V-Strom 800DE

[Fireflyer]

@Arsey
‘‘Twas your early posts back in 23 that sewed the seed of curiosity for me or this bike would have probably remained under the radar of bikes I was considering
In the end I’d got it down to this or the Aprilia Tuareg. But sometimes being more focused like the Tuareg is, channels you into a narrower window of use, and this bike allows you to explore pretty much in all directions.

So tried to twist the arm of the dealer where I got mine from to do the same price on the white blue option which suits that bike so well but in the end what I got for the price I paid has left me more than happy with the choice

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

@Arsey
‘‘Twas your early posts back in 23 that sewed the seed of curiosity for me or this bike would have probably remained under the radar of bikes I was considering
In the end I’d got it down to this or the Aprilia Tuareg. But sometimes being more focused like the Tuareg is, channels you into a narrower window of use, and this bike allows you to explore pretty much in all directions.

So tried to twist the arm of the dealer where I got mine from to do the same price on the white blue option which suits that bike so well but in the end what I got for the price I paid has left me more than happy with the choice

What’s more focused about the Tuareg ?

 

[TIJ650]

Nice bike and I think I like the colour scheme?! lol
At least I would on a GSXR!
Still think I prefer the Suzuki yellow on anything remotely dirt focused though.
Very subjective I know and I do love those bikes.
PS. The colour scheme might grow on me if you keep long enough!

 

[Fireflyer]

What’s more focused about the Tuareg ?

Just about to go out into the much welcomed sunshine so a short answer for now.

Tuareg:-
Suspension much more focused to dirt environment- not as cosseting for less pointed riding
Ditto the seat when mile munching duties involved- however this will vary according to bone/padding ratio
Less fuel (keeps wet weight figures down)- however on occasion range does become a consideration
More electronics involved- great when on song to assist but more is not always more versus reliability
Although most won’t be thinking about pillions- it does somewhat shackle that ability in reality for occasional days riding
Engine although not weak can’t match the DE for relaxed/lazy riding when not on the tap.

Some of the above are my personal experiences but I’ve also had to rely on long term ownership views as trying the Tuareg in extended situations wasn’t possible at the time

Wouldn’t have been upset to have landed on the Tuareg - it might well be back on the list if circumstances allow me to go back to more than one bike in the stable

 

[Arsey]

View attachment 406697Here’s mine .
I have farkled it up with various bits :-
Veridian cruise control ( Easy to fit and is of factory quality ) it functions perfectly
Heed crash bars + bar bags
3 banks switched Aux lights
Fender extender
Hugger
Gps
Powered tank bag
2x 2L extra fuel
All my usual camping stove bottles etc
Heated grips
Center stand
Cobra chain oiler
Big foot on the side stand
Better hand guards
Pair of wind deflectors
Taller screen - Puig ( still ain’t quite there with clean air )
Grip Puppies
And the biggie - starting today - Going Tubless ,, one of the main companies that do this who are in in Italy ( bartubless) say the rims can take Tubless ( they do this and issue a warranty )
I am having a go myself today -
I am just back from more or less a circuit of Scotland on it - and this works as a replacement for my big old GSA .View attachment 406698View attachment 406697View attachment 406699View attachment 406700View attachment 406701

Did the Veridian fit between the bar inner and mirror stalk my moving the stalk in a tad ?



Meanwhile, I’ve gained at least 10bhp

 

[boatman]

Did the Veridian fit between the bar inner and mirror stalk my moving the stalk in a tad ?

View attachment 483324

 

[boatman]

All good

 

[Arsey]

All good

Cool . I’m going to wait for now.
Still not 100% on the wire tap thingy.

Did you do the rims yourself or send the wheels to Bartubeless ?

Even if Suzuki fit cruise and tubeless for 2027, I might keep mine and do the mods as love the white/blue colour

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

What’s the difference between DE & RE - just the wheels ?

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Just about to go out into the much welcomed sunshine so a short answer for now.

Tuareg:-
Suspension much more focused to dirt environment- not as cosseting for less pointed riding
Ditto the seat when mile munching duties involved- however this will vary according to bone/padding ratio
Less fuel (keeps wet weight figures down)- however on occasion range does become a consideration
More electronics involved- great when on song to assist but more is not always more versus reliability
Although most won’t be thinking about pillions- it does somewhat shackle that ability in reality for occasional days riding
Engine although not weak can’t match the DE for relaxed/lazy riding when not on the tap.

Some of the above are my personal experiences but I’ve also had to rely on long term ownership views as trying the Tuareg in extended situations wasn’t possible at the time

Wouldn’t have been upset to have landed on the Tuareg - it might well be back on the list if circumstances allow me to go back to more than one bike in the stable

Thanks
Shall we expect more details later?
Enjoy your ride

 

[Arsey]

What’s the difference between DE & RE - just the wheels ?

Taller screen on RE . DE has fully adjustable suspension . Don’t think RE does.

Edited to add

 

[Arsey]

Cool . I’m going to wait for now.
Still not 100% on the wire tap thingy.

Did you do the rims yourself or send the wheels to Bartubeless ?

Even if Suzuki fit cruise and tubeless for 2027, I might keep mine and do the mods as love the white/blue colour

All understood now re wire gap as watched an install video a guy posted .
Edited to add-changed my mind and ordered Veridian Cruise.Used a link from Big Rock Moto and got Can$ 51 discount so total of £225 with shipping.
Much cheaper than part exing bike should Suzuki fit cruise in 2027, plus I like the white/blue colour.

 

[boatman]

Cool . I’m going to wait for now.
Still not 100% on the wire tap thingy.

Did you do the rims yourself or send the wheels to Bartubeless ?

Even if Suzuki fit cruise and tubeless for 2027, I might keep mine and do the mods as love the white/blue colour

Did them myself ,,,

 

[boatman]

What’s the difference between DE & RE - just the wheels ?

No , the brakes and suspension on the RE are different

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Taller screen on RE . DE has fully adjustable suspension . Don’t think RE does.

Edited to add

View attachment 483349

View attachment 483350

Thanks

 

[boatman]

Cool . I’m going to wait for now.
Still not 100% on the wire tap thingy.

Did you do the rims yourself or send the wheels to Bartubeless ?

Even if Suzuki fit cruise and tubeless for 2027, I might keep mine and do the mods as love the white/blue colour

The Veridian installation instructions are Very very good

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Cool . I’m going to wait for now.
Still not 100% on the wire tap thingy.

Did you do the rims yourself or send the wheels to Bartubeless ?

Even if Suzuki fit cruise and tubeless for 2027, I might keep mine and do the mods as love the white/blue colour

Central Wheels do a system too, for £320 fitted (provided the front rim is suitable for their tubeless conversion)
My new wheels from them arrived yesterday for the T7

 

[Fireflyer]

Thanks
Shall we expect more details later?

Sure most of it is covered in threads in the Aprilia section JB so will avoid hijacking this thread and diluting useful posts and info specific to the DE

 

[yoyo]

The Veridian installation instructions are Very very good

I fitted it to the other halfs RE in about 2hrs, most of it dealing with getting the plastics off and on, in hindsight I should have removed the engine bars.

It works a treat but even though it comes pre calibrated it false actived twice, following the calibration process was very quick and sorted it.

Sent from my SM-S921B using Tapatalk

 

[Arsey]

Peak Design Mirror Mount arrived and fitted .
Had to use a 12mm and 10mm rubber shim as 2 x 12mm were too tight even though bar is supposedly 12 mm.
Oh well.



Pressed into service my old faithful Kaoko bag which must be 20 years old. Will use till top box arrives but mounting plate on back order so may be a month .