I HATE The VSTROM 800DE | Can You Help? 

Interesting to read all the negative vibes on the new upcoming VStrom 800 back then before the launch. As it turned out now that it arrived, reviews are overwhelming positive. On road and On the dirt. And the engine turns out to be a really wonderful machine. I tried it it and it’s just that good and apparently the do-all class leader some say. Try it and prepare to get surprised folks

I saw it at the dealer. Sat on it. Bought it. I think it is gorgeous. It's a whole new machine. I'm with you about Suzuki since I was a kid. But, sadly didn't get to ride as much. I can now.

When everyone else are going for the modern look, taking another route might actually be a smart idea. This and Ducati Desert X really evoke the "good old times" vibe and I think it works.

I just bought a DR650 and built it how I wanted it. I'll take lighter and dependable over HP any day. Don't need electronic crap other than a GPS, LEDs and a charging port. Best ADV bike ever.

Nothing wrong with the Suzuki Beak. To me I like it better than the new crop of bug bike front ends. I like Suzuki too, I ride a 2007 DRZ400S and a 2014 VStrom 1000 adv. Suzuki usually goes conservative with their designs and keeps the price down

It might not be a Tenere slayer, but imho Suzuki really put together a great, well thought out bike and didn't just slap a 21" front wheel on. The bolt on subframe and adjustable Showa suspension front and back alone, could sway me from the T700. Honda's Transalp underwhelmed even the most die hard fan boys, while Suzuki took everybody by surprise on probably half of Honda's budget. The weight, yeah, it's there... That's the one thing that's got me somewhat apprehensive. Looks are subjective, but it's a bike that grows on you. Can't wait to see it in the flesh and take it for a testride. #vstromination

I was 100% agree with your criticism and then... I tested it and it's an incredible motorbike. It's fun, comfortable and the engine is simply amazing. So amazing infact that I started to like its look too. The lack of cruise control, tubeless tyres and a very annoying wind noise (even with the touring screen) are the only downsides that are still preventing me to buy it. #vstromination

I also own two 1989 Honda Transalps (for about 28 years now). Great bikes, but in need of a much needed update. Honda did just that. I'm on the top of the list for the first one that arrives. As for everyone that keep going on about the Yamaha T7 Tenere, if you think it's the best bike, then quit talking and go buy one. I keep hearing things like there are none around. I checked, there are about 80 of them on cycle trader all over the country. I found several of them within a short distance from where I live at retail price. So go buy one. All of these bikes have their good and bad points. They also have a place and a use. Buy what works for you. I would only ask that you a least wait for them to arrive, try them out and then be more informed of what they have to offer. Bottom line, life is short, just get out there and ride.

the vstrom is basically the tenere 700 but it weighs more, has more power and more tech. if the weight isnt an issue for you then the Suzuki is the better buy.

The last Suzuki I owned was a GT185 naked bike from the 70's. Being unfamiliar with its dual sport/dirt bike designs to me it vastly outshines the other bikes in its class. I love the retro front beak. 😍

Im still loving my 14 Vee. Pretty low tech, good ABS and brakes with a comf seat. I really switched it more towards dirt over the years I had it and it never disappoints. The low end torques with a gearing change is amazing and a ditch digger. Playing with the suspension, more crash pro and removing that factory suitcase 25ib can for a light little thing makes a difference. No 21" wheel for it yet that doesnt cost more than the bike, but there will be. It has a super tough bash plate that has moved more dirt/rock that most bulldozers. It is not a scalpel off road-it is a sledgehammer and either moved obstructions or slides over them. You just have to keep the throttle on and trust it. After 50yrs of riding it does what I want and that is what I asked for at a great price then(8thou). AND I can throw another gear change on in minutes and run the hwys coast to coast. Its not perfect and not a DS but it will get me where ADV bikes can go. It takes some tweaks to make it happen but its economical ones. Im a bigger guy too and it is just somewhere under 500lbs now at the light end of the ADV big bike weights. It is super reliable and just keeps going.The 800 CAN be a great bike with tweaks and I am sure you will make a fun, reliable machine my friend. Cant wait to see it! I had a 650 before so know what a great bike they are also. Ride what ya go and have fun. Stay safe my friends.

I love the DR BIG throw back! Missed the mark in this review!!

#Vstromination, do it man! Speaking of an interesting angle, what do you think about the compression ratio and high octane fuel availability in remote areas? I really want this bike to do well so I când retire my 2004 DL650...

