Suzuki has finally done it, releasing their long-awaited liquid-cooled 776cc parallel-twin engine for the 2023 model year. While that engine is not in the V-Strom 650 or SV650, at least not yet, the P-twin is in two exciting new adventure models, the V-Strom 800DE and V-Strom 800DE Adventure.
Related: Suzuki Introduces 776cc Parallel-Twin Engine 2023
The engine itself is news that needed its own headline (see above). Its 270-degree crank gives it the characteristic sound and torque we love, and Suzuki’s new Cross Balancer system should make it a smooth operator. Suzuki claims “The spaced nature of the engine’s power pulses enhances traction and contributes to strong power output at low speeds, making the V-Strom 800 DE easier to control on forest roads and trails.”
The engine’s valves cue off a dual overhead cam; cylinder stats are an 84mm bore, 70mm stroke, and 12.8:1 compression ratio. Riders can tailor engine performance with Suzuki’s Drive Mode Selector, which has three ride modes and four active traction control settings including Gravel mode. The TC can also be turned off. There’s clutchless shifting through the six-speed gearbox thanks to the standard bi-directional shifter. An upswept 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust complies with emissions standards and trumpets the V-Strom’s sound.
The new engine comes in an all-new cradle. The steel backbone-style frame is designed to check the boxes marked strength, stability, and nimbleness to suit any variety of multi-surface adventures. The V-Strom’s inverted Showa fork and Show link-type shock are adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound, and the suspension has the longest travel of the V-Strom pack with a figure of 8.7 inches at both ends. Ground clearance is listed at 6.7 inches.
Unsprung components include new 90/90-21 and 150/70-17 Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires situated on spoked aluminum wheels. Braking is handled by dual axial-mounted Nissin calipers and 310mm floating discs at the front and a single Nissin rear caliper with a 260mm disc. Two-level ABS can be switched off for fun on unpaved routes. The clutch lever, shifter, front brake lever and rear brake pedal are all adjustable to accommodate different hand and foot sizes.
The angular bodywork on the 800DE is all-new, as are the subtle graphics. The front end has the characteristic beak of the V-Strom, but a pair of LED headlights keep up the stacked look of Suzuki’s recent redesigns (see GSX-S1000). Protecting the base model’s engine is a polyethylene skid plate and plastic undercover; the Adventure ups the protection ante with an aluminum undercover, aluminum skid plate, and tubular accessory bar. A new mesh guard protects both bikes’ radiators from flying debris.
Champion Yellow No. 2 or Glass Matte Mechanical Gray are the color choices for the base 800DE. The Adventure comes in Glass Sparkle Black.
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Technical Specifications And Price
| PRICE: | TBD |
|---|---|
| ENGINE: | 776cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin |
| BORE x STROKE: | 84.0 x 70.0mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO: | 12.8:1 |
| FUEL DELIVERY: | Fuel injection |
| CLUTCH: | Wet multiplate clutch |
| TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE: | 6-speed/chain |
| MEASURED HORSEPOWER: | N/A |
| MEASURED TORQUE: | N/A |
| FRAME: | Steel backbone |
| FRONT SUSPENSION: | Showa inverted telescopic fork; 8.7-in. travel |
| REAR SUSPENSION: | Showa link-type single shock adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound; 8.7-in. travel |
| FRONT BRAKE: | Nissin two-piston calipers, dual 310mm discs w/ adjustable ABS |
| REAR BRAKE: | Nissin one-piston caliper, 260mm disc w/ adjustable ABS |
| WHEELS, FRONT/REAR: | Spoked aluminum; 21 in. / 17 in. |
| TIRES, FRONT/REAR: | Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour; 90/60-21 / 150/70-17 |
| RAKE/TRAIL: | 28.0°/4.5 in. |
| WHEELBASE: | 61.8 in. |
| SEAT HEIGHT: | 33.7 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY: | 5.3 gal. |
| CLAIMED WET WEIGHT: | 507 lb. (w/o Adventure accessories) |
| WARRANTY: | 1 year |
| AVAILABLE: | TBD |
| CONTACT: | suzukicycles.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com