With the extra components, you'll be extra relaxed while going off the road with your V-Strom
After a successful run of the V-Strom 650XT, Suzuki made strides at the 2022 EICMA with its all-new 2023 V-Strom 800DE. It soon became of the most hotly anticipated middleweight ADVs, and the bikemaker even priced it competitively. But going full “things can always get better”, Suzuki has now taken the wraps off the 800DE Rally Edition. As the name suggests, the special edition spruces up the ADV’s off-road credentials, thanks to a handful of accessories.
From a distance, the Rally Edition appears identical to the standard variant. But look at them side-by-side, and the details start coming into focus. The first thing to note is the added equipment plonked onto the 800DE. This includes a wider aluminum belly pan down low and blacked-out tubular crash guards up top. The latter extends all the way from the V-Strom’s beak to the new sump guard for much-needed crash protection if you tip off. And if you do, the hand guards will keep your palms protected, although these appear identical to the stock ones.
Speaking of stickers, the special edition flaunts a new livery. There are new graphics from head to toe, put in place to mimic Suzuki’s rally racer. These are complemented by ‘Motul’ stickers all around, as well as dark bronze spoke wheels with ‘V-Strom’ lettering. A closer look at the wheels also reveals new Bridgestone AX41 tires, said to offer better grip than the stock dual-purpose Dunlop Trailmax Mixtours.
And that’s about it for the changes. Under all this, the Rally Edition carries forward Suzuki’s new 776cc, twin-cylinder powerhouse. It produces 84.3 horsepower (at 8,500 RPM) and 57.5 pound-feet (at 6,800 RPM), all sent to the wheel via a six-speed transmission. Think this is plenty? Then you’ll appreciate the presence of likable electronic aids. We’re talking ride modes, traction control, switchable ABS modes, and a bi-directional quickshifter, all accessible via a TFT instrument cluster.
As for underpinnings, the ADV is built around a steel frame that relies on fully adjustable Showa suspension at both ends, offering 220mm travel at each end. Serious off-roading fans will also appreciate the 21/19-inch wheels–perfect to chart over anything and everything. Concurrently, braking prowess comes via 310 mm dual front discs and a 260 mm single rear disc, each bit by a Nissin caliper.
