Using SV650 street model engineering, the V-Strom 650/XT’s liquid-cooled, DOHC, V-twin engine has been tuned to deliver clean, strong power throughout its operating range.

Unlike standard sports models with exciting top end power, The V-Strom, a well-balanced touring model, delivering not only top end power but an easy to use engine with ample torque allowing long distance rides with little fatigue. You can enjoy a smooth and powerful performance in the high rpm range for an exciting ride, and a comfortable V-twin beat with practical torque in the more frequently used mid-range. The 650cc V-Twin is capable of accomplishing any task the rider requests, such as climbing a steep mountain pass, long distance highway cruising, and or daily use in congested streets, but with these updates, will only do everything even better.

The V-Strom 650 now also features the 3 mode (2 modes and off) traction control system already proven on the V-Strom 1000. Simple to use and effective in difficult road conditions, this advanced system is designed to prevent spin due to excessive throttle control and support riders in various conditions they are likely to face in long distance tours.

The Suzuki Traction Control System continuously monitors the front and rear wheel speeds, the throttle position, the crank position, and the gear position with sensors. When detecting wheel spin, it quickly reduces engine output by managing the ignition timing and intake air delivery.

The traction control system reacts instantly: it confirms conditions every four milliseconds and governs the ignition accordingly.

The rider can select three modes (1,2 and off). Modes 1 and 2 differ in the timing and levels of intervention. Mode 1 has a lower level of intervention applied at a later timing allowing a certain degree of rear wheel spin, not to interrupt a sporty ride. Mode 2 has a higher level of intervention applied at an instant, controlling and preventing the slightest amount of spin, more actively supporting the rider in situations such as in the rain or on slippery road surfaces.

The new V-Strom 650 inherits the lightweight and rigid aluminium twin spar frame and swingarm of the previous model. Compared to the steel frames used in competing models, the lightweight frame with superior rigidity and balance provides steady handling and maneuverability while keeping the chassis slim enabling the rider to easily reach the ground. The new design with the plastic sections eliminated from the tank, has realized a further 5mm of slimness on the sides of the tank for enhanced control and easier access to the ground.

By adopting the slimmer cowling with the vertical configuration headlights, the V-Strom series have been united with the strong feel of adventure, inspired from models such as the DR BIG and DR Z, associating with Suzuki’s adventure DNA giving it a solid and strong sense of high abilities. Also the Suzuki’s original beak design, now in a straight line from the tip to the top of the tank, gives it a sharp and sporty image. The 650 is visibly slimmer thanks to components such as the slim tank design, and gives the rider confidence to ride on a daily basis enabling it to be smartly used as a dependable tool in urban riding situations.

Like the exterior, the instrument panel has also been updated to the functional unit of the V-Strom 1000, with original design for the 650 in fine detail such as the logo. The instruments include an analogue tachometer and a brightness-adjustable LCD speedometer. Newly designed LCD readouts include an odometer, dual trip meters, gear position, coolant and air temperatures, battery voltage, range on remaining fuel, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, traction control mode, a fuel gauge and clock.

White backlighting gives good visibility at night.