Suzuki has announced the replacement for the long-running and much-loved V-Strom 650 in the form of the V-Strom 800 DE. A ground-up new design, gone is the venerable V-Twin engine and, in its place is a brand new 270°, 776cc DOHC parallel twin which will also power a new middleweight sports roadster, the GSX-S 8S. It features twin balancer shafts to damp out vibrations and, thanks to the 270° crank, it will feel more like a V-Twin than a parallel twin, with attendant excellent torque.
Power output is claimed to be 83bhp at 8,500rpm, with 77Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. That puts it right in the mix with the Yamaha T7, BMW F 850 GS and the newly-announced Honda XL750 Transalp. In terms of weight, it also sits in that same ballpark.
If you assumed the V-Strom was so-called because of its V-Twin engine then you might have been right at one point in the model’s career but Suzuki has obviously opted for continuity with the newly-engined model. Of course, the benefits of the parallel twin configuration are significant: simpler, lighter, cheaper to manufacture and maintain and, crucially, much easier to package into a motorcycle for optimum chassis performance.
Suspension is by Showa and offers 220mm of suspension travel and 220mm of ground clearance. The chassis is all new and has brought the seat rails closer together for a narrower seat where it meets the tank, which will enhance control by bringing the legs closer together when standing. The rear subframe is bolted on to ease and lessen the expense of repairs.
The electronics have been completely revamped, with three levels of on-road traction control alongside a ‘G’ mode for off-road, which will allow more spin of the rear wheel. ABS can be turned off at the back wheel for off-road riding. There’s also a bi-directional quick shifter and Suzuki’s easy-start system with a low-rpm assist, which helps prevent stalling. There’s a five-inch, full-colour TFT dash via which all the rider aids are controlled.
Suzuki is clearly aiming to improve the model’s off-road performance to keep it in line with rivals. The suspension changes point to that, as does the 21” front wheel. The airbox has been positioned under the seat, leaving more room for fuel capacity without adding excessive bulk.
Two model variations have been announced: the standard V-Strom 800DE and the 800DE Adventure, which comes with crash bars, a stronger aluminium sump guard and panniers. It will be available in the yellow/dark blue colour scheme that will be familiar to fans of the outgoing V-Strom 650, as well as ‘Matt Mechanical Grey’ and ‘Glass Black Sparkle’.
The styling is the only element that has not undergone a huge change which is no hardship as the old V-Strom 650 was already well-endowed in that department. The headlight treatment now echoes that on the latest GSX-S1000, with stacked square LED lights.
Expect to see the new V-Strom 800 DE in showrooms at some point in 2023.
