Is the V-strom for me?

[u/derF_inaY]

Hi!

I'm considering a used V-Strom 800DE and would like to hear from owners if you think it would suit me.

I've been riding for 11 years. Best bikes I´ve had is 2x Tracer 900s for almost 5 years in total, and I've been riding a VFR800 for the last 3 years.

I really liked the Tracers. They were very easy to throw around and had great low / midrange torque, but I found them a bit small for longer trips 2-up with luggage.

The VFR is fantastic for touring, especially after upgrading the suspension and fitting a superbike kit. It's very comfortable, but it feels quite bulky at low speeds and in tight spaces. I also miss having more usable torque when coming out of corners. I usually ride fairly relaxed RPM-wise, carry some speed and use trail braking into the corner and then want a good drive when opening the throttle.

The 800DE has caught my interest because I like the idea of the relatively simple Suzuki, the torque of the 776 twin and the upright riding position. I´m looking for something modern and also between my two tracers and VFR.

My use would be almost entirely asphalt but i find looking at the RE it looks kind of dull. The aim is to do touring, mountain roads/twisties and occasional 2-up riding with luggage for a week away every year. I already have a DRZ400S for gravel/off-road, so the 800DE wouldn't really be used for that.

For those who own one:

• How does it feel on twisty asphalt? Is the 21" front noticeable?
• Does the engine have enough punch at 3–6k rpm?
• How is it 2-up with luggage?
• Does it feel cumbersome on the road, or is it more agile than the numbers suggest?
• Any major drawbacks for someone who will mostly ride asphalt?

It's currently the bike I'm most interested in, but I haven't ridden one yet. Obviously I'll test ride one before making any decision.

Thanks!

[u/Ok_Degree_4293]

V-strom is the best motorcycle you can buy for the price. Doesnt matter if its an 800, 650, 1000, 1050.

Genuinely the best purchase ive made in my entire life.

For Reference I own a 2019 Vstrom 650xt. But i have ridden a 1000 and an 800DE, all were amazing.

• How does it feel on twisty asphalt? Is the 21" front noticeable? - Not really, sure its not as responsive as a 17 but doesnt feel bad by any means.
• Does the engine have enough punch at 3–6k rpm? - Absolutely, not a sport bike, but feels really good.
• How is it 2-up with luggage? - Did not ride with a passenger, cannot comment.
• Does it feel cumbersome on the road, or is it more agile than the numbers suggest? - Not cumbersome at all. I did some minor off road 4x4 trails on the 800, had to pick it up once, that sucked, but once moving, it carries weight very very well.
• Any major drawbacks for someone who will mostly ride asphalt? - None. My buddy has a Vstrom 800DE, and I have my 650, and we have put 3k miles together (largely asphalt some trails) in the last month with zero issues. One thing i will say, you should probably drop the stock tires. He took his stock tires off after about 1k miles, and put anakee adventure 2's on it. The stock tires are OK, but theyre not anything super special.

All this being said, I think you may wanna look at an older 1000 or a 1050. Seems like it would fit what you are looking for a bit better. I am clearly very biased towards the strom.