Suzuki’s V-Strom series has long been a sensible, low-budget travel option, with both a 650 and 1000 version available, depending how much money you want to spend. If you were having a hard time making a decision, now you can split the difference with the all-new V-Strom 800DE.
This bike is powered by a 776 cc parallel twin engine, not the V-twin that the Strom series previously featured. Presumably, this is an evolution of the parallel twin that Suzuki’s been teasing on the show circuit for years.
As is pretty common now, the parallel twin has a 270-degree crank for performance and sound similar to a V-twin. It has four-valve heads and six-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and to quell vibrations, Suzuki’s new Cross Balancer. Or as the company calls it—”The first biaxial primary balancer on a production motorcycle to position its two balancers at 90° to the crankshaft, this patented mechanism suppresses vibration to contribute to smooth operation, while its design also helps realize a lighter powerplant that is more compact from front to rear.”
Max output is supposed to be 83 hp at 8,500 rpm; max torque is 57.5 lb-ft at 6,800 rpm.
Of course, it’s managed by a ride-by-wire throttle, which pairs with a quickshifter to allow clutchless movement through the gearbox.
Like the GSX-8S, the new Strom has a steel frame and non-adjustable fork, sourced from Showa. The rear shock, also from Showa, can be adjusted for preload by hand, with no tools required—a very useful feature in an ADV bike that may be used with or without luggage or pillion. Speaking of luggage, that’s available as an option (and no doubt as a pre-packaged setup, too).
Although the bike has no IMU to power leaning-sensitive electronics, it does have the new S.I.R.S. electronics suite (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System). In conjunction with the ride-by-wire-throttle, this manages Active, Basic or Comfort drive modes, four traction control modes, including a Gravel mode—and the rider can also turn off traction control, a handy feature for the dirt. Same for the ABS system; there are two modes, and the rear wheel’s ABS circuit can also be switched off—most handy if you’re offroading.
The S.I.R.S. system also manages the quickshifter, and the Easy Start and Low RPM Assist function. The 5-inch TFT display helps you control the onboard electronics, and handlebar switches allow you to navigate the menus.
The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels appear to use tubed tires (Trailmax Mixtour).
You can find more information at Suzuki’s Canadian website. There’s no listed MSRP, but since the bike is there, we would expect it here in time for the 2023 riding season.