the machines. Not many people on youtube do the offroad bit, glad you do

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you like them!

[@toddwmac]

Nice review....it is back on my radar. Your dirt time put it on my short list for my 990 replacement. Thanks!

[@richis65]

Your reviews are always informative. I ride by your home a half dozen times a year. The Palms to Pines Highway is one of the best rides in California. I enjoy having lunch in your town.

[@iangriffiths9930]

Very much looking forward to seeing more of your off road experiences with the new Suzuki, lots of people do road reviews but not many actually take the bike off tar👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@andyw237]

If the 800 handles dirt roads better than the 650 and is at least as good for touring, it should be a big hit. Suzuki actually delivered what riders have been asking for. The 800 has everything i wish my 650 had, hopefully it keeps that legendary reliability.

[@davidnobular9220]

This makes me wonder how it compares to the old DR650 on dirt....

[@tracdr7876]

@@davidnobular9220 I have a '22 DR650 all done up ADV style and I love it, although long rides on mostly pavement does strain my 57 y/o body! I'm looking at this 8DE for more street-able touring with some moderate off road rides...So I'm curious about your question also! Thanks @BigRockMoto for contributing to emptying my wallet! 🙂

[@davidnobular9220]

@@tracdr7876 I mainly used mine for commutes. I like the suspension travel, nimbleness and high seating position in traffic. My 60 year old body hit a CX9 a few months ago so the bike is getting fixed

[@southerndualsport3827]

​@@davidnobular9220That is my question as well! I ride an adventureised DR650 and wish it had better highway manners, maybe this is the bike??!

[@davidnobular9220]

@@southerndualsport3827 I reckon the weight is a touch on the heavy side, large fuel tank notwithstanding...

[@jazzweather]

Excellent review, thank you.

[@sebasbecu]

Great preview! Waiting impatiently for your full review ! Since you own one , please compare it head to head with your 890 , and also new/old 790 and transalp. Looking fwd for your next video !

[@JimmyHutchison]

been waiting for this mate

[@perecatherine]

Me too!

[@JimmyHutchison]

@@perecatherine so far so good

[@perecatherine]

@@JimmyHutchison yes so far so good 😊 picking up mine in 5 days

[@nickrider5220]

Wasn't expecting too much, but Suzuki have done a lot right with the new V-Strom 👍

[@jokermtb]

I'm super impressed as well......way to go Suzuki!~

[@mullins6429]

Hi Ian, really enjoyed your first impressions ride. Looking forward to the full review with off road tyres fitted. Thanks a lot.

[@joeybobbie1]

Great Review Ian. I’ve been thinking about downsizing from my GS only because I have a really bad Back. This VStrom really looked smooth off Road, and the Acceleration and Ride on Road looked really Smooth. I’ll definitely keep an Eye on this one, but I’ll wait until I can at least get Crash Bars. Once the Aftermarket kicks in, this may be the right Bike for me. Thanks for the Ride Ian.👍👍

[@markg7834]

Wow! Excellent review, as always. Makes me want to buy one of these bikes....maybe in a year when there are many aftermarket parts for it. Thank you.

[@rudysandoval1725]

One of my favorite KZbin channels! Thanks for the awesome content Ian! Just a few more good channels like this and I can disconnect my satellite lol

[@theflyingkiwi4803]

Thanks Ian, great review-preview!👍

[@BigRockMoto]

My pleasure!

[@dbmiller5881]

Great first look Ian! Your enthusiasm is infectious lol. I think there's a huge market segment (which you touched on) that want - Japanese bike / Under 500lbs / Twin cylinder (270 degree crank a must..) mid-size engine in the 75hp class. We're getting there.... but you're right, we need some choices like the Africa Twin Adventure Sport offers in luxuries / premium accessories - without going to such a big bike! (eg: heated grips / cruise control / Apple car play / even the DCT is great "comfort option" / tubeless tires / electronic suspension )

[@lyubengeorgiev1751]

