Simon's bike launch reviews have become my go-to coverage for new releases. Even though the videos are long, they don't beat around the bush. Densely packed with useful insights. Keep it up
@flippy66
Жыл бұрын
It's a boilerplate press launch, if you watch other reviews they are all identical and you can even see other reviewers in them. The all get sent over to the same place, fed and watered, taken out for a few hours on the bike in a totally guided fashion, given some freebies and sent on their way. There is no actual review in this until the 24 minute mark, before that it is mere recitation of specs.
@rightwingsafetysquad9872
Жыл бұрын
The only thing this bike is missing is cruise control. A major oversight in my opinion. Once you have throttle by wire the only additional cost is for the buttons. Frankly all bikes with throttle by wire should have cruise control.
@tonyfitch5064
Жыл бұрын
You also need the wiring and mechanism to cut it off to the brake(s) Not as dead simple as just a button.
@rightwingsafetysquad9872
Жыл бұрын
@@tonyfitch5064 The wiring is already there if you have throttle by wire. Likewise, if you have brake lights, the wiring is already there for a cutoff.
@toltod
Жыл бұрын
Yes, they missed the ball on that one. Otherwise, I'd be considering this for my next purchase.
@PisgahGravelProject
Жыл бұрын
If it had cruise control, they'd sell half ad many 1050s, if they're lucky
@rightwingsafetysquad9872
Жыл бұрын
@@PisgahGravelProject If you don’t canibalize your own product someone else will.
@timdew3150
Жыл бұрын
Comprehensive review, bench mark for a new bike launch. Great to see so many middleweight adventure bikes , strong contender from Suzuki 👍
@flippy66
Жыл бұрын
Standard bike launch. Utterly standard.
@phatsmitty
Жыл бұрын
Excellent, Simon! As always, way back to the day of Performance Bikes!
@Ridingforsanity
Жыл бұрын
This is the most comprehensive review I’ve watched so far on this bike. Bravo! This has helped me understand where this bike fits in the category and as a whole what bike characteristics are like. I think that is lost in most professional reviews, at least the videos, in respect to the riders just want to boast how hard they rode the bikes and how they wish it had more this and that. In this review it was focused on what the bikes is about and for that I am grateful!
@SAB-iq1kp
Жыл бұрын
Very quality presentantions on this channel! One of the best.
@onecookieboy
Жыл бұрын
The best and most objective review that I've seen of the V-Strom. Thanks for being honest and not varnishing over (or just outright not mentioning) the shortcomings.
@cosmiccharlie8294
Жыл бұрын
V Strom? How about PT Strom?
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
I try hard to call it as see & feel it, so thank you 🙏
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
@@cosmiccharlie8294 Yup, agree. P-Strom makes sense. Suzuki says V stands for Versatile, which it is. But they're fooling no-one if they think we don't know V originally meant V-twin.
@naitranaitra2700
Жыл бұрын
or a U strom
@moorepower13
Жыл бұрын
Lighter bikes have been snapping frames after a couple years on the market. I think Suzuki choice of a beefer frame with the removable subframe deserves some respect from the spec sheet warriors.
@Model192
Жыл бұрын
Which bikes are snapping frames?
@jonasbaine3538
Жыл бұрын
Quite a statement to make. Which bikes are breaking frames?
@@jonasbaine3538 yamaha will get it figured out I'm sure. I understand that the motor is a stressed member but man that motor does wiggle a bit once that tube snaps. Hondas non detachable subframe is so so silly on an adventure bike.
@randydewees7338
Жыл бұрын
I've not seen any reports of frames breaking.
@saz123ful
Жыл бұрын
I think this is the best review until now!! Thank you!
@krisc4578
Жыл бұрын
Love your rambling, Simon! Great, in depth review! Thank you.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Thanks man, appreciate it. I'll try and be more upbeat on the next one too 🤣🙌
@gearjammer3688
Жыл бұрын
Sat on one at the Xcel show. Really comfortable, unlike all the other bikes at the show.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Yes, the seat is superb.
@alanridley2917
Жыл бұрын
I think your ride and bike appraisal sounds pretty unbiased and accurate. I love the sound of what this bike is about. I would love to own one but can't bring myself to part with my current 2018 V-Strom 650XT. I just love it. Did you ride another of the test bikes to check if the vibration is also in them or just your test bike? Keep up the good work.
@kawabungah20
Жыл бұрын
This is an exciting and thorough review: nicely done. Can't wait to take this bike for a test ride myself in California - whenever that will be...!
@gurnstein
Жыл бұрын
If the old DL650 is anything to go by, I think you'll find that 20 litre tank is good for a lot more miles than quoted here. I'd expect fuel consumption to be similar, 60+/- mpg, so with real world riding a full tank will be good for 200 miles and a good whack of change.
@Jake-ug2mf
Жыл бұрын
I really like the 800DE, I think I want to buy one for the ‘24 model year but I also want cruise control, hopefully they offer it as an option or the aftermarket steps up and provides. It’ll either be the 800DE or an Africa Twin (Non-DCT) for my next bike.
@mac001texas
Жыл бұрын
The Africa twin is the same weight with more power and more electronic features like cruise control. Not even a contest.
@Jake-ug2mf
Жыл бұрын
@@mac001texas I made a trip out to So-Cal recently and sat on an Africa twin and didn’t absolutely love it, we’ll see how the 800 feels to me before I make the decision.
@mac001texas
Жыл бұрын
@@Jake-ug2mf if you had issues with the seat, theres always aftermarket comfort seats
@alexanderpaul3939
Жыл бұрын
@@mac001texas a lot more money though isn't it so you certainly pay for it
@jhguygih
Жыл бұрын
One is 13k the other aprox 21k. How you want to compare only by the weight?
