Suzuki has recently been criticized for being slow to innovate. Many of its models still use technology that is more than a decade old. However, the brand has recently been making waves with its new middleweight lineup. With the GSX-8S and the V-Strom 800DE, Suzuki seems to be reinventing itself.

The GSX-8S has already proven itself as a strong competitor in the middleweight naked bike market in the US and Europe. Meanwhile, the V-Strom 800DE aims to challenge the Yamaha Tenere 700 in the adventure bike segment.

The V-Strom 800DE has been seen being tested in India, and it is expected to be released there by October 2023. Suzuki dealerships have already stopped taking delivery of the V-Strom 650XT, which is built on a platform that is over a decade old.

Although bookings for the new model have not yet opened in India, there is a market for adventure-tourers like the V-Strom. Models like the BMW F 850 GS and the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally are popular among affluent off-road and adventure enthusiasts. The V-Strom is expected to be assembled in India, which should reduce taxes and make it more affordable.

The V-Strom 800DE boasts a brand-new 776cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crankshaft. It produces an impressive 83 horsepower and 53 pound-feet of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox. The bike also features modern technology like a bi-directional quick shifter, traction control, and multiple riding modes. It has a full-color TFT display that provides riders with a wealth of information.

The V-Strom 800DE has a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, which improves its off-road performance. It has Showa suspension both at the front and rear, with a range of adjustability, enhancing its overall off-road capability. The bike offers a ground clearance of 220 millimeters and a tall seat height of 855 millimeters, making it an ideal choice for adventure riding.