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TUAREG
ADVENTURE IS CALLING. ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE?
Three new colour schemes and countless adventures to enjoy with this off-road competition winner
Prepare to succumb to the spirit of adventure. Canyon Sand expresses the Tuareg’s rally soul through the warmth and energy of majestic dunes. The sleek, deeply dark Atreides Black is ideal for getting down and dirty off-road and on muddy terrains. Rounding out the trio is Dakar Podium, a tribute to the legendary exploits of yesteryear and the enthralling challenges of today and tomorrow.
NEW V-STROM 800RE TO ENHANCE SUZUKI ADVENTURE BIKE LINEUP
Following the launch of its all-new V-Strom 800DE earlier this year, Suzuki has announced a new V-Strom 800RE that will further expand its adventure bike stable, ensuring the V-Strom range is truly ready for any terrain, any horizon, any adventure.
Born to roam, the V-Strom 800RE will provide a more road-focussed offering than its more off-road-ready sibling. With DE denoting the V-Strom 800DE’s positioning as a dual explorer, the adoption of RE for the latest V-Strom 800 model highlights its abilities as the road explorer.
Arriving in November, the new V-Strom 800RE will come with an OTR price of £9,699.
At its heart, the new V-Strom 800RE uses the same new 776cc parallel twin engine as its stablemate, with its double overhead cam and 270° crankshaft design delivering a broad spread of torque throughout the rev range – peaking at 78Nm at 6800rpm – and a rumble and character more akin to Suzuki’s famed V-twins. Peak power is 84.3PS at 8500rpm.
It also uses the same steel main frame, engineered for a balance of straight-line stability and agile handling. The narrow steel tubes also help maximise fuel tank capacity, which comes in at 20 litres. However, the new V-Strom 800RE differs from its more rugged counterpart most notably by swapping 21” and 17” spoked wheels and tubed tyres for 19” and 17” cast aluminium wheels, wearing Dunlop tubeless tyres.
Like the V-Strom 800DE, high quality suspension is still provided by Showa, but with a focus on delivering superior on-road performance. 150mm of travel at the front and rear comes courtesy of preload-adjustable inverted front forks and a link-type monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound damping, delivering sure-footed roadholding and a plush ride for long days in the saddle. Stopping power comes from radially-mounted four piston Nissin calipers.
Further underlying the V-Strom 800RE’s prowess as the tool to explore all roads it comes with a seat height of 825mm, while aluminium, rubber-covered footpegs are set 14mm further rearward and 7mm higher than the V-Strom 800DE, and aluminium tapered handlebars are 13mm lower and 23mm further forwards. They’re also 15mm narrower. A taller and wider screen offers more weather and wind protection on longer rides.
Nestled underneath the screen is a 5” colour TFT screen with dual display modes for day and nighttime riding. All the navigation of menus and features is done via a simple, easy-to-use rocker switch on the left-hand handlebar. There’s also a handy USB port located on the left-hand side.
Displayed on the bright, clear screen is all the information required by the rider, including the current setting selected from its three-mode traction control system – which can also be switched off – and the current power mode selected, from Active (the more sportier and direct throttle map), Basic (ideal for cruising or city riding), and Comfort (perfect for wet or cold conditions). There are also two ABS settings, providing differing levels of intervention.
A ride-by-wire throttle connection provides a natural feel and connection to the rear wheel, while a standard-fit bi-directional quickshifter – allied to a slipper clutch – makes gear changes slick and seamless. There’s also Suzuki’s low rpm assist and easy start function.
Sharing a similar DR Big-inspired look as the 800DE, complete with iconic beak and full LED lighting front and rear, the V-Strom 800RE will come in Pearl Vigor Blue, Metallic Matt Steel Green, and Glass Sparkle Black.
There will also be a full suite of genuine accessories available including a choice of three-piece aluminium or plastic luggage, heated grips, and a centre stand.
V-STROM 650XT ADVENTURETO ARCTIC FINLAND
The call of the open road, the thrill of exploration, and the allure of far-off destinations have always been the hallmarks of motorcycle adventures. Gordon Stuart has been lucky enough to travel some of the world’s greatest roads by motorcycle, from the Dalton Highway in Alaska, The Verdon Canyon in South East France, to the Lofoten Islands in Norway and the F roads across Iceland.
