2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 Touring Evaluation

Editor’s Notice: We took possession of a 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 Touring check bike final April, which was late within the season as a result of the first spherical of 2026 Suzukis was introduced in July. We saved the bike for months – and hated to offer it again – so this evaluate is a bit previous its freshness date. Though the V-Strom 800 Touring is now not provided, the customary V-Strom 800 may be simply outfitted with the Touring’s prime field and handguards.

The Suzuki V-Strom 800 is now not breaking information, however for the previous couple of years Suzuki has been busy cranking out fashions powered by its 776cc parallel-Twin. In 2023, Rider reviewed the GSX-8S bare bike and the dirt-ready V-Strom 800DEand final 12 months we reviewed the totally faired GSX-8R. For 2026, two trendy retro streetbikes – the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT – be a part of the household, sharing the identical platform.

Our check bike was a V-Strom 800 Touring mannequin, which was launched alongside the V-Strom 800 for 2024. In distinction to the V-Strom 800DE, the V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800 Touring are extra street-focused, with a smaller entrance wheel (19-inches diameter as an alternative of 21 on the DE), cast-aluminum wheels (as an alternative of the DE’s spoked wheels), a shorter seat top, and fewer suspension journey. The Touring mannequin features a 35-liter lockable prime field keyed to the ignition and plastic handguards. (The Touring mannequin is now not provided, however the prime field and handguards can be found as equipment.)

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These 2023 and 2024 check rides befell in France, Italy, and even at Chuckwalla Raceway in California. In distinction to these unique press occasions, when EIC Greg Drevenstedt requested if I might evaluate the V-Strom 800, I jumped in an Uber and headed for an ambiance-free, barbed-wire-lined storage facility in Ventura, California, to seize the keys and get a fast stroll round.

It’s been about a couple of years since I final threw a leg over a V-Strom 650. Recollections are foggy at finest, or perhaps that’s simply my new norm. A lot of the Rider check bikes I’ve sampled had been used for pictures functions, laden with a cumbersome, overstuffed backpack and a tripod. So I used to be keen to take a look at the V-Strom uncompromised by these acquainted 3-inch shoulder straps cramping my model.

The roll-up storage door revealed a gorgeous Metallic Matte Metal Inexperienced bike rolling on a 19-inch entrance, 17-inch rear solid wheels with Dunlop 614F/D614 tubeless tires. Out within the recent air, I turned the important thing, and the brilliant, colourful, and easy-to-read 5-inch TFT show lit up. Riders can select a white or black background and plug their gadget of alternative into the USB-C slot.

The V-Strom 800 is powered by a liquid-cooled 776cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree firing order. It’s tuned for midrange torque, and the Suzuki Cross Balancer system manages vibrations. Trip modes are adjustable on the fly through the left-handlebar toggle change and embody A (sport), B (most situations), and C (rain). Additionally included are throttle-by-wire, a bidirectional quickshifter, Low RPM Help to keep away from stalling in visitors, and Simple Begin, in addition to the three-level Suzuki Traction Management System (STCS) and two ranges of ABS. In just some minutes, I grew to become conversant in the modes and able to change them on the fly. My most popular settings had been the A journey mode and ABS and TC set to 1 (minimal intervention).

At 5-foot-10 with a 32-inch inseam, I discovered it straightforward to swing my boot to clear the one-piece, well-padded seat that’s 32.5 inches off the deck, and I used to be in a position to sit flat-footed. Upon preliminary startup, I seen a subdued exhaust be aware that reverberated inside the echo chamber of the tightly packed storage buildings.

After just some blocks of chunky square-edged metropolis streets, I used to be amazed at how plush the Showa suspension reacts up entrance. The inverted Showa Separate Perform Fork-Large Piston with 5.9 inches of journey isolates the fitting fork leg as a damping unit, whereas the left has a spring and is adjustable for preload. Within the rear, the Showa shock absorber makes use of a link-type rear suspension with a distant gasoline reservoir. It’s simply adjusted by hand for a passenger, cargo, or driving choice. Damping at each ends is just not adjustable. The bike contains a metal body, a removable metal subframe, and an aluminum swingarm.

Coming into a high-speed freeway on a brief uphill ramp, I grabbed a number of clutch-less upshifts utilizing the quickshifter whereas merging into visitors, and it grew to become instantly obvious I used to be in for some enjoyable miles. With snappy midrange energy between 4,000 and eight,000 rpm, the V-Strom 800 generates peak figures of 83 hp at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lb-ft at 6,800 rpm (claimed, on the crank). The mirrors remained clear and helpful, and engine vibes had been superb. The medium-sized three-position windscreen within the lowest place punched a pleasant gap to take the wind blast off my chest whereas my helmet was in clear air. Peak changes require a hex key.

