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Head to head

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs KTM 890 Adventure R

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE and KTM 890 Adventure R are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE undercuts the KTM 890 Adventure R by about $3,000, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the KTM 890 Adventure R leads on power with 105 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.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
8.4

Suzuki

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
KTM 890 Adventure R
Our pick
8.7

KTM

KTM 890 Adventure R

The verdict

The KTM 890 Adventure R edges it overall at 8.7/10, but the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

84 hp.

Most exciting

KTM 890 Adventure R

105 hp and 0.50 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

Our 8.4/10 at $11,599, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

KTM 890 Adventure R

210 kg with an 880 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

KTM 890 Adventure R

Our top score in this matchup at 8.7/10.

Price & rating
Price$11,599$14,599
KickTheStand score8.4 / 108.7 / 10
Performance
Engine776cc twin889cc twin
Power84 hp105 hp
Torque78 Nm100 Nm
Power-to-weight0.37 hp/kg0.50 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension43mm Showa USD fork48mm WP Xplor USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockWP Xplor monoshock
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, NissinDual 320mm discs, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 260mm discSingle 260mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight230 kg210 kg
Seat height855 mm880 mm
Fuel capacity20 L20 L
Suitability
ClassAdventureAdventure
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best foradventure, touring, commutingadventure

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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Suzuki V-Strom 800DE vs KTM 890 Adventure R: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE or the KTM 890 Adventure R?

The KTM 890 Adventure R makes the most power at 105 hp and 100 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE or the KTM 890 Adventure R?

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $11,599.

Which is lighter, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE or the KTM 890 Adventure R?

The KTM 890 Adventure R is the lightest at 210 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE or the KTM 890 Adventure R?

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.

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