SUZUKI V-STROM 800 DE REVIEW | THE ABSOLUTE BEST BUY IN THE SEGMENT

It’s a BIG motorcycle, ladies and gentlemen, but, somehow, it doesn’t come across as intimidating. On the contrary, it has a friendly demeanour, which is something you can’t say about most adventure motorcycles nowadays.

- SYED SHIRAZ SHAH

Igenerally publish reviews on a “first come first serve” basis, which means that the vehicle I have tested first will have its review published on priority, and the vehicle I reviewed subsequently will see its review getting published the following week. Unless, of course, there are restrictions due to an embargo placed by the manufacturer until a certain date. This time, however, there is no such embargo on any of the vehicles I have tested in the last 30 days, and this Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE review has jumped the queue primarily because of two reasons: 1) I have just returned the bike in the morning today, so my test observations are absolutely fresh in my mind, and 2) the Suzuki India Comms. & PR team is a gem. Allow me to elaborate.

See, with a few others, while trying to get a press unit from them, you have to wait for the planets to align perfectly; consult an astrologer, etc., but getting a press vehicle from Suzuki is a hassle-free affair. Not just that, most of the times I don’t even have to ask—they proactively reach out to me. In fact, this particular unit was assigned to me within a millisecond. Yes, I am not exaggerating. I asked if it’s available, and the immediate answer I got was, “yes, it is; you may pick it up right away.” THAT’S how it should be. I so wish to name a few people who can learn from the Suzuki team...

Of course, that doesn’t mean I will be writing a love story about the motorcycle in the name of a review. No, sir, the review as always will be unbiased and Suzuki India knows that. In fact, that is why it needed to be said. The unsung heroes deserve credit for the Jason-Bournelike precision they work with. Now let’s begin the review, shall we?

DESIGN & ERGONOMICS

The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is a bonafide adventure motorcycle in both form and function. While you’ll read about the latter in a minute, I’ll just devote a few lines to its design and ergonomics here.