Suzuki has expanded the V-Strom 800 range with the introduction of two new street-oriented models for the American market. Dubbed the V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800 Touring, the new variants leverage the engine and chassis of the more dirt-focused DE model, yet are equipped to provide comfort and performance for commuting, sport or long-distance touring.

Using the same new-generation 776cc parallel- twin engine as the DE, the V-Strom 800 and 800 Touring each get cast aluminum 19”/17” wheels shod with Dunlop’s new D614F/D614 tubeless ADV tires. With those road-focused changes also comes a new 43mm SHOWA SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) inverted front fork and a SHOWA rear shock tuned to maximize straight-line and cornering performance for street riding as well as light-duty off-road use. In addition, the rear shock absorber employs a remote, hand-operated hydraulic spring preload adjuster so suspension tuning for a passenger or cargo takes just seconds.

Suspension travel is also reduced from 8.7″ (220mm) to 5.9” (150 mm) front and rear, contributing to a lower ground clearance of 7.3” (185 mm) and a more accessible seat height of 32.5” (825 mm); down from 33.7’ (855 mm). For a more commuter-friendly experience, the 5.3-gallon (20L) V-Strom 800 tank is shaped to be thin at the rear to flow into the slim seat, which aids the rider in touching the ground at stops.

The two models boast a steel frame, steel sub-frame, and an aluminum swingarm. The front fork supports radially mounted NISSIN four-piston brake calipers that grasp a pair of 310 mm stainless steel brake rotors, while the rear wheel features a single 260 mm disc. Both the front and the rear calipers  are monitored by a compact ABS system, which offers a choice of two different mode settings the rider may choose for differing road conditions. The ABS system’s mode 1 provides minimal anti-lock brake intervention, while mode 2 provides more anti-lock brake intervention.

For comfort on the road the V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800 Touring feature a tall and wide adjustable windscreen, a wide, vibration-damping, tapered handlebar, a supportive seat, and rubber-padded footpegs. The Touring variant adds handguards and a 35-liter plastic top case that operates with the bike’s ignition key as standard equipment.

Like the V-Strom 800DE, a full-color, 5-inch TFT LCD multifunction instrument panel provides the rider access and on-the-fly control over the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) suite of advanced electronic features that include the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, the Suzuki Traction Control System, and Suzuki’s Bi-Directional Quick Shift system Bi-directional Quick Shift System (QS) which allows the rider to shift up or down quickly and easily, without operating the clutch lever.. 

A wide variety of Genuine Suzuki Accessories are available for the V-Strom 800 and V-Strom 800 Touring. Accessories include plastic side cases, several top case options, engine guards, a center stand, low- and high-profile seats, heated hand grips, fog lamps, and more. The available Genuine Suzuki Accessory aluminum side cases and top cases have a sturdy locking system that uses a unique style key different from the motorcycle’s ignition key. 

Pricing and Availability

The new models are expected to hit dealer floors in Spring 2024. Pricing for the V-Strom 800 starts at $9,899 while the Touring variant will set you back $10,499. Each model will have its own dedicated color, with the V-Strom 800 offered in Metallic Matte Steel Green while the V-Strom 800 Touring will arrive in Glass Sparkle Black.

V-Strom 800 & V-Strom 800 Touring Specs