Intermot 2014: Suzuki V-Strom 650XT

John Burns
by John Burns

UPDATE: Suzuki Motor of America has confirmed the V-Strom 650XT is coming to the U.S.A. American MSRP: $10,399.

Suzuki puts a little more adventure into its very popular mid-sizeadventure bike, with the V-Strom 650XT, adding wire-spoke wheels sourced from DID (in the same 19- and 17-inch sizes as before), mounting tubeless Bridgestone Trail Wing radial tires. The V-Strom 650XT‘s Spoke wheels are less likely to get bent when rolling over BFRs and other off-road obstacles, and tubeless tires are of course much easier to patch and less prone to sudden blow-outs. Win win.

New cam profiles, single valve springs and iridium spark plugs are all supposed to boost low- and mid-range power, while Suzuki’s Dual Throttle Valve system keeps delivery smooth. Ten-hole injectors and an O2 sensor make it Euro 3 compliant.

Revised bodywork directs more cooling air at the radiator and away from the rider, while a new three-position adjustable windscreen is claimed to increase your long-distance cruising pleasure. It’s all about comfort on long rides, Suzuki says, and the bike is slimmer between the knees. A new seat is supposed to offer more mobility, and shaped to make it easier to reach the ground, 32.9 inches away. The passenger seat is shaped to prevent slipping forward for two-up adventuring, and designed also to be able to have large items strapped on instead of your S.O. if desired. Red stitching identifies the XT model.

Suzuki reiterates it was first to use the beak, on the DR-Z of 1987, and the new bike retains a suprised look that it now houses a pair of 60/55-watt halogen headlights.

ABS is standard equipment on the new bike. There is no mention of traction control. The jaunty side cases and top box you see in the photos are extra-cost accessories, as are plenty of other items, including a centerstand, aluminum skid plate, 12V outlet, crash bars, etc …

No word yet on U.S. availability but we expect to hear more information on that front soon.

Follow the rest of our 2014 Intermot Show coverage for more information on new 2015 motorcycle announcements.

John Burns
John Burns

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  • CS CS on Oct 06, 2014

    All style and no substance.

  • Stephaniecroc Stephaniecroc on Nov 23, 2014

    You don't want the beak you don't get the XT. Simple. It will be running concurrently with the standard unbeaked model.
    I lurrvvv the beak.

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