Suzuki India finally launched its flagship ADV for the country, the V-Strom 800DE. However, this segment already has some prominent names like the BMW F 850 GS, Triumph Tiger 900 and more. Today, we have faired the Japanese offering with the BMW F 850 GS and here is the result.
Design
For the most part, adventure bikes are supposed to look purposeful rather than pretty. They ideally follow function over form approach and it's the same case with both, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE and the BMW F 850 GS. The two ADVs may not appeal to everyone’s eyes but their design, stance, and overall bodywork mean business only. Suzuki has offered V-Strom 800DE with a vertically stacked headlight setup topped by a transparent visor. It gets a single-piece seat, an upswept exhaust, and a small tail rack.
Meanwhile, the BMW F 850 GS gets a regular LED headlight, a transparent visor, a single-piece seat and upswept exhaust. However, its tank appears to be slightly on the taller side giving the rider seat a deeper scoop.
Features
It is only natural for such large-size adventure motorcycles to come loaded with electronics. This makes it convenient for riders to get used to the bike before exploring their and the bike’s full potential. The V-Strom 800DE comes with a five-inch TFT, drive mode selector, traction control system with Gravel mode, ride-by-wire, bi-directional quickshifter, ABS modes, low RPM assist, and the Suzuki Easy Start System.
BMW has equipped the F 850 GS with ABS, automatic stability control, riding modes, traction control, adjustable levers, riding mode Pro, keyless operation, and a 6.5-inch TFT. The F 850 GS has notably more features here.
Hardware
The V-Strom 800DE rides on Showa USD front forks and a monoshock. Its braking duties are done by a twin front and a single rear disc mounted on a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheel wrapped in block pattern tyres. Suzuki has equipped the V-Strom with a 20-litre fuel tank which seems decent.
On the other hand, the Bavarian ADV rides on USD front forks with a preload and rebound adjustable monoshock. The brakes on the F 850 GS comprise a dual 305mm front and a single 265mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. It too gets a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheel setup.
Engine
Powering the V-Strom 800DE is a twin-cylinder 776cc liquid-cooled engine that makes 84bhp at 8,500rpm and 78Nm at 6,800rpm. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The BMW F 850 GS is powered by an 853cc twin-cylinder motor that belts out 95bhp at 8,250rpm and 92Nm at 6,250rpm. It too gets a six-speed gearbox and a quickshifter. It's quite evident that the BMW ADV makes more power and torque.
Price
The asking price for the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is set at Rs. 10,30,000 whereas the BMW F 850 GS retails at Rs. 12,95,000 (both ex-showroom, Delhi). While the BMW bike offers more in terms of power and features it also demands a substantial premium over its Japanese rival.
