It includes the more off-road version V-Strom 800 DE (Dual Explorer).

[3] Unlike the previous V-Strom models and unlike the name suggests, the V-Strom 800 has a two-cylinder in-line engine with four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts and two balance shafts (cross balancer).

The engine is water-cooled and has an electronic throttle control ("ride by wire").

The V-Strom 800 has a 6-speed gearbox with a so-called "quickshifter", which allows gear changes without manual clutch operation.

[2] The drive is electronically supported with a four-stage slip control (on the 800 DE with mode for gravel [G, Gravel] for limited slip),[4] automatic start and speed increase when starting (Low RPM Assist).