W
hile Suzuki was re-inventing
its all-new GSX-R1000, it was
also working on its popular
adventure bikes, the all-new V-Strom
650 ABS/650XT ABS, and V-Strom
1000 ABS/1000XT ABS. Both the 650
and 1000 are heavily changed.
As you can see, the V-Strom 650
looks quite a bit different, though it
should look a little familiar to some of
you, that's because Suzuki styled it
after its original "beaked" DR-BIG and
DR-Z desert bikes of the early 1990s.
The 645cc V-twin engine meets
tough Euro4 emissions standards now,
yet is said to deliver even more power
and torque than before, and is even a
little lighter in overall weight. Traction
control is new to the V-Strom 650 for
2017. It's a three-mode system (two
modes plus off). The 650 also gets
Suzuki Easy Start System and Low
RPM Assist. The windscreen, which is
9mm taller, has three-position adjust-
ment settings, and there is a more
informative multi-function instrument
panel, similar to what the V-Strom
1000 already had. There's now a 12V
DC outlet, so you can charge your
satellite navigation system and mobile
devices as you ride.
Optional integrated three-luggage
system is available and is now inter-
changeable with the V-Strom 1000.
The main difference between the
V-Strom 650 ABS and the V-Strom
650XT ABS is the wheels. They are
19- and 17-inchers on both models, but
the XT has wire-spoked wheels versus
the 650's cast wheels.
Officially, V-Strom 1000 is an '18
model, even though it will be available
next year. Like the 650, the 1000 is
plenty changed, many of those chang-
es are similar to those of the 650.
Some of the big updates to the 1000
include getting Motion Track Brake
System, a reshaped windscreen with
height and angle adjustments, new
multi-function instrument panel, hand
guards, Suzuki Easy Start System,
Low RPM Assist, new bodywork and
tapered handlebars for the XT. The XT
also gets wire-spoked wheels.
Pricing has not yet been an-
nounced. CN
VOL. 53 ISSUE 41 OCTOBER 18, 2016 P45
V-Strom 650/1000
The all-new 1000
V-Strom, officially a
2018 model, will be
available next year.
