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Can We Rally Race a Suzuki V-Strom 800DE? Gallery

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We built a Suzuki V-Strom 800DE to take on the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally.
We built a Suzuki V-Strom 800DE to take on the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally. (Jeff Allen/)Our V-Strom 800DE DR Big after racing the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally.
Our V-Strom 800DE DR Big after racing the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally. (Jeff Allen/)How would our V-Strom 800DE fare against lighter dirt bikes? We’d soon find out.
How would our V-Strom 800DE fare against lighter dirt bikes? We’d soon find out. (Jeff Allen/)This scroll of paper called a roadbook is the only information you have to find your way each day during the rally.
This scroll of paper called a roadbook is the only information you have to find your way each day during the rally. (Jeff Allen/)Two tripmeter computers tell you the mileage (left) and compass heading and speed (right). With the info from the roadbook, you must find your way to the finish.
Two tripmeter computers tell you the mileage (left) and compass heading and speed (right). With the info from the roadbook, you must find your way to the finish. (Jeff Allen/)A short shakedown ride confirms that the choices we made on our DR Big racer are correct.
A short shakedown ride confirms that the choices we made on our DR Big racer are correct. (Jeff Allen/)And we’re off and racing! The first order of business is to get out of Ensenada and into the desert.
And we’re off and racing! The first order of business is to get out of Ensenada and into the desert. (Jeff Allen/)The V-Strom 800DE is faster than my ability to navigate on Day 1.
The V-Strom 800DE is faster than my ability to navigate on Day 1. (Jeff Allen/)Speed kills—tires.
Speed kills—tires. (Jeff Allen/)On gas right out the gate on Day 2.
On gas right out the gate on Day 2. (Jeff Allen/)In the fast sand wash sections the V-Strom 800DE is stable and easy to ride.
In the fast sand wash sections the V-Strom 800DE is stable and easy to ride. (Jeff Allen/)Feeling the Baja flow and pushing the DR Big harder as the day wears on.
Feeling the Baja flow and pushing the DR Big harder as the day wears on. (Jeff Allen/)Jose even has the right color welding helmet.
Jose even has the right color welding helmet. (Jeff Allen/)Finding the way through the soft sand dunes outside of Guerrero Negro proves to be difficult thanks to tricky navigation.
Finding the way through the soft sand dunes outside of Guerrero Negro proves to be difficult thanks to tricky navigation. (Jeff Allen/)Helping the competition is common in the Mexican 1000 Rally. And I am thankful to help and be helped.
Helping the competition is common in the Mexican 1000 Rally. And I am thankful to help and be helped. (Jeff Allen/)I rolled into San Ignacio eighth for the day, moving me up to eighth place overall.
I rolled into San Ignacio eighth for the day, moving me up to eighth place overall. (Jeff Allen/)Day 4 of the Mexican 1000 Rally is the shortest of the rally.
Day 4 of the Mexican 1000 Rally is the shortest of the rally. (Jeff Allen/)Day 4 felt like it finished before it even started. The course riding is fast and fun.
Day 4 felt like it finished before it even started. The course riding is fast and fun. (Jeff Allen/)One of these things is not like the other… Bike tucked in for the night at impound.
One of these things is not like the other… Bike tucked in for the night at impound. (Jeff Allen/)I am looking forward to getting on the beach and letting the V-Strom 800DE stretch its legs.
I am looking forward to getting on the beach and letting the V-Strom 800DE stretch its legs. (Jeff Allen/)Not much farther down the beach my race day is done.
Not much farther down the beach my race day is done. (Jeff Allen/)I blow it, and with it any chance of a solid finish for the DR Big.
I blow it, and with it any chance of a solid finish for the DR Big. (Jeff Allen/)Replacement of clutch plates, springs, and pressure plate is all that is needed to get the DR Big up and running again.
Replacement of clutch plates, springs, and pressure plate is all that is needed to get the DR Big up and running again. (Jeff Allen/)Day 6 is my last chance to show just how good this V-Strom 800DE is.
Day 6 is my last chance to show just how good this V-Strom 800DE is. (Jeff Allen/)Despite losing damping in the rear shock, the V-Strom is still fast thanks to its stability at speed.
Despite losing damping in the rear shock, the V-Strom is still fast thanks to its stability at speed. (Jeff Allen/)What an experience! Making it to the finish line, even after the days of failure before, has me hooked on rally racing and the DR Big.
What an experience! Making it to the finish line, even after the days of failure before, has me hooked on rally racing and the DR Big. (Jeff Allen/)Rally Racing isn’t an individual sport. Thanks to the crew for getting me across the line!
Rally Racing isn’t an individual sport. Thanks to the crew for getting me across the line! (Jeff Allen/)Back home with the dirt and dust from the last day of the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally. What’s next?
Back home with the dirt and dust from the last day of the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally. What’s next? (Jeff Allen/)Proof of battles won and lost. Our DR Big is dirty and well used, but it will see a refresh. I promise.
Proof of battles won and lost. Our DR Big is dirty and well used, but it will see a refresh. I promise. (Jeff Allen/)A black space on the official time keeping sticker tells the tale of Day 5.
A black space on the official time keeping sticker tells the tale of Day 5. (Jeff Allen/)Can you figure out the significance of “323″?
Can you figure out the significance of “323″? (Jeff Allen/)The last roadbook note of the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally.
The last roadbook note of the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally. (Jeff Allen/)End of day rest for the riders and bikes in San Ignacio.
End of day rest for the riders and bikes in San Ignacio. (Jeff Allen/)Start of Day 2 in San Felipe.
Start of Day 2 in San Felipe. (Jeff Allen/)Just because the racing ended doesn’t mean the work is finished.
Just because the racing ended doesn’t mean the work is finished. (Jeff Allen/)When can we do it again?
When can we do it again? (Jeff Allen/)

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