The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison has a clear headline: the Suzuki is the strongest bike on the dyno and the heaviest — but it is not the cheapest, not the lightest, and not the quickest per pound. The Transalp undercuts it by $1,640 with destination, the Ténéré 700 weighs 48 lb less, and the Tuareg 660 beats it on power-to-weight and adds cruise control. This Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison puts all four on the same dyno and the same 2025 US price list.
The short answer of this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison is to buy the Transalp for value, the Ténéré for trails, the Tuareg for light weight and tech, and the 800DE for comfort, equipment and all-round ability.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Overview and Its Closest Rivals
Four bikes, one job: a middleweight parallel-twin adventure bike for touring and trails. This Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison starts with why these three rivals were picked — and why one familiar name is not among them.
Why These Three Rivals: Same Class, Same Job
All four share the same formula: a parallel-twin engine between 659cc and 776cc, a 21-inch front spoked wheel, long-travel suspension and a genuine off-road brief. That is what makes this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison fair — same class, same job, same buyer. The Kawasaki Versys 650 is the obvious name missing from this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: it rides on 17-inch cast wheels with no 21-inch front, so it is a road tourer — the full Versys 650 review covers it on its own terms.
How the Four Bikes Differ at a Glance
At a glance, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison comes down to four trade-offs: the DE has the most power and equipment, the Transalp the best torque-per-dollar, the Ténéré the lightest, and the Tuareg the lightest and most high-tech. The dyno table below uses Cycle World’s Dynojet 250i figures for all four, so the numbers are comparable — never rank bikes across different dynos.
| Bike | Dyno Source | Rear-Wheel HP | Rear-Wheel LB-FT | Power-to-Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | Cycle World 2023 | 72.2 @ 8,500 rpm | 50.2 @ 5,500 rpm | 0.142 |
| Honda Transalp | Cycle World | 70.58 | 47.01 | 0.152 |
| Aprilia Tuareg 660 | Cycle World 2022 | 69.9 | 44.2 | 0.156 |
| Yamaha Ténéré 700 | Cycle World | 61.68 | 42.45 | 0.134 |
The table tells the honest story of this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: the DE makes the most rear-wheel horsepower and torque, but at 507 lb it is also the heaviest, so its power-to-weight is only third-best at 0.142. The Tuareg is lightest at 449 lb kerb, so it leads this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison at 0.156. The Ténéré is last on both measures at 61.68 hp and 0.134, despite the second-highest claimed hp in the set.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs Honda Transalp
The Transalp is the rival this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison keeps coming back to: the cheapest in the set, the closest on the dyno, and the same 33.7-inch seat as the DE.
Engine, Specs and Performance Side by Side
Both bikes claim about 83 hp, but the dyno separates them. Cycle World measured the DE at 72.2 hp and 50.2 lb-ft at the rear wheel, and the Transalp at 70.58 hp and 47.01 lb-ft — the DE ahead on both in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison, the Transalp closest of the three rivals on torque. The Transalp’s US power needs care: Honda’s global figure is 90.5 hp, but the US bike is tuned to about 83 hp at 8,500 rpm, with 55.3 lb-ft. The DE is heavier at 507 lb against the Transalp’s 463 lb on Honda’s spec table, and the gap shows in power-to-weight: 0.142 against 0.152. Both seats sit at 33.7 inches, but the DE carries a bigger tank (5.3 vs 4.4 gallons), longer travel (8.7 vs 7.9/7.5 inches) and a standard quickshifter. Neither bike has cruise control or an IMU.
The video above is MCN’s two-day Sicily group test of the Transalp, the 800DE and the Ténéré 700, ridden by Michael Neeves and Simon Stevens. The bikes are 2023 models, mechanically unchanged since, and MCN’s road verdict was clear: the Transalp won on tarmac.