Today, I finally had the chance to test ride the 800 DE...I just can say...OMG! No idea how the engineers in Suzuki sorted this out but the V-Strom is such a versatile bike with amazing motor, brakes and suspension. I managed to test it in a place that I use to ride dirt bikes, so there was roots, rocks, small stones, single track and few fairly steep parts of the track that I would never do with my V Strom 650. As soon as you got it going even with few mph it just keeps on rolling and eating everything on the way...the capability of this thing in much harder roads than the one that you rode was extraordinary given the fact it was with a pair with 70:30 tires like Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour. I really hated the small screen on the A roads and the highway but in the forest it was just the right size. After I managed to sweat my self pretty good in the offroad mode (the Gravel mode of the bike works very well), I did some highway, vary bad condition tarmac rode with a lot of potholes, A road twisty road and again...the screen needs to grow a little bit or to be some kind of adjustable. I truly believe that this bike just needs the tires for the terrain that you will ride, some Barkbusters (or similar), adjustable screen, the crash-bars (that the test one had) and you will be ready to hit literally anything from crawling in a rock garden with 3mph to cruising the motorways with 100 mph (I was just doing that). I was playing all the time with the throttle control and TC as well, so the bike felt just like Dr. Jeckyll & mr. Hyde depending on the settings.

[@craigcooper8810]

great review buddy :)

[@MrRickrm]

Wow! I'm at where my 2013 vstromdl650a will not go off road anymore without spending a lot of money on the suspension. This bike at your first ride looks like everything I would like mine to be. Excited to see your test with knobbies. Thank you for all you do.

[@blackskunk54]

I have the new Transalp and for me it lurches as you call it. Some people dont notice it but I do, and plenty of others do too. I call it jerky throttle at low revs. It spoils the bike for me as apart from that it is wonderful. Less vibration than my previous DL650 (mk3) though. I think I am gonna try the 800DE after watching some reviews like yours. Thanks, your vids are always very interesting because of the detail.

[@Jimo368]

Been waiting for this one

[@ronbar-or7831]

Great review. The most memorable remark for me is your comparison to the 890 suspension , with the 800 coming out on top...and if I understood u correctly, also better than the upgraded 890 suspension...

[@thudtheace]

I have been thinking about this bike as a gift to myself next year when I become an empty nester (both my kids out of the house, and off to college). I think this 1st ride solidifies that more. I also have a NC700X and an RE Himalayan. Cheers!

[@rufcut2273]

I test rode one the other day and loved it. It has all the power and reflexes I can deal with and very comfortable to boot. I am 5'11" and 32" inseam and fond the rider triangle to be just a hair cramped. I think handlebar risers and slightly lowered footpegs would make it just about perfect for me. Now to convince the the wife that I need this alongside my Electra Glide.

[@frostbitevinnie]

Great review!

[@nathansnyder5908]

Had a DL650 about 10 years ago, really liked that bike. This looks like another good one!

[@yuchanlian9262]

Suzuki nailed it! 800DE gonna be my next bike.

[@sumosteve665]

Excellent content Ian. Can't wait for the full review.

[@BigRockMoto]

Coming soon!

[@trailblazeratv6306]

It's a great time to be in the market for an ADV bike !! Awesome stuff !!! Thanks

[@BigRockMoto]

It sure is!

[@danketchpel7460]

Very interesting surprise. I didn't expect it to be near that good. I really wish you'd mentioned how it stacks up to a Tuareg as it's nearly the same price. I know many will prefer Japanese over Italian, but for those of us that aren't Japan centric, the comparison to the Tuareg would be nice. I'm also glad you mentioned fork rake, far too many companies have gone too far with steep fork angles and IMO it's a detriment to handling. Ya it makes for light turning, but low speed cornering suffers as does stability. I find around 26-27 deg of rake ideal along with about 4.2"-4.5" of trail. That's one thing Aprilia got right, the bike is stable as it should be. I own a few bikes with "modern" steering geometry I'm not so fond of. When you get on bikes with more "old school" steering geometry they just feel natural handling. It will be very interesting to see how the aftermarket picks up on this bike and it will depend on sales. I think Suzuki did well based on your commentary. I'd love to get a test ride on one, missed the last factory demo day in L.A. I also wish Suzuki had included cruise control, or at least offered it as an option, plus tubeless wheels as they've offered on other Vstrom models. Those 2 features would really set it apart and forget the low bottom line, people WILL pay more to get those critical features. Or at least offer them as upgrade options. Keep us posted and I'm sure you will.

