The 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650 - What's New

The Suzuki V-Strom 650. the original 645cc V-twin sold 172,300 units worldwide, and has been updated to meet the latest exhaust emissions and other environmental laws. It now makes 71 horsepower at 8,800rpm and 65 Nm torque at 6,500rpm, up from 69 horses and 60 Nm torque, thanks to the resin-coated pistons and camshafts, which have ha higher exhaust lift.

A new exhaust system has two catalytic converters fitted at the entrance to the end-can, and the fuel injection system has been updated. Low RPM assist and Easy Start are carried over from the Suzuki SV650, and as on the new 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000, increase revs automatically at low speed to prevent stalling, and keep the engine turning over after one press of the starter button.

The Suzuki V-Strom 1000’s traction control is now fitted to the smaller V-Strom 650, with two levels or off, while a new dash matches the V-Strom 1000 and includes a gear position indicator, coolant and air temperatures, battery voltage, clock range, average consumption and a fuel gauge. There’s also a 12 volt power socket mounted to the left of the clocks.

The new headlights saves 290 grams, which helps towards a 213 kilograms kerb weight – 1 kilogram less than the previous model. The Suzuki V-Strom 650XT model weighs 216 kilograms, which is 1 kilogram heavier than the previous version. The seat has 2mm thicker padding and a slimmed front to make it easier to get your legs down straight, with height reduced by 5mm to 830mm seat-height along with ground clearance to 170mm, while the slimmer fuel tank remains at 20 liters.

An integrated luggage system requires no extra racks and makes for a slimmer profile thanks to the lower-mounted exhaust system, though the optional panniers should only be used with the 35 liter top box, not the 55 liter model. The 9mm taller screen has three positions. With all changes we look forward to test the new 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650.