I too have preferred Suzuki and I too have been a number of years without one. Today it is a Triumph Tiger 1050 and a Buell Ulysses along with my Honda XR650. So, the Vstrom 800DE has my attention. The dealer network is far better than Aprilia and the Honda is not a Suzuki. Yet, the t700 from Yamaha still has my attention. At 65 + years with 55 of them in a motorcycle saddle, I have to admit that it would be interesting to see what you can actually do with the 800DE. So, #VSTROMINATION!

I entirely appreciate your video and am astounded by the lengths you have gone to produce such a professional and thorough presentation including support for your conclusions. (Of course this applies to ALL of your videos!) I am in the process of relocating from West Virginia, where I have been enjoying my Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP on the twisty roads, to northern lower Michigan where the terrain is mostly straight and flat. :-( For these conditions, I am selling the Ducati in favor of a middle-weight adventure bike to tour and find some dirt roads/trails to replace the thrills of twisty roads. I have to say, the appearance of the V-Strom 800 is what put it #1 on the list for me (along with all the positive reviews I've watched). The Triumph Tiger 800 Sport is a close second. I guess I'm used to looking at the "beak" of the Hypermotard. Wish me luck and keep up the awesome work on your videos! :-)

Yup, couldn’t agree more. It’s like the creativity train went off the rail…..well quite awhile ago. I waited desperately for years hoping for an upgrade to the DR 650 & DRZ 400. I pulled the trigger and went to Italy for iron because I’m not getting any younger. Was hoping for that elusive unicorn only to find a mule. Keep up the good work.

just for me this new v-strom design is sick and perfect for an adventure bike, that concept design you've shown looks more like a dirt bike.

#Vstromination. The 800 DE less 50 pounds and with Cruise Control would be an easy best in class. Especially if they could keep it close to $10K. I love the idea! Show Suzuki what they should have had! My 2011 650A just rolled past 68,000 miles and is still going strong.

Great video and content....looking forward for your build of this great bike...👍

I love these videos and enjoy your commentary 75 vs 35% of the time! 100% with you on cruise control. But I think what's at issue here is what counts as an adventure bike? High mileage on- and off-road, is my definition. This makes the lack of cruise control a mystery, yet supports the rest of this Suzuki well. The Suzuki may be a bit better on road, but that bias will not hurt it with 80% of adventure riders. That seat looks like the most comfortable in the class. Your off-road bias may be showing here a bit, Mr. Goon. Few ADV riders do anything more than double track, and they buy a dual purpose bike if they need more.

It’s getting stunning reviews by non-corporate RU-vidrs

As a loyal Suzuki rider, I have been saying the exact same thing. If you go back to the early 90's DR 350, it was the closest thing to a street legal dirt bike you could get! Then KTM came up with the EXC line and took all their market share and Suzuki has never really stepped up with anything with such deep roots in dirt. I am very interested in what you develop with this bike and will be watching closely. #VSTROMINATION

I like your Dennis Miller reference at the end of the video. My first new bike was the 85 Quadracer. It was an animal!

Just watched two reviews of the bike. Both very positive. It’s still too heavy for me personally but I think it is a good option for many out there.

I agree with your opinion, a great bike but a missed opportunity. They could have made the Tuareg/Tenere slayer and instead made what is likely a more affordable (and likely better) BMW F850 GS Adventure. #vstromination

#vstromination. Totally agree. Love my 650 but really hoping for something lighter and more capable in the South African bush

Just found your channel, love the content

good to see some honest review instead of ingratiating manufacturer

I like it and think it's gonna sell well.

Considering the 3; PStrom, T7, and Transalp, I thinks Susuki did great considering I thought they were dead and out of business. Also remember that weight is wet and the PStrom has a larger tank. So the weight gap isn't as bad as it seems. More torque equals more fun with more range. On paper the Suzuki has better suspension and if in real world it is a better suspension, then Susuki will be the better bike to have for the purposes of the three. I don't buy ADV bikes for dirt, I have an XC250 and a DR650 for that. I look at the middle weight class as commuters that I can take on a weekend adventure in the mountains on less technical paths. And kudos to Susuki for adding a premium skid plate and some other quality options. Honda makes you pay for substandard upgrades. Honda makes the best quality bike but there ad ons are garbage. My DR650 is the best motorcycle ever made but I am NOT a Susuki fan at all. However, if the PStrom is $10k and the suspension is good, I will be choosing the Yellow brand...but not a yellow one, I hate yellow...lol

