bike with their legs .
Further helping riders control the new V-Strom 800DE on and off-road are wide , tapered , aluminium ‘ bars and steel – though rubber-covered – footpegs . A long wheelbase aids stability , helped with an aluminium swingarm with a unique shape that enhances vertical , lateral , and torsional rigidity .
A ride-by-wire throttle provides a natural feel , and synchronises with a range of electronic features that further enhance the V-Strom 800DE ’ s performance in a range of riding situations .
Like the bigger V-Strom 1050DE , it gets a traction control system with three on-road modes , which provide varying levels of intervention , plus the introduction of a G mode for use off-road . G mode allows more wheelspin , which is suppressed only enough to help prevent excessive slip , so power continues to be delivered to the rear wheel with minimum interruption . As a result , the rider gets the consistent power output they want . More experienced riders can also choose to disengage the traction control entirely for even more direct control .
The V-Strom 800DE also has two ABS settings , providing greater or lesser intervention , plus there is the ability to disengage the rear ABS for improved confidence and control off-road .
Gear changes are slick and uninterrupted thanks to a bi-directional quickshifter , meaning riders don ’ t need to trouble the clutch lever and can keep the throttle open on upshifts , while there is no requirement to blip it on downshifts .
Like all new Suzukis , there is the ever-handy low rpm assist – which raises the idle speed when pulling away or at slow speeds to reduce the risk of stalling – and Suzuki Easy Start System , which requires just one push of the starter button to fire the engine into life .
All of the advanced rider aids are managed via a simple rocker switch on the left handlebar , and displayed – alongside speed , odometer , rev counter , and more – on a five-inch , full-colour TFT dash .
All of the above is wrapped in a style that is both quintessentially V-Strom and modern at the same time . Harking back to Suzuki ’ s DR Big and DR-Z heritage is the notable beak design and a hero colour scheme reminiscent of the firm ’ s off-road racing exploits of the past . Even the graphics are designed to resemble motocross number boards .
However , the beak is shorter , sharper , and sits higher , highlighting the space between front mudguard and headlight , created thanks to its tall stance and 220mm of suspension travel , and new vertically stacked hexagonal LED headlights are slim , light and compact .
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