I Bought the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, Here's Why 

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.

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 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!

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. :)

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 👍👌

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. .

After I rode a GS1150ES years ago I always wanted a Suzuki.

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............

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.

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 💪🏼

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. ✌️

The 800DE is a fabulous bike. Good choice!

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.

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

Can't blame yall, it is just a better klr

DE excellent choice! Will be watching to see how you progress with this fantastic bike.

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!

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.

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

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.

Good choice, I'm looking forward to see how it progresses. Suzuki's historic reliability is in your favor.

Good choice 👍👍can't wait to see the build .

thanks for the back story. Looking forward to see zuki in the wild.

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,

Curtis your content is great, I was initially into your channel because big bikes on trails is entertaining. I'm glad you're sticking with it.

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.

I think it is a great choice! Can't wait to see what you do with the mods.

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.

Good choice, looking forward to more content 👍

Very solid reasons. Actually same reasons I want one, except the channel-biased reasons. I do make RU-vid 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.

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.

Perfect choice, would love to see more content on this bike.

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!

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.

Im pumped. Been looking for new vids everyday on this bike lol

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

I also have a KLR and am really considering the VStrom as my next bike. Will be watching closely for your thoughts.

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

Strange people would leave for that reason I like learning about other bikes but i prefer watching you out and about riding

Congrats mate, nice explanation and makes perfect sense - looking forward to the mods and future videos

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.

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 :)

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.

This my planned change from my first bike, the klr, so I'm going to watch these videos with interest.

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)?

excellent choice. I will be purchasing one as well.I have a first gen KLR that will be going for sale

Keep eyes on SWMotech gear. I have it fitted to my 1050XT and the german quality to the bike I have no regrets.

good choice, would be my pick too

Looking forward to seeing more content on this bike. Tyres first!

Very interested in this bike brother 👊 thank you for getting it out there for us to see what it does

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. 👍

Been swaying towards the Suzuki myself , I think it was a good choice.

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

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!

Klr content attracted me as that's my first bike now. But i really like ypur content and im learning a lot from guys like you and even though you dont have the KLR anymore i wont have mune forever either so im exited to see other bikes i may consider in the future as well.

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).

I'm in the same boat. I'm ready to move on from my klr.

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!!

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.

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. 👍

Had an '09 DL 1000, got a '20 1050 XT Adventure and the 800 will be my next bike! 🏍️💨

Thanks for the great vid. Interesting to hear the ideas on possible changes. I'm still loving my DR650 & have a few more missions to do before I think of possibly changing to another bike but the Vstrom8 certainly has a lot of appeal.

Great bike! Looking forward to more reviews

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

Looking forward to seeing this beast get all the mods. I reckon you and your mates should look at doing a 4wd 24/7 style weekend away some time later on when you're all kitted out.

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.

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.

Great choice.........looking forward to all the great mods and ride vids. I own a 22 klr which I really enjoy......but you had pretty much exhausted the klr from mod content. I enjoy your ride vids the most anyway regardless of the bike you are riding.

Well, I did not see that coming Curtis! However, I think you have made the right choice in the VSTROM over the Transalp!

You're echoing my thoughts without riding the Honda or the Suzuki yet, Will be interesting to see what people end up doing to get their Transalps more off-road friendly but I think the big V is going to be my weapon of choice when I get my act together too. Keen to follow your build up on this one!

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!

Your answer satisfied my question. Excellent choice, however, I still wanted to see you ride the Transalp and compare it to the V-Strom 800DE

Great review~ greetings from Las Vegas!

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

Perfect choice for your concerns - I only see two channels did serious off road testing on this bike - u and big rock moto (He is highly dedicated to his content making). I think u r going to off road test to much higher level than big rock moto which makes your content unique. Everyone else tested this bike in gravel road. I personally love to see a tenere world raid with a full rs 12 exhaust on it, some weight loss modifications like battery changing etc some good protection and blasting through trails. I think world raid is the best go any where bike currently available.

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.

Well done l think you made a great choice for you and your channel and the commuting you do from work and back and of course out to the fun fields as l do myself all the best with your new wheels and adv build your gonna have a blast 👍👌

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

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.😊

good reasoning behind your choice and I look forward to seeing what you do to it and how you punish it 😂

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.

I intend to get one at the end of the month, I'll be ready to sell my 09 wee strom and the bash plates will be available then (according to b&Bg and suzuki). Your content is more extreme off road than my style but I like your presentation and rationale for doing stuff. It's not the first time I've heard it described like a suped up klr in terms of feel but with twice the power and decent suspension.

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.

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................

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

Overall a great bike definitely more offroad focused than the new Transalp. The first thing I would change though is to fit a smaller/lighter muffler

I just crashed my klr and I have been looking at this v strom for some time now

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 😂

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.

Suggestions / ideas ... if I had one of those bikes, I'd probably consider a pair of Motoz Tractionator GPS tyres and pursue dirt roads.

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...

Love your channel look forward to the mods your going to do. I bought the klr because of your channel but ill stick with it, find it hard to bush bash a 11k bike let alone a 18k bike. Besides riding the klr tractor keeps me from going ballistic.

I agree with your philosophy the 800DE is definitely an excellent base for a mile munching ADV build. I saw an old guy on a Vstrom 250DE at Jerrys @ Kulnurra NSW on Saturday it was a miniature 800DE nice little bike I ride a KTM 690R Enduro they are a fantastic mount but have their inherent issues just like any other performance oriented bike keep up the good work mate cheers 😊

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 would've loved to seen you on a transalp for the exact reason you said about the lack of offroad content, I've seen videos of people riding more gnarly stuff on a 500x than the transalp. Ideally I'd get a tenere but I think they might be a bit big for me and the weight put me off the Vstrom. In the end I went with a 390 adventure I figured it would be a good bike until I find out what I want out of a bike. I look foreward to seeing more ride videos keep up the good work

Great vid. Love your honest breakdown of why you bought the VStrom. My favorite bike ever was my 2003 VStrom1000. I'm going to ride one of these soon. The dealer has already said I can take one for a spin. It will be interesting to see how it is on the road compared to that original 1000, or the VStrom650XT.

Good choice.

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??

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