Very good video, when I did my Why Vstrom video on the 650 one of the main things I highlighted was a wish for cruise I got to sit on the 800 the other day and it feels like a step back in some ways, missing the superb vtwin, having had a f800gs with the 21" i can see that blunting the on road handling. I actually had ktms for 147 and 267 miles both ended up rejected which had me back on a GS1200 Rallye for the cruise due to a shoulder injury which was helping take the strain off a bit. I would have proffered them to get the 650 and make it lighter keep the old dash but add cruise. Super vid have a sub and #vstromination :)

You're right about the weight. Despite the displacement increase, with the new engine, I would have hoped they could hold the weight of the early V-Strom 650s. However, I have no use for cruise control. I put a Crampbuster on my throttle and I can go hundreds of miles a day with no problem. And then there's the debate between tubed and tubeless tires. I pulled half of a utility knife blade out of the rear tire of my Africa Twin. That was not something that could have been plugged. I replaced the tube, though I could have repaired the tube if I'd been on the road. Any repair beyond plugging a tubeless tire still requires removal from the rim. Tubeless tires require a burst of air to seat the bead. Unless you have an air pump with a decent sized tank, that can be a challenge. There are ways to do it, but at that point the tube is easier. When I had tubeless tires, I took them to the dealer for mounting. Now that I have tubed tires, I do it myself.

I agree with every point you are making. Suzuki has once again just missed a good opportunity to deliver something really exciting. I wish they at least refresh their DR650 as Kawa did with the KLR. I support your idea #vestromination all the way.

So you haven't ridden one but have a strong opinion? Pass.

If you can, get a dr650, cheap, simple, reliable, light weight, tractor like torque, very capable off road, goes well once you do the airbox, carb and exhaust mods, can easily cruise at 130kmh, plenty of aftermarket parts to turn it into an adventure bike like a big tank and windscreen, a bike made in 96 is still suzuki's best all rounder, even today.

My 1st bike was a '83 Suzuki GS650L (shaft drive) . Last year I was looking at the V-Strom 650XT. Held off for the posible TransAlp. Well, I'm not happy with any of the midsize ADV offerings at EICMA. I'm choosing to wait until more YT content is posted on actual riding experience.

#vestromination, just do it. or give me a drz 400/ 500 with 6 gears

Whoa! I can't wait to see your customize VStrom. 👏👌✌🏼

YES ! - finally a REALISTIC video ‼☝😀 ..... And why the tubed front wheel on the new V-Strom 1050 ??!! ( a rhetorical Q ).... They could blame the lack of CC on the recuced chip production ( in the world ), but the tubed wheels - what / who do u blame ... ??!! While Yamaha can claim that the T7 is a simplest / most trouble free bike with 42000km between valve checks, which you can take anywhere - what do these 2 - Honda and Suzuki claim ? A good video you've made ‼😀👍

Go for it. I have wished and wished that Suzuki would build a Dual Sport to replace my two DR650s (60 K-miles). Suzuki should have updated the DAKAR 800 and put it on the market 12 years ago!

I bought this bike in May. The grey version. It is great looking, versatile, comfortable, and affordable bike. I have ZERO complaints. Ride the bike.

Great review buddy

Awaiting my 2023 KTM 890 Adventure in two weeeks. Howzabout this project?

These 500lb adventure bikes are not meant to be doing single track. The only people that are truely capable of doing that on a monster size bike are people that grew up eacing motocross as kid. Most ordinary folks will only do a little gravel or dirt road. To me this Vstrom is what im looking for. Comfort and ability to easily to the highways and backroads with a nice upright seating position. Maybe the occasional gravel roads.

Do they need to change the name? Was the V in VStrom for the V twin engine?

#VSTROMINATION! Keen to see what you can do! I've got a crf450l as a light adv bike (leaving for a 6000km trip in 3 weeks on it) and always wanted a tenere as a more road/dirt road bike. The Vstrom could be a legit competitor I feel!! Keen to see what you end up with! Cheers

In the meantime, have you been able to ride a DL800?

Totally agree. A completely new engine frame etc, then stopped short. Rather have cruise than a quick shifter. Tubed tyres and no centre stand if you get a puncture in the middle of nowhere. Plus extra tools to do the job. BUT like you I love suzuki. I've had 16 bikes over the years, 12 of which were suzukis. Own 3 bikes at present, Bandit 1200, v strom 1000, enfield scram.

