Most Dirt-Worthy Suzuki V-Strom Ever Gets Badass Rally Edition

The V-Strom nameplate has been around since the early 2000s, when it was launched as a dual-sport motorcycle. Since that time, it has grown to comprise no less than a dozen models sporting various engine sizes and meant for various uses.. All of them are included by Suzuki in a category it calls Adventure.

Of the 12 available models in the lineup it is the 800DE the one that interests us today. The bike is described as the most dirt-worthy V-Strom ever, and in its 2024 incarnation is something that can't be easily overlooked by people in the market for a new ride, whether for fun or competition.

The bike is built around a steel frame and subframe, and rocks an aluminum swingarm and "the longest suspension travel and highest ground clearance of any V-Strom model." Made by Showa and fully adjustable, the gear comes with 220 mm of travel and keeps the bike's body 220 mm of the ground.

A 21-inch spoked front wheel makes it stand tall and proud. The 17-inch wheel at the rear gets its spin courtesy of a 776cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 83 horsepower and 78 Nm of torque. A six-speed transmission is on deck to properly handle the power.

The bike, already an impressive entry in the adventure segment, becomes even more so now that the Rally Edition has been announced. That's not only because of the modifications made to it but also because these changes were made with input from the SR75 World Team Suzuki crew.

That's the UK-based team the Japanese bike maker uses to compete in supercross, motocross, and beach races in several competitions around the world, including the United Kingdom, France, Europe and the U.S.

The name is at the top of the game in competitions such as the Arenacross, AMA Supercross, and FIM World Supercross, having claimed a number of titles and championships over the past few years.

For the purpose of their exploits, the team members use Suzuki RM-Z race bikes, which are specially tailored for motocross. But given how the 800DE is also "the most off-road focussed V-Strom ever," some of the riders are thinking about switching to this model in the Rally Edition incarnation, possibly as soon as later this season.

The changes made to the base motorcycle are not truly extensive, but they should make all the difference in a race.

The bike's engine remains in place, but in a bid to give it "more bark" a modified FMF titanium exhaust system was fitted. The bike's original wheels has been swapped as well, with the one at the front retaining its size but the one at the rear growing to 18 inches. Both are made by Envy and wear Dunlop D209RR tires.

The Rally Edition was also gifted with a new sump guard and handlebar risers fitted at the ends of bars taken off an RM-Z450. To round off the modifications, the special SR75 Suzuki livery was pulled over the bike's body.

On paper the modifications look amazing and, as SR75 Suzuki team owner Geoff Walker says, they should make the 800DE a perfect substitute for the RM-Z here and there. The Rally Edition is not the only modified V-Strom the team used for its exploits - back in 2022, a modified version of the 650XT came to light as well.

But in reality it is only the members of the SR75 team that will get to experience the Rally Edition firsthand. That's because unless Suzuki takes this up and turns it into a production bike, it will only come out on race nights, in the hands of trained riders.

Before it goes up against the competition around the world, the SR75 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Rally Edition will be displayed for all to see at the Adventure Bike Rider Festival. The event takes place this weekend at the Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.

The Rally Edition will not be the only V-Strom to be shown there by Suzuki, as the Japanese will take advantage of the event to present the entire range and even give visitors the chance to go on test rides, both on and off the road.

At the time of writing it is unclear when we are to expect the competition debut of the SR75, but we'll keep an eye out for it, you know, just in case it makes a sufficient splash.

If all the V-Strom 800DE talk worked up your appetite for a true off-road beast, you should know the model is selling in the U.S., in its 2024 model year guise, starting from $11,599.