Heading south for lower than half an hour, I’d had sufficient of U.S. Route 101. It wasn’t notably crowded, however I used to be salivating on the considered the canyon roads and clam chowder forward. I rolled previous Level Mugu, the gateway to the northern Santa Monica Mountains, heading south to Neptune’s Web restaurant on the Pacific Coast Freeway throughout from County Line surf spot. I loved clear pavement, the Pacific Ocean on one aspect, cliffs on the opposite, with straightforward sweepers, salt within the air, and solar on my again.

At Neptune’s I parked proper subsequent to a Yamaha Tenéré 700. It was surprising to see how a lot taller the controls, seat, and gasoline tank had been compared to the V-Strom. Each have their robust factors, however I had a sneaking suspicion that this V-Strom 800 would have the benefit within the canyons.

After a cup of clam chowder and a fast surf test throughout the road, it was time for the primary course. There are greater than a dozen canyons between Level Mugu and Topanga Canyon, and every highway that climbs from the ocean to the summit has a distinct persona: Yerba Buena, Mulholland, Decker, Encinal, Latigo, Piuma, and extra provide all the pieces from Sixth-gear sweepers to extremely tight supermoto sections the place you’re fortunate to get in a breath or two earlier than corners. With 5.3 gallons of gas, I used to be free to maximise the best route and commute residence with out fear.

As soon as into the canyons, it was the proper alternative to check the brakes: Nissin radial-mounted 4-piston entrance calipers matched with 310mm discs and a Nissin single-piston rear caliper with a 260mm disc. I used to be impressed with the texture and ease of use, balancing stopping energy with out overwhelming the compliant suspension.

Fueling had no hiccups, and the facility was delivered in each a spirited and clean method. The suspension didn’t have extreme dive below braking or squat below onerous throttle. The complete bundle from prime to backside conveys a tremendous sense of confidence. The rider is briskly delivered into the corners versus being thrown into them. I’ve definitely been by means of these canyons quicker however not with out double the trouble and dedication.

With confidence constructing, it was solely a matter of time earlier than the pegs had been throwing sparks and it was time to again it down a bit. With patches of sand and rocks on among the roads and plenty of different unknown obstacles, together with the occasional automobile that ignores the double yellow utterly, a slower tempo was the higher a part of valor. I used to be having a lot enjoyable that I circled again and accomplished a second move.

Fortunately, the commute residence wasn’t too far. I rode from empty canyons to commuter roads and even some lane splitting. Commuting in tight visitors conditions on the V-Strom 800 is a breeze, and the bike carries its 492 lb effectively. Whereas having the bike, I discovered myself operating extra native errands on it. Along with the Touring mannequin’s prime field and handguards, different accessible equipment embody LED fog lamps, plastic aspect instances, excessive and low seats, heated grips, a centerstand, and extra. Alas, cruise management is just not accessible.

After greater than 500 miles on the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800, I got here away impressed. It’s a refined machine with glorious match and end for its base worth of $9,899 ($10,249 for 2026). The additional $600 for the Touring mannequin was a candy deal – including the 35-liter prime field ($699.95), prime field provider plate ($99.95), and handguards ($99.95) to the usual V-Strom 800 tacks on one other $899.95 to the bottom worth. It’s a strong mix of versatility, efficiency, and luxury for knowledgeable riders, and it’s additionally accessible for riders trying to transfer up. Did I point out this bike suits me like a glove?

2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 Specs

• Base Value: $9,899 ($10,249 for 2026)
• Value as Examined: $10,499 (2024 Touring mannequin w/ prime field and handguards)
• Web site: SuzukiCycles.com
• Guarantee: 1 yr., Unltd. mill
• Engine Sort: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
• Displacement: 776cc
• Bore x Stroke: 84.0 x 70mm
• Horsepower: 83 hp @ 8,500 rpm (manufacturing facility declare)
• Torque: 57.5 lb-ft @ 6,800 rpm (manufacturing facility declare)
• Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/help moist clutch
• Closing Drive: Chain
• Wheelbase: 59.6 in.
• Rake/Path: 26.0 levels/4.9 in.
• Seat Peak: 32.5 in.
• Moist Weight: 492 lb w/o prime field
• Gas Capability: 5.3 gal.
• Gas Consumption: 47.6 mpg
• Estimated Vary: 252 miles