Some great points: cruise control weight front-wheel dimensions looks (subjective) Last year I purchased a V-Strom 1050XT Adventure. At 58, it'll keep me happy for the next five years or more. After that, I think the manufactures of the mid-adventure bike segment will address these things. My hope is that Suzi will have it all figured out by the time I'm ready to trade.

#VSTROMINATION I'm liking the idea of seeing what this bike can do! I'm fortunate to have a nice dual sport (CRF450RL) and an almost scary-to-ride ZX14R, but some days I need something in the middle of these two... Thanks for your reviews!

You are so spot on!!!!!!!!!! I finally had to give up on Zuki. They are always great with the motor. 20 years late on design. VStromination!!!!!!!!!!

Bought one, it's a good thing. Definitely a bit too heavy, but pretty capable with some decent tyres and the suspension set up

Weird question but does anyone know what jacket/pants the guy is wearing at 4:45?

Great video and good point. Btw I was a Honda dude back in the day. The only lust worthy bike from them is the Grom SP. Don’t waste your time on the Pstrom.

I actually love the looks of the vstroms, I feel like the classic beak also helps keep mud and other debris off of the rider better than having none at all. It's the price that doesn't get me, and of course it has no cruise control. 21st century and no cruise control

As good as the Aprilia is.. the harsh reality is the complete and total lack of a dealer network…. momma Aprilia states 77 dealers in the USA….if you conduct your due diligence , 20+ of those “dealerships” at scooters only….no sale

Any updates on Vstromination?

A lot of great comments here, & your vid. For me, a former MX racer & track day liter bike guy, my top choice for a "new" bike is a 70/30 street/dirt bike I can enjoy with my wife exploring new places in UT/CO/AZ that include quaint motels, not camping. Therefore this bike interests me a lot. Yes, cruise control is a big miss. Hopefully you can find & add a good solution during your #vstromination

How much heavier is the 1050 over the 800de ?

My 90s era Nighthawk 750 was under 500lbs. How is it that with modern engineering and materials the weight is going up, not down?

Just upgraded from v-strom 650 to this 800, and feeling very satisfied. Our roads (Finland) are in poor shape, so the best kind of mc. Working just fine!

I've taken my Tiger 800 xc on some tough single track. I'm not sure I'd even attempt it on a V-Storm. I tested on a few years back as I really wanted to like it / support Suzuki but their lack of getting current and their end of 2 stroke support is a big turn off for me. I fell in love with the 3 cylinder motor right away and haven't looked back. Thanks for the great content B.A.G!

you make a lot of valid points on this video. I'm still waiting to see a drz450s with 6 spd/ aluminum frame/ Fuel Injection to come out in 2024 hopefully? im a diehard suzuki fan. i've owned 5 drz's 2 dr's a vstrom 650 and even a klx400r (green 400e)

is the vstrom project still valid?

Are these spoked wheels tubeless ? I hate chain driven bikes with tubes.

I love my CRF250M. It’s the perfect bike for riding here on short day trips to the mountains and it’s totally capable on dirt roads, farm trails and limited single track. It sucks for long secondary road rides, so I need a bike for that. The Transalp and Vstrom aren’t exciting me. Good luck with your project, not sure you can do all that much to the Vstrom.

I too am a big Suzuki fan. Started out in '97 when I traded my '84 Kaw 750 turbo and my '85 Honda Nighthawk S for a brand spanking new Bandit 1200. I picked up a SV 650 too in 2000 and traded it in on a '02 busa. Then in 2016 I picked up a nice used Bandit 1250 so I had 2 Bandits and a busa in the garage and loved the bikes. Then in 2019 I wanted something new...fresh...lighter...more comfy...fuel efficient...versatile...but Suzuki model line up had gone stale...nothing I liked. Sold all my bikes and got a CB500x...and I love the thing...but needed a 2nd bike for more power and again I looked to Suzuki. Low and behold they redesigned the GSX S1000 naked and I wanted it so I tried to get one last year but to no avail they we not available...still haven't seen one on the road anywhere Stateside. Ordered a Yamaha MT09sp, got one and this little psycho bike rocks! Oh well Suzuki you've been asleep at the wheel too long, bye.

I ride a V-Strom 650 ABS from 2013.Would love to see somthing hot you will make out of the V-Strom 800 DE. VSTROMINATION!

#vstromination: Hallo, I like your channel very much and I am happy that youtube suggested it. I am riding a v-strom-650 from 2008. I am a fan of the v2 in my opinion a great machine. I am not a great offroad rider, most times gravel is the toughest. It would be great to see what changes are possible on the new V-Strom 800 DE. Thank you very much for your interesting contents on RU-vid.

