tarmac , 19-inch is superior for traction and feel and on gravel or worse the 21-inch front hoop is significantly better for traction and steering accuracy . Suzuki intend the 800DE to be ridden off-road , in the mud and easy single track , hence the larger diameter front wheel . Put genuine knobbly tyres on front and rear and you will be amazed what a large bike like this can do . And let ’ s face facts , 19-inch knobblies come in the 50 percent road and 50 percent off-road variety , which aren ’ t real knobblies at all … For proper steering and braking grip off-road , a 21-inch front wheel is a must . So , I think Suzuki has done the right thing equipping the 800DE with a 21-incher - its horizons have been broadened .
STYLING AND DESIGN On the styling front , Suzuki has given the 800DE modern , bold and distinctive styling with strong colour schemes . There are three main colours to choose from . Bright yellow / blue , grey / blue and black / blue . No doubt the yellow / blue combination has the most impact and yellow is the colour most riders associate with Suzuki from its long running RM motocross range , which will certainly keep Suzuki fans happy . But , I have to say , the pale grey / blue one is a very smart looking machine and the one that caught my eye the most . The traditional beak above the front guard is still in place , but the headlight is now a twin mono focus vertically stacked LED set-up that is very distinctive . The rest of the 800 DE has slim clean lines that enhance ergonomics . The rider platform is roomy and comfortable without being eye-wateringly tall … the seat height is a reasonable 855mm that should suit most riders in the Adventure market , although shorter riders could struggle .
P-STROM ? The big news here is the parallel twin engine . And it is a gem . The basics are liquid cooling , 776cc with twin overhead cams and four valves per cylinder , producing a claimed 83hp at 8500rpm and 78Nm of torque at 6800 . This is fed by twin 42mm throttle bodies . Airbox access is under the seat and seems reasonable … we never had the opportunity to take the filter out , so can ’ t vouch for sure . Many have nicknamed this new bike the P-Strom due to the parallel configuration engine . However , Suzuki says the V in the Strom now stands for versatile , as a V-twin like the 650 and 1050 it is not . Although it does have a 270-degree firing order which somewhat emulates the pulse and sound of a V-twin . More importantly , the engine is delightful in
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