After being spotted testing in India last year and being showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo earlier this year, we can now confirm that the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE will launch in India soon.

1. 776cc parallel-twin engine makes 84.3hp, 78Nm
2. Has Gravel mode for loose surfaces, rear ABS can be disabled
3. Expected to cost as much as the Honda Transalp 750

The V-Strom 800DE is based on Suzuki’s new liquid-cooled, 776cc, 270-crank parallel-twin engine, which is rated for 84.3hp and 78Nm.

The V-Strom 800 DE features the same steel frame as the GSX-8S naked bike, but its sub-frame has been lengthened and made tougher for coping with the extra load of a pillion as well as luggage. With its 20-litre fuel tank, the V-Strom 800DE weighs 230kg, while seat height is a relatively tall 855mm.

Suspension duties are handled by an adjustable front fork and a monoshock with remote preload adjustability, both courtesy of Showa. Front and rear suspension travel as well as the ground clearance figure, all stand at 220mm. Braking is handled by a pair of 310mm discs at the front with four-piston floating calipers and a 260mm disc at the rear with a single-piston caliper. It gets dual-channel ABS as standard, and if needed, the rear ABS can be switched off. One disappointment here is that unlike the smaller V-Strom 650XT, and like its closest Japanese rival the Honda Transalp 750, the spoked wheels on the 800DE come shod with tubed Dunlop Mixtour rubber.

Unlike the simple (yet sweet) V-Strom 650XT, the 800DE is loaded with electronic features expected of a modern middleweight ADV touring bike. A comprehensive number of electronic aids are standard: a bi-directional quickshifter, four riding modes (including a Gravel mode), three traction control settings and dual-channel ABS. All of these features are controlled through a brand new 5-inch TFT dash. Suzuki’s Easy Start System is also on hand, which allows you to start the bike with just one press of the starter button. Another feature helping the rider and one which is especially useful in our riding environment is Suzuki’s Low RPM Assist feature that raises the engine’s rpm when starting from a dead stop.

When it does launch in India (which is likely to be in the coming days), expect the V-Strom 800DE to be priced in the same ballpark as the Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom, Haryana) Honda Transalp 750. It will also lock horns with the Rs 11.95 lakh Triumph Tiger 850 Sport (ex-showroom, India).