@ragerider6283
Жыл бұрын
Nice review. I'm more interested in the GSX8S tbh but I do like this bike too. Although a group test is definitely in order as in isolation most bikes feel great these days. I"m also not sure the price is as big a deal as some make out as while it's not a typical Suzuki budget price, it's not a typical Suzuki budget bike either. Plus Suzuki will definitely discount it. As for the weight, it's at least partially justifiable imo as you get higher spec suspension, a removable subframe & a 20 litre tank so there are reasons it's heavier & it depends if those features justify the price & weight enough to any potential buyers I guess.
@bennettsbikesocial
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! We'll be on the GSX-8S launch in early April so do look out for that review.
@ragerider6283
Жыл бұрын
@@bennettsbikesocial Ah great, thanks & will do. I couldn't find the launch date anywhere so that's good to know.
@Jackofafewtrades
Жыл бұрын
@@bennettsbikesocial that's an exciting one.
@Merc399
Жыл бұрын
dude the part about the engine balancing mechanics was the most interesting part dont stress
@fasteddy3661
Жыл бұрын
In this class for me the Moto Guzzi V85TT is the winner (I have the Centenario). I cannot understand that it is the only one with shaft drive, a decisive point for me for travel bikes. I also like the uncluttered air-cooled engine. Handling really is great (I can compare it to my BMW 1200 GS, both air-cooled and liquid-cooled, and my Ducati Multistrada 900), brakes are solid, seat and suspension firm but comfortable, tubeless spoked wheels, wet weight 229 kg, 23 litre fuel tank and 550 km range. With 76 hp it is a bit down on power, but for me still enough to have fun on the back roads. I never get on the highway anyway.
@chadkline4268
Жыл бұрын
MG doesn't have a good support network. It's nothing you'd want to ride from AK to the tip of Chile. Else, I tend to agree. I love air cooled horizontal cylinders. I'll accept oil cooling, but I really dislike water cooling. And electronics. God, the more I learn about electronics, the more I hate motorcycles for having them. I wish to hell I could get a BMW 850 without electronics. They are a total turn-off for me. It's like an entire level of crap layered over every component on a bike. Wires everywhere, to everything, trading rider control for computer control+controllers+sensors.
@fasteddy3661
Жыл бұрын
@@chadkline4268 Indeed, I wouldn't take the V85TT in the outback either, I would take the Japanese competition for that. But here in Europe 99% of the adventure bike riders never really go on serious adventures, they just use them as comfortable travel bikes and hardly ever leave the paved roads. I own many different bikes and only one of them is liquid cooled (Triumph Bonneville) and all have minimal electronics (I recently traded the liquid cooled GS for the latest airhead (like it so much better) and sold the Multistrada). I don't understand why BMW stopped making the 850, big mistake.
@jal1797
Жыл бұрын
V85 is too slow....Are you sure?
@chadkline4268
Жыл бұрын
@@jal1797 nobody said that 🤔🙂
@nickrider5220
Жыл бұрын
Nicely done Simon, enjoyable and informative....should be a great road bike 👍🙂
@wardroland270
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Simon. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.
@anxiousappliance
Жыл бұрын
Suzuki makes really nice bikes - I love mine - but I can't stop thinking about a road slanted ADV with tubed rims. I just doesn't make sense in 2023. I'd be interested in seeing this with a tubeless 19/17 combo.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
I think Suzuki looked at the market rivals - Tenere, Transalp etc - and they all have tubed rims. So there might be a bit of that. Also, I think tubeless come with a cost implication and certain design choices in terms of other chassis components (could be wrong). So, I wasn't surprised.
@Ritalie
Жыл бұрын
@@writestuffmedia One thing about all dirtbikes, is they are all tubed tires, and they run without getting flats ever. If you watch the terrain, you can actually see glass, and dangerous areas. Some areas like construction sites, buildings, and entrances to construction sites, and glass in parking lots, things like that are easy to avoid once you start planning to avoid dangerous sharp objects. Rocks and the terrain won't blow out your tire, unless you're a crazy insane rider. The other thing is, tubed wheels look a heck of a lot nicer. Tubed spoked wheels are stunningly beautiful. I think you can get a can of fix-a-flat and just use that. Or pressurized Slime. I have aired up an entire tubed tire with "Fix-a-Flat" areosol, and it worked to fix a punctured tubed tire.
@GaryJohnWalker1
Жыл бұрын
"it's a bit industry..." I love that sort of detail. Nerd yes, but like to know a bit about the company/process behind this stuff
@GaryJohnWalker1
Жыл бұрын
And love the review. Quite like the bike
@bitterlifes
Жыл бұрын
Without going into details, definitely this bike it is the best on midweight segment. If i have to make choice, without the doubt would be this Suzuki, and the second would be the Aprilia tuareg 660.
@stoatsngroatsuk5012
3 ай бұрын
Well, cruise control wasn’t needed for me on my test ride! I loved the power delivery, size, weight, seat comfort, suspension travel and damping, grip, balance and turn in compared to my Vstrom 650, it was miles better. I got a good deal for my part exchange, and rode home the black colour DE the same day. Not an impulse buy, but one informed by your detailed review (and others too of course!) It’s a wonderful bike, and I’m so happy to own this. 🙏👍 thanks for your great detailed review. 😀🙏
@sercio994
6 ай бұрын
6:50 Finally someone that goes trying bikes and knows his things on engines!! Bravo!
@Snoozzzzzze
Жыл бұрын
Good review and looking forward to a test ride but I think the Transalp will win for me. Weight, power and styling mainly. I would have to change that massive exhaust as well and I have never bothered on any previous bike.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
All valid points, can't argue. I still think the V-Strom is probably intended to be a bit more useful off-road than the Transalp, but agree the Honda looks better, weighs less and has a fitter motor.
