V-STROM 800DE

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.

The V-Strom 800DE features wire-spoked wheels, with a 21-inch aluminium front rim for greater stability and better control off-road, and a 17-inch rear. The new 90/90-21 front and 150/70R17 rear Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tyres feature a semi-block tread pattern with long, straight diagonal grooves that achieve both solid traction on unpaved surfaces and reduce noise when riding on-road. The tread also features wider, deeper grooves exclusive to the V-Strom 800DE that achieve the optimal balance between on-road handling and longevity, and positive grip and agile handling when the rider decides to explore the trails.

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.

A compact, lightweight chassis engineered to maximise performance and comfort, to create a chassis that contributes to comfort when riding on the road, but also to great performance off it, and to providing sure and stable handling in both these environments. The all-new chassis delivers reassuring straight-line stability when riding at motorway speeds, even when carrying a passenger and when the bike is fitted with the genuine-accessory luggage, loaded with gear. The compact front-to-rear dimensions of the slim new parallel twin engine contributes to achieving optimum weight distribution, riding position, and the ability to move the rider’s hip point forward. This makes it easier for the rider to use their body weight to ably negotiate tight corners, or to place more weight on the front wheel when standing on the footpegs to explore rougher trails.

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.

Featuring a dedicated geometry, the long wheelbase, long rake, tall ground clearance, and a wide handlebar grip provide maximum stability and control when riding on road and on unpaved surfaces. The V-Strom 800DE lends the passenger added comfort because they have plenty of space and can sit without overly bending their knees. This is true even when the bike is fitted with Genuine Accessory luggage.

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.

Calipers that best match the V-Strom 800DE’s fork pitch and wire-spoked wheels bite onto 310mm diameter discs to provide strong stopping power and reliable braking performance. The rear brake has a 260mm diameter disc and uses a single-piston pin-slide caliper.

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.

The small windscreen is designed to maximise visibility when adventuring on the trails, while wind tunnel testing ensures comfort for the rider at higher speeds and on longer distance road rides. The windscreen’s three-step height adjustment lets it be adjusted in 15mm increments using an allen key.

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.

The distinctive, vertically stacked pair of hexagonal LED headlights employ a bright mono-focus LED light source that provides the rider with a clear view of the road ahead. The vertical orientation of the thin, compact headlight assembly topped by an LED position light creates a sharp look that makes the front end look light and ready for action. Compact LED position lights, LED indicators and an LED taillight ensure clear visibility and practical durability.

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.

The distinctive, vertically stacked pair of hexagonal LED headlights employ a bright mono-focus LED light source that provides the rider with a clear view of the road ahead. The vertical orientation of the thin, compact headlight assembly topped by an LED position light creates a sharp look that makes the front end look light and ready for action. Compact LED position lights, LED indicators and an LED taillight ensure clear visibility and practical durability.