We took the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE for a quick ride in the hills of inland Southern California, turned on the GoPro and shared our thoughts. For us, the biggest news is that the 800 shows a little more commitment to off-road riding than anything previously in Suzuki’s adventure line. The Showa suspension has more travel and more adjustability, it has more ground clearance and the electronic features show that Suzuki is paying attention.
On October 6, 2023, Suzuki announced the release of the 2024 V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800 Touring models for the American market. These bikes are equipped with the same 776cc parallel-twin engine found in the 2023 V-Strom 800DE and GSX-8S models, but with some changes aimed at riders interested in on-road exploration and touring.
One noticeable change is the switch from a 21-inch front wheel to a new 19-inch, seven-spoke cast aluminum front wheel on both the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800 Touring models. The rear wheel matches this with a 17-inch size. These bikes also come with Dunlop tubeless D614F and D614 tires specifically developed for the V-Strom 800/Touring by Suzuki.
The 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800 Touring models feature a new Showa Separate Function Fork-Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted front fork setup and a Showa rear shock absorber with remote, tool-less preload adjustability.
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The 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800 Touring models are equipped with a pair of radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers in the front, working in conjunction with 310mm rotors. The rear features a single Nissin caliper with a 260mm rotor. Both models come standard with ABS.
Both the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800 Touring models are equipped with a full-color, 5-inch TFT instrument panel that allows riders to access and adjust Suzuki’s electronics suite. This includes features such as traction control, ABS, Ride Modes, Easy Start, and Low RPM Assist. Additionally, both models come with a wide handlebar with vibration damping, footpegs with rubber pads for added comfort, LED lighting, and a bi-directional quickshifter.
The main differences between the V-Strom 800 and the V-Strom 800 Touring models are their available colors and the fact that the Touring model comes with a lockable top box that uses the same key as the bike’s ignition. The V-Strom 800 is available in Metallic Matte Steel Green, while the V-Strom 800 Touring is available in Glass Sparkle Black.
The 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800 Touring differ from the V-Strom 800DE and 800DE Adventure models in terms of dimensions. Here is a comparison chart provided by Suzuki:
| V-Strom 800 Variant | Wheelbase | Length | Width | Height | Curb Weight | Ground Clearance | Seat Height |
| 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | 1,570mm (61.8 inches) | 2,345mm (92.3 inches) | 975mm (38.4 inches) | 1,310mm (51.6 inches) | 230 kilograms (507 pounds) | 220mm (8.7 inches) | 855mm (33.7 inches) |
| 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure | 1,570mm (61.8 inches) | 2,345mm (92.3 inches) | 975mm (38.4 inches) without included accessories mounted | 1,310mm (51.6 inches) | 230kg (507 pounds) without included accessories mounted | 220mm (8.7 inches) | 855mm (33.7 inches) |
| 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 | 1,515mm (59.6 inches) | 2,255mm (88.8 inches) | 905mm (35.6 inches) | 1,355mm (53.3 inches) | 223kg (492 pounds) | 185mm (7.3 inches) | 825mm (32.5 inches) |
| 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 Touring | 1,515mm (59.6 inches) | 2,255mm (88.8 inches) not including Top Case | 905mm (35.6 inches) | 1,355mm (53.3 inches) | 223kg (492 pounds) not including Top Case | 185mm (7.3 inches) | 825mm (32.5 inches) |
In the US market, the starting MSRP for the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 is $9,899, while the starting MSRP for the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 Touring is $10,499.
For accurate pricing and availability information outside the US, it is best to contact your local authorized Suzuki dealer.+
When it comes to adventure motorcycles, many people envision the high-end models like the BMW R 1250 GS or Honda’s Africa Twin. However, these top-tier bikes can be expensive and may not be suitable for new riders. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options available that offer reliability, accessibility, and off-road capabilities. Here are the 10 best used adventure motorcycles on a budget:
1. Kawasaki KLR650: With a dedicated following and utilitarian design, the KLR650 is known for its bulletproof reliability and accessibility. Its simple build and single-cylinder engine make it a fun and nimble adventure bike.
2. Suzuki V-Strom: The V-Strom is a capable touring bike that can handle occasional off-road adventures. Its robust V-twin engine offers consistent performance, and the bike is known for its excellent transmission.
3. Royal Enfield Himalayan: Designed for high-altitude terrain, the Himalayan excels at off-roading. It may lack power and modern features, but its tractor-like build makes it a reliable and easy-to-handle adventure bike.
4. Honda CB500X: The CB500X strikes a balance between off-road capability and on-road performance. It is known for its agile chassis, perky motor, and Honda reliability.
5. KTM 990 Adventure: The 990 Adventure was one of KTM’s first adventure motorcycles and offers immense off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road performance. However, they can be harder to find and require regular maintenance.
6. Honda CRF300L Rally: Despite its small size, the CRF300L Rally is a capable off-roader that excels in rough conditions. It is comfortable for long tours and reliable in various terrains.
7. Honda XRV750 Africa Twin: For those who appreciate classic adventure bikes, the XRV750 Africa Twin is a beloved option. Made between 1990 and 2003, it features twin headlights, long-travel suspension, and a torquey V-twin engine.
8. BMW F650GS: Before BMW introduced the 750 GS, the F650GS served as the entry-level adventure bike. Although its styling may be outdated, it remains a practical and reliable option with features like ABS and fuel injection.
9. Kawasaki Versys 650: The Versys 650 falls on the tourer side of the adventure bike spectrum, offering impeccable handling, reliability, and performance on tarmac. It’s a great choice for highway touring.
10. Honda XR650L: The XR650L is a simple and reliable off-roader that handles rough terrain exceptionally well. It may not be the best option for highways, but if you want to explore unpaved roads, it’s a fantastic choice.
These used adventure motorcycles provide an affordable way to enjoy off-road adventures while still being accessible for new riders. Consider your needs and preferences to find the perfect budget-friendly option for your next adventure.
On August 8, 2023, Suzuki officially announced that the 2023 V-Strom 250SX will be launched in the Japanese market. The bike has already been successfully launched in other Asian markets, including India, the Philippines, and Indonesia, where it is also manufactured.
The V-Strom 250SX is powered by a 249cc oil-cooled single-cylinder engine. It produces a claimed 25 horsepower at 9,300 rpm, and 16 pound-feet of torque at 7,300 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
The V-Strom 250SX comes with a pair of single-disc brakes, both front and rear. It features 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels with dual sport tires. The bike also includes handguards, an engine cowl, an LCD display, a USB charging port, and a rear shock with seven levels of preload adjustability.
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The V-Strom 250SX has a ground clearance of 205mm (8 inches), a seat height of 835mm (32.9 inches), and a curb weight of 164 kilograms (361.5 pounds). Suzuki also offers a low seat accessory for shorter riders, which lowers the seat height to 815mm (32 inches).
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 250SX will be available in three color options in Japan: Champion Yellow Number Two, Pearl Blaze Orange, and Glass Sparkle Black. The bike will be available at Suzuki dealerships across Japan starting on August 24, 2023.
The base MSRP for the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 250SX is 569,800 yen (about $3,976), including the 10 percent Japanese consumption tax. Additional accessory options are available at an extra cost, including a top case adapter plate, a top case, an accessory bar, tank pad, tank protector, and heated grips.
