Our Suzuki V-Strom 800DE has been an integral part of our adventures, taking us to far-off places and providing us with unforgettable riding experiences. From winding mountain pavement to off-road trails, this bike has never let us down. Its powerful parallel twin engine and dependable suspension have given us the confidence to explore new destinations without hesitation.
When we tested the bike in stock trim the OEM tires were more of the street variety. Since we were adding custom-built Dubya build wheels, which used the stock hub with heavy-duty Excel wheels and spokes, the 800DE was soon fitted with one of Upshift's favorites: the Dunlop Trailmax Raids. After hundreds of miles of use including spirited canyon commutes to work and off-road use, the Raids are holding up great. Careful inspection of the tires has found only one minor slice in a block, which is quite impressive given the amount of time this tire has spent in the Rocky Mountains. Wear at this point is even, and we are curious to see just how many miles we can get out of these tires. They certainly have great road performance, and off-road they’ve proven to work quite well in everything but greasy mud. For more information on Dunlop’s Trail Max Raid tire check out our review here.
Ergonomics while standing became an issue, so we added 22mm Zeta Bar risers to improve arm and back fatigue. After the installation we felt we could click off more dirt road mileage. OEM footpegs were also replaced with IMS Core Enduro foot pegs to help get a boot planted and get a larger platform.
One of the issues with the Suzuki 800DE is its low-to-the-ground stance. We experienced some pretty big hits through technical sections, so we added Outback Motortek crash bars and their bulletproof skid plate. Once installed we could thrash the bike around more without worrying about engine damage.
As we do with 90% of our project bikes, OEM hand guards and mirrors are replaced with CYCRA Probend handguards and Doubletake foldable ADV Mirrors. Both are available at www.TMBRMOTO.com to up-fit your Suzuki 800DE.
A Yoshimura RS-12 ADV Slip-on was added to reduce weight and create the always-good Yoshimura growl without upsetting the wildlife. Our 800DE responded to the RS-12 ADV, which gave the bike a shot in the arm with a 1.7% increase in HP and 1.6% increase in torque. The RS-12 ADV also took off some weight (4.5 lbs) from stock. Now that's nothing to sneeze at!
After riding the bike for several months we think the Suzuki 800DE motorcycle is a versatile bike that excels in handling most off-road situations. The Suzuki 800 DE provides a stable and controlled ride on various terrains, making it suitable for off-road adventures. Its powerful engine and agile handling make it a reliable choice for riders who seek excitement and versatility in their off-road experiences. Whether navigating through rocky trails or tackling muddy paths, the Suzuki 800 DE proves to be a capable and dependable companion for off-road enthusiasts.
See our full review of the Suzuki 800DE here.
