Suzuki has taken the wraps off the road-focused V-Strom 800, around a year after introducing the adventure-ready V-Strom 800DE. This new offering caters to riders seeking a more road-oriented experience and boasts several notable differences.

Wheel and Rim Transformation
The V-Strom 800 has undergone significant changes to adapt to its road-biased character. The most striking alteration is the shift from spoke wheels to cast alloy wheels. Notably, the front rim has been enlarged to a 19-inch unit, enhancing its road-handling capabilities.

Power and Weight
Under the hood, the V-Strom 800 retains the same 776cc parallel-twin engine, delivering a consistent 84hp and 78Nm of torque. However, the new iteration is 7kg lighter than its adventure-focused counterpart, which should contribute to improved agility and maneuverability on the road.

Differences from the 800DE
The differences between the V-Strom 800 and the 800DE are quite apparent. The most prominent change is the adoption of alloy wheels, with a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, offering the convenience of tubeless tires. The braking system has also been upgraded, featuring a pair of four-piston radially mounted Nissin calipers, replacing the axial units on the 800DE.

In terms of suspension, the V-Strom 800 uses a Showa fork that is adjustable for preload and a monoshock with rebound and preload adjustments, along with a remote preload adjuster. These components have lesser travel than those on the 800DE, resulting in a more accessible seat height of 825mm, compared to 855mm, and a ground clearance of 185mm, down from 220mm.

The electronics suite remains largely consistent, with the omission of the Gravel riding mode and the inability to switch off the rear ABS. These adjustments make the V-Strom 800 more suitable for road-focused adventures.

International Markets and Pricing
In various international markets, this bike is known as the Suzuki V-Strom 800, but it goes by the name 800RE in the UK. Priced at 9,699 GBP in the UK, it positions itself as a competitive option in the adventure bike segment. Its closest rival, the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport, is priced just over 10,000 GBP.

Prospects in India
It remains to be seen whether the V-Strom 800 will find its way to the Indian market. Given the prevalent use case for road-biased adventure motorcycles in India, it seems plausible. Additionally, sightings of the off-road-focused V-Strom 800DE being tested in India indicate that a local launch may not be too far off.

The Suzuki V-Strom 800 offers a compelling option for riders seeking an adventure bike with a strong road bias, balancing power, weight, and key features to provide an engaging and accessible riding experience.

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