@chrishart8548
Жыл бұрын
Wondering if the huge exhaust is where the extra 30kg comes from ?
@paulnorman8274
Жыл бұрын
Depends on the Transalp suspenders. That this Vstrom, despite the looks (21 inch...), has suspenders which do not dive for China on the first little whiff of brake, is a big deal. The Tenere does (at least for us not so light guys..). As does the Africa Twin come to think of it, despite that one having plenty high quality suspension, so it has a lot to do with priorities. Honda seem to be on a bender to appeal to "younger" riders with most of their newer, less expensive bikes. "Younger" tending to mean "lighter." Resulting in suspenders which can be less ideal for us who have spent a few more years at the feeding trough. Wonder how long before Suzuki releases a non-DE version with 19s? With a seat height in the 830 range, more road-focused tires and suspenders and a narrower bar, that could be very interesting if gravel riding is less of a concern. Not that the 1050 isn't already a nice road bike. I'd just prefer something 20 millimetre lower and a bit lighter, if I could keep similarly high quality suspenders. What sounds like an almost trials bike like ability of the engine to chug down real, real low, is a big bonus everywhere. Especially off-road, but also in very tricky on-road and city/parking situations.
@nestorasbellas6604
Жыл бұрын
Love your launch reviews m8! Thank you, i am from Greece, Suzuki V Strom sells a lot here that is why we were picked for the 1050 launch, but it had to be during the worse weather of the last 12 months! This new one? Seems very good, but its not "V". Weird that they went with that name, but its very recognizable.
@Jackofafewtrades
Жыл бұрын
Supposedly the "v" is for versatile. And "P-Strom" just doesn't sound right, does it?
@aderiley6592
Жыл бұрын
As a '19 DL650 owner, I'd probably have one of these over the T7. The only let downs for me being no cruise control and tubed tyres... I do reeeeeeeaaallllllly want Suzuki to reinvent the DRZ400E and SM for the UK market though.
@TheNeverbody
Жыл бұрын
I think it's not impossible to change to tubeless
@williamrae9954
Жыл бұрын
Aaaand here we go again.... Bart Factory for tubeless tyres, McCruise will sort the other shortly...go spunk an extra £5k on a Ducati
@jimperry4420
Жыл бұрын
@@williamrae9954 Every bike review has hundreds of people whining about no cruise control etc. Just an excuse not to buy something other wise solid. Life is too short to wait for a bike that doesn’t exist.
@williamrae9954
Жыл бұрын
@@jimperry4420 If it was built to their spec,they'd moan it was too expensive...it's a mid-range bike,built to a budget!
@jimperry4420
Жыл бұрын
@@williamrae9954 Just like the Drz, which I have. Six speeds and fuel injection would put it around 10k. Imagine the bitching then! 😂
@bigsky7058
Жыл бұрын
Got stranded twice last year with punctures; one was a first ride out on a (new to me) V11 Guzzi so hadn’t yet put the tyre plug kit under the seat. Recovery gaffed me off saying we’ll see you tomorrow…Had to abandon the bike and get a lift home on the pillion of 40 year old Z650. If I was solo riding I would’ve been shafted. WTF are Suzuki thinking? This is a road bike which could have been a decent tourer. Not many road riders have the skills or interest in taking wheels off at the roadside. Put some tubeless wheels on the thing! Oh and add cruise and a centre stand while your at it..
@TheCdubbleyoo
Жыл бұрын
You don't know how to take a motorcycle wheel off?
@rafaellastracom6411
Жыл бұрын
Peak power at 8,500 rpm and peak torque at 6,800 rpm sounds perfect for this application. I think Suzuki hit the nail on the head with this engine.
@chrishart8548
Жыл бұрын
F800gs made 85hp at 7,750rpm and 61 ftlb at 5,750rpm I think bmw did better 15 years ago
@rafaellastracom6411
Жыл бұрын
@@chrishart8548 That's funny, I did not mention BMW in my comment.
@chrishart8548
Жыл бұрын
@@rafaellastracom6411 couldn't think of another suzuki 800cc I could compare it with.
@paulnorman8274
Жыл бұрын
And useful drive at sub-1200 rpm, is a real boon. Walking pace may not sound all that exciting, but adv riding on larger bikes is mostly about fairly easy terrain. Except for that one or two 50-500 meter sections which are almost impassable, but which you have to get past to get back on better surface again. If you're a sponsored KTM rider with a support van and video crew, you can no doubt just jump it. But for the rest of us, reliable drive at paddle speed, can mean getting across in a controlled manner, vs risking banging up either bike, bones or both. DCT on the Atwin is a different "solution" to that issue. But this is less overdone and over engineered. Less Honda, more Suzuki. I just know someone at Suzuki have nerded out in nasty, slippery, soft, wet bogs around Mount Fuji, on a bike too tall and heavy to make sense there, in order to make sure this works right in the real world.
@TheCdubbleyoo
Жыл бұрын
@@chrishart8548 if only it passed Euro 5.
@armadilllo
Жыл бұрын
I think it looks nice but why no option for tubeless or cruise? Why do manufacturers keep denying us those two things?
@jakubpetricek5012
Жыл бұрын
I guess that the last all new motorcycle was GSX-R 1000 released in 2001, which was introduced later than the Hayabusa in 1998. Never the less, what a great comeback for Suzuki with GSX 8S and the new V-Strom and thanks for this comprehensive and honest review.
