VStrom 800 DE final thoughts

The loan bike from Suzuki has gone back. Just a few last thoughts on the bike and whether it would be for me or not as a travel bike.
Thanks for Suzuki for the loan.

[@WiltshireMan]

We allways get a good dose of Honesty with your videos Nathan:)

[@user-ps6qi9fi4o]

I bought one Fitted ARROW front de-cat pipes, YOSHIMURA race can, DNA free flow filter & snorkel delete. PROSPORT crash bars & Alloy bash plate - latter just because its wider & protects more from stone chips. Also fitted a genuine SUZUKI centre stand. Removed the screen as it's a waste of space, Just clean air coming at me now. I'm 59 years old and riding it like an 18 year old. Round the country roads - where speed camera vans fear to tread - as no hi volume custom for them. 1600 miles so far, Having road tyres fitted tomorrow, not interested in going off road. The suspension is sublime, Like you said "it eats everything" Comfort is incredible Most fun I've had in years, Absolutely love it🙂 OH - pillion comfort is excellent 🙂

[@johnstonstewart9683]

Have to say that after years of bigger bikes, GS's,1200 triumphs etc I find the 800de just hits the sweet spot for me, doesn't feel too heavy ,handles well and has a nice broad spread of power. For me and my needs now the likes of a GS is just overkill, expensive overkill!!

[@nockianlifter661]

Which is exactly the position it fits. Someone who likes the big GS but wants to downsize, but isn’t ready to move to a small adventure bike, or the novice who wants a GS but can’t afford one.

[@volt8684]

I want one of these for a road bike. Old bones. Comfy capable bike

[@moorehen1]

Good review as ever Nathan. For me I think of the middleweight segment slightly different. I'm lucky enough to have a small bike capable of doing trails etc but I see my my KTM790 as a cheaper version of the 1000 class tourer (rather than a more expensive 400 segment) that is great on the motorway but also does simple trails so for me it does serve a purpose.

[@john0270]

Yeah but those cams burning up 😬😬😬

[@Oscar240z]

As an all rounder for road and occasional 2 up the 800DE is perfect for me and top of my list for next bike.

[@jurassic690]

I love your analysis Nathan, it's spot on.

[@janporkpie]

230 kg, add a top box and a bit of shopping and you're pushing a quarter of a tonne. I no longer carry a pillion, I take large detours to avoid motorways when touring and I'm old, so I don't need 80 horse power. Plus I live in Mid Wales where smaller bikes score. I've ordered a Scrambler 400X , the 40 bhp is a lot compared with my CRF250L and SH350i scooter. It's not too bad for weight and as it's lower than the CRF250L it' was fairly easy to push about (I test rode and pushed one about before ordering one). It's nice to get a bit choice of bike in the mid weight section - I count 800s as big bikes and 1200s as behemoth class.

[@PlattLaneEnd]

Indeed. The first thing I look at on a bike is the weight. Even for a full on road only bike, if it's 200k plus, I'm not interested. For a 'dual sport' I want it 150kg fuelled maximum. I've a CRF300L, lovely little thing. Would just like that little bit more poke for the road...

[@john0270]

Yes, not for child sized men, if your not 6ft and 180++lbs, stick with the bikes for Asia

[@crispinleslie]

I have to applaud the objectivity of your analysis. The bike is capable but not suited to your usual trails. By the same measures that you have decided the bike is not for you, I am realizing that the Strom is eventually going to replace my KLR; I live in rural British Columbia now, as you might imagine the distances between A and B are considerably more than your idyllic west country playground and the trails here (mostly) lack the glutinous clag that you love to plaster yourself with!

[@nathanthepostman]

Totally. For some environments and for some peoples' uses it's going to be spot on! Let us know how you get on

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

@@nathanthepostman He brings up a great point. For those of us in N.A. everything is always a 2-3-day drive away. Unless you happen to live next to a national forest, you're going to spend a LOT of time riding on pavement to get to the dirt you want to be riding... either that or you're pulling your bikes on a trailer, which is what most people do.

[@RawTopShot]

Excellent no nonsense man on the ground summing up!

[@johncranwell3783]

Best review and the best finish of a review hairing off down the lane straight through a puddle with serious purpose. That’s what it’s all about.

[@LordBergkamp]

I think the RE version and similar mid weight, road biased adventurers make sense in the context of your review; in that if you can get the wind management sorted with an aftermarket screen, then you have a bike that does everything the GS does for half the price. Albeit with less brand cachet, build quality differences, fewer gizmos. The off-road biased ones like this, draw attention to their compromises both on trail and on road.

