I Bought the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, Here's Why
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- I replaced my KLR650 with the new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. Why? Well there's a lot of reasons, lets talk about them.
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Since your content moved me to buy a new KLR, I want to thank you in advance for making me go out and buy a new V-Strom!
I'm interested to here if the 800DE is better off road than the 22KLR, keep them coming , cool.
I think this is what the KLR could have been if Kawasaki was more proactive in the market, and it's a fantastic choice. It's not a big dirtbike like the T7 or the Tuareg, but it seems more dirt capable than the big 850GS & Triump 900. IOW, it seems to be the perfect middle ground middleweight. I'm looking forward to upgrading from my KLR next season, if there's any in stock!
You said it! I think these are gonna sell like hotcakes! 🏍️💨
ive only had my KLR since january and im already starting to put money away for this or a T7
The Suzuki is getting some traction with very positive early coverage, I reckon you’ve made the right choice and looking forwards to seeing how she fairs and what mods etc. keep up the decent honest content Curtis 👍👌
Cheers mate, looking forward to it too
Adventure bike = reliability and versatility = Suzuki Vstrom 800. Love mine. I'm a 70% road, 30% dirt rider and it devours everything I've put in front of it
I reckon that's the perfect balance for the 800
I got rid of an AT because it was too heavy and cumbersome, combined with the cost of spares.
$400/side for front faring
$1000 for headlight assembly
$1200 for a tank
and the 2016 had an issue with the right footpeg breaking off on touchdown.
It was a nice bike for the road but out of my repair budget for off road. I got 55000kms from mine but it changed my view on "Adventure bikes". Servicing air filters was a pain in the arse and they shouldn't have snappy cracky brittle plastics, they should have flexible dirt bike fairings and plastics and tank.
Ill head towards a DRZ400 while still available, stick a safari tank and some B&B gear on and call it good.
.
Not much to go wrong or break on a DRZ400
I'm up here in Canada I just bought one 15,3 out the door im a pretty new rider and this bike makes me feel pro . The power even in c mode is more then enough I explore the gravel back roads all over alberta its good on fuell for work im absolutely in love with the v strum 800. I have a 30 inch in seam and it's not a problem. As well this bike is a real head turner
Nice mate. They are very easy to ride hey
You have pretty much touched on all the reasons why I'm making this Suzuki 800DE my ADV choice👍. I already own a KTM 250 XCw, although the bike is a weapon on the trails, it would absolutely suck for ADV work. My other bike is big ol' Victory Cross Country, amazing for taking me and my wife touring but not so good on the off-road 🤣.. The 800DE will slot in perfectly between my two bikes.
Great decision mate, congratulations on your new Suzuki. I love them as I find Suzuki's great value bikes to buy and maintain, and also pretty bleddy bulletproof.
I'm really looking forward to seeing you put an 800DE through its paces with some proper off road riding, and also seeing where you go with modding it.
I'm sure it won't be too long before there are plenty of after market parts available.
I don't know what the cost of a replacement headlight is for the 800DE but I prioritised headlight protection on my 650XT as a priority, after I'd fitted crash bars.
After riding the 800DE the other week I've put one straight into 2nd position on my bike shopping list, but it's gonna have to wait a while as I'm currently restoring an '82 TS125ER, and then I wanna get my hands on a DRZ400 which are still pretty available used here in the UK.
I don't plan to sell my 650XT as I love it, it's my main bike, I ride it all year round in all weathers and there's still stuff I wanna do with it, otherwise I'd consider a part ex on the 800DE for sure as it's a definite step up for many reasons.
Have fun.
Ride safe.
✌️
Drz400 and 800de, that'd be a good combo
I think it is a great choice! Can't wait to see what you do with the mods.
Cheers Bill. Can't wait to start modding
Ace. Catching up with the journey on this bike having found the last one bashing through the forest.
You just answered exactly what I was contemplating with the Transalp and do love the Africa Twin the most but… you pay for it and she’s still a big girl. Currently have a scrambler 400X which is brilliant but… for the odd pillion ride, it’s a touch small in the seat.