@teneretraveller8980
Жыл бұрын
Solid bike. In many ways. Reminds me of the old xtz750. Better bike than the 1050, for me. Comparison test on same roads will be interesting. Good work. Safe, happy travels 👍
@Adventurous_noob
Жыл бұрын
Japanese are known to be smart, practical, well thought. You wouldn’t expect them to do anything substantial (like introducing a whole new platform) for no particular reason. Having said that, I completely don’t understand the following: 1) Some 230kg in that bike! Holy moly! Is it a Chinese bike? No. Is it Africa Twin? No. Then WHY?? 2) OK it’s road oriented. Then why would the windshield be of a hard enduro size? Did they steal it from Beemer Gosling 310? 3) Spoked but tubed wheels? 17 rear but 21 front? What?? 4) No cruise control? For that money? Seriously? 5) Bigger displacement, pull from lower rpms - good stuff. But how come the vibrations? Finally, the look of this bike: if you cut the profile into stripes - then every particular one will look nice… before you glue them together (((
@estebanmorales6568
2 ай бұрын
I have that same bike and it has no vibration at all.
@ken4carver
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review from snowy, cold Canada. Love to see this engine with another 10-15 hp and cruise control. Rode a KTM 1290 Adv and it was a rocket!
@thinkof100
Жыл бұрын
Maybe a 1050 ? Its an 800 for A REASON.
@ken4carver
Жыл бұрын
@@thinkof100 Once the tuners get on it, the 800 will have the response Suzuki knew it had but may have been limited by Emissions/noise regulations
@defylifeadventure
Жыл бұрын
"And then after a few years Aprillia came in with the 660 and jumped into the same class/category, and Honda are about to with the TransAlp...all parallel twins" Did you completely forget about the KTM 790 Adventure? Weird how journos just keep forgetting/ignoring the 790 (and latter 890 adventure). Even though it's in the same class and in the UK sold extremely well. Even the price was good vs the T700 just £1,000 at certain times.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
I will never not automatically think the 790/890 isn't a V-twin - for some reason it's in my head and I can't get it out. But you're absolutely right - I think I mentioned the 'new/old' 790 Adv, but yeah, should've included it more. I'm riding one in a few months and I can't wait to see how it compares to the original.
@georgeblumenthal7938
10 ай бұрын
Whether a bike is good depends on your riding. I'm an old guy who likes a Sunday ride on back roads. I think this would do nicely.
@martinhughes9769
Жыл бұрын
Enjoyable review lovely scenery, Not very keen on the way the market is now going. Twin cylinder engines too many from all the manufacturers out of Japan, Not a cheap bike, it's got a couple of extras, but suzuki motocyes use to be a little cheaper than other bikes,
@totalsellout2930
Жыл бұрын
BMW started this segment with the F800GS back in 08. Brilliant bike and then they cocked it up with the F850. Can't wait for the Transalp test.
@RichardReeve_K1W1
Жыл бұрын
Actually BMW started the segment when they introduced the R80G/S in 1980. It just took a long time before the other manufacturers caught up with the idea.
@totalsellout2930
Жыл бұрын
The R80GS was a boxer motor. I'm referring to the parallel twin
@nickrider5220
Жыл бұрын
Yamaha xtz750 was the first parallel twin in this type of bike in 1988 (ish)......If there's a British bike owner on here they will say it was a Triumph in the 50s or some such !
@Marc-zf3xv
Жыл бұрын
The F850 is a far better bike than the spec sheet shows and a surprisingly good value, especially compared to this bike. Its also a 5 year old design, BMW is well positioned to retake the class if they want now that everyone has released thier middleweight bikes with an F850 redesign.
@p.santos6694
Жыл бұрын
Amazing sound inside your helmet. It blocks all the external sound 🏆
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Ah, an incredible plug-on called Crumplepop. It's like magic.
@timparry5028
Жыл бұрын
So tubed tyres chain drive and NO centre stand. Still when you're stuck with a flat and no way of fixing it you can look at the pretty screen. Why no centre stand for forks sake??
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, it's just plain rude if you ask me. At some point in the past it went from being standard on almost everything to suddenly being a £250 accessory. From Suzuki's point of view, I suppose it would add another kilo or two to the kerb weight...
@splodge5714
Жыл бұрын
Even with a centre stand you've got to carry tyre levers and a tube with you. Who wants to be removing tyres at the side of the road when you could just be plugging a tubeless tyre in minutes.
@moorepower13
Жыл бұрын
Spec sheet warriors are already upset about its weight and price.
@Trumpets4me
Жыл бұрын
@@writestuffmedia Don't forget useless mudguards that they now put on all bikes which protect nothing, both front and rear. Every bike I've ever bought I've always insisted on a main stand at no extra cost to me, or I walk away. Never failed yet. Maybe the bike magazines could start being more vocal with these things, and people should just walk away if their asked to pay more for things like "Comfort seats". I doubt if you bought a Rolls Royce, and opened the door to find 4 deck chairs there, and the dealer said " oh yes you can buy decent chairs at considerably more cost ", that that would be acceptable to the potential buyer. We shouldn't just accept this as the norm.
@mattyp80
Жыл бұрын
I have recently contacted both Triumph and BMW on the subject of shaft drive on any of the bikes smaller than 1200cc and got the same answer from both - not a chance! ☹️
@ioandragulescu6063
Жыл бұрын
comparing it with my trusty '19 dl 650, there's smth off visually. They lowered the tank, the front is shorter because of the parallel twin but that tail hangs more, it's longer. Putting these all togheter, I really don't like how it looks from the side. Maybe with a taller screen? I don't know .... On the tehnical side though, seems to be a peach minus that, again subjective, 230 kilos of weight. I remember the "old", as in 2019 v strom 1000 (non XT) was 233.
