use . It has a powerful and responsive nature while maintaining a linear and useable power delivery . Initial thrust and response from low revs are impressive with excellent low rpm torque and mid-range grunt too . While the top-end power is decent , the low rpm responsive and grunty nature of the power delivery means short-shifting through the gears is a quick and effective way to ride the 800DE . For most use it is unnecessary to rev the engine hard . This is a well-balanced , smooth-running motor with little vibration . This is thanks to Suzuki ’ s new patented balancing system . Twin balancer shafts are mounted at 90-degrees and I ’ ll mention that at times a few vibes are noticeable , if you are focusing and looking for them … but nothing I thought to be of any real consequence . Suzuki has done a great job with this new engine .
SUITS YOU S . I . R . S The launch ride was a day long mix of approximately 50 percent loose gravel roads and the other half tar seal . At all times there was rain and the roads were wet . The weather was crap . To be fair , Simon had put together a fantastic test ride and it was a real shame the Big Yella stayed away that day . SIRS ( Suzuki
Intelligent Ride System ) was there to take care of any mishaps – being in charge of the ABS and TC electronics . There are road and gravel traction control modes along with two levels of ABS intrusion and the rear ABS and TC can be turned off – definitely a step forward compared to previous Suzuki adventure machines . All of this is navigated by the 5-inch colour TFT LCD display that shows the rider mode , amount of TC and ABS dialled in , range , gear , fuel consumption , fuel level , clock , ambient temperature and more . There ’ s a handy 2A 5v USB port mounted on the left side of the dash for those who use a phone for navigation ( Not me , I use a phone to make calls . Barely ). A testament to the bike is how enjoyable the ride itself was . Bad weather never enhances a ride and can contribute negative feelings towards a bike because it ’ s so bloody miserable . Not this time , I was loving the ride and it sure as hell wasn ’ t the weather having any influence in it . The 800DE just works so well on both gravel and tarmac . And that ’ s with the standard tyres , which are road tyres . This fact highlights how well Suzuki has designed the chassis . It is planted and stable while remaining agile and effortless on turn in . The steering head angle is 28 degrees , which
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