Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Off-Road Test 2025

It doesn't stand out with spectacular specs or fancy accessories, but with reliability. The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE was our unsung hero at this year's 1000PS Off-Road Test Days. From the first ride, it instills a sense of robust confidence. And after the first challenging section through the Red Stag terrain, it was clear: this motorcycle doesn't seek attention, it earns it.

Off-road riding in German-speaking regions often comes with restrictions, especially if you want to keep it legal. But here, in the Alpine foothills southwest of Vienna, an enduro paradise awaits: the Red Stag Enduro Terrain. With over 50 kilometers of off-road trails and around 33 kilometers of challenging hard-enduro sections, it offers everything an off-road enthusiast could wish for. The trails are color-coded—from green to blue—making them suitable for both beginners and advanced riders. Large adventure bikes are explicitly welcome here. Riders frequently venture out on fully packed beasts, tackling sections that vary in technical difficulty to push their machines to the limit. Operated by Enduro Extreme, the venue hosts eight events annually—from May to the end of October. Those interested can find all the details at www.enduro-extreme.com. For the big 1000PS Off-Road Comparison, the Red Stag Enduro Park is not only geographically ideal—it also provides the perfect conditions to realistically test adventure bikes like the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE.

At this year's Off-Road Test Days, 1000PS is betting on a true classic: the Continental TKC 80. This tire celebrates a remarkable milestone in 2025—40 years of service on expeditions and journeys around the globe. While the rubber compound has been updated over the decades, the core construction and iconic block pattern have remained largely unchanged. It's a testament to timeless design that still proves its worth today. The TKC 80 delivers exactly what matters in off-road conditions: solid grip, high traction on loose surfaces, and good self-cleaning capabilities in muddy sections. The tire especially shines in the rougher sections of the Red Stag, bringing real joy to the ride. Our test crew quickly agreed: the TKC 80 remains a reliable partner when venturing into the rough. It's a well-deserved choice as the standard tire for the Off-Road Test Days.

The V-Strom 800 DE looks mighty yet remains surprisingly nimble. Despite its expansive fairing, it boasts a slim waist and an accessible seat height of 855 mm. The wide handlebars and balanced ergonomics enable both comfortable seating and sporty standing. For off-road use, we slightly tilted the handlebars forward, resulting in an aggressive yet comfortable posture with more weight on the front wheel. The ergonomics, with ample space between the foot pegs and handlebars, inspire confidence. They allow for freedom of movement and remain comfortable even after hours in the saddle. There's room for improvement with the foot pegs—wider pegs would be preferable for serious off-road ventures.

Both front and rear offer 220 mm of travel with the Showa upside-down fork and the central shock absorber. Fully adjustable, perfectly tuned, and with a buttery response. The V-Strom excels with stoic calm in rough sections, masking its weight remarkably well and allowing for spirited speeds. In technical sections, the combination of good ground clearance, smooth response, and progressive damping reserve shines. During our three-day test, we fine-tuned the suspension to be slightly firmer using the extensive adjustment options. This kept the Suzuki pleasantly calm and predictable even at high speeds on uneven terrain.

The 776cc parallel-twin engine with 84 HP and 78 Nm of torque impresses with its strong punch in the low to mid-range rpm. Thanks to a balancer shaft, it runs silky smooth and almost vibration-free. Especially valuable off-road: powerful, finely controllable power is available right from the low revs. In technical terrain, when searching for traction, the gentle throttle response allows for very precise power modulation. At higher revs, the parallel-twin loses a bit of its eagerness, but those parts of the rev range were rarely needed off-road anyway. The gears shift butter-smooth and very precisely through the six-speed gearbox, though the clutch requires a bit more effort than others in this class. Whether on deep gravel or narrow trails, the engine has thoroughly convinced us—an excellent adventure bike powerplant!

The front dual disc brakes (310 mm) provide a clear and pleasant bite. Not overly aggressive, but very effective. The rear brake (260 mm) engages a bit more sharply, which initially requires caution from less experienced riders. However, with a brief period of acclimatization, precise modulation is also achievable here. In technical downhill sections, the system has proven its worth, even though the rear lever must be used with a bit more care initially.

Suzuki has a clear concept with the V-Strom 800 DE: Less is more. The three main features—riding modes, traction control, and ABS—can be directly accessed from the display's main interface. No submenus, no frustration. The Gravel Mode ("G") offers beginners control with slight slip. Advanced riders can deactivate traction control with a long press, and the best part: the setting remains active even after the ignition is turned off. The rear wheel ABS can be switched off separately, but not permanently; it's reactivated with each restart. Any further critique? While not essential for off-road use, a cruise control would complement the V-Strom 800 DE quite well.

The service interval is set at 12,000 km, which is practical and aligns with the standards in this vehicle category. A nice detail in the V-Strom 800’s construction is the separately bolted subframe, a real advantage for repairs after a fall. If minor roadside repairs are needed, take a look at the onboard tools; they're quite basic, so it's wise to pack a few extra items for longer tours. Access to the air filter? That's well designed. Remove the seat, take out the battery compartment, two covers—and you're there. This can still be done in a few minutes, even after a long, dusty off-road day.

With its 21-inch front wheel, the Suzuki confidently navigates over gravel and small obstacles. The long wheelbase provides stability, and the excellent suspension offers good control even at high speeds. The balance is spot on, the weight is centralized, and the handling remains intuitive, making adjustments easy. This especially benefits beginners and less experienced adventurers. In the hands of skilled riders, the V-Strom 800 DE transforms into a serious enduro capable of tackling rough sections with ease. Among the 800cc adventure bikes, the Suzuki holds its own. It's not the lightest, sharpest, or most equipped, but it might just be the most honest. While the Yamaha Ténéré 700, Honda Transalp, or KTM 790 Adventure may excel in different areas, the Suzuki stands out with its blend of quality, robustness, and intuitive operation.

At the 2025 Off-Road Test Days, Leatt's two adventure suits impress with functionality, protection, and comfort. The MultiTour 5.5 is the weatherproof all-rounder with a 3-layer construction, a 20,000 mm waterproof inner jacket, and thoughtful ventilation—ideal for 10 to 20°C and changing conditions. The FlowTour 5.5 features large mesh panels, a sporty cut, and also a waterproof outer jacket—perfect for active riders at 25°C and above. Both offer high-quality Level-2 protectors, smart details like hydration system preparation, and adjustable widths. Those seeking uncompromising touring functionality should opt for the MultiTour. Those who value lightness, airflow, and flexibility will find the FlowTour to be the right choice.