@robm3357
Жыл бұрын
Engine vibration is one of those things that bother me. Twin balance shafts and tingle through the pegs sounds like they are trying to cover up an engineering issue.
@defylifeadventure
Жыл бұрын
On the subject of vibration, some people are more sensitive to it than others. I notice a fair amount of buzzing from the 890. Others swear there's none. It's not nice at all day at 4,500 rpm.
@fcalin21
Жыл бұрын
" It's not nice at all day at 4,500 rpm." It vibrates too much at 4500 rpm? Can you clarify?
@defylifeadventure
Жыл бұрын
@@fcalin21 Yeah on the 890 adventure. It's buzzy at over 4,000 rpm. Some don't really notice it or care, but it's quite high-frequency which I seem sensitive to. I was just using it as an example to point out that while the reviewer of Suzuki 800DE says he found the vibrations were a bit much, others might find it perfectly fine.
@fcalin21
Жыл бұрын
@@defylifeadventure Thank you for your effort. You are not the only reviewer who found annoying the vibrations in KTM890 .
@chrisarmes5293
Жыл бұрын
Loved the review and yes what about the brakes, also the luggage?thanks Simon
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Brakes are fine - no radial calipers is a funny choice these days - not sure if it's a cost thing or they just thought radials on a 21in front are overkill. Luggage is the now standard choice of ally boxes (looks like the same Givi kit everyone else uses) or plastic cases. Ally boxes need a pannier rail/frame and topbox plate as well, and the plastic cases also need a rail to locate in.
@nelsonsilva6842
Жыл бұрын
Didn't you read the tiny note on the lower left corner about the brakes... Ho, maybe it was on purpose...
@chrisarmes5293
Жыл бұрын
@@nelsonsilva6842 Oops
@pajownik
Жыл бұрын
Really good looking bike. It has everything a reasonable rider might need. Does the quick shifter work up and down?
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Yes, and it's very good too. Really transparent, never missed a gear, and even lets you half use the clutch as well. Very, very smooth - probably the best quickshifter I've used on any bike.
@Ritalie
Жыл бұрын
Engine vibration at specific speeds and RPM's and GEAR RATIOS are critically important, more important than any other thing. The number #1 reason people get fatigued and get rid of their motorcycle is from it having too short of gearing, and too much engine vibration at certain highway speeds. Vibration ruins a trip. The bad gear ratios are why there is so much vibration, which is completely unnecessary, because all bikes should *but don't* have a super tall overdrive gear.
@FirstName-qq6rq
Жыл бұрын
New v-strom in opinion is a fail. Vstrom owners (with some light offroad ambitions) were always complaining about suspension travel, clearance, wheel size and weight. Majority people were expecting that new one will get lighter, closer to 200 kg (like mentioned competitors) because if suzuki is claiming that bike is now more offroad capable, in my opinion they just shooted themself to the leg with more heavy bike. I have v-strom but next bike will be different brand because of the overweight.
@mattw3641
3 ай бұрын
A great balanced review.
@joshdoddadbod
Жыл бұрын
I think the 800de will be my adv bike. Seems like a great road oriented adv.
@panagoskakatosis5314
Жыл бұрын
my xtz 750 is front airbox and tank 26 litre no problem for space...
@UncleWally3
Жыл бұрын
Been thrice a ‘Strom owner, great practical bike. As for the name, I’d drop the “V” and call it the Suzuki Décent; reflects it honorable pragmatic heritage + an accent aigu for hubris.
@mikerider58
Жыл бұрын
Great to see another Suzuki but this should never be a replacement of the Vstrom 650. Suzuki needs to keep producing the basic affordable vstrom 650 at 6k to compete with Royal Enfield who are selling bucket loads of bikes. I like the 800 but don't be silly Suzuki, most people like a bare knuckle bike that they can customize.
@robertmarsh3588
Жыл бұрын
Nice bike but this will likely mainly be bought by riders looking for a mid range versatile comfy tourer so why no road oriented wheel and tyre options? Surely should be on 19"/18" wheels with tubeless tyres. Bigger screen, centre stand, and an option of cruise would be helpful too.
@paulnorman8274
Жыл бұрын
Suzuki postfixed this DE........ There will almost certainly be a more road oriented non-DE coming down the pipe, once stocks of existing 650s are thinner. Dealers have mainly been asking for an answer to Teneres. The 650 is still a viable road oriented bike.
@alanmurphy9263
Жыл бұрын
Its the heaviest, the most expensive, and buzzy. Whats not to like?
@noidreculse8906
Жыл бұрын
Great review, excellent sound quality too 👍🏻 never been a fan of Suzuki so I would have to look at the TransAlp
@simulacrae
Жыл бұрын
I must say that it's a bit annoying that all of the journals who was invited to the launch and spoke to the 50 engineers no one asked about why the bike doesn't have cruise control, or at least asked them to add it in a future model.
@jerammallis8193
Жыл бұрын
2006 gsxr600/750 received completely new engines and frames for that year :) Still, it's a very long time ago
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, but still based on previous models - the GSX-R post 1997 was one long line of evolution, I reckon, each new generation building on the previous. But it's open for discussion :-)
@Kevin-hp5fk
Жыл бұрын
While I love my 2007 650, I don't think I'd go for one of these. It doesn't have any of the things on it that i'd change on my older 650 if i could. Given what the vstrom is for, it should have a bigger windsheield, a shaft drive, cruise, and ABS you can totally disable without removing a fuse. The new Transalp is a much more appealing bike, or even something like the NC750X.
@JelloThatsMellow
Жыл бұрын
So.. a v85tt? Go moto guzzi!
