Suzuki has announced the launch of the V-Strom 800RE Tour, a new version of the road-focused adventure bike that comes equipped with a full set of aluminium luggage for long-distance journeys (or trips to the shops).
And according to the manufacturer, the £11,199 on-the-road price represents a saving of £706.94 compared to buying that luggage separately.
It’s a great deal that comes as no surprise because the various V-Strom models have always offered great value over the years. In fact, we reckon the new 800RE Tour could be the best value for money adventure bike on the market right now.
Stiff competition
Sure, there’s stiff competition from the likes of the Honda Transalp (£9,699) and BMW F 800 GS (£9,995) which cost less in standard form, but once you add extras like luggage to those bikes, the price points become a lot closer.
And of course, there is the CFMoto 800MT Touring which, at £9,199, comes with luggage and a top box for free. But while it proved a capable and well put together motorcycle when we reviewed the bike earlier this year, there will be those who hesitate at buying a bike from a Chinese manufacturer, and one without a dealer network to rival the likes of Suzuki’s in the UK.
But the main reason the V-Strom 800RE Tour offers such great value for money is the fact that, when we tested the standard model in France last year, it proved to be a superb motorcycle (you can read the full review in issue 79 of ABR magazine. Get yours today for just £4.99 with free UK postage).
Joyous to ride
In fact we went as far as saying it was, ‘a truly joyous bike to ride on great roads, inspiring trust with its handling and providing thrills with every twist of the throttle’.
“The fact that it’s also fantastic to ride around town, comfortable for long stints in the saddle, and offers plenty of space for a pillion and luggage doesn’t somehow make it boring. Yes, it is undeniably practical, but it’s also a brilliant machine.”
So, there you have it, a superb mid-size adventure bike that comes equipped with a full set of luggage for a couple of hundred pounds over 11k.
While that’s certainly not pocket change, when you consider the excellent reliability V-Strom’s are known for, and the superb performance of the 800RE, it starts to look a bit of a bargain.