Did you ride it?

Goon Commander, loving your channel and content! Only one question, can you really call it a #VSTROMINATION if you don't give it a supermoto conversion?

Looks fine to me, appears slightly more aggressive than previous models. Still abt an 80/20 adventure bike as it has always been. Plenty of people buy them, that's why they don't/won't change it much

Go ahead with #vstromination !!! I want to see a beautiful evolution of Vstrom legend...

I test rode the 800 yesterday and am very impressed. I will be buying one. Am very interested to see and follow #vstromination go hard brother, very cool post mate..

Been riding a 650 Strom since new in 2009 and I've absolutely loved this bike. As I started going more off-road from time to time, I quickly found the limits, but that is also down to the tire trend. Ultimately, I'm going for two bikes, a dual sport and an adventure bike. When I know I'm going off-road, I'll take the dual sport to really enjoy it. When I'm touring and just end up on gravel or forest roads, I need an adventure bike with just enough to get me through. If I'm 90% on tarmac, why 21 inch knobbies?

Have you actually ridden one?

I agree with your thoughts on look and weight. Still enjoy riding my 2018 Wee. #vistomination

100% agree. Heavier + uglier…puzzling what Suzuki was thinking. I’d Love to see what you could do with it!

a very spicy proposition indeed. I hope it happens because I'd like to see what you come up with. the weight is the biggest factor that writes it off my list. if it was 450lbs it would probably be my next bike. (I like the looks a lot more than the transalp) unfortunately the weight is a big deal but I'm really just looking for something to commute on (15 minutes one way) and take off road when we trailer our rzr and bikes to places like Colorado / Utah. as of now I think I'm leaning towards a 2023 t7 #vstromination

You did a really good job laying out the issues with the T-Strom 800DE. It is not even a V-Twin! I too am a loyal Suzuki owner who sometimes wonders what they are thinking when they release new bikes. Latest for me is a 2022 V-Strom 1050XT Adventure. Great bike for travel mostly on road and very mild off-road stuff. The cruise control makes a huge difference on longer stretches of travel on the road. I hope you are able to configure your 800 you are going to buy to suit your needs. I think the 800 is a great bike but as you mentioned, there are things they could have done better. Suzuki does have some great promotional video though! Cheers!

I agree my first bike memory is all Suzuki. I want this bike.

650XT rider here. It's a swing and a miss. Needed exhaust routed so it doesn't get squashed Protected oil filter Tool free air filter change Flatter seat so you can move around on 20 hour rides Either 19/17 or 21/18 (like pick one!) not 21/17 which makes matched tyres in the back of nowhere impossible. Tapered bars Both tubes or both tubeless, am I really going to carry two tyre repair kits? Better designed footpegs Last, but most importantly, cruise control.

09 vstrom 650 owner; love the bike but want a more modern bike to replace it. want a suzuki. here is what i DO NOT LIKE about the new 800 1. no cruise control..WHY>??, 2: tubed tires on a street bike...WHY?? 3; 21" front wheel on a bike mostly for touring when a 19 will do it all...make a 21" for a bike to compete with the tenere or Africa twin or make it an optional package. 4: headlights only because they are not bright enough from what I hear about them. 5; ADJUSTABLE WINDSHIELD WITHOUT TOOLS FOR THE LOVE OF PETE!!! How hard is that to do?? LOVE the rest of the bike!

Totally agree I love Suzuki I own three. Suzuki could be the dominator if they did a few things. The drz If it had 6 gears I believe would have been that unicorn. The SV650 could have beaten the FZ-07 if the gladius never happened and if they fixed the oil starvation issue on wheelies. And like you said they could have made the t7 before Yamaha. If Suzuki did the first two, they would have so much more cash flow to invest in racing again or more risky but rewarding models.

I really like your criticism. And I totally agree. 800DE has so many "why, Suzuki, why"

I am with you on the looks! All V Stroms look 'fuddy Duddy' ......kind of old fashioned, not in a Royal Enfield kind of way. (which look fantastic) but in a dull kind of way, I really like the images of the altered bike you provided and it makes a huge difference to the ownership experience. I had a Honda pc 800 for a few years, it was no looker but it gave good, reliable service, and was very practical. It was innovative, and dare I say it, different. People would walk up to me and ask questions about it! This V Strom is neither! It's like the sheep following the pack, quietly bleating, whilst being inconspicuous.

