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Suzuki V-Strom 800DE to be Released in India by October 2023

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.



 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE - Yellow, Side, Right

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.

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2023 SUZUKI DR-Z400 TEST

In the year 2000, Suzuki released the DR-Z400S, which was a perfect timing as the motorcycle industry was about to go through significant changes. The four-strokes bikes soon took over the market, and most Japanese two-stroke bikes went out of production. The DR-Z was Japan’s second-best dual-sport bike and was considered the best in its category until the release of the Honda CRF450L in 2019. Even now, the Suzuki sells for $7099, which is approximately $3000 less than the Honda, making it an excellent purchase.

AS TIMES CHANGE
Time flows, and although the DR-Z was built in a different era, it wouldn’t be that different if it were built today. Of course, the carburetor would have to go, but the motor is a compact, double-overhead-cam four-valve with electric start and a counterbalancer. It is not much different from most modern four-stroke motocross bikes. The DR-Z uses a shim and buckets to drive the valves directly, and there are other old-school design elements like the “right-side up” fork, steel tank, frame, and handlebar.

The DR-Z soon became the Suzuki off-road race team’s primary weapon out west since there were no Honda CRF450R or serious motocross four-strokes from Suzuki or Kawasaki at the time. Mike Kiedrowski won back-to-back WORCS championships in 2001 and 2002 on a Yoshimura-built DR-Z against a field of Yamaha 426s.

Despite being an exceptional bike, it’s challenging to find a dual-sport version of Kiedrowski’s DR-Z. It’s still possible but would cost a lot and still not match the modern 450s. Today, the Suzuki DR-Z400S is more of a trail bike than a competition bike. It performs reasonably well in its stock form, with only two horsepower less than a Husqvarna FE350S at peak performance.

There is a range of aftermarket parts available for the DR-Z400S, including Keihin FCR carburetors and DOT-approved knobbies. However, the main appeal of the Suzuki is its low price. It’s more effective than one might think, and with decent tires, it can keep up with more modern dual-sport bikes on moderately difficult singletrack. It has great handling and suspension, and the ergonomics are almost modern-like, giving the rider a comfortable experience.

The only significant limitation is the stock Bridgestone Trail Wing tires, which are street-oriented and unsuited for rough terrain. It would be best to equip the Suzuki with aftermarket DOT-approved knobbies, but it’s important to note that they wear out faster than stock tires, which aren’t ideal for mostly pavement riding. It might be a good idea to have an extra set of wheels with knobbies set aside for special off-road occasions.

The Suzuki DR-Z400S is an