The 800DE is starting to make a lot of sense. 👍🏼😎
Good to have you on board mate
Certainly, i am considering doing the same. I was a bit concerned about its weight but sat on one and it feels lighter. It looks great in yellow and i also like the blue. I am thanking of hepco low crashbars and barkbusters as the only mods. However, the adv version with panniers, crash bars, metal skidplate is only 1200 more. Seems like a good deal as buying all of those items individually would be $2,000 or a bit more.
You made the right call. I had a KLR650 years ago. Now that I'm in the market for another bike, I'm looking at the VStrom 800.
Your first ride vid prompted me to check one out at TM Virginia on Friday. Very impressive and as you say definitely doesn’t feel like 230kg’s. Fit and finish is very GS too, certainly got me thinking.
Good quality finish for sure
I think you will love the V-Strom. I just got back from a six-day trip, and it did great. It took me five days averaging 593 mile per day and one day at 200 miles, for a total of 1165 miles. I found it comfortable and performed very well. Beware that you have to take it to the dealer to have the service warning indicator off.
Those are some big days of riding
This my planned change from my first bike, the klr, so I'm going to watch these videos with interest.
Seems like the logical next step the 800
Im pumped. Been looking for new vids everyday on this bike lol
Haha nice. Going to be a steady stream from me
Way better than the Trans Alp out of the box , Showa adjustable Suspension front an Back along with Larger Capacity fuel tank , Dollar for Dollar the Suzuki is the better Adv Bike no doubt , Honda fell way Short on the Trans Alp , Would have been nice if Honda would have Spec'ed the Trans Alp up to be more Simular to the Africa Twin , how ever they didnt
Congrats mate, nice explanation and makes perfect sense - looking forward to the mods and future videos
Whatever captures your interest Curtis, I trust you and will follow you. I'm not into the V-strom, now being a recent Tuareg owner, but I love to hear your thoughts and will be interested in seeing where you'll take this bike. I follow your reasoning, and lest we forget, if this bike doesn't do it for you sometime in the future then no doubt you'll find something else that does. I just like hearing you share your take on things and have followed your wacky path and adventures. So on with the show! Thanks............
Cheers mate! Hope the Tuareg is treating you well
Can't blame yall, it is just a better klr
Hell yeah!
Solid reasoning. Good job! And yeah, get some proper tyres and loose the excess weight off the bike.....And I am sure you will have the "standard" Suzuki gearbox - which is the best in the motorcycle world, so will be interesting to hear about that too. 👍
Definitely the right choice to take this over the Transalp!
Will be cool to see if you will deem the Vstrom suspension adventure-ready as it is. And if not: how much better does it get with some budget mods (springs + oil)?
Will do. Got a fair bit more testing and riding to do and I'll update everyone for sure
As a 22klr owner that’s why I started following your channel, but I are completely agree with the 800 being the next step in a klr owners interest. I’ll definitely be sticking around and am glad this is the bike you settled on! It’s funny how you and Ian from @bigrockmoto both compare it directly to the klr.
Well there you go, didn't know he said that too. Good to hear you're staying for the madness that is OTBW 😂
As a V-strom owner I say you made a great choice. I recently checked out the 800 and I didn't like it as much as my 14 1000 but it's still a great bike. I can pretty much go anywhere a klr can on my 1k so you should be able to do a little more with the suspension on the 800. People unsubscribing because of the bike change is typical but you'll gain subs right back because of the V-strom.
Really liking it so far. I only hear good things about the 1000
I reckon you made the right decision in getting the Vstrom over the transalp, To me the transalp would be very similar to a KLR on dirt but with a better engine , It even looks very similar from the front, The Suzuki is a solid bike and built more with off roading in mind and the quick shifter really appeals to me, i am keen to have a look at one myself to buy,
I like your videos because you are taking these heavy ADV bikes on a serious off road adventures, testing them beyond their limits, which is very cool and interesting. That being said, like the KLR, this one is another Japanese ADV bike, which are known fort their reliability and trustworthiness, and unlike the Tuareg, or the China made KTM/GAS GAS etc. So I'm back to watch your cool Chanel. Good luck!
