The Suzuki V-Strom occupies a sweet spot for a lot of adventure-leaning motorcyclists who also need a bike that can handle more mundane riding duties. With this in mind, Suzuki has introduced two all-new dishes to their ever-expanding adventure menu (there are 12 flavors of the V-Strom now!). The 2024 800 and 800 Touring models shade further toward the sport touring and daily-rider end of the V-Strom spectrum, and both feature the Japanese manufacturer’s 270-degree firing order 776 cc DOHC parallel-twin engine.
You read that right—there’s no V in this V-Strom. The new motor is also found in the more off-road oriented 800DE and 800DE Adventure, as well as the GSX-8S, and it specs out at 83 hp at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm. The 800 and 800 Touring also receive some of Suzuki’s most advanced technology packages, including three different ride modes, five levels of traction control, and bi-directional quick shifting, all controlled through a 5-inch TFT display.
Typical for the V-Strom, seat height is very approachable (32.5 inches), as is the predictable steering via the SHOWA-supplied 8.7-inch-travel inverted front fork and the tarmac-focused Dunlop D614 adventure rubber (110/80R19 front and 150/70R17 rear). That said, both bikes still have a respectable 8.7 inches of rear wheel travel (including preload and damping adjustment on the shock), as well as 8.75 inches of ground clearance, which Suzuki claims is the most of any V-Strom model. Off-the-shelf Nissin brakes with selectable two-mode ABS handle the stopping duties. A center stand is optional, as is an engine protector, the latter of which is standard on the 800DE and 800DE Adventure.
Should it be the P-Strom now?
The Touring version is distinguished from the 800 by its standard-equipment 35-liter top case, hand guards, and extra-shiny Glass Sparkle Black paintwork (the 800 gets Metallic Matte Steel Green). Ringing up at $9,899 for the 800 and $10,499 for the 800 Touring, these middleweight bikes fit squarely in the price range occupied by their primary competitors, the new-for-2024 Honda Transalp XL750 ($9,999) and the Yamaha Tenere 700 ($9,999). You’ll write a bigger check for the KTM 890 Adventure ($13,949) and the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport ($12,290), but you also get a bump in power and, in some cases, features. The Suzuki V-Strom 800 and 800 Touring are on sale now.
Read more: KTM 390 Adventure :: 2023 Updates
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