@J2I3H
Жыл бұрын
Long stroke engine, so more torque, and hp lower in rev range, better for off road riding. Single cylinder engines put power down low in the rev range. Twins can do both high and low rev power if they are tuned right. Now suzuki and Yamaha should make sm models with these twin engines😎
@jameshealy4594
Жыл бұрын
Gee you're not going to miss that coming are you? Looks like the designer drew it with a highlighter and they just went with it.
@henrietn
Жыл бұрын
Weirdly, it looks better than the transalp in my eyes.
@paulnorman8274
Жыл бұрын
@@henrietn Adv bikes are like outhouses and stepvans, in that their fundamental function pretty much precludes anything but frumpy design.
@l1qu1dm3t4lIV
Жыл бұрын
I'm kind of a Suzuki fan boy, but i've wanted a Tenere for a while.. It's going to be a tough choice one day.
@sumo_steve45
Жыл бұрын
Excellent review. Absolutely spot on
@beaumas
Жыл бұрын
A bike that everyone forgets is in the class is the cfmoto 800mt, good bike but only time will tell how long it will hold up.
@chrishart8548
Жыл бұрын
It's almost as heavy as the 2012 bmw r1200gs the air/oil cooled one.
@yuriteixeira5816
Жыл бұрын
Since emotion can more than just sway the bike, How does it sound? No reviewer I've seen has done an exhaust clip, but I've heard similar to the L twin, but not quite. Sounds is the only thing stopping me from getting a versys
@PeterW961
Жыл бұрын
Well Simon.. which one do you prefer as a daily commuter and as a 2 up traveller. This V-Strom or the Moto Guzzi v85tt? 😉 Know you fell in love with with the Guzzi.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Ach, the V85TT is SUCH a good looking bike. Instant classic. I'd have to ride them back to back - I'd definitely rather take the Suzuki off-road tho!
@Motovibes91
Жыл бұрын
The Tenere 700 weighs 188kg (414lbs) without fuel and the Suzuki without fuel is 210kg (463lbs). 22kg (50lbs) difference😳🤔
@chrishart8548
Жыл бұрын
It's a lot of weight I don't care what anyone says.
@Motovibes91
Жыл бұрын
@@chrishart8548 But I think it will handle onroad better than the Tenere
@chrishart8548
Жыл бұрын
@YD I think it will too.
@paulnorman8274
Жыл бұрын
5-6 kg is fuel, as Simon pointed out. And the sofa Suzuki put on the VStrom can't be light. Bolt on subframes are in and of themselves a good but heavier, and in addition aren't usually specced unless the manufacturer cares about their strength and carrying capacity. If you intend to ride farther, while carrying more luggage and/or perhaps a passenger, that's all weight well spent. If you mainly want a dualsport with a twin, it's not.
@ozyrob1
Жыл бұрын
@@chrishart8548 agree. It's overweight by 20 to 30 kg
@evanjohn503
Жыл бұрын
although the new Honda Hornet 750 is strictly not in this category, from the reviews I've seen and read it does 90% of what these bikes do, with 91bhp, TFT, and at only 7K has to be considered
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, but that 10% is off-road, which is the point I guess. The Transalp is effectively a Hornet on long legs with adventure styling - and it's still £1100 cheaper than the V-Strom (and £2k+ more than the Hornet).
@chadkline4268
Жыл бұрын
It's a parallel 800cc twin, you're going to get the vibes of a parallel 800cc twin. Weight has pluses and minuses. Same old comments. I'd like to hear about component/maintenance/repair accessibility. And design+component reliability. And electronics reporting+interfaces. I'd like more knowledge + intelligence in reviews, and less feelings about sound+appearance. You really can't trust anything about performance anymore until a bike has been dyno tuned. They are all suboptimally detuned for emissions, so it seems. So, a good review, today, ought to include a before+after dyno tune to reflect real world performance.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
I agree, but it's impossible on a launch - it's usually a day riding around, half of which is spent posing for cameras. The 800DE was unusual in that it was two days, but there's no scope for digging into the depths of durability and dyno testing. It's a rigid timetable of events. In fact it's very rarely possible anywhere these days because most 'tests' are conducted in a day - in videos or in magazines.
@chadkline4268
Жыл бұрын
@@writestuffmedia yes. I just wish reviews were more ownership+maintenance oriented. I can learn more from a test ride than I can from most reviews. They don't help me to learn the ownership/maintenance/repair experience, and that is most important to me in a bike review.
@rjeepster8640
Жыл бұрын
Brilliant review!!! As if I had ridden it! Thank you!
@bennettsbikesocial
Жыл бұрын
You’re most welcome, and thank you for the comment!
@exothermal.sprocket
Жыл бұрын
Makes me wonder if it's the regulatory equipment that's inducing the vibration. Exhaust or intake, and/or emissions tuning that's causing this vibration issue. Mechanical setup is very important to quell vibes, but it looks like it HAS that. I know, because I used to own a FZ1 from 2011. I bought it new as a former year leftover. It produced quite a lot of unpleasant buzz in the tank, grips, and pegs. I got a full Yoshi system, put a higher flow filter in, removed the airbox snorkel, got an ECU flash to de-restrict everything, and loaded a quality developed fuel map. I swear, at least 70% of the felt vibrations the bike had produced formerly, VANISHED. Wouldn't doubt that this buzz you're feeling is due to regulation compliance, which I would suspect comes AFTER the engine design has been completed.
@wolfe1970
Жыл бұрын
A few things surprised my, the range doesn't seem that far for a 800 touring bike, and they are still using tubed tires on spoked wheels, infact why have spoked wheels on a touring bike ?