Cheers mate. Even though it's a new model, I bet it'll be reliable
@@onthebackwheel Me too. As a bike that bears the name V-Strom..
Great bike!
Looking forward to more reviews
Really enjoying it. Going out on a good ride next week to further test it
Great review~ greetings from Las Vegas!
G'day!
The 800DE is a fabulous bike. Good choice!
DE excellent choice! Will be watching to see how you progress with this fantastic bike.
I think the strom is going to make a very good adv bike, and also be a great choice for your channel. Looking forward to seeing your future content involving this bike, and to seeing the suzuki getting some air time haha
Cheers mate and yes, air time for sure!
Sweet bike and from what I hear very reliable. Happy with the KLR, but will be exploring other options in the future and the V-strom is one I would like to consider, being that I'm leaning more towards touring than hardcore off roading
This is probably the one for you
Good choice! would you be able to a 2 up review from yours and the pillions perspective? I need a bike to be OK for 2 up tours as well and very few people give a decent 2 up review? cheers and keep up the good content.
I'll see what I can do. I might have to rope the wife in
I just sold my KLR for an 800DE. It should be here in the next week, and I can't wait. I found your channel because of the V-Strom content, but I find all of your videos entertaining, so it doesn't matter what you're on; I'll stick around. :)
Enjoy mate, big upgrade from the KLR and thanks!
I too took a long look at the Transalp, but am very disappointed that its not the deal it appears to be at first look. Nonadjustable suspension that is extremely soft, and lacking all of the most basic needed parts which are available from the factory at extremely high prices. -Which means its almost 20k when equipt with the lever guards, bashplate etc. Vstom arrives with all this for thousand less, but is less refined.
Yeah it's a good base, not quite there for me. Will have to try one
After I rode a GS1150ES years ago I always wanted a Suzuki.
There have been some good reviews about the 800DE, even MADTV said that they are a good ADV bike. Built to 90% of the average ADV rider requirements, others can but the KTMs when they need the WP suspension.
Good choice, I'm looking forward to see how it progresses. Suzuki's historic reliability is in your favor.
I have a KLR 2022 and a V Strom 650 XT 2021…..they had a baby…the 800DE…the bike of choice but I’m broke so will stay with my KLR but stay on your channel because I love your videos. You ride off road like a barbarian and Australia is amazing.
Great choice for the 800. Keep going matte.
Ride like a barbarian haha, I'll take that. Sell both and get an 800?
As far as the best adventure bike you can get for the money, clearly it's 800. But really, any bike will do. Like any bike. I've seen videos of people taking the old 650xt hiding it from Norway to South Africa . They had a great time. Just grab a bike that speaks to you and ride it
I also have a KLR and am really considering the VStrom as my next bike. Will be watching closely for your thoughts.
Very solid reasons. Actually same reasons I want one, except the channel-biased reasons. I do make UA-cam content, but I live in a country where offroad possibilities are at the bare minimum so I can't really make any good content on that. However, I do enjoy riding adventure bikes, commute on it and do vacations with it (including offroad sections in foreign countries). I currently have a XT660Z Tenere 2010 and will get a 800DE when I have written this one off (or close to it). I think it takes a while before the switch can happen though. This one is good yet.
It would certainly be great for vacations and touring
It’s an awesome choice. I just think it’s a bit expensive for that it is though. Same story with the tenere, they’re too expensive here in aus. Anyway good choice though, keen for more content
Bikes are bloody expensive now days, hard to avoid. The Transalp is suprisingly cheap and this is on par with USA prices it seems once they pay their taxes and what not
Can’t believe you picked the strom over the Transalp or T7
Was a tough decision picking it over the Transalp
People are calling the 800DE the DR800.
I called it that after my beach ride. Very capable
This or ktm 790 adventure 2023 for long tours ok highways and some off road? Or anything else?
Good choice 👍👍can't wait to see the build .