[@phillipchandler8862]

Can't waite for you to get your hands on a CF Moto 450 MT Great review Nathan. Cheers.

[@tigerick7291]

Good honest summary.

[@richardeldridge7243]

Great honest review 👍 I think there is reason for this class of bike, especially if like me the only off road riding is the odd farm or forest track, or gravel car park. These are great motorway cruisers and perfectly capable two with luggage. I often say to people that my BMW F750GS is half the price, feels like half the weight, but definitely not half the fun of the 1250s - even though it’s “only 77hp” 😀 it also means my days of doing mega speeds are behind me which is probably better for everyone 😂

[@toffee1159]

Thanks Nathan for your fantastic review of the Vstrom I would be interested in hearing your opinion of the new Honda Transalp 750 it’s a little bit cheaper and lighter. As to who these bikes are aimed at I would say someone like myself I have the CRF300 rally which I have modified and really like but I do miss the power for touring long distances mainly on sealed roads as I am in Western Australia and it’s a long way between places of interest. I still want to have a bike that’s not too heavy and is manageable for easy off road exploring as I am getting older 64 at the moment and am not overly experienced or confident off-road. I value your reviews much more than most of the other channels on KZbin as you always give a honest unbiased opinion

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks toffee. Yes it's a tricky one for places like oz where you have miles of open empty road. Plodding along on a CRF or Himalayan might not be for everyone. That's why I think the new Himalayan and cf moto 450 could be the ticket. they'll cruise at 75-80mph, be cheap to buy, economical and more manageable than this mid sector. I think they'll be great oz touring bikes.

[@steveleigh587]

Best motorcycle review by far and agree whole heartedly about less is more I’ve gone from Triumph tiger to a Honda monkey with 9.5 hp and Done 11k miles on and a lot off-road, absolutely brilliant fun, and if you drop it….. so what pick it up and carry on having fun!

[@Trigsbroom]

Ferocious power delivery seems more road race than trail friendly. I agree completely, 300-500 is the way to go, smaller bikes will do long motorway stretches well enough, they're just not as comfortable, it's all about where are you happiest to compromise.

[@marceliszp4803]

remember that you have three maps, you want excitement on the asphalt, you give A, if you go offroad, you give B. And if you don't feel confident, you also have C

[@smallfact0ry921]

Great insight Nathan. I actually think that the 1100-1200 class bikes are the ones that I don’t see reason for. These “middleweights” can cruise at highway speeds in comfort and not be stressed. They are also big and heavy: I sat on one and am surprised how big and heavy this class is. Why there is tubed spoked wheels on this model I simply can’t get my head around. As for the Suzuki v-strom 650 motor: I think they are a fabulous motor. Torque, character, and plenty of power…

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah I was probably a bit hard on the 650 engine in hindsight, speaking off the cuff as I was. Deserved more credit. I think for me the appeal of say my old 2014 GS 1200 was that it wasn't a great deal heavier than the Vstrom, but had the tubeless rims, cruise control, good screen, more comfort and to be honest it was just as good/bad as the Vstrom off road. So to me I'd go up that little bit in weight to benefit from all the creature comforts, especially if I was long distance touring on faster roads. Maybe that CF Moto 800 MT is the sweet spot.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I get what your saying mate , especially in the UK , in Australia we generally think 🤔 anything under a 600 is to small , and for our outback LONG BIG dirt miles at speed that’s kind of true “ BUT also unnecessary especially if you come off - and ALOT DO . I have the Honda 300 Rally we’re I live in Mountain ⛰️ area and it’s perfect 👍 for that , and also a bike that you had for awhile a Moto Guzzi V85tt for my big multi day camping ⛺️ and interstate rides away across Australia for a 3 weeks . But I totally get what you are saying and actually looking forward to testing the new Himalayan 450 👍

[@jamesgalliers1189]

T7 baby especially with her new naughty little pipe. Brap!!! . 🤣🤣🤣. Cracking honest vid as usual Nath looking forward to a catchup sir .

[@davidrivera1727]

Thanks for being honest. I’m with you. Smaller is better.

[@skaraborgcraft]

You forgot your camera!

[@theeschatechannel2854]

That’s where I’m headed too. I was convinced the transalp was the bike for me but now I’m waiting for a the CFMoto MT450 (IBEX 450 here in the states). 505 lbs is just too heavy for a round the world/extended adventure bike.

