The surge in popularity of middleweight adventure bikes has been undeniable, with manufacturers striving to create capable adventure-enduro machines that excel both on and off the road. Suzuki, known for its rich history in rally racing, pays homage to its Dakar heritage with the unveiling of the V-Strom 800DE Djebel Edition, showcased at the 2024 Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy.
Drawing inspiration from Suzuki’s rally racing legacy, particularly in the Paris-Dakar Rally with iconic models like the DR 350, DRZ 400, and DR 650, the Djebel Edition aims to capture the spirit of adventure. The name itself pays tribute to the highest mountain in Tunisia, extending the connection to the Atlas Mountains.
Dressed in a distinctive retro-themed livery, the V-Strom 800DE Djebel features Suzuki’s classic white and blue color scheme, accented by gold elements on the forks and wheels, creating a visually striking appearance. Beyond aesthetics, the adventure bike boasts functional upgrades, including Dunlop Trailmax Raid tires for exceptional off-road performance and a premium titanium slip-on exhaust from Akrapovič.
Under the hood, the Djebel Edition retains the specifications and features of the standard V-Strom 800DE. Powering the adventure bike is a new 776cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine—a departure from Suzuki’s traditional V-Twin design. With 83 horsepower and 54 pound-feet of torque, this engine delivers enhanced performance. The motorcycle is equipped with advanced electronics, including switchable ABS, multiple ride modes, traction control, and an up-and-down quick shifter.
Initially launched in the Italian market, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Djebel Edition comes with a price tag of 13,900 euros (approximately $15,091 USD). While the standard V-Strom 800DE in the US carries an MSRP of $9,899 USD, the Djebel Edition offers enthusiasts a unique blend of Dakar-inspired aesthetics and off-road capability, making it an exciting option for adventure riders seeking a tribute to Suzuki’s rally racing heritage.