Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs Honda XL750 Transalp - competition check

The Suzuki V-Storm 800DE is finally on sale in India, ending months of waiting for people wanting to get their hands on the adventure motorcycle. This is Suzuki’s new big bike launch in India in quite a while. While the specifications and features of the V-Strom 800DE are right up there with the competition, its pricing is the proverbial cherry on top of the cake. Its closest competition is the Honda XL750 Transalp that’s dearer than the Suzuki by Rs 70,000. This is how they stack up against each other.

Design

Both of these adventure motorcycles are styled in their unique ways, with each taking inspiration from their bigger capacity stablemates. The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE’s design is influenced by the DR Big adventure bike from decades ago. This is evident in the largely flat body panels on the bike which is neatly executed. From the beak to the tall fairing that integrates seamlessly with the fuel tank, there’s a nice balance between form and function. Even the tail section of the V-Strom 800DE gels with the rest of the bike. In all, the design is neat while being slightly off-beat but it does give the bike more presence, especially in the Champion Yellow 2 colour.

The Honda XL750 Transalp’s design has influences of the mighty Africa Twin in it and that’s not a bad thing at all. The shape of the large front fairing and the way it fuses with the tank gives it neater appearance and that’s what can be said about the rear end as well. It is, however, a conservative design in comparison to the more flamboyant design of the V-Strom 800DE. That said, the Honda does look very attractive in the white colour.

Features

The Suzuki and Honda are pretty well equipped in keeping with today’s times. Both bikes feature LED illumination and colour TFT displays. They also have ride modes, traction control and switchable ABS that lets you slide the bike and tighten turns while riding off-road.

Engine

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is powered by a 776cc, parallel-twin engine that develops 84bhp at 8,500rpm and 78Nm at 6,800rpm. It has a 270-degree crank which should translate to a characterful nature. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox that has a bi-directional quickshifter.

The Honda has a 755cc, two-cylinder engine as well but it produces 90bhp at 9,500rpm and 75Nm at 7250rpm. The Transalp makes more power but lesser torque, however, it needs to be revved higher than the Suzuki engine to access its full performance. This engine, too, is paired with a six-speed transmission.

Hardware

Both motorcycles have frames suspended by an USD fork and a monoshock. However, where the Suzuki holds an advantage over the Honda is by offering adjustable suspension at both ends, replete with conveniently located remote preload adjuster. The Honda doesn’t get an adjustable fork while the monoshock is adjustable for preload.

Price

At Rs 10.30 lakh, ex-showroom, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE has a significant price advantage over the competition. The Honda XL750 Transalp is priced at Rs 11 lakh while missing out on some features that the Suzuki offers.