Suzuki V-Strom 800 : Taming the Asphalt

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The East Khasi Hills are not just a breathtaking postcard from Meghalaya, they’re a relentless playground for anyone on two wheels. Winding ribbons of tarmac snake through mist-kissed cliffs, sudden gradients, tight corners, and moments of pure silence broken only by the hum of an engine. And in this terrain, I found myself astride a new companion: the Suzuki V-Strom 800. Not the DE, the one meant for adventure; this one was its road-savvy sibling, more restrained in suspension, but not in soul. I had a week with it. A few hundred kilometers through hill stations, humid valleys, and broken mountain roads. From Shillong’s laidback cafés to the surreal clouds near Laitlum Canyons, the V-Strom 800 wasn’t just a motorcycle, it was a steady, confident partner in travel.

The Approach

Suzuki’s plan with the V-Strom 800 is crystal clear, take the adventure-ready DNA of the 800DE and refine it for the road. That means you still get the 776 cc parallel twin, still get the steel frame, and still get the long-distance touring spirit, but with an aim toward better manners on asphalt. From the very first kilometer, it’s obvious that this bike is built with intent. This isn’t a jacked-up ADV that tiptoes around traffic; it’s a confident, road-biased machine that wants to eat up miles. The seat height is lower (825 mm), which makes it welcoming. The ergos are upright, natural. For me, at 5’10”, it felt like I’d already spent a few thousand kilometers on it. It just fit. The East Khasi Hills aren’t forgiving terrain. They test low-speed agility, mid-speed flickability, and throttle control in corners where the clouds steal your vision. The V-Strom handled all of it like a gentleman with a rebellious streak.

The Package

The V-Strom 800 is no minimalist compromise. It’s packed. Underneath, that parallel twin makes 84 horsepower and 78 Nm of torque. It’s not a rocket, but it’s not supposed to be. It’s meant to deliver a refined punch, and that it does. Power delivery is linear, pleasant in the city, punchy on the highway, and easily manageable in the hills. You want smooth corner exits at 3,000 rpm? Done. You want to cruise at 120 without a hint of buzz? No problem. The 6-speed gearbox is slick, and the bi-directional quickshifter is a godsend on twisties where the clutch lever is better left untouched. There’s no drama, just a clean, confident click up or down. Suspension is Showa, and with 150 mm of travel at both ends, it strikes a sweet balance. Soft enough for Shillong’s potholes and patchwork roads, but taut enough to feel planted when you’re chasing sunsets on smooth tarmac. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast alloy wheels keep handling sharp but predictable. It’s not razor-edged like a sportbike, but it flows. And on those S-bends up to Laitlum, it gave me confidence lap after lap. The seat? Plush. The tank? A massive 20 liters. I didn’t have to think about fuel the entire weekend. And the taller windshield, though not tool-free adjustable, is surprisingly effective in high-speed highway stretches.

ABS Can Be Switched Off

One of the smart touches: the ABS on this V-Strom can be switched off at the rear. For a touring-focused machine, this opens up a world of confidence when descending through wet, gravel-laced mountain shortcuts or dealing with loose terrain just off the highway. It’s not a bike built for off-road, but Suzuki gives you just enough tools to not be scared of it. Traction control is three-level, and you can turn it off entirely if you’re feeling bold. Add to that multiple ride modes and a ride-by-wire throttle that behaves like a real gentleman, it’s electronic tech that stays out of your way.

The Strengths

There are bikes that make you want to ride hard. And then there are bikes like the V-Strom 800 that make you want to ride far. What surprised me was how it blends versatility and comfort. On the long stretch from Cherrapunji to Mawphlang, I rode through heavy fog, dry patches, and rain. The V-Strom was always composed. No matter the surface, no matter the speed, it tracked straight, held lines, and never felt twitchy. The braking system, with 310 mm discs and radially mounted Nissins, gives solid bite without being abrupt. Especially important on downhill switchbacks where you want precision, not panic. What I loved most? It doesn’t ask much of you. Whether you’re tired after eight hours in the saddle or blasting up a hill for the third time just to catch the golden light again, it never feels demanding. It’s that balance between approachability and performance that makes it shine.

Conclusion

By the time I rolled back into Shillong with my boots covered in East Khasi dust and a mild sunburn across my neck, I realized something: the Suzuki V-Strom 800 isn’t just another mid-weight tourer trying to fill a market gap. It’s a well-rounded, deeply considered machine that knows what it wants to be, and that’s rare. It doesn’t scream for attention. It doesn’t try to be a Dakar bike. It simply delivers an honest, capable, and surprisingly fun ride across varying conditions. For someone who loves long rides, leans into corners for joy, and wants a machine that doesn’t punish them for taking the scenic route, it’s hard to think of a better companion. Whether you’re planning your next road trip or just your next coffee run through the hills, the V-Strom 800 shows up ready, rain or shine, winding road or straight. And me? I’d take it back to the East Khasi Hills in a heartbeat.

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