New V Strom 800 'soft-roader?

[Tigerjohn]

I see Visordown are speculating on a more road-focused V Strom appearing in the Autumn, using the new 775cc engine, based on model info submitted in California. Tubeless tyres, cast wheels, 19" front wheel. We can only hope....

[NeilM]

Interesting.

My local dealer has an 800DE demo bike and I had to opportunity to take it out recently while I was having a set of new tyres fitted to the 650 (Avon Spirit ST's, love em) but decided not to bother as having returned from a seven day trip up to Scotland and back, that of all the ADV bikes I saw on the trip, and there were lots in Scotland, those with 21" front wheels looked tall and ungainly on the roads.

Now I appreciate that how a bike looks to someone else is of no consequence, but with my engineers head on I just felt that the AT's and T7's I saw looked more like they were on the road in transit from one trail to the next, rather than being used as road bikes.

Let's see if the autumn brings any surprises.

[nigel s]

The cc expansion of the middle weight class is a reflection of their makers intended use.All are too heavy for off road/green lane use.
800de  230kg
1050  236kg
650   216kg
Compare that to the Husqvarna 701 a heavy weight of the "trial" bike market at 155kg.
The first 3  are all road bikes so why a 21" wheel and tubes is just positioning in the market.

[mr_diver]

Because they look the part parked outside Starbucks. 

[Brockett]

Horses for courses eh!
A bike with a 790 to 800mm seat height, some frontal weather protection and something that can be fitted with a top and side boxes. 70 BHP, at least 18 litre fuel capacity, and a 6000 mile service interval.  17 inch cast wheels are enough for a road only bike and the weight less than 200Kg.
No phoney beaks, or spokey wheels or need for a ladder to get on or off for those with 29 inch ( or worn out) legs.
We are still looking for something like this.

[nigel s]

Husky 701 LR  (Long Range 300 miles)with rally raid kit .
Same engine ish as Brockett's Duke
OH MY!

[kwackboy]

 

[nigel s]

I don't know about outside Starbuck's ,the 701 is more likely to be seen on TOP of Starbuck's
Ho Hum

[Oldleathers]

I was waiting to swap my 1050 xt for the new 800 vstrom but when I released there wasn't going to be a road version I went for the tracer 9 instead more or less fits Brockett's spec!. I didn't even go and look at the new 800 in the flesh which is a shame as I'm a big Suzuki fan.
Oldleathers   

[Brockett]

I had a Tracer a few years ago (2015), but as I got fatter, older and my hips wore out I found it to be:-  Good - Superb engine, actually too much power for the chassis to handle , good enough brakes. Bad - inadequate suspension, seat too high, weight too heavy. Hopeless screen and poor frontal weather protection.  I read the later models have better suspension.

[Oldleathers]

Yes I agree I had a test ride on the mk2 tracer and hated it. when the vstrom 800 appeared and wasn't for me I took the tracer 9 out and loved it, the suspension is still a bit harsh out the box on the standard model not the GT but I'm still working on adjustments. I've heard commentators say Yamaha is now a premium brand but comparing the finish and components to the Suzuki the Suzuki is just as good as the Yamaha on fit and finish.

[Tigerjohn]

Mentioned this rumour to my dealer yesterday, who smiled and "couldn't possibly comment!" Is it an open secret in the trade, I wonder?

[Phild]

My son’s got a 2020 model Tracer 900…..I love riding it.👍

[SteveH]

I imagine Suzuki won't be the only ones replacing the 21" tubed jobbie with 19" tubeless in the immediate future.
I was ready to go for a Transalp till I saw the wheels. Talking to the blokes at the Honda shop they confirmed that I'm not the first to say that.
It wasn't a wasted mission though, the Honda shop had a lightly used VStrom in which I promptly bought 

[graingerblaze]

Confirmation that a standard V-Strom 800 is on its way, a road biased ‘non DE’ version by the end of the year.

[Tigerjohn]

Yes, I think it's pretty certain we'll see a road-focused V Strom (hooray!) and probably a 775cc sports bike in the Autumn. Suzuki will want to capitalise on what has clearly been a well-received engine. I think we'll see a GT version of the sports bike at some point too, which will make a lovely sports tourer for those who don't want an inline four. Remember....you heard it here first!

[NellyP]

The current 800 is a sweet handling road bike irrespective of the front wheel size. A bit £££ though

[The Doctor 46]

After having a test ride I would agree with that, it's quick too. 

[Steve T]

Actually saw one one the road this morning - rider heading towards Braemar, just before the gairnsheil bridge.

Head light certainly got my attention from a good way off - very bright

Steve T