Exploring the duality
Motorcycle Sport & Leisure|July 2023
Not producing a completely all-new bike since 2017, Suzuki has instead only launched revamped or reclothed versions of existing models. Considering that fundamental lack of fresh machinery, and other clues like the massive decision to pull out of MotoGP racing, it seemed any hope of seeing a completely new Suzuki motorcycle was all but gone
CHRIS MOSS
Exploring the duality

2023 SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE

Thankfully that's not the case, and for 2023, another middleweight adventure bike has been added to the range in the shape of the all-new V-Strom 800DE (Dual Explorer). Better than that, after riding it for two days both on- and off-road at its press launch in Sardinia, I'd go so far as to say the V-Strom will put Suzuki right back on the map, helping it regain its position as a big player. It might have been a long wait, but it appears as though it's been worth it!

It was clear from a couple of key factors at the launch just how seriously the V-Strom is being viewed, much like its sibling the GSX-8S. In these tight economic times, it's unusual for a press presentation to be held over two days. And only when a new machine commands high status, do so many Japanese engineers attend and view matters with as much anticipation as they did.

It’s been worth the wait! 

This story is from the July 2023 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.

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This story is from the July 2023 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.

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