Thank you for your review. I was in the dilema of whether to get a KLR650 vs Suzuki Vstrom 800. I am not a off roader. But when I sat on the KLR 650, it felt so comfy and perfect. But given, KLR does not do better on highways. I wanted something which can do both with more on the on road capability. Looks like Suzuki got my business :)
It is a much nicer (and fun) road bike. Also look at the Transalp, that could suit you perfectly
@@onthebackwheel transapl is not here in US yet.
Good choice, looking forward to more content 👍
reckon you made a good choice there. This bike, in the right hands, with a few choice tweaks, will be a better option for more spirited off road adv riding. Even assuming a Transalp owner was to fit fully adjustable suspension front and rear (which would be pretty spendy) I don't think the TA has the right engine characteristics. Suzuki have always been considered a bit of an underdog but people tend to forget they've designed some of the most iconic bikes in every category , many of which remained pretty much unchanged over the years and are still highly rated to this day: RM 250, DR650, DRZ400, SV650, Vstrom 650, GSXR750...all top bikes!
They do fly under the radar old Suzuki
Honestly one of my favourite channels hands down. The ridding you do is so realistic for a lot of riders like my self here in Canada and I want to thank you for your content. I originally was watching because I was pondering the purchase of the new KLR, but now it’s a toss up between the KLR and the 800. Keep the videos coming! You’re killing it 💪🏼
Thanks mate! Appreciate it. The vstrom is much better than the KLR, hard to beat it's reliability and simplicity though
Sounds like you bought the wrong bike for your riding style tbh. Looks to me like the VStrom is heavily biased to on road commute just like the transalp. Still looking forward to watching you hammer this zook. Its good to see someone riding mid weight adv properly off road. Will be listening for that showa clunk in your future videos 😂
Next video idea: put some.knobbies on that fucker and put it on a diet!
Haha it is no doubt way too road biased, part of the fun though! Haha working on the knobbies mate, just deciding which and sending out some feelers
Mate, just some advice. Make content you want because you want to make it. If you're chasing the algorithm you'll almost always going to come up short and you also won't enjoying making the content. Finding an audience that enjoys what you want to do is the way to build a long lasting viewer base and people who will always interact with your content no matter the Bike. A prime example of that is losing people because of the KLR. Just me throwing that out there. Take it for what's it worth to you! 800DE is a really solid bike in general and should be trouble free mechanically.
Cheers mate. You're right and certainly not going to make videos I don't want to do. She's going to cop a hiding, so hopefully she's reliable 😆
@@onthebackwheel Unless you run a tree through the rear wheel! LOL
@@4tech69 haha that is very high on my list of things to avoid!
I already beat the daylights out of my DL1000XAL8 and it has a 19" front tire, about 6" of travel, and 6.5" of ground clearance.
I've been getting tired of having to pound out or weld my bash plate.
I kept saying I'd give my front teeth for 2" more travel and ground clearance, a bit less weight, and a 21" front tire.
My DL1000 already has fully adjustable suspension.
So, when Suzuki came out with the 800DE, it was like they heard my wishes (I'm sure I'm not the only ones with those exact same wishes).
I want to be able to carry the camping gear, be able to ride to the adventure, then have that adventure, and the 800DE seems like my dream come true.
I haven't ridden hardly at all this year. Had a fall in January, separated my left should, damaged my rotor cuff. Broke left middle finger, badly sprained right wrist and left knee and it's been slow going getting the strength back in that shoulder. I've full range of motion now, with just a little discomfort, so 2024 is my target to get an 800DE and get back on the trails.
By that time, there should be a good array of aftermarket farkles for the 800DE.
Just subscribed.
You don't run at the mouth with ooo's and aaahh's, your comments are apropos for what you are doing at that time, you ASK for people who disagree to comment and don't whine about it. Too many channels are NOT about the joy of getting out there and having fun while improving.
Keep it coming.
Glad to hear you're on the mend. I've had the bike for a while now and am still really enjoying the bike. Aftermarket parts are finally hitting the shelves so you might have timed your run perfectly
thanks for the back story. Looking forward to see zuki in the wild.
