Can you green lane a Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?

Holloway ratings

Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.

Full specs

What we actually found

Owners praise the 800DE as a rugged, remarkably refined adventure twin. Riders highlight the 776cc engine and cross balancer system for delivering smooth, vibration-free power and stall-resistant low-rpm torque on climbs. While the 21-inch front wheel tracks well over ruts, owners caution that at 230kg with tubed rims, it is heavy in deep mud and requires tube-repair gear on the trail.

Pros for green laning

• Smooth 776cc parallel twin: produces 83hp and 78Nm with a 270-degree crank, providing smooth, tractor-like pull from idle that resists stalling in slick mud.
• Fully adjustable Showa suspension: 220mm of travel front and rear with 220mm ground clearance and a 21-inch front wheel handles ruts and stones well.
• Gravel traction mode: specifically calibrated off-road traction mode allows optimal rear wheel spin for drive without cutting power abruptly.
• Vibration-free road transit: Suzuki's cross balancer system makes tarmac links between distant trail networks exceptionally smooth and fatigue-free.

Cons and limitations

• Hefty 230kg kerb weight: considerably heavy for tight, muddy, or deeply rutted UK green lanes, exhausting to haul upright solo.
• 17-inch rear wheel: limits fitment of hardcore extreme-enduro tyres compared to standard 18-inch rear wheel setups.
• Tubed wheel design: requires carry-on tyre levers and spare inner tubes rather than quick tubeless plug kits for roadside puncture repairs.
• Low-slung exhaust routing: exhaust header pipes sit exposed beneath the engine, requiring an aftermarket heavy-duty skid plate for rock protection.

Based on manufacturer specifications and independent motorcycle press reviews.