EICMA: 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

An all-new 776cc parallel-twin-engined Suzuki 800DE V-Strom was unveiled alongside the brand’s GSX-8S at EICMA overnight, with plenty of features that suggest it has some serious off-road credentials. And in good news for would-be Aussie owners, Suzuki Australia has confirmed the new model will be available locally.

Boasting what Suzuki says is the longest-travel suspension and highest amount of ground clearance of any V-Strom to date, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE employs a 21-inch front wheel, a steel chassis, and a gravel mode in the traction control settings as part of the bike’s electronic offerings.

Using the same twin-cylinder engine with 270-degree crank as the new Suzuki GSX-8S, with its 83hp (62kW) of power peaking at 8500rpm and 78Nm of peak torque at 6800rpm, the bike tips the scales at a relatively heavy 230kg ready to ride, with its 20-litre tank full of fuel.

There’s fully adjustable Showa suspension at both ends, with front and rear wheel travel quoted at 220mm. The wire-spoked wheels are wrapped in Dunlop’s Trailmax adventure-style tyres and the 21-inch front is matched to a 17-inch wheel at the rear.

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Seat height is a claimed 855mm but the frame rails are narrow, which should make finding terra firma easier as well as improving feel and control when negotiating tough terrain. The air filter is easily located underneath the seat and a is a 45-minute affair to replace. And there’s a three-way adjustable screen which needs tools to reposition.

In terms of electronics, there’s a four-stage traction-control system including the aforementioned gravel mode, and owners are able to switch off the rear ABS, though neither system is lean-angle sensitive.

Like the Suzuki GSX-8S, there’s a two-way quickshifter as standard fitment, the firm’s Low-RPM and Easy Start systems as well as three switchable riding modes. It gets a five-inch colour TFT dash with night and day modes, and there’s a USB port, as well as LED lights all round.

The adventure middleweight will be available in three colours: Champion Yellow, Glass Mat Mechanical Gray or Glass Sparkle Black. There’s a swag of accessories available, but any Australian customer who orders a Suzuki 800DE V-Strom ahead of its July 2023 arrival will get a 38-litre alloy topbox thrown in free of charge.