You and me both, keen to get out on it
Loved my vstrom 650's and 1000. Years ago, but I think I am in love with the quickshifter on this thing. Tiger 900 has a great quickshifter but the engine will shake your teeth out when your in the meat of the rpm range. I have sworn off all the bs gadget bikes at 25-30 grand. Me likey................
It's a good thing!
Hi Curtis! Quick question, how would you rate the vstrom 800DE vs the Tuareg on the road and/or city commuting? Not highway speeds, just getting around on one vs the other. Thanks!
Hey mate. I like the Tuareg more overall. I do like the 800DE motor a LOT though. Its punchy and the quick shifter works amazingly well. The Tuareg is lighter and fun to throw around, the 800 is more planted and road like
What a coincidence!! I just SOLD my gen3 klr after a year owning (owned t7 before it WAAAY too topheavy!), and picking up a grey de800 tomorrow!!
Well there you go!
7 tkm for suzuki de, previous was t7 on 40tkm. Suzuki does everything better. Only thing to complain is original dunlop ties, they are road tires. At bike which is designed to adventure.
You are right, the stock tyres are not adventure ready at all
You know how tired I am of taking off the fairing on my Africa Twin just to change the air filters? That’s why I am looking at the V-Strom 800DE
One of the worst set ups ever!
Suggestions / ideas ... if I had one of those bikes, I'd probably consider a pair of Motoz Tractionator GPS tyres and pursue dirt roads.
Good tyres! Would be perfectly suited to this bike. I'm going to put something more aggressive on though, possibly the Rallz
Apparently suzuki is bringing out a more road/touring oriented 800 de. So by comparison will honda bring out a true off road version of the transalp?.
I wouldn't think so. Honda made their decision (and no doubt the right one in terms of sales). Suzuki is only doing it because the Vstrom market is so used to the 19 inch front and tubeless set up
The vstrom 800DE is super sexxy but more of a road bike if you want a proper dual sport/adventure id look towards the drz 400
Definitely a 50/50 ADV bike. Might get a light enduro to do the silly stuff on
I'm in the same boat. I'm ready to move on from my klr.
I have a 22 Klr650abs Im considering to trade my klr for a 650 xt or a 800DE. Still undecided
800 is definitely a more capable off road bike. Depends what you are after I suppose
Can you please do a comparison video between vstrom 800 de and bmw gs 850?
Might be a tricky one as I don't have a relationship with BMW. I'll see what I can do!
A good choice. One concern that might applies to your adv style and location, as is described by another Australia viewers, is that the stock air filter suits Europe riding or city commuting but may be insufficient for dusty Oz backcountry adventure (ua-cam.com/video/6XnQ1IBymWs/v-deo.html)
Funnily enough I took that all apart to check it today. I like the pre filter part of it, don't like the paper filter
Bit of a bitch to get to but unifilter will have something pretty soon. Maybe theyll find a way to make it so you dont have to remove the battery!
@@atlas_au I'm going to try find a way. Battery box is easy enough to get rid of, early days yet
I watch your content for you and the way you ride the bikes.
We’re riding buddies just riding thousands of miles apart. 😂
The VStrom has a huge cult-like following and I think the 800 DE is capable of taking them to the next level of capability. A lot of us own, or have owned KLRs because of the cult-like following and you’re right p, then we upgrade capabilities.
I’m interested to see your modification choices. You gave us a great baseline stock ride in the earlier video. 👍
Thanks mate, look forward to riding with you one day
@@onthebackwheel That’ll be an awesome day!
good choice, there are much more V Strom owner´s than KLR owner´s in the world!
Crazy to think. Must be popular
Good choice! Maybe you can get an old KLR too, something to play around on and tinker with. It has a mojo that cant be explained in words as much as just riding one. Of my DR650, Honda ATAS, Gen1 KLR, and Yamaha Raider, the KLR is my favorite to go almost anywhere (as long as it isn't too far).
Been swaying towards the Suzuki myself , I think it was a good choice.
It's a nice bike for sure
Well, I am completely stuck between the Aprillia Tuareg 660 and the V Strom... You seemed to really like the Aprilia when you reviewed it, what made you choose the Suzuki?