Price, Equipment and Which Suits Which Rider
On price, the Transalp wins by a wide margin in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: $9,999 plus $600 destination is $10,599, against the DE’s $11,709 plus $530 destination at $12,239 — a $1,640 gap with destination, $1,710 on MSRP alone. For 2026, the Transalp adds the E-Clutch from $10,199 and the DE rises to $11,799 plus $700. What the extra $1,640 buys on the DE is equipment: the quickshifter, the TFT, Gravel mode with rear ABS off and hand guards. The Transalp answers with Honda’s dealer network. Buy the Transalp if value and road riding lead; buy the DE for comfort, equipment and dirt hardware. The 800DE performance figures show what that extra money does on the dyno, and the 800DE review covers the full price ladder.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs Yamaha Ténéré 700
The Ténéré is the purist in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: the lightest Japanese rival, the tallest seat, the simplest electronics — and the weakest on the dyno.
Engine, Specs and Performance Side by Side
The Ténéré’s 689cc CP2 twin claims 72.4 hp and 50.2 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm — note the rev figure, because one aggregator prints 5,500 rpm and that is wrong. On Cycle World’s dyno it makes 61.68 hp and 42.45 lb-ft, the weakest in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison despite the second-highest claimed horsepower. The DE’s 72.2 hp and 50.2 lb-ft beat it by over 10 hp and nearly 8 lb-ft. Weight is the Ténéré’s answer: 459 lb against the DE’s 507 lb. The seat is tallest at 34.4 inches, the tank smallest at 4.2 gallons, and the travel 8.3/7.9 inches against the DE’s 8.7. The 2025 update, covered in ADV Pulse’s 2025 Ténéré 700 review, is the biggest since the 2019 launch: ride-by-wire, traction control, two ride modes, a 6.3-inch TFT and fully adjustable KYB suspension. The quickshifter is still a paid accessory, with no cruise control and no IMU on either bike.
Price, Equipment and Which Suits Which Rider
Ultimate Motorcycling’s 2025 review lists the Ténéré at $10,999 plus $600 destination, $11,599 in total, against the DE’s $12,239 — a $640 gap with destination, $710 on MSRP. For 2026 the Ténéré holds $10,999 with destination up to $675, $11,674 total, while the DE rises to $11,799 plus $700. The 2026 World Raid at $12,999 plus $675 is a separate model. The Ténéré’s running-cost edge is real: its valve-clearance inspection falls every 26,600 miles, the longest interval in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison, against the DE’s 15,000 miles. Buy the Ténéré for genuine trails and rally heritage; buy the DE for two-up comfort, wind protection, a bigger tank and a standard quickshifter. The 650XT Adventure comparison shows how the smaller Suzuki stacks up against the same rivals, and the 800DE reliability guide covers the DE’s single recall and service schedule.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs Aprilia Tuareg 660
The Tuareg is the surprise of this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: the lightest bike in the set, the best power-to-weight, the only cruise control — and the most expensive MSRP.
Engine, Specs and Performance Side by Side
The Tuareg’s 659cc twin claims 80 hp at 9,250 rpm and 51.6 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm — Cycle World prints 79 hp, the same figure rounded differently. On the dyno it makes 69.9 hp and 44.2 lb-ft, third-strongest in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison. Its real advantage is weight: 449 lb kerb makes it the lightest bike in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison, 58 lb lighter than the DE, so its power-to-weight leads at 0.156 hp per pound — RevZilla’s own scales read 456 lb, still first at 0.153. Suspension travel is 9.4 inches at both ends, the longest travel in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison; the seat sits at 33.9 inches with a 4.8-gallon tank. The electronics lead the class: the APRC suite with four ride modes, four-level traction control, three-level engine braking and cruise control as standard — the only cruise control in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison. Two honest gaps: no IMU, so the systems are not angle-responsive, and the quickshifter is a paid extra — the DE’s comes in the box.
