The Suzuki Adventure Bike That Rivals The BMW GS At A Lower Price

Back in the 1980s, BMW made the first-ever adventure bike, the R 80 G/S, and since then, GS has been considered the benchmark for ADVs. Yes, better (and worse) bikes have come and gone, but for many, the BMW GS still holds the ultimate ADV title. Thanks, Obi-Wan Kenobi. It’s no wonder that GS bikes are so desirable today. But of all things BMW is known for, being pocket-friendly isn’t one. Even the middleweight BMW F 900 GS costs $14,275 in its base spec, and tick a few BMW accessory boxes, and watch the price skyrocket fast.

That doesn’t mean you can’t live out your adventure dreams if you don’t have the budget for a Beemer. The current middleweight segment is full of incredible examples, including the V-Strom 800DE. While this Suzuki ADV may not be as fancy as its German rival, it offers a perfect balance of everyday usability, Japanese reliability, and a promise to take you anywhere. All while costing a lot less than the BMW F 900 GS. Here’s why the V-Strom 800DE deserves your attention.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Strikes The Perfect Balance Of Performance And Price

Starting Price: $11,709

Suzuki

In Suzuki’s V-Strom lineup, the V-Strom 800DE represents the most off-road-ready persona that’s ready to take you anywhere you want, from your workplace to the other side of the continent. It is powered by a tractable parallel-twin engine, complemented by fully-adjustable Showa suspension and long-distance comfort. Wrapped up in a Dakar-inspired design, the V-Strom can be yours for well under $12,000. This bang-for-buck awesomeness is only made better when you consider how cheap and easy to own Suzuki motorcycles can be over the years. The BMW F 900 GS, on the other hand, starts at over $14,000.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs. BMW F 900 GS

Suzuki

That’s not to say the V-Strom is perfect, though. The bang-for-buck personality comes at the cost of performance and some features. For starters, it doesn’t produce nearly as much power or torque as the BMW F 900 GS, nor is it among the lightest in the class. Add to that, it misses out on some crucial features, like cruise control, tubeless tires, and radial-mount brake calipers. That’s why it’s often overlooked in the segment. Look beyond the shortcomings, though, and you’ll see a terrific adventure bike that can do everything you’d need your ADV to do without breaking the bank.

Parallel-Twin Engine With A V-Twin Personality And Usable Power

Power Output: 83.1 HP @ 8,500 RPM

Unlike the V-Strom 650 and 1050, the V-Strom 800 features a parallel-twin engine, shared with the GSX-8R and the GSX-8S, which speaks to the engine’s versatile nature. According to Suzuki, the engine produces a smooth, controllable low-end torque and freely revs up to its peak power output. While it may not be as powerful as the F 900 GS, it produces just over 80 horsepower, which is more than enough for everyday use, off-roading, and touring.

Suzuki

A lack of a V-twin engine may bother some V-Strom enthusiasts, but you’re surely not missing out on much. The engine still features a bit of a V-twin character, thanks to its 270-degree firing order. However, it’s also the first Suzuki production bike to come with a cross balancer, which helps create a compact, lightweight design. The result is a powerplant that doesn’t take up as much space as a V-twin but has similar power pulses that improve traction and strong tractability.

Performance Specs

Suzuki says the engine is also tuned to return good fuel economy, and according to its UK website, it returns just over 53 US MPG in combined conditions. That’s decent fuel economy for a do-it-all ADV, and with the 5.3-gallon fuel tank, expect the bike to go over 280 miles between fuel stops. Finally, the Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) and a bidirectional quickshifter round out the package by making shifting easier in the city and on the highway.

Most Off-Road Ready V-Strom Motorcycle Today

Suspension: Showa Fully Adjustable Suspension; 8.7 in. Travel (Front/Back)

Suzuki

The V-Strom 800DE is the most off-road-ready V-Strom currently on sale, and that’s where it closes the gap with the F 900 GS. It’s built on a steel backbone frame that’s tuned for straight-line performance and nimble handling. According to the manufacturer, this frame makes the bike composed on the highway and easy to negotiate through trails and forest roads. The only downside is that it gives the bike a hefty (for the segment) curb weight of over 500 pounds!

