A new (slightly) higher-spec Suzuki V-Strom 800DE adventure motorcycle has been announced for the French market, as the Rally Edition of the new middle-weight is launched.
The updated machine comes less than a year after the bike was first announced during a glitzy do at EICMA in Milan. And while the new bike’s basic specifications are the same as the stocker, it does benefit from a number of add-ons that should make it a more appealing off-road machine to the ardent enthusiast.
First up are the graphics of the new V-Strom, which include new details on the tank cover and handguards of the bike. The front end of the bike is also protected with an accessory bar which also doubles as the front fog light hanger.
More protection comes in the form of a sump guard to keep the oily bits in one piece should the bike encounter larger rocks or boulders. The final piece to the puzzle is the use of off-road-biased Bridgestone AX41 hoops, a tyre that is designed for slightly more gravel and mud riding than the Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour items found on the stock bike.
All in all, the Rally Edition kit comes in at €1,299 or can be added on at purchase and fitted prior to collecting the bike. Opting for that option takes the price of the whole bike up from €11,499 to €12,999 according to Le Repaire Des Motards.
Now, just because this pack is being bundled together by Suzuki France’s marketing team, there isn’t anything stopping UK riders from achieving just the same spec - it’s only the graphics that aren’t listed on the UK accessory page for the mid-weight ‘Strom and the tyres are easy enough to get after all.