Price, Equipment and Which Suits Which Rider
The Tuareg costs $12,499 in the USA, with no destination charge verified in any source found — so this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison compares MSRP to MSRP and says so. That is $790 more than the DE, $2,500 more than the Transalp and $1,500 more than the Ténéré, and the price is unchanged for 2026. The Rally at $13,799 for 2025 and $13,999 for 2026 is a separate model. The Tuareg’s warranty is the best in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison at 24 months with unlimited mileage, against the DE’s 12 months. The trade-off is Aprilia’s US footprint — the thinnest dealer network in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison, so parts and warranty work take longer. Buy the Tuareg for light weight, cruise control and the best electronics; buy the DE for dealer support and comfort.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Price and Value Compared
Price is where this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison gets concrete: all four 2025 US prices in one table, then the 2026 update.
| Bike | 2025 MSRP | Destination | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | $11,709 | $530 (single-source dealer) | $12,239 |
| Honda Transalp | $9,999 | $600 | $10,599 |
| Yamaha Ténéré 700 | $10,999 | $600 | $11,599 |
| Aprilia Tuareg 660 | $12,499 | Not verified | MSRP only |
New Prices Across the Four Bikes in the USA
The gaps tell the story of this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: the DE is $1,710 over the Transalp on MSRP ($1,640 with destination) and $710 over the Ténéré ($640 with destination); the Tuareg is $790 over the DE, $2,500 over the Transalp and $1,500 over the Ténéré. For 2026, Suzuki USA lists the DE at $11,799 plus $700 destination, $12,499 in total; the Ténéré holds $10,999 with destination up to $675 at $11,674, the Transalp adds the E-Clutch from $10,199, and the Tuareg is unchanged. The DE’s own Adventure trim costs $13,159 for 2025 — exactly $1,450 over the base bike — and $13,249 for 2026. The 800DE reliability guide covers what the Adventure adds and what it does not, and the 650 comparison shows how the smaller Suzuki’s prices stack up against the same rivals.
Running Costs and Resale Value Compared
Running costs split this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison differently. The Ténéré’s 26,600-mile valve interval is the longest in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison, against the DE’s 15,000 miles; the Transalp and Tuareg intervals were not verified. On fuel, only the DE has a tested US figure in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison, at around 45 to 46 mpg, for roughly 200 to 240 miles per tank. The Transalp’s 54.7 mpg and the Tuareg’s 58.8 mpg are manufacturer WMTC claims, not tests, and the Ténéré has no tested US figure at all. The DE needs premium fuel at about 91 pump octane. The closest real US service anchors are Motorhelmets in Fullerton, California: a major service with valve adjustment at $950 and a Major Special Service at $700, for Suzuki street bikes generally. Leftover-new discounting changes the math: new 2025 DEs were listed as low as $9,399 and $8,299 in November 2026. On resale, Honda and Yamaha hold value best.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Comparison Verdict and US Alternatives
The verdict of this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison is not one winner but four right answers. The DE is the all-rounder; the Transalp the value pick; the Ténéré the trail pick; the Tuareg the light, high-tech pick.
The Transalp Is the Closest Match on the Whole Brief
The Transalp is the closest match in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison because it is the cheapest, the closest on the dyno, the same 33.7-inch seat, and the strongest dealer network of the three rivals. Its 70.58 hp and 47.01 lb-ft sit just behind the DE’s 72.2 and 50.2 in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison, and its 463 lb is 44 lb lighter than the DE. What it gives up is the smaller 4.4-gallon tank, shorter travel, no quickshifter and no TFT — for many riders, worth $1,640. One line per rider: value and road riding, buy the Transalp; trails and rally heritage, buy the Ténéré; light weight, cruise control and tech, buy the Tuareg; comfort, equipment and all-round ability, buy the DE. Devitt’s three-bike comparison of the same trio picked the V-Strom for the same reasons — better handling than the Transalp and more grunt than the Tuareg. The 650XT comparison shows the same verdict shape one class down, and the 800DE performance guide has the DE’s own dyno and MPG numbers in full.