I like your idea, Looking foward for more videos! #VSTROMINATION

my hope would be a road-oriented version with 17 or 19" front, cast tubeless wheels and not-yellow paint.

Oh man I kinda feel you about Suzuki. My first bike was a SV650. My first 10,000km. Then sold it for an Aprilia Dorsoduro 900, LOVED IT. I'm back on a Suzuki, a DR650 as a first dual sport. I wish I could've bought a Ténéré competitor from Suzuki, but they sadly decided to make an F800GS you have at home. No doubt, it's going to be a good honest bike, but not a -great- bike. I believe I'll be looking at yet another Aprilia... it might be black and yellow! Only time will tell.

I agree with you on most of your points. Suzuki miss it on the weight, on the DR800 retro looks, on the power, and with the name, is now a "TwinStrom" but after 63 years riding (I'm 72) (have now a Transalp 650 and a GS1200) and after owning more than 60 different bikes and brands, I never needed cruise control neither I don't think that an ADV bike is the one that's for fire roads or Atacama, or climb walls like Pol Tarres with the T7. ADV bike is the one that's capable to take me any were I want, on highways, gravel, roads, etc. Next year I'm riding to Patagonia and I'm taking my GS with its 19 inch front wheel. At the end, is for what you are going to use it. My opinion. PS: I will buy your #vstrominator

From reviews it seems that suzuki built an 800cc africa twin, and Honda built a 750 vstrom. Ive moved on from big adventure bikes, but the 800 looks gorgeous and different, the transalp looks like the africa twin you bought off wish. I think from your past you want an adventure bike that looks like a tall sport bike, and dont like the dual sport look in your tall sport bike. The 800 is not a competitor for a tenere, aprillia or KTM. What it does do really well is finally step up to fill a niche closer to a 850gs, tiger and africa twin. The kind of bike that is mostly a road bike, but is surprisingly easy to ride off road. The previous Vstroms were basically sport tourers, like the trans alp they are super fun on road, and really sketchy on any kind of offroad.

I'm not a fan of the headlight with gunk getting around the sides or the color choices. Like that the subframe is replaceable. Cruise might be an option when it gets to the markets. The transalp would probably have the torque at low revs with a short 1st gear while the de would be higher revs for. Just have to wait and see them both in person.

just a small question , wouldn't an 18 inch rear wheel and a nobby tires will fix this bike and make it an offroad weapon ?

I am with you. Love Suzuki, owner of few Vstroms. But there will always be a small voice in me that says “gosh, similar design ?” … Tenere looks anytime better. Honda is a bit “too clean of a look” for me. But I am a Suzuki person. Damn

After the model release this year it makes me love my ducati desert X even more.

Got a 800 a couple months ago. I didn't want the de, but it was 2500 under msrp. And I honestly am blown away. The quality of it blows my old t7 out of the water. I'm very happy with it... no its not gonna do all the stuff pol tarres does on his t7. But I have a feeling 99.7% of t7 owners don't do what he does on it.

Yes, cruise control for the win!! Come on Suzuki and Honda, my 2002 Audi Diesel (throttle by wire) had a 40€ aftermarket cruise control lever and it worked just fine. I must admit, i was hoping for a 650 V-Strom with the 1050s styling (it looks nice, i think). The 800 is a no go for me, styling- and weightwise. EDIT: subbed for the proposed 800 project (codename: Goonstrom 😉) #vstromination

I started on Suzuki’s in the 70’s and have ridden them until recently but I have been converted to a Tiger 1050 sport following ownership of a DL1000 and Bandit 1250. I’m looking for a bike that is capable of off road and touring as New Zealand has amazing outback country and trails. However, I too think the 800DE is far too heavy and what the hell is that exhaust unit. Really interested on your take on lightening the load. #vstromination

#vstromination. 100% agree with your critique and your enthusiasm for Suzukis. The new DE 800 has great innards--ground clearance, fork travel, engine--but most people who ride more than 10% of the time offroad will look the other way when they see a wet weight over 500 pounds and tube-type tires. The lack of cruise control on a bike that can do any kind of long riding is a secondary but important irritation. If you could get the DE 800 even down to the 2017's weight of 476 pounds, you'd have a winner. If you could cut the weight, take care of the irritations and sell the mods as a kit, you'd have people lined up at your door.

I'd gladly see the outcome of your take on the new DR800 (I'm a fellow 1990 DR800 and DR650 rider!!👍😍) #VSTROMINATION