[Garry h]

Out for a run 2 up yesterday
Not bad fuel economy

 

[richlandrick]

That is about what I have been getting as well.

 

[D.T.]

After yesterdays ride I can understand why you want cruise control. My right hand kept getting sore. I have a cramp buster dealio but that didn't even help much. Been fine until this year. I must be getting old. 👨‍🦳

 

[richlandrick]

I must be getting old. 👨‍🦳

My right hand goes numb on long trips. I've got used to riding that way, but sometimes forget after getting off the bike. REaching for a cup of coffee with a numb hand can be messy.

 

[Griff]

My right hand goes numb on long trips. I've got used to riding that way, but sometimes forget after getting off the bike. REaching for a cup of coffee with a numb hand can be messy.

I have the same issue. Depending on the type of bike I am riding it can vary in intensity.

 

[Philbytx]

At 76, I've never experienced issues on any bike with my well trained and exercised right wrist

 

[Griff]

USA review...

I lost the will to live halfway thru. Too much waffle. However I stayed long enough to hear those 5000rpm vibes mentioned again. Any further views on that subject ?

 

[cblais19]

I lost the will to live halfway thru. Too much waffle. However I stayed long enough to hear those 5000rpm vibes mentioned again. Any further views on that subject ?

They’re definitely there, but I noticed them less when I took the rubber mounts out and swapped to MX boots oddly enough. Don’t come through the grips. On the -8s they’re more at 80 apparently, I guess the gearing change for the vstrom puts them right at the point we do a lot of sustained riding in the US.

 

[hillsy]

Stopped into my buddies shop yesterday and test rode the new 800....

Pretty nice actually - seat of my pants dyno felt faster than my 1000?? Hard to say I guess but it felt like it had plenty of grunt all through the rev range.
Everything is a bit sharper with it being a fair bit lighter...needs a taller screen though - that one doesn't do much at all.

 

[Garry h]

A few more miles yesterday
Now up to 1k
Bikes getting better with a bit of use
Not bad off road but certainly no T7 replacement

Track is a lot steeper than it looks
This pic from the T7 cockpit is a better veiw
Traction control works very well on the 800
Nice and suttle

 

[Drastik313]

Just got my 800 Saturday, traded in my DL650 for it.

Jumping from one right to the other, the most notable difference to me was the fantastic suspension on the 800!

I'm a larger rider at 220 and 6'2" and the wee always felt like it was sitting at the last little bit of suspension travel for me.

Making the ride feel firm and unforgiving. Of course I didn't really know what I was missing while riding the 650, but the 800 feels so plush in comparison it's night and day.

Only 45 miles into my 600 mile break in period, so that's the only observation I can offer so far.

ETA: handle bars are a little low for me. Hopefully Suzuki gave us enough slack in our lines for risers!

 

[Due51]

Ian at Big Rock Moto posted his "First Ride" video. He likes it a lot.

 

[Griff]

Good review.

 

[Griff]

I'm told a shop not too far away has one. Must go look next week.

 

[Randal]

A few more miles yesterday
Now up to 1k
Bikes getting better with a bit of use
Not bad off road but certainly no T7 replacement

View attachment 317405 View attachment 317406
View attachment 317407 View attachment 317408
View attachment 317409

Track is a lot steeper than it looks
This pic from the T7 cockpit is a better veiw
Traction control works very well on the 800
Nice and suttle
View attachment 317410

Beautiful countryside!!!

 

[Fly2high]

…indeed! Wish I was out riding instead of being stuck in the office.

 

[richlandrick]

I ordered soft bags today. The saddlebag guards we already available for the 1000/1050 and 2017 DL650 fit this bike as well. I had already added mirror extenders to get an unobstructed veiw reward and added a quad lock for my phone (Quad Lock is pricey!).

I have to agree with the review above. This is a great bike for exploring. I think it is going to be way more popular than the other mid size adventure bikes for all the reasons stated in the video.

 

[Motopundit]

I recently saw the new 800 in the flesh and I was unimpressed. A good attempt but it falls short IMO. For just a few more dollars, I'd buy a Triumph Tiger 850 Sport

 

[Hans471]

I recently saw the new 800 in the flesh and I was unimpressed. A good attempt but it falls short IMO. For just a few more dollars, I'd buy a Triumph Tiger 850 Sport

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I owned Vstrom 650's (Gen 1 and Gen 3) between 2005 and 2022. I spent a lot of time on them and never had a single complaint with either.
During this time period I have also had two Triumph Tigers, a 2007 Tiger 1050 and my current 2022 900 GT Pro{ Big brother to the Tiger 850....actually use the same basic engine/frame with a different tune and suspension level). Loved both of these bikes too.
There many similarities between the DE 800 but there are also differences. I think the perspective buyer should do some homework and try to get a test drive on both before making a decision. I buy bikes for function and not looks (well unless its butt ugly). Each of these bikes will have its own personality for sure. They will feel different, their engines will have differences. BUT, most of all, think of long term ownership cost and convenience. I love my Tiger but I am also well aware that it can be a more expensive motorcycle to service and repair. I also know there are many more Suzuki dealers than Triumph dealers and the after market for Vstrom is pretty broad. All of these are factors to consider.
Even owning the new Tiger I still like the looks of the new Vstrom 899. I like the dash layout, the sound of the engine, etc. I wouldn't "kick it out of bed" as they use to say!

 

[Motopundit]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I owned Vstrom 650's (Gen 1 and Gen 3) between 2005 and 2022. I spent a lot of time on them and never had a single complaint with either.
During this time period I have also had two Triumph Tigers, a 2007 Tiger 1050 and my current 2022 900 GT Pro{ Big brother to the Tiger 850....actually use the same basic engine/frame with a different tune and suspension level). Loved both of these bikes too.
There many similarities between the DE 800 but there are also differences. I think the perspective buyer should do some homework and try to get a test drive on both before making a decision. I buy bikes for function and not looks (well unless its butt ugly). Each of these bikes will have its own personality for sure. They will feel different, their engines will have differences. BUT, most of all, think of long term ownership cost and convenience. I love my Tiger but I am also well aware that it can be a more expensive motorcycle to service and repair. I also know there are many more Suzuki dealers than Triumph dealers and the after market for Vstrom is pretty broad. All of these are factors to consider.
Even owning the new Tiger I still like the looks of the new Vstrom 899. I like the dash layout, the sound of the engine, etc. I wouldn't "kick it out of bed" as they use to say!

Point taken. I've had plenty of seat time on a friend's 2015 Tiger 800 and it always impressed. He recently traded up to a Rally Pro 900 but that thing is priced in BMW territory. What I couldn't get past with the new V-Strom 800 is the overall fit and finish. For the price, I expected better. I have no doubt it's got a terrific motor, but Triumph wins with fit and finish for sure. I've also paid big money for several KTM's (500 EXC-F, 690 Enduro & Duke, 990 Super Duke, 1190 Adventure R) and while they perform like none other, KTM needs to use better wiring on their bikes for the price tag they charge. I love my base model 2021 DL650, but I bought that kid for it's awesome value. To me, the new 800 does not have that attractive value for money.