[@peakrider4886]

It all comes down to what kind of riding you do and where you go, but you’re right in that the middle weight bikes make the compromise on both power and light weight capability. In the UK it’s not going to be much of a compromise going with a smaller capacity bike, and your tours on the Voge 300 showed that it’s possible to do European trips as well as all those RTW adventurers such as Noraly, aka Itchy Boots, and Steph Geavons.

[@nickmayfield6951]

I always enjoy your videos and opinions. I like the small bikes too on the trails, just easier to handle. Out here in Canada, roads are long and straight, so my little 310gs feels like I'm wringing it's neck. I have a Tuareg and a V4 multistrada, I usually grab the Aprilia keys first, it's a great do all bike. Have you ever tried one? 👍

[@louiskirby4266]

Onya cobba, good call on these bike . Heading to casualty quicker is not the aim of the game

[@goldilocks913]

I really like the look of the Suzuki and if it had tubeless tyres and better wind protection I’d be seriously considering it. Thanks for your input Nathan, always appreciate a proper rider’s viewpoint 👍

[@nathanthepostman]

I think that'd make a big difference for me as well. Because actually I've really enjoyed the Moto Morini X-Cape for touring and I'd prefer it to this Vstrom, simply because it's got a decent screen and tubeless spoked rims. I can live with less power for the benefit of increased practicality.

[@BreezyRider66]

I found the V Strom 650 with handguards, heated grips & Givi Airstream screen superb for long distances. I could ride that bike in any weather short of sub zero in comfort. V twin character made up for excitement but I'm an older rider which makes a difference...

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I do think with rim tape and sealant, you could convert it to tubeless no problem. This sort of thing has been done with supermoto wheels for ages.

[@louiskirby4266]

It is a great commuter

[@HippoDrones]

I really liked the DE and RE I tested, but I also kind of had the same opinion, at least regarding the DE... and I trail ride a Tuareg 660.

[@markfenlon7049]

Thanks Nathan for your thoughts. I've ridden Honda's 750 Transalp, Hus's 901 and this Vstrom 800. I found the 800 the best handling , most comfortable and ridable of these 3 mid weight ADVs. The one downside is the 800's weight....a lick over 230Kg, she's liftable (I did it) but make sure you don't have a back problems. Which alas is the feature holding me back from buying an 800 thus far. But, I'm not a regular off-roader.....so does the weight matter?.....Food for thought....the 800 is a very good bike.

[@nockianlifter661]

I’ve become far more of a lane rider since buying a small capacity bike and found, that despite the low power, I can ride a long day with relative comfort. It’s a matter of mental adjustment. One of the big surprises, I get just over 90mpg at 65mph on my XT250 which gives a theoretical range of 270 miles to empty ! It’s not for blasting down motorways - though can you really still do that in Britain anymore ?

[@markfenlon7049]

Hi N, yes, I'm already in down-size mode, from an hefty XL1000 Varadero, which I will keep. My ideal bike: ADV style with ride all day comfort, wet weight around 170-180 kilos, 55 to 65 horses, 70+ MPG, 21" front wheel + handles well on tarmac. Dial in good ground clearance and go light on the tech, keep it simple, easy DIY repairs. Let's hope makers do it!

[@geirsvarsson8585]

@@markfenlon7049 Maybe fitting the bill are Himalayan 452, Vstrom 650XT and the Tenere 700. I am torn between these three. I am renting a Vstrom 650XT for a 10 day ride in Germany and Luxembourg next month.

[@oliviermagere]

Like for many things, we buy things we fancy more than we need. Best to focus on what kind of riding you fancy doing. I have still not managed and will keep enjoying my scrambler 1200 until i come to my senses and buy a caballero or hymmi 452 and actually start riding trails rather than just commute

[@Nulrom]

I had to buy it cause I do a lot of highway for work and I have a passenger. I think, for what I do, the Suzuki is the best I could get. Anyway, I kept my crf 250l. When I wanna have fun off-road or even travel alone I take the honda.

[@iangriffiths9930]

Really enjoyed the videos on the Suzuki, would be nice for you to take the rest of the middle weight group to see how it compares now. 👍

[@nathanthepostman]

I rode the 890 KTM down the same lanes yesterday. I'd have the same conclusion to be honest. Great bikes. Loads of power. Perfect if that's what you want. But not for me. It'd be the same answer for all of them. And to be honest I think they're all much of a muchness. I probably won't look to try any of the rest because I genuinely have no interest in them.