[@larsl3694]

good real life review! looking forward to the offroad tires and offroad review

[@williamgalliher1987]

Thanks for the Review, I just purchased one from Fun Bike Center in San Diego. Your review is music to my ears.

[@emfl4437]

Excellent review! I am looking forward to your follow-up review.

[@mikef3300]

In my experience Suzuki makes a very reliable motorcycle. My GSXR750 is 19 years old with no problems. If I was looking for this type of bike it would definitely be on my list but it’s just too heavy for the type of trails I want to explore. Even my 690 feels a bit heavy in the woods but it’s the closest bike if found that can be fun off-road and on for me. If someone made a twin cylinder with decent ground clearance and suspension that weighed in at 400lbs wet I’d be all in 😳

[@JinKazama92]

having dropped my 690 once, definitely puts me off these great adv bikes which weights 200kg. I hope KTM keeps improving the 690 platform. Nothing beats it

[@robertnussbaum1937]

I bought a KLR last year after your review. Added Cogent rear and Racetech front upgrades. Love it until now lol.

[@jamesdaple9951]

Great view you have awesome!

[@shreksexy6879]

Great review Ian! Seems like a great bike, wish it came in more color choices. Seems like a good competitor to the T7 for on-road use.

[@steveelliott5643]

great work mate

[@brainsosmooth]

I JUST got a T7 so I’m out of the market now, but I have been looking forward to this video for a long time. Good to see this bike is shaping up to be what everyone hoped. The biggest turn off for me was the weight; the T7 is already 60 lbs heavier than my last bike, and this would’ve been 120 lbs heavier. But it’s cool that Suzuki has done what it has. Excellent video as always!

[@pistolpete6321]

Fantastic review, looks like Suzuki has a hit a home run with this bike!

[@desertdaveadv404]

another bike to consider thanks for the video Ian

[@dizzyreckless5991]

Awesome review, thank you for the hard work you put in to these videos, it's what we've all come to expect from you over the past few years and as usual, you did not disappoint!. Odd question for you, the Sedici bag at the rear, can you please tell me what size you have there? I was looking at these to add via molle clips to my Mosko R80. Thanks again and keep on having a blast for us!

[@peterjensen6645]

Just got back from a one week trip in Norway no my 800 DE with my girlfrind and luaggage. (2000km)wonderful trip. the bike did really well. The speeding tickets in Norway is insane so we drive slowly and the bike made 25km pr liter in the mountins whit 200 kg on the bike. i dont like the small Windscreen. and i think the gearbox is a bit clunky in the low gears (but works fine) othther then that i love the bike. I am surprised that so many is addicted to cruise crontrol, i have CC in my left hand and its on the handlebar all the time anyway 🙂

[@Jake-ug2mf]

Glad to hear the comparison to the KLR, I have over 7K miles on my Gen 3 KLR, I don’t off road a whole lot and have been patiently waiting for the 800DE to make it to the US. Being a heavier rider and commuting on rural highways and backroads the KLR is sufficient but lacks passing power, is buzzy when I want to go from our town to the next one, I just want a little more Street ability and passing power, but I like how the KLR handles. I also concur that no cruise control is a sad thing, hopefully since it’s a canbus system the aftermarket may be able to come up with a cruise solution.

[@Patshes]

Can't wait for the full review.

[@thomasmcsherry6122]

Awesome. My fav youtube reviewer Thanks Ian

[@BigRockMoto]

Wow, thanks!

[@Charles-eo3wj]

great review! you get a thumbs up just for laying a new bike on the ground to test for us

[@callej1233]

Looking forward to your full review!!! 🎉

[@BigRockMoto]

Coming soon!

[@martymayhem2286]

I picked up mine today @BigRockMoto. I didn't test ride one , I watched your reviews and that was good enough for me. I sold my DRZ 400 and W800 and the VStrom 800 is now in the garage. It is so easy and comfortable to ride, I love it. Thanks for your vids😎

[@WhiTeyFU]

Wow, I've had a 2008 V-strom 650 for a while now, and the new 1050de was on my list of bikes to test ride, with the 800de not even on my radar, but this convinced me to check it out!