Suzuki DL 650XT V-Strom

For 2017, the V-Strom 650 has been restyled to look more like the 1000, with a DR-Big Dakar-inspired fairing featuring a prominent beak, a vertically-stacked headlight and a three-way adjustable windscreen that’s 9mm taller. Just as the original DL650 made use of the popular SV650’s feisty V-twin, the updated version is powered by the 2017 SV650’s Euro4-compliant engine, with more than 60 changes as well as more low to midrange horsepower and torque. And like the SV, the new DL650 features Low RPM Assist, which automatically raises engine speed when engaging the clutch or when riding at low revs for smoother launches and low-speed riding, and the Suzuki Easy Start System, which fires up the engine with just a quick press of the starter button.

The updated DL650 gets the same traction control system that’s found on the DL1000, with two modes plus Off, and, as before, ABS is standard equipment. It also gets a slimmer fuel tank (capacity is unchanged at 5.3 gallons), a narrower seat with thicker foam and a new cover (height is slightly lower at 32.7 inches), a DL1000-style tail section (which accommodates accessory luggage) and luggage rack, a DL1000-style multifunction instrument panel, a standard 12V socket inside the front fairing, an LED taillight and new 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels shod with Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 tires.

The 2017 V-Strom 650 will be available in two versions, the standard model with cast wheels and the XT model, which features spoked wheels with tubeless tires, hand guards and an engine cowl. Both models are compatible with the accessory integrated “three-luggage” system—hard plastic saddlebags and top box—previously available only on the DL1000. And they’re available in three color schemes: Champion Yellow No. 2 (with special gold wheels on the XT version), Pearl Glacier White and Glass Sparkle Black.

The V-Strom 650 get aggressive new styling for 2017 with a new beak-style fairing, featuring vertically stacked headlights that helps the V-Strom 650 and 650XT cut through the wind and protecting the rider in style. The new 3-way height-adjustable windscreen was wind-tunnel tested to reduce wind sounds, buffeting and rider fatigue. The fairing holds a new multi-function instrument panel is similar to the V-Strom 1000 panel, but has functions unique to the V-Strom 650 models.

The new fuel tank maintains its 5.3 gallon capacity, but is shaped to be thin at the rear to flow into the slimmer, two-up seat which aids the rider in touching the ground. The sub-frame is updated with a strong, resin cargo rack and mounting points for optional luggage now unitized across the entire V-Strom family.

Using fresh SV650 engineering, the 645cc, 90^O V-Twin engine uses new camshafts and low-friction pistons to boost torque in the low to mid-RPM range, but still retain a strong rush of high RPM power that’s ideal for any riding mission. A new, sleek two-into-one exhaust system with twin catalyzers’ routes below the chassis to reduce weight, centralize mass, and provide space for the narrow seat and tail section.

The V-Strom 650’s revised fuel injection system employs the innovative, SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) on new 39mm throttle bodies featuring ten-hole; long-nose type fuel injectors. The patented, Throttle-body Integrated Idle Speed Control (TI-ISC) has Suzuki’s Low RPM Assist feature that seamlessly adjusts engine speed during take-off and low-speed riding to smooth the power delivery and to help reduce the possibility of the rider stalling the motorcycle.

A very important new feature on the V-Strom 650 and 650XT that is not found on Adventure bikes of this size is Suzuki’s advanced Traction Control System*, which lets the rider control the throttle with more confidence in various riding conditions. It continuously monitors front and rear wheel speeds, throttle opening, engine speed, and the selected transmission gear to adjust engine output if wheel spin is detected. There are three traction control modes (1, 2, and OFF) and the difference between the modes are their sensitivity to road conditions.

The V-Strom 650 and 650XT now feature the Suzuki Easy Start system which lets the rider start the motorcycle with a momentary press of the start button without pulling in the clutch lever when the transmission is in neutral.

The V-Strom 650 is supplied with new, lighter ten-spoke cast wheels shod with Adventure-spec Bridgestone BATTLAX 19-inch front and 17-inch rear tubeless radial tires for good all-around performance. The V-Strom 650XT offers the same tubeless radial tires mounted to spoke-style wheels for good all-around performance. The 650XT also features handguards with larger handlebar vibration damper weights and a lower engine protector.

Front dual 310mm-disc brakes and a rear 260mm-disc brake deliver controlled stopping power. The compact Antilock Brake System (ABS) system monitors wheel speed to match braking to available traction.