The front and rear suspension spring rate, valve, and piston settings are tuned to maximise performance and comfort when riding on all surfaces, they provide 220mm of travel in harmony with the V-Strom’s 220mm ground clearance. The Showa inverted front forks deliver a smooth, controlled ride and feature stable damping characteristics that make them suitable for adventure riding. Spring preload, compression and rebound damping can be adjusted, allowing the suspension to be set to best match the rider’s preference or the usage conditions. The Showa mono-shock rear suspension with a piggyback remote gas reservoir contributes to agility and stability. Not only can the spring preload and compression and rebound damping be adjusted, but the spring preload can be adjusted by simply turning the dial by hand. This is particularly beneficial when preparing to ride with a pillion or luggage.

Designed around the new engine and made from rugged steel tube sections, the frame for the V-Strom 800DE is engineered to provide all the strength needed for negotiating rougher trails, to provide excellent straight-line stability, to contribute to agile handling, and to perform well at motorway speeds when touring for long distances. The use of steel over other materials also allows the engineering to maximise fuel tank volume and optimise ride ergonomics too.

The V-Strom 800DE utilises a large 20L fuel tank to offer extended riding range for long distance touring on the road or making it between infrequent refuelling points off it. Combined with the frugal 64.12MPG this gives the V-Strom a theoretical range of over 280 miles.

The V-Strom 800DE adopts wide tapered handlebars made from a strong-yet-flexible aluminium that allows them to flex and absorb shock when riding on rough unpaved surfaces. Not only does this provide greater comfort, but the wide grip and positioning also provide positive control, particularly when standing on the pegs. Fitted with wide, tough, sturdy footpegs designed to offer greater stability when standing on them while riding. These steel footpegs are covered in rubber with a textured surface designed to prevent the rider’s feet from slipping. The durable seat stands up to input load when riding on off-road, as well as to weight shifts as the rider changes position. It uses a denser foam to improve comfort for rider and passenger.

Hand guards help protect the rider’s hands from the elements and also debris and branches on the trails. There’s also a radiator guard designed to protect against flying stones and other objects. The V-Strom 800DE features a plastic under cover that protects the engine and adds to the tough image.

True to its heritage the V-Strom 800DE features the latest evolution of the beak design that was first introduced on the 1988 DR-Z 800. In keeping with a new look that speaks of all-round capabilities, the sharper new beak is positioned higher, visually conveying the extended suspension stroke and the model’s ability to handle rougher terrain. The other elements of the front end, including the new vertically stacked hexagonal LED headlight assembly, are designed to look slim, light and compact.

The lines of the body work are sharp with flat surfaces to create a tough look.

The V-Strom 800DE uses a 5-inch colour TFT display. Clearly legible high-quality information displays keep you fully aware of all the bike’s systems and settings, and supply vital real-time operating status information. The tachometer doubles up as a programmable rpm indicator light that blinks when the engine reaches a pre-set speed, and adds a function that lets you display large pop-up alerts and reminder. Manual or automatic switching settings for the day (white) and night (black) display modes let you maximise visibility at any hour and in any riding situation. A USB port is built into the left side of the cluster. It can provide up to 5V output and 2A maximum current.