[@iangriffiths9930]

That’s a shame as it would have been fantastic you have your thoughts on each one individually for the people who are interested in those bikes. 👍

[@angels731]

I think you hit it about right. Great bike, but for increased cost to purchase, run and repair. Increased weight and sophistication. Yet will it give added function or pleasure beyond the 400cc class? Manufacturers are chasing the bottom line with 'added value' yet many bikers want a good action bike with exceptional reliability, especially all year UK bikers.

[@stillben]

Volcanic is a good word choice

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Probably due to a heavier crankshaft/flywheel setup and long-stroke engine, allowing engine momentum to deliver strong torque over all sorts of situations without feeling like a stall-happy motor.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

It looks nice and dirty. I prefer lighter bikes, too. Good bike, though, and the engine sounds like it's a good one. Nick

[@kyjelly5524]

I want one. Suzuki makes great stuff. I just think the 800 is too small for a passenger and long road rides. I want to cruise at 80mph for hours. That bike is beautiful

[@nathanthepostman]

That thing will cruise at 110mph all day long. 80 would be a dobble. I genuinely doubt many people need more power than what this has. I'd give it a go

[@nockianlifter661]

Once you’ve accepted the minor compromises of small capacity bikes which are designed to work off road, there’s really no going back except where you just fancy something a bit different ‘for a change’ and can afford to run it alongside the smaller bikes.

[@iangriffiths9930]

Hey @nathanthepostman Any update when you might be able to ride the MT450 please?

[@jackcampbell1394]

Does anyone know what type of helmet Nathan’s got?

[@trailrider1980]

This bike is for people who will be in highways and still do offroad. Himalayan, crf 300l, versys 300x do not offer decent highway comfort for those who need to be in the highway for at least 2 hours on every ride. I tried the small bike route and was thrown around in USA highways too much and was difficult to keep with traffic comfortably. I see it the opposite way, why would I buy a 300l or Himalayan to be blown away in the highway if these bikes (vstrom 800 de, transalp)offer the power, comfort and are still capable without having to modify it.

[@kyjelly5524]

Do we Americans just drive fast and aggressive? lol. My drz is great but not enough power for the street. If you are going under 80mph here you will get hit. We also have steep hills in Reno nv. My drz struggles to hold 65 on some of the freeway hills.

[@trailrider1980]

@@kyjelly5524 yes, dc, maryland area avg is 80. Even in the ez pass you see people around 85. I had two crf250l and tried the 390 adv ktm, which was better, but ended up being a buy back. I do with my vstrom everything that I used to do with my crf250l and I have not dropped it yet, over 7,000 miles. People put too much importance to bike's weight but if you rarely drop the bike, it is a non issue.

[@tonymarchant9083]

Hi Nathan ,I have heard you mention on numerous occations about tubless V tubed tyres ...forgive my ignorance but are tubed better for green laining as i have always used tubes as i find them easy to repair on the lanes. Cheers.

[@nathanthepostman]

Some argue tubes are better for off roading and for light trail bikes I'd probably agree. Not too tricky getting a wheel off a 250 and patching it, but I don't think there'd be many who could do a tube swap on a bike like the VStrom trail side. Difficult to break the bead, easy to nip a tube. A long physical job for most that might ultimately end in failure for many. Versus a tubeless rim which you can plug with a kit in 5 minutes and be on your way. Granted they sometimes fail, but to me that's when you'd stick a tube in it. But very much each to their own.

[@tonymarchant9083]

@@nathanthepostman Ok ...Thanks for the reply ....Great channel btw ..Keep up the good work ....Tony from Sunny Yorkshire.

[@guyonacub4335]

Well, don't hold back, Nathan Tell us what you really think of it Actually, I think you have got this one spot on Big discounts will have to be made on this model, or I'm afraid it will simply disappear

[@nathanthepostman]

I really like the bike, that's the thing. Great bike. But it's a tough crowded market for sure!

[@erikbarkefors2441]

In Sweden, we have the "off-road driving law" and are not allowed to drive in nature with motor vehicles, except for those who do it in their job. So what you call Single Tracks is hardly available here. We have a lot of dirt roads where a 300-400 cc fits well, but to get between such parts a 700-900 cc might be better.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes totally dependent on where you're riding so can imagine for big open terrain in Sweden a mid size bike might make more sense

[@DJAguitars]

Comparing the new himalayan with some of the lighter twin cylinder bikes there is only a few kg in it... I think Suzuki would have done very well if the Vstrom weight was a bit lower.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes I think if you base the comparison just on spec sheet weight then there's not a great deal in it but from my experience it's a completely different sensation of weight and manageability. You could put anyone on a Himalayan and take them up a lane as it's mass is so low as it's seat height. I wouldn't do the same with any of these twin cylinder bikes. Just my experience

[@DJAguitars]

​​@@nathanthepostmantrue, my wife has the 400 himalayan and its very forgiving and confidence inspiring. I have a Tenere 660... tall and top heavy... bit like me really 😄

[@nathanthepostman]

​@@DJAguitarshaha. Yeah we could all do with helping the bike with some weight loss!

