Suzuki V-Strom 800 teszt

I was originally going to test the field-tested „800 DE” version

However, that machine was already waiting to be used for the Battle of the Big Iron, with its own tires, specially designed for off-road! For me, a thorough motorcycle touring test averaged 1000 km. If I had brought it before the race, there wouldn't have been much tread left on it, so at the last minute I ended up with the street version for the test.

In hindsight, I regret this a little bit, because at 184 cm, this bike is not my size.

I sat in the salon on the 800 DE version, now that's something else! I was much more comfortable and comfortable on that one.

So I take over the engine and just watch. In my head I'm thinking, what is this now? 150 mm spring travel compared to 220 mm on the DE version. I also happened to have the Yamaha Tenere 700 with me, so we were able to do a quick 3 engine comparison with my bike.

Then it occurred to me that many people struggle with wanting to hike comfortably, sometimes off the trail, but because of their height, the best models for this are being eliminated.

And with this bike, you essentially get a touring bike with enduro upbringings, with a much lower seat.

All in a package that is ideal for beginners or newcomers to big bikes. The handling of the bike is very friendly, but it can also go as it should.

In fact, much better than it can be.

The problem with touring bikes in a similar category is that they are generally not suitable for higher speeds.

This bodywork and the packed in-line block make it capable of some serious speeding, both in terms of acceleration and top speed!

83 hp, but it's very sporty.

223 kg, but because of its low build, this is much less noticeable.

And yes, you heard me right. Soros two-cylinder! The V-Strom's name was inspired by the V2 engine block, but that's a thing of the past.

They broke with tradition. In return you get a much more powerful feeling engine.

As I watch, Suzuki is still building quite strongly on the V-Strom's illustrious past.

Because to be honest, there are much more interesting bikes on the market, but the model is still very popular.

For me it was a bit sterile, a bit „nothing”.

That's partly what I think about the BMW 1300 GS, but it's part of the test to give my honest opinion on how I liked it, otherwise it would be enough to read the product-polishing marketing pamphlets.

That's why I joined the V-Strom owners facebook group, to ask their owners why they chose this model?

My assumption was actually confirmed. No emotional arguments were made. It was as if engineers had answered me. :)))

Essentially, the main reason is that the bike brings a strong average in everything, or there are the ancient V-Strom riders who essentially just wanted a successor model with more modern technologies.

The block is in perfect order except for one. It does have some vibration, which you will feel mainly on the footrest above 5000 rpm, but it didn't bother me. A universal all-rounder. It's what they put in a lot of other street models now: GSX-8R, GSX-8S, GSX-8T, GSX-8TT.

What is strange is that it is extremely quiet! It's like sitting in a car, you can barely hear anything from the engine, but really! It's the quietest engine I've ever ridden.

So that Euro5 stovepipe with no orifice needs to be thrown out of the pics quickly.

Although it has its advantages on long-distance hikes, it's basically anaemic.

Then let's look at the wind protection: at my height, it's enough to take the windscreen off my chest. Even in the city, I got all the wind right in my face.

The owners are all replacing this with personalised versions as I have observed.

The same may be necessary for the meeting. I was sliding backwards and forwards on it. It's useless if you're basically sitting on your hip anyway and there are situations where it can act as a nutcracker.

And how is the new V-strom with passenger? If you're still in the introductory phase, success is guaranteed.

He'll hug you like Yogi Yogi hugs honey, and he'll squeal like ...”

Anyway, as a passenger up there, it's not so good, it's just my imagination running away.

For this purpose you may prefer the V-Strom 1050 model, which has much more space.

However, it can be very good for one-man touring with a little customisation. 20 litre tank, 4.4 litre „factory” fuel consumption, 300-400 km range. Mature, reliable technology. Absolutely superb.

But the gearbox could be refined a bit more, because when braking at higher speeds, when the ABS had to intervene, it was stuck between two gears and neither up nor down...

But if we're talking about a gearbox, we also have a quick shifter as standard!

A quick shifter that works better than in any engine I've tested recently.

At last, a quick-change gearbox that can help you even when you're running around town, so you don't have to fiddle with the clutch in every situation. You can even upshift at lower speeds with less throttle! Very cool.

Then there's a digital dashboard. It's not too complicated, you're not driving a spaceship. But there are three tuning options: engine power, traction control and ABS. All three are adjustable in three stages. You don't need more than that.

So to sum up, this is an entry-level touring bike that, with a little customisation, can be a reliable companion for everyday riding, weekend canyoning, or even longer rides.