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
I think the tank range is pretty good - certainly better than the T7 and Tuareg 660, and probably a bit better than the Transalp. It has spoked wheels because it's a styling choice - as with its rivals. And I suppose you could use the argument that wire wheels are more suitable off-road because they won't fail under severe impact. I definitely prefer the look of wire wheels on an adventure bike. The traditional argument for using tubes with spokes is if the rim gets a ding off-road, the tyre doesn't deflate. But there's also the fact that tubeless spoked rims cost more. But I agree, I think all adventure bikes should be tubeless - I would say it's far more likely the rider will get a puncture on the road and wish they were tubeless than ding a rim off-road and be glad they had tubes.
@paulnorman8274
Жыл бұрын
@@writestuffmedia Tubeless spoked rims, are heavier and stiffer than traditionally laced rims. In many ways they defeat all purposes of tubeless rims, other than looks. Also, tubeless tires are hard to get on and off any rim. Even more so very stiff, unyielding rims. On traditional laced rims, you can run more traditional offroad tires if you are going on a trip warranting them. And have a better shot at removing them and replacing the tube if you flat. At least if you have experience with doing so from dirt bikes. Which I suppose you should have, before taking 250kg bikes off road. Since even this DE VStrom is still mainly a road focused bike, I still can't help thinking the decision in favour of tubed, is clouded by 80km/h speed limits in Japan. Lower speeds biases less in favour of tubeless. You don't want to blow a tubed tire, while storming down the Autobahn on the way to the Alps.
@splodge5714
Жыл бұрын
Good in depth review. Wouldn't buy any new bike with tube tyres. I'd rather the Guzzi V85TT for £1,000 less than the Suzuki with tubeless tyres and shaft drive.
@henrietn
Жыл бұрын
I have a v85tt 2019 model with tubes. You can convert the wheels for tubeless for about 100 euro in parts.
@splodge5714
Жыл бұрын
Guzzi saw the light and fit tubeless spoke wheels to all later V85TT's.
@jansiemers7910
Жыл бұрын
Hi, Fab review! Did you realise heat from the engine especially at the right leg? I did so… Cheers, Jan
@dungspreader
Жыл бұрын
Looks like premium suspension , BUT , if Suzuki are aiming more for the " on road " segment of the ADV market , why no cruise control ,heated grips, tubeless tyres , tall adjustable screen or centre stand ? All better features [ IMHO ] than a quickshifter . " Close but - No cigar for Suzuki " Your view of the Honda TransAlp will be very interesting !
@ericalbert6954
Жыл бұрын
Merci beaucoup l'Ami
@JoakimGulbrandsen
Жыл бұрын
Natural cruising speed at 70mph a bit slow? I got to say that seems a bit unfair to say, as 70mph is probably quite a bit over the speed limit of twisted roads (not highways unless you're in Norway), so one would think that a comfortable cruising speed should be around the top legal speed limit most places for their markets. I May be wrong, id love to be corrected.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Of course, apologies, you're right. I was speaking from my own experience in the UK, where 80mph on the clocks usually is around 72-74mph in real speed, which is what the police see on their calibrated speedos. So over here, if you hold 80mph on the clocks on a motorway, that's a reasonable cruising speed (because it's showing up to 8mph more than you're actually doing) - obviously it's inversely exponential, so in a 60mph limit you can do around 64mph because that will be near 60mph real speed, and so on. In a 30 limit, the difference is a few mph, so you do 30mph on the clocks because that's near enough to 30mph in real speed.
@bonesworld7178
Жыл бұрын
Much love for you Simon, However i would be pleased if Bike Social would send a more off road guy to do the 21" launches :-) Which I would watch your review of the 8s.... We all know how much you love off-road it's obvious.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I think what I'm trying to do as add some sort of context - I actually think I'm probably around the level of an average trail rider; to my mind, that's a relevant perspective.
@bonesworld7178
Жыл бұрын
@@writestuffmedia understood completely.... Just like the balance of that bike is right down the middle of the segment, We would really love to hear more the off road "relevancy" as well. Please don't take that wrong. the off road capability off the segment is the excitement.
@PHILIPP-xq3vb
Жыл бұрын
best new enduro, horse must be unpluged, due to EU5 restrictions, 12,5 comp ratio isnt bad
@TheCaretaker555
Жыл бұрын
Here we go again , firstly these mid range lighter less hippo style adventure/touring bikes are gradually becoming the norm i currently ride a 2016 Versys 650 GT but would love kawasaki to release an 850cc or thereabouts to join the gravy train of releases. This new vstrom is a great looking bike and chuck a few panniers on and the like and your good to go, however for the life of me why has suzuki produced a bike like this and provided what is nothing more than a small sized dinner plate as a windshield? when you are spending over 10 grand then have to go out and buy a screen that will provide better comfort on highways it becomes a bit tedious and less cost effective also at this price it costs nothing to install factory heated grips. I am wanting to trade in this year but even though this is a nice practical release by suzuki i think i will wait as the Versys owes me nothing and has never missed a beat at almost 30,000 miles.
@georgedoolittle7574
Жыл бұрын
Wow real wheel drive chain drive! Remarkable! Stunned!
@ioandragulescu6063
Жыл бұрын
hopefully, suzuki will put out in the next years an 800 non DE with a 19 inch front wheel and tubeless tire.
@Jareknphotography
Жыл бұрын
In Thailand price diff between versy 650 and vstrom 800 is $4000 USD. Now while the offroad capabilities of the suzuki are way better, really not sure if it's actually worth the price difference for someone who does 80/20. Also prefer the tubless tyres on the versys which also has a larger gas tank and is slightly lighter.