Also Consider: the Road V-Strom 800 and Ibex 800 E
Two alternatives sit outside the four-bike set in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison. The road-biased V-Strom 800 costs $10,109 for 2025 and $10,249 for 2026 — $1,600 less than the DE — for the same 776cc engine on cast wheels with shorter travel and no Gravel mode. The CFMoto Ibex 800 E costs $10,299 with a claimed 94 hp, Rider-tested 43.8 mpg, cornering ABS, cruise control and a quickshifter all standard, plus an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay — and its optional three-piece aluminum luggage costs $1,699. Only the E trim is sold in the USA. The step up is the BMW F 900 GS at $14,395 plus $695 destination for 2026, $15,090 in total, with 105 hp, 482 lb and a 36-month warranty. The full 800DE review covers the DE’s own price ladder, and the 650 review shows what the smaller Suzuki offers for less.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Comparison FAQs
These are the questions buyers ask most often about this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison. Every answer uses the verified figures above.
Which rival is the cheapest, and by how much?
The Transalp, by a wide margin in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: $9,999 MSRP and $10,599 with destination, which is $1,640 less than the DE’s $12,239 total. The Ténéré is next at $11,599 total, and the Tuareg is the most expensive at $12,499 before destination.
Which bike is the best value overall, and why isn’t it simply the cheapest?
Best value in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison depends on what you count. The Transalp is the cheapest, but the DE adds a quickshifter, a TFT, Gravel mode, rear ABS off, a bigger tank and longer travel for $1,640. This Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison calls the DE the best all-round value and the Transalp the best outright value.
How does the Transalp compare to the 800DE on the dyno?
The DE wins both measures in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: 72.2 hp and 50.2 lb-ft against the Transalp’s 70.58 hp and 47.01 lb-ft. The Transalp is the closest of the three rivals — but the DE, not the Transalp, has the strongest dyno torque in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison.
800DE vs Ténéré 700 off-road — which is better on trails?
The Ténéré, in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: 48 lb lighter, a 21/18 wheel set with the widest knobby choice, rally heritage and the simplest electronics. The DE trades trail agility for road comfort, a bigger tank and a quickshifter.
800DE vs Tuareg 660 — is the Italian bike worth $790 more than the Suzuki?
For some riders, yes. The Tuareg is 58 lb lighter, has the best power-to-weight in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison and the only cruise control in the set. But its quickshifter is a paid extra, and Aprilia’s US dealer network is the thinnest.
800DE vs the road V-Strom 800 — who should save $1,600 and buy the road bike?
Road riders. The road 800 costs $10,109 for 2025 against the DE’s $11,709, for the same engine on cast wheels with shorter travel. This Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison says buy the DE only if the riding leaves the pavement.
800DE vs 650XT Adventure — is the bigger engine, TFT and Gravel mode worth $710 more?
The DE costs $11,709 against the 650XT Adventure’s $10,999 for 2025. This Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison says yes for most riders — more power, a TFT, Gravel mode and a 21-inch front — but the smaller bike has tubeless spokes.
800DE vs 800DE Adventure — is the $1,450 Adventure premium worth it?
The 2025 Adventure costs $13,159, exactly $1,450 over the base DE, and adds 37-litre aluminum cases, an accessory bar and remote-adjustable rear suspension. This Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison says yes if you would buy the cases anyway; heated grips and the top case are brochure-listed only.
Which of the four is best for beginners?
The Transalp and the DE, in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: both sit at 33.7 inches with manageable power delivery. The Ténéré’s 34.4-inch seat is the tallest, and the Tuareg’s $12,499 price is the steepest first-bike buy.
Which is best for two-up touring?
The DE. This Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison picks it for comfort, wind protection, the biggest tank at 5.3 gallons and a quickshifter. The Ténéré is the weakest two-up pick: smallest tank, tallest seat and least wind protection.
Which gets the best MPG, and which goes furthest on a tank?
Only the DE has a tested US figure in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison: around 45 to 46 mpg, roughly 200 to 240 miles on a tank. The Transalp’s 54.7 mpg and the Tuareg’s 58.8 mpg are WMTC claims, not tests, and the Ténéré has no tested figure at all.
Which has the best warranty?
The Tuareg, with 24 months and unlimited mileage in this Suzuki V-Strom 800DE comparison. The DE and the Transalp both offer 12 months with unlimited mileage, the Ténéré one year limited, and the Ibex 800 E two years unlimited-mileage.
