Suzuki has announced pricing for its new V-Strom 650 and new V-Strom 1000, as well as confirming pricing for the XT variants of both its adventure-touring machines.
The updated version of the V-Strom 650, the popular all-rounder, will come with an RRP of £7,399 when the new bike arrives in March, while the more off-road-focused V-Strom 650XT will be available for £7,899.
The V-Strom 650 was the winner of our middleweight touring group test last summer and is one of Suzuki’s best-sellers. It’s raft of updates for 2017 include the latest, Euro4 compliant, version of the venerable 645cc V-twin. The engine utilises the same resin coated pistons and exhaust camshafts from the excellent SV650 and features more than 60 other component changes from the outgoing V-Strom 650.
Power is up from 68 to 70bhp @ 8800rpm and despite a slight increase in specification, Suzuki claim that the new bike weighs 213kg which represents a 1kg saving on the outgoing model while the XT version tips the scales at 216kg. Seat height is an unadjustable 830mm for both versions although both high and low seat options are available through the Suzuki accessory range.
In addition to the revised motor, the 650 now utilises the traction control system from the V-Strom 1000. The system has three settings (two riding modes and off), while the low RPM assist and easy start system are carried over from the SV650. The low RPM system is a kind of anti-stall setting which increases the revs slightly when the clutch is engaged, while the easy start system fires the bike up without the need to hold the starter button in.
Comfort is claimed to be improved with a new windscreen, which can be set in one of three positions, while the new exhaust design allows for an integrated three-box luggage system to be fitted as an accessory, with the top box alone offering enough space for two full-faced helmets.
Touring capability is also improved by the standard fitment of a 12v power outlet to the left hand side of the dashboard, while new-style, slimmer, heated grips are available as dealer fitted accessories.
Styling has been updated and while the tank remains at 20 litres it is claimed to be 5mm slimmer to improve manoeuvrability, while the multi-function V-Strom 1000 instrument panel, LED tail lights and stacked headlights give a more contemporary look.
As with the outgoing model, the main difference between the standard and the XT model are the wheels. Both feature a 19” front and 17” rear shod with Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 rubber, with the standard bike using lighter 10-spoke cast aluminium items while the XT utilises more spoked rims. The XT also features off-road style handguards as standard.
Colours are yellow, white or black for both versions.
Suzuki’s V-Strom 1000 is also comprehensively updated for 2017 with a host of styling and engine upgraded primarily to meet strict Euro 4 regulations. Plus the nifty cornering ABS, Suzuki’s easy-start system and the low-rpm assist function plus brand new styling. Pricing for the range-topping adventure machine has been confirmed at £9,499, while the XT version gets wire-spoke wheels and tapered handlebars and an RRP of £9,999.
The only difference being the standard DL1000 and the XT version is wheel-related. The standard model has cast wheels while the XT has spokes for a softer and more shock absorbent ride. On the Champion Yellow colour option, those wheels are golden-anodized and it’s fitted with tapered handlebars.
65,000 V-Strom 1000s have been sold over the last 13 years since its 2002 introduction but the big litre bike still only packs a 100bhp punch from its four-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC, 1037cc, 90-degree V-twin. That figure is justified by the strength of its peak torque of 74.5 ft-lbs (down from 76 ft-lbs) at just 4000rpm and it finds itself in competition alongside the likes of Honda’s hugely successful Africa Twin, Triumph’s Tiger 800 and KTM’s adventure range.
So, what’s new? The new V-Strom 1000 has a new seat and knuckle covers as standard. A new cowling and adjustable windscreen which is 49mm higher than the previous version and can be set to three different angles.
Suzuki has updated its technology by introducing its own ABS cornering system using a 5-way axis measurement combining with front and rear wheel sensors. Suzuki call it their ‘Motion Track Brake System’. Catchy.
The LCD display information and three-mode Traction Control settings are now switchable via the left handlebar switch, as is resetting the trip meter.
Across all new models, Suzuki are installing their easy start, one-push ignition which allows the rider to save valuable seconds instead of holding down the starter waiting for the engine to fire into life.
A three-piece luggage system is available as an optional extra which includes a 55 litre top box, bog enough for two full-face helmets. Centre stand, heated grips and a range of seat height options are also on the accessory list.
Both models are available in three colours; Champion Yellow, Glass Sparkle Black and Pearl Glacier White.
The V-Strom 650, V-Strom 650XT, V-Strom 1000, and V-Strom 1000XT are due in dealerships nationwide in late March.