As part of his ongoing quest to ride across The Arctic Circle in every country possible, at the start of 2020 Gordon settled on the V-Strom 650XT as the perfect bike for his next planned adventure to Arctic Finland as well as plenty of day trips around his native Northumberland, and weekend runs to Scotland.
Gordon had ambitious plans, 4,000 miles in nine and half days from home in Newcastle to Arctic Finland via Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, popping into Norway on the way home just because. Utilising his personalised champion yellow V-Strom with silver Givi outback trekker side cases, Gordon set off from Newcastle to catch the ferry to the Netherlands from Hawrich in Essex, some 326 miles away.
After the rest of an overnight ferry, Gordon docked early into Rotterdam at 8am on day two, ready for what turned out to be a punishing day in the saddle. Blitzing through the picturesque Dutch countryside and the distant cityscapes of Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Apeldoorn, Gordon was in Germany before noon with 150 miles in the bank. It was another 280 miles across Germany to the Northern town of Puttgarden where he would catch a ferry to Denmark.
Progress was stalled upon hitting major roadworks on the Bundesautobahn 1. Sweltering in the sun, low speed filtering became a chore, slowing progress, making the arrival into Denmark late. Even though the sun was starting to sit low in the sky he pressed on for Sweden, crossing the iconic Øresund Bridge from Copenhagen into Malmo, offering breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea – entering Malmo around 10pm, 545 miles done and 30 shy of the planned mileage.
The final leg of the journey North took him into the wilderness of Finland. The landscape evolved from lush forests to vast tundras and crystal-clear lakes, and not a motorway since Germany. The weather in Finland was cold and wet, up there with some of the worst conditions he had ridden – on par with Iceland in 2018 and Norway in 2011.
Thankfully the final day north saw the weather ease but the roads narrow. This northern wilderness was bathed in perpetual daylight, creating a surreal atmosphere, especially witnessing the midnight sun inside the Arctic Circle, which marked the pinnacle of this adventure and the fourth time Gordon had crossed the Arctic Circle by motorcycle.
The route home took in more of the delights of Finland, as well as the seemingly never-ending forests of Sweden, and a small visit into Norway to enjoy some of the amazing roads and landscapes.
Gordon said of the trip, “My V-Strom 650XT was the perfect motorcycle for the trip and never missed a beat. There was a great amount of power and range in the engine, even when fully loaded with my camping gear, and it was light and nimble enough to really enjoy the Scandinavian roads and mountain passes. The fuel-economy was fantastic which was a helpful benefit considering current fuel prices across Europe. Comfort was good, too, with some long days in the saddle. Needless to say, I can’t wait for my next V-Strom adventure.”
Find out more about the V-Strom 650XT.
NEW AND ICONIC SUZUKIS SET FOR MOTORCYCLE LIVE
Suzuki is bringing a fleet of new and iconic models to Motorcycle Live 2023, which takes place from 18-26 November at the NEC in Birmingham.
The firm’s entire product range will be on display, including its new-for-2024 models, alongside the fresh metal that joined the lineup this year.
That includes the award-winning GSX-8S and its adventure-shaped sibling, the V-Strom 800DE, both of which use the new 776cc parallel twin engine with a 270° crank, with an abundance of torque, and a comprehensive suite of electronics.
Both flavours of V-Strom 1050 – the 1050 and 1050DE – will also populate the adventure bike section of the stand, as will the venerable V-Strom 650XT, while the 8S will be joined by the GSX-S1000 and SV650 in the street bike section.
Powered by the same superbike-derived inline four-cylinder engine as the GSX-S1000, the revered GSX-S1000GT sports tourer will make an appearance, shown in its new colours for 2024, as will the iconic Hayabusa, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024.
Making up the scooter section will be the trio of new 125s – the Avenis, Address, and Burgman 125 Street EX – and the Burgman 400, the original maxi scooter. Flying the yellow flag in the off-road corner will be RM-Z machinery, including race bikes from renowned supercross team and bike builders SR75 Suzuki. Their special, supercross-inspired V-Strom 650 will also be on display.
Visitors to the show will also be able to test ride a number of the models on display, with a fleet of Suzuki’s learner legal machines available in the Try Ride section, while experienced riders can sample the delights of much of the range out on the roads.
Harking back to Suzuki’s heritage will be a number of icons from the firm’s vintage fleet,, including the Team Classic Suzuki Katana and GSX-R1000 K1 endurance racer, with famous faces stopping by throughout the show, including BSB legend John Reynolds.
During the show Suzuki can be found in hall four, on stand 4D20.