Suzuki boosts its adventure bike range with the launch of a more road-focussed version of the new V-Strom 800 this month.
The 800RE, standing for ‘road explorer’, joins the more off-road ready 800DE (‘dual explorer’).
We’re putting an 800RE demo bike on the road this month and have had a lot of interest in the new version.
The new V-Strom 800RE is priced £9,699 on the road. The 800DE is £10,699 and the Tour version, with aluminium top box and panniers, £12,199.
Power comes from the same new 776cc parallel twin engine.
It delivers 84.3PS at 8,500rpm and a broad spread of torque, peaking at 78Nm at 6,800rpm, and a rumble and character more akin to Suzuki’s famed V-twins. Official fuel consumption is 64mpg.
The steel main frame and 20-litre fuel tank are shared but the 800RE swaps the more rugged DE’s 21in front and 17in back spoked wheels and tubed tyres for 19in and 17in cast aluminium ones shod with Dunlop tubeless tyres.
The Showa suspension’s focus is now on-road performance with travel reduced from 220mm to 150mm, front and rear. Inverted front forks are adjustable for preload and the rear monoshock for preload and rebound damping.
The riding position is also tweaked compared to the 800DE with the seat 30mm lower at 825mm, aluminium, rubber-covered footpegs are 14mm further back and 7mm higher and aluminium tapered handlebars 13mm lower, 23mm further forwards and 15mm narrower. A taller, wider screen protects the rider better from wind and rain on longer rides.
The five-inch TFT instrument display has day and night modes. Menus and features are accessed via a rocker switch on the left-hand handlebar. There is also a handy USB port.
There are three power modes – sportier Active, Basic for cruising or city riding and Comfort for wet or cold conditions – three-mode traction control which can also be switched off and two ABS settings.
Ride-by-wire throttle and bi-directional quickshifter are standard.
The 800RE features full LED lighting and is available in Pearl Vigor Blue, Metallic Matt Steel Green, and Glass Sparkle Black.
A full suite of genuine accessories include three-piece aluminium or plastic luggage, heated grips and a centrestand.
Check out the V-Strom 800RE at orwell.co.uk/suzuki/new-suzuki-motorcycle-range/adventure/v-strom-800re