Suzuki V Strom 800 Comparison - Standard vs. DE - Cycle News 

Absolutely! It's important to show off different models because everyone has different tastes and styles.

Unfortunately that kills the deal for me. I owned a BMW 1300 GS for 2 years, and I loved it. Only downside: It was too heavy, and I think it had too much power than necessary. Yes, power is always good, and I am not saying I did not enjoy it. But I did not really need it. Now, the same arguments are kind of valid for the 1050 V-Strom, hence I was eyeballing the V-Strom 800DE, because it seemed like a perfect fit for my desires. But as soon as I learned there is not cruise control, I lost all interest. Sorry, Suzuki. Not sure if I am willing cough up the money for a BMW F 900XR, which I also really liked when I drove it or not. If not, I will check back next year if Suzuki finally offers cruise control for the V-STrom 800. If so and I will have not bought the BMW yet, you can make a sale on me.

A very bad decision in my view.

Probably they'll add it after a few years, enough people crying out about it.

Thanks Rob!

That will make another great head-to-head test.

I test rode both and thought I would love the V-Strom 800 more - I nearly bought one without a test ride before. But honestly..I liked the Transalp way more. The motor of the TAlp sounds great with the stock exhaust - you can barely hear the Strom's Motor. The Strom has slightly more torque in low and mid range..but if you rev the Honda a bit, it works astonishing great. The TAlp feels better in the Twisties - just a bit nimbler. What I also liked more on my TA testride is the seating position. Both bikes are comfortable but on the TA you're sitting "in" the bike and not "on" the bike what I personally prefer. I don't really like the look of both bikes. The Strom is a bit ugly (that big exhaust does not make it better) and the TA looks boring with that CB500X headlight. The gear changes / transmission on the Honda worked a bit better for me than on the Strom. What also was a bit annoying on the Strom was the engine heat on the right leg. So..on paper (beside the weight), the Strom is the better bike for me. But after a testride, I would prefer the TA. I guess everyone is different - that's why testrides are so important.

I agree.also for an average high guy,transalp is better in handling.i am 5.10,i had many high bikes,but vstrom is too bulky,too wide to heavy.they say it has better suspention so its better off road,but,who will handle that mass off road?you must be over 6 feet.anyway,both bikes for their prices,are not something special.and vstrom is too ugly also

Supermoto guys have been turning spoked wheels into tubeless with rim tape and sealant for a long time. I bet it could be done on this machine too.

Awesome! Enjoy the new ride.

Name also rhymes with “Veridian Cruise”.

Blasted expensive too, and a slightly tacky switch pod. The V-Strom 1050 has cruise control standard, and Suzuki needs to migrate that to the 800. A switch pod and computer code. Done.

No problem, thanks for the support! 👍

I believe what he said was that the DE is not -as- fun as the standard version on the road. Huge difference.

When comparing the two bikes the standard model is more geared for road riding, making it more fun to ride strictly on the road. The DE model is still a good time on the pavement, but it is obviously more off-road oriented.

@@cyclenews I have the de and it's a blast on the road. Also have the standard windscreen on my de and it makes a world of difference. Haven't taken of pavement much do to the stupid tire choice suzuki put on the de I do have 50/50 tire ready to go once the stockers are worn out

@@gabrielkopp2036 for me the standard windscreen is absolutely shit in every configuration.

21 inch wheels and tires are going to slow turn-in and transition speed. Also with taller suspension, your CG is higher up which also makes transitions slower. If that translates to "fun" or not, that's entirely subjective and the reviewers should be skilled enough to nuance that when explaining the differences.

Haha, that's good, Just doesn't have the same ring to it.

Suzuki didn't want to change the name. They say, V means Versatile.

I was thinking the same thing. P Strom. But I did take a RE version for a test drive. Fantastic motor and a very comfortable and capable motorcycle.

Back in the years, "V" indeed represented the engine. Later models, Suzuki has changed that to "Versatile". There's a lot more to swapping model codes with international markets, corporate naming conventions, and brand history than you can imagine.

Because Pee-strom sounds wierd 😅 like a stream of pee.

What did you not like about it?

@@cyclenews suspension was too soft in the front and rear (adj preload also) egros has me more than cramped, bike would need risers/maybe even rearsets speaking for my personal comfort. The de in comparison feels solid in every fault that I mentioned.

dude,buy the de with the high seat.you ll be fine.or even better ,for a tall lad like you ,buy the 1050de,a bike for basketball players.

@@quicksilv3r469 What's your inseam? You're very much on the big-n-tall spectrum of most riders.

Time to strengthen up that limp wrist 😂

I disagree.... pick different roads if your using/wanting cruise contoll with this bike... or a different bike cause your riding roads dominated by cruiser/gold wing crowd. I own a 2024 800de unit and it's mint!

Veridian Cruise makes an aftermarket cruise control for the V-strom. Ordered mine and the company is making great install videos too.

Its easy to get cruise control on it. The dealership might even throw it in to close the sale.

Why? It's a road bike. Road handling will be better, tubeless tyres, more tyre options etc

Lol, no. Road edition is fine with 19" front. I own one. I would not go off-road on it aside from sensible /easy gravel. It's a decent road adv.