It is powered by a 776cc parallel-twin engine that produces 83.1hp and 78Nm of torque, and it is equipped with a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel for good off-road handling.
The V-Strom 800 DE has a rugged and adventure-ready design.
It features a large fuel tank, a beak-style front fairing, and spoked wheels.
The overall design is more subdued than some of its competitors, but it is still stylish and functional.
The front fairing is well-designed and provides good wind protection for the rider.
The headlight is bright and provides good visibility at night.
The mirrors are also well-placed and provide a good view of the rear.
A large fuel tank comes with this bike, hence giving the bike a range of over 322km.
The seat is comfortable and spacious, making it easy for me to ride for long distances. The foot pegs are also well-placed and provide good support for a six-footer rider like me.
The overall design of the V-Strom 800 DE is practical and functional.
It is not the most stylish motorcycle on the market, but the design is able to get people’s attention.
This 800cc parallel-twin engine is smooth and powerful, and it provides plenty of acceleration for both on-road and off-road riding.
The engine is responsive and pulls smoothly from low revs.
Four riding modes are featured on this V-Strom – Active (A), Basic (B), Comfort (C), and Gravel, plus four traction control settings match them.
Active is the most aggressive ride mode for sporty road riding while C can be termed a rain mode, while Gravel allows the V-Strom's rear wheel to slip without reducing power.
Throughout the entire test, I chose the A mode for its responsiveness, aligning perfectly with my riding style.
The bike’s Traction Control System (TCS) helps to prevent wheel slippage on slippery surfaces. The TCS system is easy to use and can be adjusted to different riding conditions.
It works well to prevent wheel slippage, even on loose surfaces.
Kudos to the engineers at Suzuki, the V-Strom 800 DE is comfortable and easy to ride.
The riding position is upright and relaxed, and the suspension is well-tuned for both on-road and off-road riding.
The bike is also relatively light for its class, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
Meanwhile, the upright riding position provides good visibility for me and makes it easy to control the bike.
The suspension is well-tuned for comfort, but it can also be adjusted for more off-road performance.
I found this bike effortless at low speeds, making it an excellent option for urban commuting, while offering remarkable stability even at high speeds, making it equally well-suited for highway journeys.
The V-Strom 800 DE is a comfortable and versatile motorcycle that is sure to please a wide range of riders.
It is a good choice for riders who are looking for a bike that can do it all, from commuting to touring to light off-roading.
The V-Strom 800 DE is equipped with dual disc brakes on the front and a single disc brake on the rear.
The brakes are powerful and easy to modulate, providing good stopping power in all conditions.
I found the front brakes are especially powerful and provide excellent stopping power.
The rear brake is also powerful, but it is not as strong as the front brakes.
The ABS system works well to prevent wheel lockup, even in wet or slippery conditions.
The V-Strom 800 DE has a long-travel suspension that is well-suited for both road and off-road riding. The front suspension is a 43mm inverted fork, and the rear suspension is a link-type shock with a remote preload adjuster.
The suspension is well-tuned for comfort, but it can also be adjusted for more off-road performance. The front suspension is soft and soaks up bumps well.
The rear suspension is also soft, but it can be adjusted to provide more support for off-road riding.
One thing is for sure, the V-Strom 800 DE is stable and comfortable at high speeds.
While I was riding on the less challenging off-road trail, I realised the suspension is a bit soft for aggressive off-road riding, but it is more than perfect for light off-road riding.
While riding up to Fraser’s Hill, the V-Strom 800 DE is stable and predictable around corners.
The suspension soaks up bumps and humps well, and the tyres provide a good grip.
The bike is not as agile as some of its competitors, but it is still capable of handling twisty roads with confidence.
I was able to ride the V-Strom 800 DE in a variety of off-road terrain, from dirt roads to single-track trails.
The long-travel suspension soaks up the imperfect road well, and the tyres provide good grip.
The bike is as off-road capable as some of its competitors, but it is a good choice for riders who want a bike that can do a little bit of everything.
While riding in a heavy downpour from Karak to Kuala Lumpur, the V-Strom 800 DE proved beyond any doubt that it is stable and manageable in the rain.
The tyres provide good grip, and the ABS system works well to prevent wheel lockup.
The V-Strom 800 DE is definitely a good choice for riding in the rain and for riders who are looking for a bike that can do it all, from commuting to touring to light off-roading.
The 2023 RM60,800 V-Strom 800 DE is a capable and versatile adventure touring that is comfortable, versatile, and easy to ride.
SPECIFICATIONS
Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE
Engine: 776cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin, 4 valves
Maximum power: 83.1hp at 8,500rpm
Maximum torque: 78Nm at 6,800rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front Showa inverted forks; rear Showa fully adjustable preload, compression and rebound
Brakes: Front 2x310mm discs, two-piston Nissin callipers; rear 260mm disc, single-piston Nissin calliper
Features: ABS (switchable), three riding modes, four traction control, low rev assist, Suzuki Easy Start System, Suzuki Traction Control
Fuel capacity: 20 litres
Weight: 230kg
Price: RM60,800 (without insurance, road tax and registration)
