QUICK SPIN: Suzuki V-Strom 800RE

There’s massive demand for off-road prepared journey bikes; however what for those who’re solely all for using on the highway? Suzuki reckons it’s received you coated with the newest model of its much-lauded V-Strom 800. We’ve been for a fast blast to see what it’s manufactured from.

WORDS: Chris Moss / PHOTOS: Suzuki

In March this yr Suzuki launched its ‘comeback’ bike, the V-Strom 800DE. Hailed positively by the press, the versatile journey machine carried out admirably, with its longer journey suspension and 21” entrance wheel additionally making the DE (Twin Explorer) extra suited to some off-road journey.

Quick ahead to right now, and the brand new RE model of the bike joins the V-Strom vary. Designed extra for highway use, the brand new 800 is available in at £1000 much less at £9699. The ‘Highway Explorer’ options key variations with forged wheels, together with a smaller 19-incher up entrance, 70mm shorter journey suspension, higher-spec brakes, a decrease seat, larger display, and different minor detailed adjustments. It’s claimed to be 7kilos lighter. We went to the south of France to see how a lot the alterations have an effect on the way it rides.

As somebody who’s completed 6500 miles on my DE lengthy termer, among the new RE’s modifications are instantly evident and most popular. The 30mm decrease seat makes it lots simpler to get on the bike, with the appreciably taller and wider display apparent it is going to provide extra safety than the DE’s a lot smaller model. The altered using place created by the narrower bars, sited barely decrease and additional ahead, along with alloy footrests connected a little bit larger and additional again, is much less noticeable. However get underway, and what’s instantly obvious is the change in steering traits effected by the smaller entrance wheel. Even earlier than we received to the mountain roads, the faster and lighter method the Suzuki turns into corners is a transparent and welcome function. There’s a extra optimistic and direct really feel by way of the bars which conjures up extra confidence, permitting extra spirited and safe using. Additionally very noticeable is the additional energy of the brand new 4 piston radial calipers, which give sharper, stronger braking. Suspension motion, although finally not as versatile because the DE’s, nonetheless stays effectively managed, providing good help and compliance. All in all, the brand new RE feels extra at dwelling on the highway and the very good day’s using felt so rewarding I might have beloved to have continued all the way in which again to the UK.

From the prolonged expertise of my very own DE’s wonderful consolation stage, I’m sure that will have been a breeze. Actually it wouldn’t, as that larger RE display very a lot reduces that. Whether or not the marginally altered density of the brand new seat might be detected I’m undecided. Different key stuff fortunately hasn’t modified a bit. The engine continues to be the identical great 84bhp, 776cc parallel twin, with its 270° firing order giving tremendous spectacular pulling energy no matter revs or gear selection. The 5” color TFT sprint is unchanged, although you’ll be able to’t swap off the rear ABS, and there’s no Gravel mode within the traction management settings. You’ll be able to nonetheless very simply choose which of the 2 ABS, and three TC intrusion ranges you do favor although, and there are three energy modes to select from. None of them alter the height energy, merely altering the velocity of throttle response as a substitute. The slick up/down quick-shifter is stays a regular fitment.

General, the wonderful new RE’s a greater highway bike, and can higher swimsuit a larger vary of riders. I do know I favor it. It’s out there in blue, again, and matt inexperienced and might be in sellers in November.  

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