[@MadDog-65]

It's too expensive here in Australia. It's just not worth it.

[@geirsvarsson8585]

it seems a bit cheaper, consdering higher spec, than the Tenere 700. What is the idea ADV bike in Oz?

[@martinharnett6922]

Is it better than your Moto guzzi?

[@nathanthepostman]

More exciting for sure. Better engine. Better suspension. I did sell the guzzi a while back. Liked it but never really gelled

[@rogerparkes1393]

Did you just say somthing nice about a GS....... Splutter just spilt me tea 🤪

[@SteveInskip]

I think if you lived in the deep countryside with rubbish roads (a bit like tracks these days), and you commuted all year round, and wanted a bit of luggage capacity without taking your kitchen with you, and also I’d sooner have a bit of power and a capability of overtaking something, then I’d chose the Suzuki over an RE. And nobody is going to nick it looking like that eh? 😉😉👍

[@nathanthepostman]

Haha. You've got a good point there. No much of a looker is she!

[@davebridge5775]

Nathan seems to suggest that there are two types of bikes/biker. One is a small capacity bike for trails and one is a huge £20k BMW behemoth for European touring. The vast majority of riders are neither and this middleweight capacity type bike is perfect for those people. Bit of a narrow minded review this one.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yet oddly I've found a lot of favour with the Moto Morini I've been running which doesn't try to be all things to all men. It just exists as a bike in the middle.

[@davidmatthews3093]

I can’t understand why people need the big 1250 and above bikes when this class is just as good on road if cruising at the speed limit is your thing. It’s the big heavy expensive bikes that make no sense to me. They are too powerful to enjoy their performance on the open road and big and clumsy off road. The 750-800 bikes are a better option. Me, I’m sticking to my CB 500X and Voge 300 Rally. I’ve got all my real world bases covered.

[@nathanthepostman]

I think to me having had a 1200 gs for a while I just thought it worked much better than the mid size bikes on the motorways. Better two up. Better long distance and just as ungainly off road. I did love my gs. Wished I'd not sold it

[@davidrivera1727]

Same here had a 2016 1200gs sold it and kept my dr650 but now looking for some thing more modern 🤷🏻‍♂️ transalp???

[@lorenc8010]

You are allowed to own more than one motorcycle......

[@maxflight777]

For £600 less, (circa £10K) you can buy one of the worlds truly great motorcycles *Husqvarna 701* *Much better off road, and as capable as the Suzuki on road* You’d have to be on drugs to buy the Suzuki. It’s old technology. A liability on trails, bloated and depreciates very fast.

[@I_am_Thursday]

You keep banging on about that everywhere. Trust me every single person riding off road has considered a 690/701. Do you need me to massage your ego and tell you that you made the correct choice?

[@I_am_Thursday]

Oh, and if you're talking about depreciation in a bike that tells me everything I need to know about your character sadly.

[@arnoldtm31]

They would've sold loads of these, if it had cruise control. They're going bankrupt, can't even bother trying.

[@nathanthepostman]

cruise control and tubeless rims and bingo, would have been nigh on perfect for a lot of people.

[@marceliszp4803]

What is the main purpose of such motorcycles? Reach another country by highway 1500km and take TET there. Driving on the highway is better than with smaller displacements and much better than with any single-cylinder engine. Offroad riding on the TET is much easier than heavy 1200s with a 19-inch wheel at the front. This is a class that skillfully combines two worlds. My second motorcycle is a KTM 625 and, to be honest, when there is a lot of mud and I'm riding a route around the house of up to 300 km, I will always choose the KTM. But I don't feel like driving far on the highway on a KTM. The Himalayan450 class makes no sense to me. In offroad it is a heavy, equipment with poor suspension (compared to the KTM LC4) and on the highway it is a class lower than the Vstrom. The champion of mediocrity does not provide pleasure in offroad like the KTM and on the highway it does not provide the comfort and performance of the 800de.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes definitely, and that's why all opinions are different and equally valid.

[@stephenmundane]

“All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated and well supported in logic and argument than others.” ― Douglas Adams, The Salmon of Doubt

[@maxflight777]

*bloated 227kg*