@christianweller4288
Жыл бұрын
Have Suzuki recreated the F800 with this? Slightly vibey engine, 800cc, decent suspension and brakes, not to mention similar weight. The F800 is gone, but lots of good low mileage examples out there for half the dosh. Hmm?
@khakimzhanmiras
Жыл бұрын
oh wow! if it isn’t my old f800gs, 15 years later and 15lbs heavier.
@nickthequick
Жыл бұрын
Perhaps they should have called it the Suzuki Sweden with that color scheme ... I sense that the vibrations bother Simon more than he lets on, but he feels he can't express it under the circumstances.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Oooo no, there's no-one holding a gun to my head (or shoving cash in my suitcase) - it's just it's really hard to make a judgement in isolation. I felt vibes on the Tiger 900 and mentioned it in the launch video a couple of years ago, but it hasn;t turned out to be a problem for most owners, I don't think. And I remember the fuss about the BMW S1000XR when it was launched - I noticed them, but didn't think it was a big deal. Then some customers started returning the bike, they were that bad! So it's a personal thing, I think. So I said what I thought - I can feel them, they don't annoy me greatly but I think I would look at gearing the bike up if I owned one, probably (maybe after a few thousand miles). But it might not even be a problem for many, if any, owners.
@billboring3925
Жыл бұрын
Usually when you have a 21 inch front you have also an 18 inch rear not a 17. Why what’s up with that?
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Good point, and I completely overlooked it in the newness of everything. I'm meeting the Suzuki engineers again soon on the GSX-8S launch, so I'll ask them!
@pont0n
Жыл бұрын
For a road biased bike, not having cruise control is huge letdown.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Yup, it's a bit of a deal-breaker for me when I'm looking at buying a bike. It should be a default for every bike with ride-by-wire, not still treated by the manufacturers as a 'luxury trim' item.
@joshdoddadbod
Жыл бұрын
I have to say having all these riding modes, quickshifter etc without cruise control seems backwards. I'd take cruise control over all of those things. That's what would push me towards a Tuareg over the PStrom.
@ispep_loca
Жыл бұрын
bmw f 850 gs is 229 kg. In middle class ,i think it's like it's going to compete with bmw . it seems to be in a slightly different situation compared to its japanese and italian rivals.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Yes, agreed, a friend of mine pointed out the GS is a big rival. I supposed I ignored it because it's kinda been a long time since BMW updated the model...
@houseofroos
Жыл бұрын
Did you mention the vibes ?
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Damn, knew I forgot something.
@houseofroos
Жыл бұрын
@@writestuffmedia You’re a good sport !
@Oscar240z
Жыл бұрын
Specs look good to me. More grunt and less power than the Honda is better for most people in the real world. Not sure about the looks though and how does it compare to a Triumph Tiger 850 / 900 engine wise? Good review thanks!
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, its looks are a problem. One of those bikes that looks better with someone on it, and even better when that someone is you (because you're not looking at it then). It's a shame - they have the basic shape ok and from some angles it nearly pulls it off - but some of the design choices are a bit odd and it looks kinda tatty in places. The Triumphs - either of them - have more performance in them than the 800DE. The 800 is super smooth, the 900 a bit more grumbly (funny, the 800DE vibes do feel at bit like the 900 at 5500rpm).
@bobbyblueace
Жыл бұрын
I wouldn't worry about the price unless you MUST have this bike as soon as it's released. Suzuki's are always heavily discounted by mid season.
@ozzyg82
Жыл бұрын
Now this bike on their new platform has been pushed out the door - maybe we’ll finally hear more on the new 8S…?
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Riding it first week in April - check back here!
@FBK-811
Ай бұрын
Does it really have more comfy seat that the 1050 !! That shocked me and let me think again before buying the 1050 will cost me 12,400 ! I wanted it for long road distance . So the seat comfy is a key for me . Do you think the African twin is better for my purpose ?
@Geshmaal
Жыл бұрын
So as a semi off-road bike that's really comfortable and great on the road, this really seems like an incremental upgrade over the 650 but at significant extra cost...is this progress?
@paulnorman8274
Жыл бұрын
220mil suspension travel, 220mil ground clearance, 21 inch front, protection.... It's objectively quite a step up from the 650 off road. Different bikes entirely, really; if off pavement touring on all but the guaranteed smoothest of dirt is considered.
@willsharp1513
Жыл бұрын
Just curious, going a little larger how would you compare this to the Triumph Tiger 850? It’s gotten pretty good reviews for comfort, protection, and has a more street oriented 19” front wheel. Lot of ‘22 models still available so OOD price might be similar.
@writestuffmedia
Жыл бұрын
Interesting comparison. I've put some miles on the Tiger 850 and before I rode it I was a bit snooty about it because it seemed like a down-spec Tiger 900... but it felt like a great bike in its own right. Compared to the 800DE: same price if you add quickshifter & handguards to the spec, same performance, same tank size... +s: much lighter, lower seat, better wind protection & adjustable screen, more secure roadholding (19in front), engine character better suited to pure road riding at speed (they both vibe a bit tbh), probably has the edge on comfort overall but... -s: seat not as comfy, less sophisticated electronics, cast wheels not spoked (if that matters to you), much less off-road capability - less ground clearance, less suspension travel, etc - lower quality suspension with less adjustability... It's actually tough to call. My gut feeling - if they were both parked outside and I had to ride 500 miles... I'd take the Tiger every time because it actually has a screen.
@Loiczzr
Жыл бұрын
My problem with triumph is quality control, and how they treat customers. I expected to be real good but it's actually the opposite.
@frankstocker5475
Жыл бұрын
They dropped out of Moto GP to save money & now they are more expensive than all the rivals. I don't think the extra 1,500 is worth the two screws & a quick shifter. Suzuki must value the bike by the kilo.
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