The frame sits on Showa suspension that’s designed to offer comfort and performance on all surfaces, according to the manufacturer. Since it’s fully adjustable, it also gives you the freedom to fine-tune its behavior depending on your riding style and preferences. With 8.7 inches of travel on both ends and the highest ground clearance in the V-Strom family, the 800DE should give you the confidence to tackle obstacles without risking the engine’s metal.

Chassis And Dimensions Specs

A 21-inch front spoke wheel makes the V-Strom 800DE even more off-road ready, giving it better stability on trails and comfort on the highway. On the other hand, the 17-inch rear spoke wheel takes care of grip and comfort. Both wheels are shod in Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires, with a semi-block pattern, to provide a mix of off- and on-road traction. Braking is taken care of by a pair of Nissin axial-mount calipers up front and a single one at the back.

Dakar-Inspired Sharp Design That Prioritizes Rider Comfort

Seat Height: 33.7 in.

Suzuki

One look at the V-Strom 800DE and you’ll know it’s a new-age Suzuki, thanks to its aggressive, mass-forward design. It’s sharp, contemporary, and looks especially awesome in the Champion Yellow No. 2 colorway. The Glass Sparkle Black option is also great if you want to go for a more blacked-out look. Nonetheless, Suzuki says this modern design is inspired by the old DR-Z Dakar racer and the DR-Big dual sport, focusing on long-distance comfort and off-road ease.

The wide and tapered handlebar is cast in strong yet flexible aluminum that allows it to flex and absorb shock while off-roading. Plus, the wider grips are said to be comfortable in various riding conditions, including while standing on the pegs. Speaking of, the pegs are wide and come with vibration-dampening rubber inserts that can be removed for more grip while saddling. Suzuki says even the seat is supportive and narrow, making it comfortable for the long haul while being low enough for most riders.

Suzuki

The front cowl and windscreen are wind-tunnel tested to reduce windblast on the rider while maximizing visibility from the saddle. You can adjust the windshield in one of three positions, but you’ll need a hex tool to undo and redo the four screws to adjust it. That’s a big miss on Suzuki’s part, considering most of the bike’s rivals come with windscreens that can be adjusted on the fly. But hey, at least you don’t need a specific tool to adjust the clutch and brake levers!

Design Highlights

• Prominent break is inspired by Suzuki’s Dakar Rally racer DR-Z and the dual sport DR-Big
• Different colored panels feature angular lines that further amplify the bike’s modern, aggressive look
• Engine clutch and magneto covers have a bronze-like finish, complementing the body color
• Three-piece front fender is designed to offer protection to the fork, like those used on MX bikes
• Large fuel tank is shaped to be thin at the rear to flow into the slim seat

All The Essentials You’ll Ever Need On Your ADV

Suzuki

Finally, we come to the V-Strom 800DE’s electronics package, and that’s where you’ll perhaps see the most significant shortcoming of the bike. The package features a 5-inch TFT display, which is not as big as some of its rivals; the F 900 GS gets a bigger display. There’s also the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), featuring traction control, rider modes, quickshifter, easy start, and low RPM assist. However, it lacks a six-axis IMU and a cruise control, even as an option.

Suzuki makes up for the lack of bells and whistles — somewhat — with Genuine Suzuki Accessories, including side and top cases, engine guard, center stand, low and high seats, heated grips, and aux lamps. You can even go for the V-Strom 800DE Adventure ($13,159), which comes with a durable aluminum bash plate and aluminum panniers as standard. For reference, the BMW F 900 GS offers segment-leading optional features, like Keyless Ride, TPMS, Sport suspension, high windscreen, BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Navigator, and much more.

Suzuki

It’s pretty obvious that the V-Strom 800DE is a more basic package compared to the BMW GS, but holding that against the bike would be missing the point. The V-Strom isn’t designed to woo you with performance or features. Instead, it’s here to tick the boxes of an essential middleweight adventure bike: friendly power delivery, long-distance comfort, off-road ability, and basic rider aids. It’s a solid ADV that gives you everything you actually need, without the bells and whistles that you may never use.

Features List

• 50-inch TFT display
• Four-level Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), with Gravel Traction Control
• Two-level switchable rear ABS
• Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS)
• Bidirectional Quick Shifter (QS)
• Ride-by-wire electronic throttle
• Suzuki Easy Start
• Low RPM Assist