Well, I probably should have actually watched the video first..lol... I think if the Suzuki had cruise control I think it would be an easy choice for me just because of potential reliability and dealer network... They seem very evenly matched all things considered.
I'd say go the Tuareg. It's a better bike and much more capable off road (if that's your thing)
I just crashed my klr and I have been looking at this v strom for some time now
Welcome to the club haha
Oh gawd not another parallel twin. The most boring engine config.
Goes hard, sounds great and works well off road. I'm happy so far
I love this choice. I test road one yesterday because of these videos and I love it as well and will be picking one up as soon as I can. My short take on this bike is, the motor is amazing, so much torque everywhere especially down low, the seat is super comfy, the quickshifter is very good, the tech package while it needs cruise is super easy to use. I'm Sold
You're right, the engine and gearbox are an absolute winner
After I posted the above comment I actually went and bought one. I got the adventure model. Please keep making content. Winter is starting here near Chicago so mine won't get much use for a while. Looking forward to your videos.
@@WadeMade nice mate, at least you'll be able to enjoy looking at it during the winter! I'll keep making vids for sure 👊
I've noticed the vsrom 800de doesn't have a chain guide that could be a major problem if you get one for it
excellent choice. I will be purchasing one as well.I have a first gen KLR that will be going for sale
I saw you tested the cf moto touring what do you think was wrong as a bike for you
Not enough suspension on that for me. Good bike though
good choice, would be my pick too
Perfect choice, would love to see more content on this bike.
Cheers, looking forward to it
KTM 690 would suit you much better.
It would. Maybe next bike
I want a V Strummer too.
An interesting choice of bike, although your analysis of the Transalp is accurate. "We wanted a smaller Africa Twin, but we got a larger CB500X". Very true, although you then go on to say you didn't actually ride the Transalp yet(?). Out of my choices, between the Transalp, the 800DE and the Tuareg, I am still inclined towards the Transalp, although I will ride all three before deciding. Obviously the fact that the Honda is cheaper allows some modifying, before it hits the floor price of the Suzuki. Yes, the Transalp is limited in the suspension travel and ground clearance, but I see it as an 'all-rounder' dirt road bike, not a trail bike. But I suspect it will be easier to improve the suspension of the Honda, than to remove the extra 22kgs from the Suzuki...
Much easier than removing 22kg! There weren't any Transalps to ride unfortunately and I needed a bike. I'll get my hands on one eventually. No doubt with the suspension sorted it would be a real weapon. Maybe after this I'll grab one
why did you pick the 800 over the other v-strom engine sizes - I am not an off road rider
It is more of an off-road bike. The 650 is much more road focused and the 1050 more of a big tourer
That tiny headlight ... your thoughts mate ?
Works good. Not mind blowing but does the job
Can't wait when you start modding it and all your new videos. What tires are you going to get? I suggest Kenda Big Block tires(Kenda K784). Kenda say they are 50/50 tire, but I think they are proper off-road tires for heavier bikes!
They transformed my Moto Guzzi V85 TT to a proper adv bike and I can even ride single tracks and enduro paths. They are pretty stiff, so installing them is harder than usually. Also, they are way wider than any other tires, so check your clearance at the back before buying.
I also removed about 10kg from my V85 TT, so it "only" weights about 195kg dry now, which really transformed its handling. 23 liter tank really adds weight when full, though.
I've never used the big blocks, I'll add them to my list to consider
Can’t wait to see all the mods !! You’ll do
What about the Husky 901 expedition- no mods required , adventure ready out of the box 😊including some type of 💩panniers 😂
They are super nice. Also $10000 more and out of my price range
I have the 23 klr S and I bought it based off reviews by you Dork and a couple others. And people get butthurt when the people they based their purchase off of move on to other bikes. I dont. I dont plan to lose my KLR any time soon. And you wanting to move on doesnt change my opinion of the KLR. I did my research but ultimately chose for me. I just made an informed decision. I do believe the influence you and others have sometimes convinces people either on purpose or not to buy a certain product or bike. Thats on them for not using the info you provided to make a decision for themselves. I love the V Strom 800DE and I am really trying hard not to run out and purchase one without tons of research. I look forward to your experiences etc with the Suzuki. Because for me it will fill a void if I decide to get one. The ol KLR is great for riding within 250 to 350 miles of home. And I will keep it for that very purpose. But the V will make my plans of riding out west which is 1k miles one way or more just to get there a reality due to highway abilities.
