The Suzuki V-Strom lineup has comprised several likable adventure motorcycles till now. And one thing that’s remained constant is the type of variants for each engine capacity. One of these serves duty as a full-blown off-roader while the other focuses on taking on the paved roads. So when the bikemaker took the wraps off the new-for-2023 V-Strom 800DE, it was almost a given a road-spec variant would follow suit. Looks like this project has now gained traction, as the Gixxer-maker has homologated a new variant of the 800DE in both the United States of America and Switzerland.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 Will Boast A 19-inch Front Wheel
Revealed in Swiss filings (sourced by our buddies at Motorcycle.com), the new V-Strom will boast a 19-inch front wheel wrapped in a 110-section tire–probably identical to the cast alloy unit we see on the V-Strom 1050. For reference, the DE has a 21-inch spoke wheel, shod with 90-section rubber. Next, the upcoming ADV will measure 3.5 inches shorter (length-wise) and 2.2 inches less in wheelbase than the 800DE.
These suggest a sharper rake, put in place to ensure swifter riding dynamics with a focus on the road rather than the dirt. The data also mentions a 2.7-inch decrement in overall width and a 1.8-inch increment in total height. The latter will likely be thanks to a new windscreen, whereas the former could mean a slimmer exhaust and mirrors.
All these changes follow the trend we’ve already witnessed with the V-Strom 650 and 1050 lineup. So it’s only fair the nomenclature remains identical too, which is why the new ADV will go by the name V-Strom 800 (no ‘DE’). Suzuki’s filings with the California Air Resources Board confirm this.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 Will Be Faster Than The 800DE
Under the skin, the V-Strom 800 will carry forward the same 776cc, twin-cylinder mill as the DE. It produces 83hp (at 8,500 RPM) and 57.5 pound-feet (at 6,800 RPM), sent to the wheel via a six-speed gearbox. What will change, however, is the V-Strom’s weight, as it’ll be nearly 15 pounds lighter than the DE. In turn, this will give it a 119mph top speed, one mph higher than its off-road sibling.
Similarly, we expect the underpinnings to remain identical. The new steel frame will probably remain unchanged, continuing to rely on upside-down forks and monoshock for suspension duties. But expect less suspension travel on the 800 since that’s also a key difference between the 1050DE and 1050.
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 Could Be Around The Corner
Suzuki USA has already revealed part of its 2024 lineup. So it’s likely the rest of the motorcycles will break cover soon, probably in the next few months. Price-wise, the 800 will undercut the DE by around $600-800, judging from the $800 difference between the 1050DE and 1050. For reference, the V-Strom 800DE sells for $11,349 here, so do the math.