BMW R 1300 GS vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The BMW R 1300 GS and Suzuki V-Strom 800DE are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE undercuts the BMW R 1300 GS by about $7,296, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the BMW R 1300 GS leads on power with 145 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pick
Suzuki
Suzuki V-Strom 800DEThe verdict
The BMW R 1300 GS edges it overall at 9.3/10, but the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
84 hp.
BMW R 1300 GS
145 hp and 0.61 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Our 8.4/10 at $11,599, the most bike per dollar.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
230 kg with an 855 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
BMW R 1300 GS
Our top score in this matchup at 9.3/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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BMW R 1300 GS vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: your questions answered
Which is faster, the BMW R 1300 GS or the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
The BMW R 1300 GS makes the most power at 145 hp and 149 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the BMW R 1300 GS or the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $11,599.
Which is lighter, the BMW R 1300 GS or the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is the lightest at 230 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the BMW R 1300 GS or the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE?
For a new rider we'd point to the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: 84 hp and 230 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