Hold firm mate. Hopefully they do an update with cruise control and by then there will be a ton of aftermarket parts for it
I enjoy your offroad antics and pace as i always feel there's a time and place....and for me on the bike on the dirt on the throttle (between 80&100) is being alive.
I cannot help but appreciate that the Tenere is free of all the tech.....not sure how the bikes with electronics/imu etc would fare in a scenario where it fails and there was no support or backup ?? can these new bikes with all that gadgetry still operate effectively without it??
I'll find out. Not ideal for sure, but I'm not doing hard enduro so should be fine
I never considered the 800de until now....
Haha early days yet
I'm with you. The V-Strom is surely the best combination between a pure touring bike and an enduro bike. I'm excited to see what you will do with it and the terrain that you will travel with it. Anything you can do with a T7, you can do with the Suzuki and I don't see many riders questioning the ability of the T7. So, good luck with the project. I'll watch!
Cheers mate. The T7 is a bit more capable overall, the Strom is certainly no slouch though!
I'd agree with all you said m8, I test rode the Suzuki and then bought the Transalp. No regrets at all, engine feel and gearbox seem better IMO on the Honda, I bought baseplate and engine guards, first ride around D'Aguilar it was a bit harsh but felt strong AF, a decent set of tyres and maybe some suspension work will do me.
Will be a mean machine for sure. Wish I could have both!
Hi Curtis… u tested out the tiger 900 rally pro.. why isn’t that in yr list of choice? Cheers…
A bit too expensive for me. Really nice bike though
@@onthebackwheel I am waiting patiently for the arrival of the 800 DE into Singapore where I am right now… Suzuki agent told me it will be Feb 2024 earliest… what a shame…
@@jackchen9803 the new Triumph 900 will probably be out by then!
Honest opinion. Ok, I think you’re going to beat the crap out of it. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’ve never seen anyone put a bike harder , through its paces then you. If Curtis can’t kill it , it’s a damn good bike.😊
Haha that's the plan
Thanks for the interesting comments about the bike. I am interested in this and the Transalp. Looking to getting into off road stuff so also worried about the Transalp in that situation. I am interested in getting the 800DE myself I think. I will be interested to see how you go.
It's a tough comparison, keen to ride the Transalp to see how it compares
Congrats! I bought one to! I fell in love with the smoothness of it. I think it can do everything and bring a smile on my face. I’m an inexperienced adventurous rider and will not push it so hard, still happy because it’s Going to be amazing on Swedish gravel roads. Looking forward to see Moore content from you and learn more about accessories and adventure riding from you and your new bike. See you around . Best regards from Sweden. Johan
Nice mate, sounds like the perfect bike for you
Hey Curtis, I think you've great content mate and always enjoy your videos. I would have loved seeing you get the GG ( biased cos I have one with a lot of mods and it's a weapon!) but fully get the choice for the channel too! I think the more this bike becomes available the larger the following will come too. As an idea for the channel, maybe do some comparisons with a mates bike on the same ride, hop off the 800 to a 690 and talk about how it feels and who it might suit? Keep up the good work and good luck
Sounds like a good idea to me. Will aim to do it in the future. Mate would love the gasgas, maybe next one
Congratulations on your new bike! It’s a bike that is definitely on my list for a future bike. I bought my V-Strom 650 new ten years ago and now it has well over 100,000 miles on it and it’s still going strong. I’m looking forward to seeing your adventures on your V-Strom 800DE. Safe travels!
100000 miles is fantastic! Well done
good reasoning behind your choice and I look forward to seeing what you do to it and how you punish it 😂