Why does the new 800DE complement and not replace the V-Strom 650?
“The 650, which has been steadily at the top of the sales charts for some years, is still one of the most requested and appreciated bikes for its ease of riding. The 800 is positioned halfway between the two V-Stroms already present in the range but only as regards the cubic capacity of the engine. The vocation of the 800DE is clearly adventure, capable of offering fun, adrenaline and safety in off-road driving”.
On the 1050 you first came out with the street version and then the DE. With the 800 only with the DE. Will the road version also arrive?
“It’s not there at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come. With the 800DE we are positioning ourselves where the market today demands a product”.
He says that the market is asking for this kind of motorcycle and now Honda has also arrived in this segment with the Transalp. What are the most important elements to win, please, between: price, package completeness (electronic or accessories), design or real off-road vocation.
“It’s kind of the sum of everything. The 800DE is a motorcycle without compromises: the design recalls the lines that Suzuki has recently introduced with the new models, i.e. taut, modern and angular lines, without losing the reference to past models such as the glorious DR. The V-Strom 800DE then knows how to offer the best both on and off-road, thanks to the brilliant parallel twin cylinder which delivers power and torque from low revs and thanks to the important driving support provided by the electronic package, with settings designed to allow off-road driving to anyone who wants to try their hand at off-road driving in maximum safety, from the novice to the more experienced driver. To all this is added an ideal driving position and the standard bidirectional quickshifter, essential elements to make the V-Strom 800DE the ideal way for all off-road enthusiasts”.
Between offroad and touring, what percentage do you give to the 800?
“It is a motorcycle born to be used on true off-road. The driving pleasure, typical of the V-Strom range, is also achieved when driving on asphalt, thanks to the agility of cornering and the always prompt response to the throttle grip. The elasticity of the engine then makes the difference in all driving conditions”.
